33 Gifts for Your Child's Girlfriend or Boyfriend That Work for Any Occasion

Here's what your son or daughter's S.O. actually wants as a gift.
Gift ideas for child's boyfriend, girlfriend or partner
Photos, from clockwise: Ban.do, Anthropologie, Uncommon Goods, Birdy Grey
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by
Alison Meehan
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Alison Meehan
Assistant Commerce Editor
  • Alison writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, specializing in shoppable roundups of anniversary gifts.
  • Before focusing on shoppable content, Alison was a content writer at The Knot.
  • Alison holds a master's degree in writing and a bachelor's in textile design.
Updated Oct 30, 2024
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While they may not be your in-laws just yet, choosing gifts for your daughter or son's girlfriend or boyfriend is a thoughtful gesture that'll make them feel welcome. Wondering where to begin? Whether it's a fresh or long-term relationship, explore our top present ideas and a few pointers on shopping for your child's significant other.

Our number one tip for finding a great gift is to consider their interests and hobbies. Not only is it a great jumping off point, but it will also show your son or daughter's special someone that you're genuinely interested in getting to know them. Are they adventurous? Then a cool experience gift they can share with their partner is a great idea. Perhaps they're a foodie, in which case a cookbook or a home baking kit may be the right choice. If you're not close yet, that's okay too—you can always keep things simple with a festive ornament or a bottle of wine. Here are our favorite editor-approved gifts for a son or daughter's significant other for the holidays, their birthday, their graduation and more. (Psst: Don't forget to wrap your present for the perfect finishing touch).

1. Personalized Birthday Candle

Birthdate candle for the best gift for your child's partner
Photo: Birthdate Candles

If you're still getting to know your child's significant other and are unsure what to get them as a gift, Birthdate Candles has the answer. They create unique candles for every single day of the year, with detailed labels on star signs, numerology and tarot related to people born on a particular date. It's a fun astrology gift that'll appeal to anyone who enjoys reading their weekly horoscopes and learning about their birthday.

2. Personalized Tree Ornament

Name-based personalized Christmas tree ornament
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Wondering what to get your son or daughter's boyfriend or girlfriend for Christmas? This personalized tree ornament works equally well for new and long-term partners alike. Their name is hidden in the intricate wooden snowflake, for a one-of-a-kind keepsake they can hang up every holiday season.

3. Birth Flower Necklace

Birth flower necklace for the ideal gift for your child's partner
Photo: Made by Mary

You don't need to know everything about your son or daughter's partner to pick out a meaningful present. Instead, take something you do know about them—like their birth month—and run with it. This pretty necklace is stamped with one of 12 different birth flowers for a personalized accessory they can wear alone or layered with other pieces. While this jewelry gift is perfect for their birthday, you could also give it to them for the holidays or another occasion.

4. Dinner Dates Book

Dinner Dates from The Adventure Challenge
Photo: The Adventure Challenge

If deciding what to get your child's boyfriend or girlfriend for the holidays is proving tricky, allow us to share some advice: Pick something they can enjoy together as a couple. The Adventure Challenge's Dinner Dates book will help them shake up their date nights and learn something new in the kitchen. It's filled with scratch-off dinner recipes, along with fun activities to fill the time between prepping and eating.

Use THEKNOT25 code to get 25% off.

5. Soft Throw Blanket

Soft throw blankets
Photo: Nordstrom

There's no better time for cuddling than the holidays, which is why a soft throw blanket is a really good gift for your child's new girlfriend or boyfriend. It comes in a variety of colors (including plum, ivory and olive green) and is ideal for cozy movie marathons during the winter months. Bonus: It's made from 100% recycled polyester, making it a more sustainable choice, too.

