10 Gifts Your Girlfriend Actually Wants

Top 10 best Christmas gifts and best birthday gifts for your girlfriend.

We asked girlfriends nationwide to come up with a list of the best gifts for your girlfriend for the holidays or any day really. Without further ado…

1. Thoughtful Photo Album or Frame

Need a stellar Christmas gift idea for your girlfriend? Find the latest photos of you and your girlfriend from Instagram and Facebook and *gasp* print them. Then go to a local crafts store and buy an album or create your own.

The simple Forever Photo Album will do. An album that predicts what your kids will look like may be taking it a bit far…If you want to get sentimental but keep it simple, go with a Kate Spade picture frame for your favorite couple pose.

“I like sentimental things, so if he was able to put something together like a photo album or scrapbook that is meaningful to our relationship that would be so cute.” -Chelsea Tirrell, Senior, Hofstra University

“My favorite gift was a scrapbook of photos of us that he made for me. It meant a lot to me because took the time to pick the pictures and sat down to think about all our great memories. I love that I can look back on the book for years to come.” -Olivia Jenning, Junior, Florida State University

Kate Spade Picture Frame: $39.95

Umbra Fotochain Picture Frames: $34.99

10 More Incredible Gift Ideas & Gifts for Your Girlfriend

Did you know that “receiving gifts” is in fact a love language? In his book The 5 Love Languages, Gary Chapman doesn’t refer to the materialistic aspect of giving gifts. Think past the item.

The effort and thoughtfulness behind a gift for your girlfriend means more than the gift itself. That means pouring time and love into gift ideas for your girlfriend, whether it be for a holiday, your girlfriend’s birthday, anniversary or just because.

Not sure where to start? Narrow down that gift for your girlfriend by investigating beyond the obvious:

1. Ask your girlfriend’s best friends.
2. Consider her hobbies. Find something that will make that hobby more fun, exciting or easy
3. Search GroupOn for an experience she’ll love, like skydiving, a hot air balloon ride or a paint night.
4. Buy her a luxurious experience—like a spa day or weekend away—to let her finally indulge.
5. Find something uniquely her. For example, if she loves owls, buy her owl mugs or cute owl tee.

No matter what you come up with, make sure your gift idea for your girlfriend comes wrapped with a thoughtful hand-written card.

The card’s message will show her you really care. Gift giving is a language. Become fluent in it like Jack from This Is Us and your girlfriend will melt into your arms forever.

Top 10 Gifts Your Girlfriend Actually Wants 2018

1. Shadow Box

Some sentimental S.O.s have discovered a cheat code to buying gifts for your girlfriend. When you’ve bought almost everything else on the list for your girlfriend, buy her a gift to hold all of the other gifts. Wait—what?

“Being that we’ve been together so long, my boyfriend has gotten me a bunch of gifts for holidays, anniversaries, etc. But I’d say my all-time favorite would be tickets to a concert. He surprised me with tickets to my favorite band and we had AMAZING seats,” University of Central Florida junior Siera Siedl said.

Siera’s boyfriend can’t recreate that concert experience. But he can commemorate it with a shadow box filled with the tickets, movie stubs from their first date, bottle caps, you name it, as reminders of all their best dates.

Basketball players honor great seasons by retiring their jerseys and displaying them on the wall; great baes honor their girlfriends by retiring mementos and displaying them in a shadow box. Talk about a creative gift for your girlfriend.

2. Promise Ring with Birthstones

One up your childhood pinky promise with a ring finger promise. Some might shy away from PDA like kissing and holding hands to show off your commitment to one another. Bling your girl out with the message instead.

“My boyfriend gave me a promise ring for our one year anniversary and it was just the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It had our birth stones connected. It was just so beautiful and meaningful,” University of Florida junior Hannah Wilson said.

Personalizing the ring will show your girlfriend how much thought you put into the promise ring. Plus the ring will represent you and your girlfriend equally minus any cringe-worthy matching outfits.

“My boyfriend gave me this beautiful pink floral ring from Pandora. He said it was our promise ring so it has a lot of sentimental value to it, which is what I love most about it,” said Stacey Rodriguez, sophomore at Palm Beach Community College.

3. Desk Decs

Make sure your girlfriend thinks of you during her 9 to 5 to match your 24/7. Buying her a beautiful small item to place where she’ll see it the most like her desk at home or at work. In the early stages of a relationship, the desk dec will quickly trigger thoughts of you without needing to bombard her Snapchat.

For maximum results, get a gift for your girlfriend that show her you care through trinkets that you know—cue Julie Andrews—a few of her favorite things.

“I really like trees even more then flowers and I used to always wear this tree necklace. One time my boyfriend surprised me by leaving a little metal tree in my room with a note,” Temple University junior Claudia Murtha said.

“To me, it doesn’t matter how much the gift is or what it is just the fact that he thought of me is what matters the most and that’s what makes the best gifts that I could ever receive.”

4. A Manicure

Dive into your girlfriend’s mid-week sanctuary. No matter how hectic a woman’s life gets, someone massaging, lotioning, grooming and painting pretty colors on her hands will make her feel 10 times—or 20 times if she also gets a pedicure—better.

