So this is it, your first holiday season as an engaged or married couple. Whether or not you’ve celebrated the holidays together before, this year is different. You want to make sure your partner knows how excited you are to celebrate all your holidays with them from here on out. It's not all about the presents, of course, but you still want to find something that shows how much you love and appreciate them!
“As cliché as it may sound, a good gift is one that comes from the heart. One that you ‘just have to get for [insert lucky recipient here]’ because you know they’ll love it; or because it commemorates some special moment in time," says Ashly Juskus, a Senior Buyer at Uncommon Goods. "A good present is one that they’ll like to receive, but a great one is one you just can’t wait to give."
Meet the Expert
Ashley Juskas has 10 years of experience as a food and lifestyle buyer, and is a Senior Buyer in the Dining, Drinking, and Children’s Department at Uncommon Goods.
When shopping for your partner's present, keep their hobbies, interests, and personal style in mind. If there's something you know they've been needing, going the practical route is never a bad idea, either. We know there can be a lot of pressure on this present, and it seems like there are more and more options to wade through every year.
To help, we've researched the best holiday gifts for every kind of partner. Looking for a thoughtful holiday keepsake? We love the Funky and Glitz Greenery Personalized Wedding Ornament and the Simply To Impress Boho Xmas Stocking. For something fun you can do together, our top pick is "Date Night In: More Than 120 Recipes to Nourish Your Relationship."
Read on for the best holiday gifts for your first holiday together.
Wooden Engraved Shop Our First Christmas Personalized Picture Frame
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Courtesy of Etsy
Can you get your hands on their favorite photo of the two of you? Print a high-quality copy and put it in this festive frame as a sweet and simple token of your affection. The frame is crafted out of oak and decorated with snowflake and pine branch motifs. Your names and wedding date are recorded along the bottom for a personal touch.
Funky and Glitz Greenery Personalized Wedding Ornament
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Etsy
A personalized ornament is a perfect way to celebrate your love, and this handcrafted piece will definitely be treasured for many holidays to come. The couple is framed in a rustic, beechwood embroidery hoop—then customize the portrait with the appropriate hair color and skin tone, and add your names. Along the bottom of the piece, the message “Our First Christmas” and the year marks the occasion.
Minted Our Vows Custom Photo Art
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Minted
Your vows are the most important promises you’ve ever made to each other. So, renew them, so to speak, with this gorgeous piece of custom photo art. In the center is a photo of the two of you with your wedding date beneath it. On either side are your vows to one another. Choose the size, frame material, and color theme to make it just perfect for the one you love.
Catbird Pearl and Black Diamond Necklace
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Catbird
If she loves jewelry, she’s going to be thrilled to find this necklace under the tree. This piece is classic—with a twist. The stunning pendant features a soft pink teardrop pearl next to a black diamond, and the chain and setting are made of 14k gold. She’ll cherish this one forever.
Leatherology Toiletry Bag
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Leatherology
With this premium toiletry bag, they'll never again have to open their luggage to shaving cream or hair gel disaster; its two compartments are lined with water-resistant fabric to contain any leaks or spills. The bag also has a topstitched handle so it’s easy to retrieve, even from the bottom of your suitcase, and it’s made of full grain Italian leather that comes in a variety of rich shades.
Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe
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Parachute
While you're wrapping your nearest and dearest in love this holiday season, you can also wrap them in this cozy robe. Made of 100% long-staple Turkish cotton, the Cloud cotton robe is light, fluffy, and irresistibly comfy. It’s got a snug waist tie and two pockets for all your lounging needs; it also comes in tons of gorgeous shades like mulberry, dusk, and amber.
Breville The Barista Express Espresso Machine
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Amazon
If they would never dream of starting their day without a fresh cup of coffee, take their morning ritual to the next level. The Breville Barista Express is a top-of-the-line espresso machine that makes lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos just like the ones from their favorite coffee shop. It grinds beans immediately before brewing for the freshest results possible, and it has a ton of automatic and manual settings for everyone, from beginners to master baristas.
Jacqueline Schmidt Sea of Love Print
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Courtesy of Uncommon Goods
The Ocean lover in your life is going to adore this sweet and quirky print. It’s titled “Sea of Love” and includes the punny message “our love runs deep.” The rest of the print consists of sketches that look like they’ve come straight out of an explorer’s journal. There’s a dolphin, a sea turtle, an octopus, and more, all labeled with their common and scientific names.
