How to Make a Gift Card More Personal This Holiday Season

You’re standing in the gift aisle, scanning the shelves for something that says just enough—but not too much. It’s still early in your relationship, and you want a gift that feels thoughtful without being over the top. Your eyes land on a display of gift cards, and a small part of you wonders, Is a gift card a good gift? Does this even count?

Sometimes the smallest gestures, like a personal note or a little item that reminds you of them, can end up meaning the most. It’s the thought that counts, after all. But does this rule apply to gift cards, too?

Here’s a rundown of why a gift card might work—and why it might not—in your situation:

Why a Gift Card Could Be a Good Idea

1. Choice and Flexibility: If your partner has specific tastes or interests, a gift card lets them choose what they really want, which can be thoughtful, especially if you’re still learning about their preferences.
2. Less Pressure to Get it “Perfect”: A gift card can take some pressure off, allowing you both to enjoy the gesture without overthinking the “perfect” item.
3. Practicality: If your partner is practical, they might actually appreciate a gift card, especially for a store they frequent or a hobby they love.

Why a Gift Card Might Miss the Mark

1. Lack of Personal Touch: A gift card can feel less personal, especially in a budding relationship where a little thought goes a long way in showing you care.
2. Could Signal Indifference: It might give the impression that you weren’t invested enough to find something special, which could feel disappointing to someone expecting a bit more.
3. Limited Opportunity to Show Understanding: Choosing a gift that aligns with their personality or interests shows that you’ve been paying attention, which can be really meaningful early on.

If you decide to go the gift card route, consider adding a small, personalized touch—like a thoughtful note or pairing it with a little item that shows you’ve picked up on something they like. This way, the gift feels practical yet intentional.

How to Make a Gift Card More Personal

You can make a gift card feel a lot more thoughtful with a little creativity! Here are some ways to personalize it:

1. Add a Thoughtful Note or Card: Write a heartfelt message explaining why you chose that particular gift card, or mention specific things you’ve noticed they enjoy. Showing you’ve put thought into it makes a difference.
2. Create a Themed Package: Pair the gift card with small items that go with it. For example, if it’s a coffee shop gift card, add a cozy mug, some gourmet coffee beans, or a cute spoon. For a bookstore gift card, throw in a cozy blanket or some tea.
3. Wrap It Creatively: Present the gift card in a unique way. For example, tuck it into a small box with confetti or a small trinket inside, or attach it to an item they’d like—a favorite snack, a small plant, or an ornament. Fun packaging can make even simple gifts feel special.
4. Include a “Date Idea” Around It: Turn it into an experience by suggesting a day or outing where they can use it. If it’s for a restaurant, suggest a date night there, and mention something special you could do together that day (like exploring a nearby area or ending the night with a movie).

Adding a small, personal touch to the gift card can make it feel more intimate and meaningful while still giving them flexibility.

8 Gift Cards to Buy for Your Partner This Christmas

Choosing a gift card that aligns with their personality or interests, then adding a thoughtful touch, can make a big impact! Here are some types of gift cards that can work well in a new relationship, along with a suggestion for a personalized touch with each:

1. Bookstore Gift Card (e.g., Barnes & Noble, local bookstore)

 Pair it with a small notebook or a cozy blanket, or even a handwritten note with book recommendations based on their interests. You could also bookmark some dates for a cozy reading night together.

2. Coffee Shop Gift Card

Include a nice coffee mug or a reusable coffee sleeve. If they like journaling or working in cafés, you could add a small notebook or pen. You might even propose meeting for a cozy coffee date there!

3. Streaming Service Gift Card (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, Spotify)

Create a “movie night in” package—add a bag of gourmet popcorn, cozy socks, or a list of your favorite shows to watch together. For Spotify, you could create a playlist of songs that remind you of them or that you think they’d love.

4. Restaurant Gift Card (to their favorite restaurant or a new place they’ve wanted to try)

Suggest a date night there, and add in a little something like a wine opener, cocktail kit, or personalized napkin. You could also write down a list of conversation starters or bring along a conversation game for a fun dinner experience together.

5. Outdoor Adventure Gift Card (e.g., REI, local sporting goods store)

If they’re into hiking or outdoor activities, package the gift card with a water bottle, small first-aid kit, or trail snacks. You could even map out a fun local trail and suggest a day out to use some of their new gear!

6. Spa or Self-Care Gift Card (for a local spa, massage therapist, or beauty store like Sephora)

Create a mini relaxation kit by including items like bath bombs, a face mask, or a candle. Suggest a day they can unwind, and maybe even join them if they’re comfortable with a shared spa experience!

7. Craft Store Gift Card (e.g., Michaels, Joann Fabrics)

Add a mini project idea kit, like a small paint set, sketchbook, or yarn if they like knitting or fiber arts. You could even propose a craft day together or a DIY holiday decoration project.

8. Home Goods Store Gift Card (e.g., Target, Bed Bath & Beyond)

If they’ve just moved or like decorating, you could add something like a cozy throw pillow or decorative candle that matches their style, with a note about making their space feel like home.

Gift-giving, especially in the early stages of a relationship, is more about showing that you’re paying attention and that you care, rather than getting everything exactly “perfect.” The effort and consideration you put into a gift speaks volumes about how much you value your partner and the relationship. 

Trust yourself, and let your creativity and thoughtfulness shine through.