The world of timekeeping changed forever on April 24, 2015. The Apple Watch Series 0 was released that day. The smartphone everyone loved was now in sync with a device on your wrist. The Apple Watch quickly became the most popular watch ever, selling nearly 300 million in a decade. One estimate shows about 20 percent of people asked for a wristwatch for Christmas in 2024. So, husbands, if you’re looking for romantic gift ideas for her…Or wives, if you’re looking for him…
An Apple Watch would be a fine gift if your spouse loves tech. But you don’t have to buy stuff others consider popular. The best gifts are thoughtful, specific, and deeply personal. It can be tricky picking out something special, even if you’ve known someone for decades. If you’re struggling to find meaningful presents for her or exciting gifts for him, I have some suggestions. Here are 5 gifts your spouse really wants.
1. Time With You
Hanging out with your spouse is always a win, and the stats back that up. A nationwide study found that nearly 9 out of 10 Americans in a relationship wish they spent more quality time with their partner. As obvious as it sounds, spend time together. Thankfully, the holiday season provides a lot of opportunities to connect with your spouse.
Make this happen: Try writing your spouse an invitation to look at Christmas lights in the neighborhood together. Look online for tickets to watch a classic Christmas movie, play, or concert. Romantic gift ideas like these will make spending time together more memorable.
2. Time Without You
If time together is intended to be refreshing, time apart can offer a much-needed reset. Getting away for time apart isn’t about one person getting a break from the other. It’s about setting conditions for rest, focusing on what makes your spouse happy, and building anticipation to reconnect with them. When they return, you get to ask questions and be an active lister, which will strengthen your bond. Those are both great for your marriage. Pro tip: Make sure part of the offer is to take the kids for a few hours—or the whole weekend!
Make this happen: You don’t have to gift your spouse total isolation. Reach out to some of his or her friends and arrange a weekend away for the group. Your spouse might love that. Is he or she a jogger? Leave new running shoes by the door. Get your spouse a monthly pass to a museum, art club, or some other activity that brings them joy and will provide them the opportunity to get out of the house on their own. Make it a surprise to up the wow factor. Silence and solitude are very good for people.
3. Time to Vent
Pressure causes problems, and people are under serious pressure. We have job responsibilities, relational tensions, and so many to-dos. Gift your spouse time to vent. You can be your spouse’s safe place of judgment-free listening. If your wife is stressed or your husband is worried, gift them time to get it out.
Make this happen: Has your spouse tried exercising as a way to vent? Get him or her some fitness classes where they can blow off some steam. Or, set up time to let them vent to you and talk about their mental load.
4. Time to Cry
Similarly, crying is a great way to de-stress. It regulates the nervous system by releasing endorphins and oxytocin, which can improve your mood and ease pain. What a gift that would be to your spouse, to know they can cry freely around you. Make sure your spouse knows he or she doesn’t have to perform or pretend everything’s OK around you. They can let those emotions out. Don’t force them to hold it all together around you.
Make this happen: Buy your spouse a journal and encourage him or her to write out their feelings. It’s very therapeutic. Be there for them, even if it’s awkward.
5. Time to Dream
Having something to look forward to injects anticipation and fun into your relationships. Planning a trip or outing together is fun. When you do it with your spouse, you get to share the joy. Dreaming is free, and those are the best kinds of gifts!
Make this happen: Buy your spouse a special pen and a “dream” calendar. Sit down before New Year’s Eve and write out things you dream of doing together in the coming year. Maybe it’s a beach trip in the summer or an apple-picking trip in the fall. Hang the calendar in your bedroom or somewhere you’ll see it often. Circle those special days and let the anticipation build.
Which of your gift ideas for your spouse have been well-received? Share in a comment.