6. Movie Bucket List Book

Scratch-off book with 100 must watch movies gift for child's boyfriend or girlfriend
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Looking for a great gift idea for a movie buff? This interactive book lists 100 must-watch films from a wide variety of genres, making it an excellent present for holidays and birthdays alike. Once they watch the movie, they get to scratch it off and fill out their experience with a star rating and pictures or ticket stubs. Your child's boyfriend or girlfriend will love working their way through this thoughtful gift, plus it will be a great conversation starter when you see them again.

7. Taylor Swift Socks

Swiftie sock gift
Photo: ACustomGiftShop

Is your son or daughter dating a Swiftie? If they're quoting Taylor Swift lyrics at every opportunity, it's safe to say they'll love this gift idea. These socks come in a variety of colors and are embroidered with phrases inspired by their favorite pop singer, like "In my Swiftie era" and "Swiftie Est. 1989." Pair them with hot chocolate for a classic holiday present for your child's significant other.

8. Elegant Crystal Earrings

Chrystal earrings are the perfect gift
Photo: Gorjana

No matter how much time has passed, a pair of elegant earrings will never go out of style. If you're wondering what to get your son or daughter's S.O. for their birthday or Christmas, these crystal huggies are a classic option to add to their collection. They're made from 18K gold-plated brass and feature tiny square crystals with shimmering chains that hug each earlobe.

9. Leather Charger Roll-Up

Personalized leather charger roll-up gift for daughter or son's girlfriend or boyfriend
Photo: Mark & Graham

Whether you're shopping for a graduation gift or something to celebrate their new job, this handy cord roller will help them feel like a pro. It's made from leather and has separate compartments to organize all their chargers, headphones and cables, so they'll never have to battle with tangled cords again. Choose from seven different colors and have their initials stamped on the front for a thoughtful touch.

10. DIY Hot Sauce

Homemade hot sauce kit for the best gift
Photo: Uncommon Goods

If your child's boyfriend or girlfriend is interested in cooking (or just adores anything spicy), consider this hot sauce kit as a present for the holidays or another special occasion. It includes everything they'll need to make their own condiments, from fiery ingredients to glass bottles and custom labels.

11. Memorable Experience

Adventure awaits gift voucher
Photo: Tinggly

One of the best gift ideas for your daughter or son's significant other is an experience they can look forward to. Tinggly's "Adventure Awaits" voucher never expires so they can take their time deciding what to use it for. Valued at $69, it can be put toward one of over 12,000 experiences from all over the world (like beer tasting in Belgium or mountain biking in New Zealand). There are also plenty of options in the US if they'd prefer to explore closer to home.

Use the TK code to get 10% off all experience gift boxes and getaway gifts.

12. Fuzzy Slippers

Fuzzy slippers gift
Photo: Birdy Grey

A pair of cozy slippers is one of our top Christmas gift suggestions for a son or daughter's partner. These fuzzy slip-ons are cute, comfy and affordable, which is great if you're shopping on a budget. Choose from six colors (including cream, brown, black and sage) for a practical present they can wear during the holidays and beyond.

Get 20% off pajamas, robes, loungewear, shoes, jewelry and accessories with this code: THEKNOT20.

13. A Monogram Mug

Colorful initial mug
Photo: Anthropologie

Looking for a small (but thoughtful) gift for your child's significant other? This monogram mug will make their morning coffee ritual feel special. It's made from glazed stoneware and features a vibrant geometric pattern overlaid with their first initial. Pair it with a bag of coffee beans or a gift card for their favorite café to round out this simple gift.

14. Engraved Wine Bottle

Engraved wine bottle gift
Photo: Mano's Wine

If you need a graduation gift for your child's girlfriend or boyfriend, this custom wine bottle will bring on the celebrations. The keepsake bottle is etched with their name and the year they graduated on the outside, with a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon on the inside. Shopping for another occasion? Mano's Wine also offers holiday-themed designs and personalized birthday bottles.

