Hell Yeahhh!! Can I say that here:) We’ve seen it on TV, in films, and let’s face it, even in our own lives sometimes. As the stress of life, kids, work, money, health, and family adds on, couples become distant and miserable over time, and say that the “spark” is gone. Yes, that very much happens in many relationships. I used to hear that “relationships are hard work” all the time.” I never really understood what that really meant. I never really understood that you really really had to work on it and nurture it, and love it and water it and fertilize it to get the best fruits out of it every year, and year over year! You have to actively do things to keep that spark alive. I always tell my husband that we need to keep it interesting. Go do fun things, go places, experience new things, eat in new places, travel, explore, both as a family and as a couple. But gifts are a huge part of this puzzle!

Gift-giving in relations is more important than you think. Giving someone a gift shows appreciation, acceptance, and love, especially when giving a gift to your partner. And I’m not just talking about gifts one gives on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc. I’m also talking about random gifts you can give even when there is no special day.

Why are Gifts So Important in a Romantic Relationship?

Let’s be honest for a second. Most of us love receiving gifts. It simply feels nice to receive something, especially from someone you love and appreciate. Similarly, it feels good to give the gift because the receiver appreciates it and feels happier. So it’s a win-win situation! However, in a romantic relationship, gift-giving is even more important. It’s natural to be excited, do things, and give gifts in the early stages of a relationship. However, it shouldn’t fade away with time, especially if your romantic relationship turns into something serious and you get married!

It also sets expectations if you’ve been giving gifts to your partner in the early stages of the relationship. As the frequency of those gifts reduces to just special occasions, your partner may perceive it as a sign of your love reducing. 

As simple as it sounds, the mere act of giving your partner a gift can remind them that they are appreciated and have a special place in your heart. So, yes, I would say that gifts can help keep the spark in your relationship alive to at least to some extent!

Tips on Giving Gifts to Your Partner

So we know gifts are a good idea, but it’s also important to know what to gift and when to give that present. Here are some tips from me to you and your loved ones:

• Experiential gifts are better than material gifts, according to one study. So choose experiential gifts that you and your partner can do together. (Surprise weekend trip, spa treatments, couple’s massages, date at the hottest restaurant in town, concert tickets, opera tickets, etc. you get the idea)
• Gifts don’t always have to be expensive, but they should ideally be of value to the receiver. Take your time to figure out what they would appreciate. Their hobbies, the brands they like, the types of clothes they wear, and what they are into. 
• Find the right time to give your partner a gift. For example, if they have had a rough week at work, you can buy them something to cheer them up and show that you notice and care. 
• Personalize the gift with a card and write something from your heart. They will love it!
• It’s a good idea to give a gift when you have to apologize for something you did, but you can’t buy forgiveness. So you have to actually mean it too!