What do I get for my partner?

Don't know what to get your partner? Listen up!

A little background first, my husband and I have been married for almost two years, and our anniversary is coming up in February. So, love and gifts is on the brain for me, too. I believe love is something to be celebrated, and that every year - nowadays especially - is a milestone to be celebrated. 

As the years pass with your mate, it can become both harder and easier to get them a gift. Easier, because you know them better every year, so you know what they would like. Harder, because you have to keep being creative and thinking of something new every time. There's only so many times you can get away with buying them a bouquet of flowers, box of chocolates or a pair of socks that say "I still love you"... it's 2026, time to turn a new leaf... Time to get something special for that "wow" moment.

Let's get brainstorming!

1. Find a Meaningful Gift

If you're giving them something they're going to see at Walmart the next time they're running errands, you might want to think again. Remember everyday life is hard, and you know better what your partner is going through than anyone else. So, give a gift that is unique. Something you can get that's either handmade or hand-drawn. There's nothing more special than something personalized. Is there something with their name on it you can get... or even better, a picture of the both of you? Etsy is a great place to start.

2. Include a Hand-Written Card

The first time my husband gave me a card when we were dating, it brought tears to my eyes. If it's hard for you to open up on an everyday basis, writing a letter to express your feelings will reach the deepest part of your partner's heart, and they'll never forget it. 

"To Growing With You" Greeting Card

3. Make it Practical for Daily Use

No one wants to put so much of their time and resources into something that will be looked at one day, and thrown out the next. 

Ask yourself "What does my partner do every morning or every evening?" We all know what habit stacking is. If you make this gift a part of something they do already, then it will remind them of your love not just on the holiday or anniversary, but every single morning thereafter. That's worth the investment.

So, do they have coffee or tea every morning? Come on, you know this. I'm willing to bet, the answer is a resounding "yes". You might even say, you don't recognize your mate before they have their favorite morning beverage! What about a mug? You might think getting them a mug is a little underwhelming or overdone. But, what about one with a custom hand illustrated portrait of you two on it? Bam, suddenly you've got a winner. Get yourself a matching set and you'll be the partner of the year. 

It doesn't take much. Ask your mate to send you their favourite photo of you together. Then, order a mug with that design and after it's illustrated, it'll be shipped straight to the location of your choice.

4. Custom Hand-Illustrated Portrait Wall Decor

You know that empty space on the wall? It's waiting for something meaningful to occupy it. Turn your favourite photo into a timeless illustrated keepsake to decorate the home. It makes a great conversation piece, and again will be seen by your partner everyday. Sure to put a smile on their face... It will remind the two of you how lucky you are to have each other.

It's worth having a custom portrait done by hand... Let's be real and picture that moment where your partner asks "Who drew this?" and you try to choke out "I generated it with a robot"... Not so special. This portrait is hand-illustrated by myself. You can change the background to whatever colour you like and choose ivy as the plant or something else... maybe choose your spouse's favorite flower!

I know you'll find something special. If you or your partner loves books, reading, plants, libraries, nature, flowers... you'll want to check out my Etsy Shop.