Date Night In: More than 120 Recipes to Nourish Your Relationship
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Amazon
Maybe you already love cooking together, or maybe you’d like to start. Either way, Date Night In contains over 100 recipes for many wonderful, romantic dinners at home. Open a bottle of wine, tackle a recipe together, and enjoy the delicious results at your dining room table. The best part? You can do it all in your PJs.
William Sonoma Black-Handled BBQ Tool Set Storage Case
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William Sonoma
All of the grill masters out there will positively drool over this collection of BBQ utensils. This set includes a basting brush, tongs, fork, and spatula—all forged in durable stainless steel with extra-long synthetic handles to protect hands from the flames. Everything comes in a sleek, stainless steel storage case to boot, so the king or queen of the grill can take their tools with them, wherever their services are required.
Simply To Impress Boho Xmas Stocking
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Simply To Impress
Personalized stockings are a wonderful way to make the holiday season your own. Hanging them each year becomes a cherished tradition, and you can add them to your collection as your family grows. These stockings in particular are simple and modern, making them perfect for any household. They’re decorated with geometric trees and patterns, and embroidered with the names of all your family members. Don’t forget to include the fur babies!
Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Zip Front Carry-On and Checked Luggage Set
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Mark & Graham
Do they love to travel in style? Then get them a first-class luggage set. This pair of bags comes in matching checked and carry-on sizes. Both are spinners, meaning their wheels rotate a full 360˚ for ultimate maneuverability, and they’re made of high-quality materials. Their polycarbonate exteriors come with genuine leather detailing, and their stylish, striped linings are made of tough polyester. They’re even monogrammed, so they’re extra easy to spot in baggage claims.
Studiopatró Cross-Back Linen Kitchen Apron
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Food52
If they’ve been known to emerge from a holiday baking marathon covered in flour and egg yolks, this linen apron is going to be a very welcome gift. Its cross-back design makes it secure and comfortable, and it has a pocket for utensils and a loop for a kitchen towel. It comes in 13 gorgeous shades that would look fantastic on anyone, and it has sleek design details like nickel-plated grommets and slate gray ties.
Shinola The Canfield Sport 45mm
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Shinola
Is it time for a better, bolder wristwatch? The Canfield Sport is as sleek and sexy as it gets. It has a black sandblasted PVD case, matte ceramic bezel, dial, and set of three sub-dials; its white and orange accents provide a vibrant, sporty contrast to the black background. This watch comes with a classy dark cognac leather strap to complete the look.
Vitruvi Stone Essential Oil Diffuser
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Vitruvi
Honestly, who doesn’t need a little aromatherapy these days? With the right essential oils, this ultrasonic stone diffuser is just what they need to turn their home into a calming retreat from the outside world. Its high-quality ceramic cover will keep their space looking as incredible as it smells too.
Linoto 100% Linen Sheet Set
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Amazon
Great sheets are a luxury that they deserve, and these are some of the best. Linoto’s linen sheets are smooth, sturdy, and easy to care for. This set includes all of the basics—a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases—and comes in beautiful, muted shades like terra cotta, sage, and plum.
Rocksbox Jewelry Gift Subscription
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Rocksbox
So, you know she loves glitz and glam but you have no idea how to pick something out for her? Buy her a 3, 6, or 12-month Rocksbox membership, and your work is done. A stylist will get a sense of her taste and select luxury pieces from top brands just for her. When she gets tired of the pieces she has, she can trade them in for new ones, and if she gets attached to a piece, she can buy it at a discounted price.
Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch
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Amazon
If you already know their New Year’s resolution will be to get in better shape, give them a head start with the Fitbit Versa 2 smartwatch. It tracks workouts with over 20 goal-based exercise modes and is water-resistant to 50M, so you aren’t limited to land-based exercise. The Versa 2 also tracks your heart rate, sleep time, and level of restlessness to give you insight into the quality of your sleep. It will give any fitness lover the edge they need to take their routine up a notch.
Dash Heart Mini Waffle Maker
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Amazon
This waffle maker might be the cutest in the world. Its exterior is a cheery bright red, and it makes the most adorable heart-shaped waffles you’ve ever seen. On a more practical note, its non-stick coating and compact design make it easy to clean and store. Whenever your partner makes breakfast with this gem, they’ll feel the love with every sweet, fluffy bite.
Johanna Howard Home Dip-Dyed Throw
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Courtesy of Johanna Howard Home
Add some color and comfort to their favorite lounging space with this gorgeous dip-dyed throw. It’s made of 100% baby alpaca for the softest cuddles imaginable, and its ombre design is positively chic. This throw comes in almost 20 striking shades, so it’s easy to find one that will look perfect on that chair or couch they love so much.
