It’s hard to shop for your other half. When it comes to settling on a gift for the apple of your eye — whether that be your S.O., your sibling, your best friend, your dog, your boss, your grandma, or anyone else — the pressure is on. You want to impress them with something different, meaningful, and something you know they’ll actually use.
And while there are tons of gifts that fit the bill, it can be hard to find them — and even harder to decide which one is truly perfect enough for your number one. To help you get it right this year, we’ve rounded up 30 gifts that are plain genius (and nowhere near plain). From functional items like carry-on luggage that will also charge their phone, to Gucci socks (fancy!), to a scarf your canine will love, chances are high that you’ll find the gift you’ve been looking for all along. Click through to meet your match's match.
Sure, portable speakers are a great gift. But, if your other half has music taste that you just can’t seem to get behind, headphones are a much better choice.
Master & Dynamic MW50, $449, available at Master & Dynamic.
Get them something designer, without spending all your money.
Gucci Stretch Cotton Socks with GG, $95, available at Gucci.
Don’t trust them with the responsibility of a plant? Try a succulent that comes alive simply by being plugged in.
Neon Mfg. Cactus Table Lamp, $129, available at Urban Outfitters.
— PAID —
Never underestimate the power of plaid pajamas.
Victoria's Secret The Dreamer Flannel Pajama, $39.50, available at Victoria's Secret.
Forget BFF necklaces. Cut along the dotted line, and each of you can hang a piece in your home.
Carlton DeWoody Best Friends Limited Edition Deck, $100, available at Artmarkit.
Scarves can be fussy. Hook them up with this warm neckband, instead.
J.W. Anderson Zip Neckband, $143, available at Opening Ceremony.
Rather than a book that just looks good on their coffee table, opt for one people will actually want to pick up and page through.
Gestalten The Drive, $83, available at Yoox.
The name says it all: Send the message that you're ready for a weekend away.
Away The Carry-On, $225, available at Away.
Pair this candle with a card that says “our love is hotter than lava.”
Cascadia Candle Co. Mount Saint Helens Candle and Base, $45, available at Cascadia Candle Co.
While you might not be able to give them a pot of gold, you can give them the rainbow.
Kikkerland Solar Powered Rainbow Maker with Swarovski Crystal, $37.50, available at Kikkerland.
This bag is an investment piece worth the money. With high functionality and a sleek design, it's ideal for someone who needs a new work carryall, an upgraded weekender, or both.
Troubadour Day Bag, $1,712, available at Troubadour.
Not a sports person? This chic Bocce Ball set is a great way to have fun family bonding.
Shinola Bocce Ball Set, $240, available at Shinola.
Let them "feel like Pablo," you know?
Kikkerland Mini Doodle Kit, $12.50, available at Bloomingdale’s.
Update the Polaroid-lover in your life to the digital age.
Polaroid Digital Print Camera, $293, available at Walmart.
Sometimes, a genius gift is something that can instantly make their space look 10 times better.
Tom Dixon Materialism Set of Four Candles, $230, available at Net-A-Porter.
Let’s face it…many of our other halves are our pets. Hook them up this holiday season, too.
American Beagle Outfitters Signature Print Scarf, $9.71, available at American Eagle Outfitters.
A portable speaker that doubles as decor? What's not to love?
People People Transparent Speaker, $850, available at Moma Store.
Even though this set is technically men's, anyone can appreciate the look and feel of some fancy-pants pajamas.
KOTN The Pajama Set, $98, avaialble at KOTN.
Flip the script and get them an original piece of art that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Paulette Jo Inktober Day 22 (original Ink Drawing), $40, available at Tictail.
Pair with a puffer, and now you’re upgrading their rain and snow gear.
Stutterheim x Garance Doré Rain Coat, $495, available at Stutterheim.
Because who doesn't love an awesome night in?
ASOS Lads Night In Kit, $13.25, available at ASOS.
At a loss for something truly genius? Go for something cool, like a piece from a limited-edition collaboration.
Camper Eckhaus Latta, $275, available at Camper.
Help get their year in order before it even starts.
Appointed Weekly Notebook Planner, $30, available at Need Supply Co.
Give them the finishing touch to their outfit, whether or not they’re having a bad hair day.
Acne Studios Camp Bomber Olive Green, $110, available at Acne Studios.
This one's a knockout.
Elisabeth Weinstock Mini Manila, $195, available at Elisabeth Weinstock.
Pick a day, any important day, and get The New York Times front page for that moment turned into a puzzle.
Uncommon Goods New York Times Custom Front Page Puzzle, $44.95, available at Uncommon Goods.
If you’re going to buy them a turntable, might as well get a set that comes with speakers that can play their Bluetooth devices, too.
EP-33 Bluetooth Turntable With Speakers, $169, available at Urban Outfitters.
Already got them a Miansai bracelet? Amp up their journal game this year instead.
Miansai Hunter Green Journal, $95, avaiable at Miansai.
Keep those important papers from getting crumpled in a case that looks just as important.
Burberry London Check Document Case, $725, available at Burberry.
An eye mask, blanket, and pillow cover will make traveling so much better.
Parachute Merino Travel Kit, $169, available at Parachute.
Why get them just another sweatshirt, when you can get them another sweatshirt...with pizzazz?
Mainbooth Grey Eyelet Sweatshirt, $68, available at W Concept.
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