12 Romantic Ideas for Giving Your House Key to Someone You Love

If you're in a close and committed relationship with someone but you don't live together yet, you may find yourself thinking about giving your partner a key to your place. This gesture definitely means you're ready to level up your partnership, and it's one that shouldn't be taken lightly by you or your partner.

But how do you know when it's time to take this important step? We reached out to Suzannah Weiss, relationship coach and sexologist at BedBible, to get an expert take on the situation. "You're generally ready to take this step if you trust your partner and have no qualms about them having free rein over your place," Weiss says.

If you see yourselves moving toward living together, giving someone a key to your house can serve as a sort of dry run. You'll have a chance to see how compatible you are when you're under the same roof for more than a few hours at a time, and ensure your partner respects your boundaries, your belongings and your personal space.

Ready to take the plunge? You've come to the right place! Here, we've rounded up some of our favorite romantic ideas for giving your house key to someone.

Surprise Ways to Give Your Key to Your Partner

Surprise, surprise! If you're the type who loves to see that look of shock and delight on your loved one's face, giving your house key is a great opportunity to do so. Here are some fun and unexpected options for giving someone a key to your house.

Hide It in a Piñata

For a fun and light-hearted surprise, grab one of those teeny tiny pinatas from a party store and stuff it with candy—and the key to your place. Then, you and your partner can take turns giving it a whack to see who can break it—and spot the shiny new key—first.

Wrap it in a Heart-Shaped Box

It's best to avoid handing your partner your key in a ring box, since that can quickly make things awkward. If they were hoping for or expecting a shiny bauble, your heartfelt gift of a key to your place could quickly be overshadowed. Instead, look for a heart-shaped box, like this one from Etsy, or something similar in which to present your house key.

Add It to Their Keyring

You'll have to employ some stealth for this trick! When your partner isn't looking, simply pop a copy of your key onto their key ring. Maybe they'll notice right away, or maybe it'll take a few days. Either way, when they do notice they've got an extra key on their keyring, we're guessing they'll know exactly what it is. Want them to notice quickly? Purchase a custom key in a fun color or pattern to make your intent obvious right away.

Hang It From a Christmas Tree

If you've chosen to wait until close to the holidays to gift your partner their own copy of your house key, you could hang it on your tree suspended from a festive ribbon as an ornament for them to notice. Or, put your key with the rest of your ornaments and invite your partner to "help" you decorate your tree. It's a surprise they aren't likely to soon forget.

Put It on Your Dog's Collar

If the two of you are mutually in love with your pup, you could tie your house key to his collar as a sweet way of presenting your house key to your significant other. We're guessing your furry friend will be so proud of himself when he receives all those excited snuggles from your partner.

Pretend You're Locked Out

There are lots of fun ways to pull off this sweet trick as a way of giving someone a key to your house. Slip it into their pocket or pop it on their keyring when they're not looking. Then, when you approach your home together, pretend you've misplaced your key. Have your loved one check their pocket or keyring to see if they have it. Of course, they'll be totally bewildered at first. But then, they'll get to save the day—with their very own copy of your key. How sweet!

Creative Ways to Gift Your Key to Your Partner

Maybe your partner isn't much for surprises, or maybe you prefer to take a slightly more practical approach when it comes to giving someone a key to your house. No worries— we've rounded up some romantic ideas for giving your house key to someone as a gift.

Couple's Keychain

Photo: NovaLeatherGood

This set of two keychains is an absolutely adorable way of gifting your house key. Each keychain has one of your initials, but when put together, they form a heart. Add a key to your home on your partner's key ring and present it to them for a super sweet gesture.

Engraved Keychain

Photo: VintageBrandingCo

We love this handwritten keychain as a way of giving someone a key to your house. This custom keychain features your very own handwriting in any message you choose, up to 100 characters and a variety of fonts and formats. It's a great way of letting your partner know exactly how you feel about them as you take this next step together.

Key Necklace

Photo: WildflowerVintage79

A simple but effective way to give your house key as a gift is to purchase two simple chains and hang your keys from them. Choose matching chains in any style you prefer. We love this cool, vintage aesthetic from Etsy, but with your own key, of course!

Lock-and-Key Keychain

Photo: JewelryEveryday

By this point in your relationship, we're guessing your partner holds the "key" to your heart. Make it official with this lock and key keychain set from Etsy. This silver set comes with an optional, engravable tag, allowing you to add your initials for a sweet touch. More than just a sentimental gift, this set is a great way to add your house key and gift it to your partner.

Stuffed Animal

Photo: embellishmonograms

If you're looking for romantic ideas for giving your house key to someone with a soft heart, consider hanging it around the neck of a stuffed animal. This plush rabbit from Etsy is personalized with their name on its ear, and comes in a variety of color choices.

Relationship Milestone Print

Photo: ClassicPrintGallery

Giving someone a key to your house can be viewed as a big step in your relationship. Perhaps, even a milestone! So why not wrap up this pretty relationship milestone print along with a copy of your house key for your loved one? Choose from any events you'd like as you customize this print - great options for newer relationships include the day you met, your first date, first kiss and of course, when you gifted your key.