15. Baseball-Themed Glasses

Baseball themed whiskey glasses
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Shopping for a baseball enthusiast just got easier thanks to these cool glass tumblers from Uncommon Goods. This set of two features a map of their favorite baseball stadium, including Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Dodger Stadium, so they can show their allegiance while they sip. It's a really thoughtful gift for your daughter or son's girlfriend or boyfriend for any time of the year, not just the holidays.

16. Oversized Hoodie

Oversized grey hoodie
Photo: Stoney Clover Lane

A great gift from parents to their child's significant other doesn't have to be complicated. This oversized hoodie will appeal to anyone who lives in loungewear and makes a lovely present for the holidays or a special birthday. It's made from super soft fleece and can even be custom embroidered with their name on the front. (Psst: It's also a fitting gift for your daughter or son's fiancé that they can wear when they're getting ready for their wedding).

17. Monthly Coffee Subscription

Monthly coffee subscription
Photo: Atlas Coffee Club

How about some quality coffee for the caffeine enthusiast in your son or daughter's life? With this thoughtful subscription gift from Atlas Coffee Club, they'll never run out of their favorite brew. Each month, they'll receive ground, whole bean or coffee pods from around the world, along with tasting notes to help them learn more about each variety. Simply choose the coffee type and subscription length, then add a gift note to let them know a surprise is coming.

18. Personal Pizza Maker

Personal pizza maker
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Take inspiration from your child's partner's favorite food with this practical present: a personal pizza maker. This handy piece of cookware is made of cast iron and can make small pizzas on the grill in under 10 minutes. It's also light and portable, so they can take it with them on camping trips or other outdoor adventures.

19. Vegan Beauty Box

Vegan beauty box for the best gift
Photo: Cratejoy

If your son or daughter's partner takes personal grooming seriously, they'll love this monthly subscription box of vegan beauty products. It's filled with skincare goodies made from natural, plant-based ingredients, like exfoliating cleansers, hydrating lip balm and nourishing body butter. Each item is free from parabens and harsh chemicals, so it's kind to skin and the environment. Choose the subscription duration (three or six months) or opt for a one-off delivery so they can test everything out.

20. Pretzel Baking Kit

Pretzel baking kit gift
Photo: Farm Steady

Does your child's other half love to bake? Celebrate their favorite hobby with this cinnamon pretzel baking kit. It comes with all the dry ingredients they need to make a dozen pretzels (including baking mix, malt powder, salt and yeast) and instructions they can follow step by step. All they'll have to add is butter, sugar and baking soda, which they likely have in their pantry already.

21. Heated Drink Coaster

Heated drink coaster for your child's partner
Photo: Amazon

We can't think of anyone who wouldn't appreciate a heated drink coaster. This useful gadget has a built-in gravity induction switch that's activated by the weight of their mug, so they won't have to turn it on or off. It's a practical gift your son or daughter's boyfriend or girlfriend will use a lot, whether they're writing a college assignment, working in the office or chilling on the sofa.

22. Festive Plaid Pajamas

Plaid long sleeve pajamas
Photo: Old Navy

If your family likes to spend the festive season chilling in pajamas, make your child's significant other feel included with this gorgeous set of flannels. Made from 100% cotton, these button-down pajamas come in a plaid pattern that's perfect for the holidays. They come in women's and men's sizes so everyone can match.

23. Innovative Snack Bowl

Innovative popcorn bowl
Photo: Uncommon Goods

Here's one of our top present ideas for your son or daughter's partner who loves to snack: a serving bowl with a removable sifter to separate popcorn kernels. It's made from stoneware and comes in two colors (blue or white) so it looks stylish too. Now, they won't have to worry about cracking a tooth the next time they sit down to watch a movie. How's that for a practical and personal gift for your child's other half?

24. Playful Advent Calendar

Floral lego set gift
Photo: Amazon

If you're planning on doing your holiday shopping early, why not get a fun couple's advent calendar for your child and their partner? This one features 24 doors with a toy flower or succulent behind each which they can build together as they count down the days to Christmas. When each bloom is assembled, they can display them together as a colorful arrangement. Cool, right?