Minted Watercolor Venue Portrait
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Minted
Commemorate your first holiday as a married couple with a thoughtful, custom work of art. As a part of the Minted + Brides Collection, this watercolor portrait will turn one of your favorite wedding photos into a new statement wall piece for your home.
Cuzen Matcha Matcha Maker Starter Kit
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Amazon
Tea drinkers and matcha lovers will obsess over this nifty countertop appliance. It stores, grinds, and whisks organic matcha leaves to deliver a fresh cup in minutes. It's a bit of a splurge, but if your partner drinks matcha daily, they're sure to put this to good use.
Kreative Earth Personalized Wine and Cheese Portable Tote
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Etsy
If they can always be counted on to bring the wine and cheese, they’re going to get a lot of use out of this stylish tote. The olive green exterior is made of a durable waxed canvas, and the interior is insulated to keep one or two bottles of wine chilled in transport. The bag features handy compartments, holding an Acacia cutting board, a stainless steel cheese knife, and a wine key. You can also have the cutting board engraved with a short message for a personal touch.
Béis Weekender Bag
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Beis
From weekend getaways to quick business trips, this trendy Béis weekender bag is sure to come in handy. It features room for a few outfits and various pockets—including a bottom compartment designed to keep your shoes, toiletries, and travel essentials separate. Plus, it even has a zipper pocket on the back that becomes a trolley sleeve to slip over your suitcase handle.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
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Bose
Everyone could use a good pair of noise-canceling headphones. They're great for zoom meetings when working from home, getting in the zone at the gym, or just listening to your favorite tunes uninterrupted. Your partner is sure to appreciate this high-quality splurge.
Airbnb Gift Card
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Amazon
Celebrate your first holiday season together with a romantic weekend getaway. Give your sweetheart an Airbnb gift card, then let them pick the place! It's a fun and interactive gift that the two of you can use and enjoy together.
BeautyBio Lights Out Mask On Set
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Nordstrom
For the woman who can't live without her beauty sleep, she'll love this eye mask set from BeautyBio. It features five Bright Eyes Depuffing & Brightening Eye Gels and a Silky Sleep Mask, which are sure to take her self-care ritual to the next level.
P.J. Salvage Flannel Pajama Set
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Courtesy of Bare Necessities
It's not winter without a cozy pair of pajamas! This pair comes in nine bold prints that add a fun touch to classic flannel pajamas. Get a matching pair for yourself, then wear them for an at-home date night—cook a nice dinner then cozy up on the couch with a classic holiday movie!
CALGiftery Personalized Passport Holder and Luggage Tag
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Courtesy of Etsy
If your partner is an avid traveler or you have a vacation coming up together, look no further than this personalized passport holder and luggage tag set from Etsy. It's a stylish travel accessory that will help them keep track of their belongings from the airport to their hotel. Plus, adding a personalization makes this gift extra special.
SwankyBadger Personalized Whiskey Decanter
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Etsy
For the guy or gal who loves an old fashioned, give them this sleek whiskey decanter. You can choose from a variety of customization options and personalize it with their name for an ultra-cool and one-of-a-kind bar cart accessory they'll use for years to come.
What to look for in a Gift for Your First Holiday Season Together
Thoughtfulness and Personalization
This year’s holiday gift is all about staying in the honeymoon phase and making your new spouse feel special. There are a few foolproof ways to do that, depending on your partner’s personality. If your partner is the sentimental type, a personalized art piece or an item that expresses your affection will surely warm their heart. Have a customized ornament made, preserve your vows into a high-quality piece of art, create a collage of favorite photos together, or write them a sweet letter. We especially love the Minted Watercolor Venue Portrait and the Funky and Glitz Personalized Wedding Ornament.
Hobbies and Interests
If your partner would rather have something more practical, then go with a gift that relates to their hobbies. This is not only something they'll actually use, but it's also something that shows you know them well and care about their interests. For example, if they're a jet-setter who's always on the go, give them an Airbnb gift card or a personalized passport holder—such as the CALGiftery Personalized Passport Holder and Luggage Tag. If they love to cook, a new kitchen tool or appliance will bring them joy. Whatever their interests may be, consider them when shopping for a gift for your first holiday together.
Why Trust Brides
Mckenzie Eggers is a seasoned Christmas shopper, and she puts a lot of time into selecting gifts that her loved ones will enjoy. She has written extensively about lifestyle and personalized gifts and is an expert in the field. Every year, her mother tells her, “Don’t get me anything,” but she always ends up admitting that the items Mckenzie carefully picks out help her feel that holiday comfort and joy.