25. Sleek Yoga Mat

Sleek pink yoga mat
Photo: Bala

Is your son or daughter's partner always talking about forest bathing and yoga retreats? If so, they'll appreciate this thoughtful self-care gift. Ideal for pilates and yoga, this floor mat will make a welcome addition to their wellness routine. It's made from waterproof, moisture-wicking materials that'll keep them grounded while they do their downward dog and tree pose.

26. Custom Book Stamp

Custom book stamp gift
Photo: PixumDesigns

If your son or daughter's significant other loves to read, we've found the perfect gift for them. This custom stamp will help them take ownership of all their books, from their favorite reads to their college textbooks. Choose from a wide array of designs like "This book belongs to" or "From the library of" and add their name for a thoughtful (and charming) gift.

27. Spicy Condiment Set

Spicy condiment set
Photo: Fly by Jing

Edible gifts are always a good idea and can work for a variety of occasions, like the holidays or a birthday. This set of spicy condiments from Fly By Jing will impress your child's partner, especially if they like adding some heat to their meals. It includes four mini samples in hot and tangy flavors, including Xtra Spicy Chili Crisp, Chengdu Crunch, Sichuan Chili Crisp and Sweet and Spicy Zhong.

28. Plant Care Kit

Plant grow essentials gift
Photo: Ban.do

If your son or daughter's significant other has a green thumb, they'll appreciate this thoughtful gift for the holidays or their birthday. This handy kit comes with three plant care essentials, including concentrated plant food, enriching soil powder and protective spray to ward off stressors (like bugs or fungi) that can affect growth. It'll add some pep to their homegrown veggies and flower pots.

29. Trendy Travel Mug

YETI travel mug
Photo: YETI

Still wondering what makes a good gift for your son or daughter's partner? Get them something practical, like one of YETI's trendy travel mugs. This stainless steel tumbler has double-wall vacuum insulation to keep their drink hot or cold for hours and a full-cover lid to prevent spills. Choose from a variety of colors and customization options for a personalized gift they can take on the morning commute.

30. Celebrity Trivia Game

Trivia game gift
Photo: Brass Monkey

If your child's significant other is always up to date with celebrities, they'll love this fun trivia game. Suitable for two or more players, the deck of cards is inscribed with questions on random topics related to movie stars, famous musicians and anyone else in the spotlight. It makes a great stocking stuffer idea and will help them test their knowledge on their favorite subject.

31. One Line A Day Journal

One line a day book gift
Photo: Amazon

This meaningful gift for your child's girlfriend or boyfriend will help them start the new year on a positive note. Aptly titled the "One Line a Day" journal, it's designed to include a one-line diary entry for each day, so they can track their life in just a few short words. It's a fun and thoughtful approach to journaling that's perfect for anyone with a busy schedule. Bonus: It has space for five successive years, so it'll become a cool time capsule they can look back on.

32. Hot Chocolate Set

Hot chocolate set gift
Photo: 1-800-Baskets

Whether your child's S.O. celebrates Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, they'll appreciate this hot cocoa gift set. This product includes 12 different flavors of hot chocolate mix, including peppermint, salted caramel, toasted marshmallow, French toast and rocky road—each presented in a miniature cup. They simply have to put the mix into a mug, add hot water and stir for an instantly comforting hot drink.

33. Pretty Crystal Suncatcher

Pretty crystal suncatcher gift
Photo: RipplexLove

If your son or daughter's girlfriend or boyfriend likes to embrace their spiritual side, here's a meaningful gift they'll treasure. This pretty handmade suncatcher is made from shimmering crystals and natural chakra gemstones (like rose quartz, amethyst and aquamarine) that scatter streams of color when the sun's rays pass through them. It'll make a cool addition to their dorm room, living space or anywhere else with a natural light source.

Our team received [some of] these products as promotional samples in exchange for editorial consideration and independent review.

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