“I’m on a college student budget, so I tend to give myself my own manicures, but I’ve always wanted my S.O. to pay for one for me as a gift,” Florida State University sophomore Kate Reitz said. If you can afford it, pick up the tab on your girl’s trip.

If you have the time, hop in the chair next to her and treat her to a freshly manicured partner on the side. If these options don’t work, skip plan C and go right to plan D…IY gift for your girlfriend. Pick up all the pro tools for your girlfriend to use at home.

5. Monogrammed Necklace

“Girls want gifts that are specific to them and not something that a guy could’ve given an ex,” said UF sophomore Allison Hollaway.

Don’t make the mistake of re-gifting the heart-shaped locket your ex returned after a tearful goodbye. Your new bae will look through your ex’s Instagram and she will not be happy to see that locket around your ex’s neck seven months ago.

“My favorite gift is probably my preppy monogram necklace because it’s unique specifically to me,” Hollaway said.

Your girlfriend can wear her initials around her neck every day and she’ll think of you. Find a monogrammed necklace that matches with most of what your girlfriend wears, whether that be black, brown, pearl, gold, silver or a funky color.

6. KitchenAid Stand Mixer

The kitchen is not, I repeat, NOT a woman’s place.

When she returns home from the boardroom though, she might crave a batch of her grandmother’s homemade double chocolate chunk brownies. The gift of efficiency comes with rewards. Cut the baking time in half with a KitchenAid Stand Mixer that will do the mixing for her.

Plus, this gift for your girlfriend looks boss, shining bright in the kitchen.

“[I love] my KitchenAid Mixer because it makes cooking fun and it’s my favorite color, cobalt blue,” said FSU recent graduate Karen Popovich.

The KitchenAid Mixers come in almost every color in the rainbow so pick her favorite color and she’ll know you pay attention. And if your girl loves to cook, KitchenAid also sells attachments that’ll let her juice, stuff pasta and more with one appliance.

7. Pandora Bracelet and Charms Bracelet

Pandora Charm Bracelets are the gift that keep on giving. Save yourself the stress every time a holiday, birthday or anniversary comes around.

After you buy her the actual charm bracelet, keep adding to it with charms that represent your time together.

“The best gift I’ve ever received was a Pandora charm bracelet… Each charm had a meaning special to me and to him,” said Northern Virginia Community College sophomore Lexi Viernes.

Did you take her to Disney World? Buy her a heart-shaped charm with Mickey and Minnie kissing on it. If you took her skiing for the first time, find a snowflake charm.

8. Makeup & Vanity Mirror

You know she looks gorgeous without makeup. But if she spends hours before going out perfecting her winged eyeliner, show her you appreciate her efforts.

“Makeup is usually my favorite gift. Not so much because it is a girly thing or whatever, but because it shows that my boyfriend recognizes my interest and is willing to learn more about something that he may not necessarily care about in order to make me happy,” said FSU recent graduate Katie Flanigan.

Feeling lost in a sea of Sephora products? Take a peek in her makeup bag to see what brands she uses.

Or count on trusted makeup brands like Tarte, Too Faced, Urban Decay, Stila and whatever her roomie/BFF said she will love to guide you.

BONUS: Complete her makeup setup with a vanity mirror that will give her the perfect lighting to add a pop of color to her eyeshadow. “I do my makeup almost every day so a vanity mirror would be a great gift, ” said Palm Beach Community College sophomore Nicolle Cutolo.

9. Disney World

Make unforgettable memories with bae at the Happiest Place on Earth. You get to relive your favorite Disney childhood movies live an in color on rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight in Magic Kingdom. Or eat and drink around the world on a budget at Epcot.

“My boyfriend surprised me with a trip to Florida. I just turned 21 and he bought us tickets to Disney for my birthday,” said Pace University senior Chelsea Chuck.

Sneak in a stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to check out the brand-new lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land.

Or discover a new world at Pandora: The World of Avatar in Animal Kingdom. Make the experience even more ‘Gram-able and surprise her with matching t-shirts for cheesy pictures together in front of Cinderella’s Castle.

10. An Actual Engagement Ring

She’s the one. After years with your college or even high school sweetheart, you feel confident and ready to start a new life together.

“I never let myself splurge. If my boyfriend gave me jewelry it would make me feel special that he got me something I never get to have,” said FSU recent graduate Jazmine Goodman. “He could also give me an engagement ring.”

Talk to her best friends, maybe even consult her parents to find out what ring she’ll feel proud to wear forever. Before you drop all that cash, learn about the four C’s (Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut).

Your girlfriend is your biggest investment—but her engagement ring comes in at a close second. Do your research on quality and certification to make sure you get this right. And once you hit that fiancé status, finding gifts for your future wife will prove even more of a challenge.

Good luck, champ!

Need more gift ideas for your girlfriend?

Check out our extended list of gifts you can get in an instant. It’s super easy to get the gift she loves if you’ve been listening to every hint she’s dropped all year long. We’re kidding!

It’s much easier to get a gift your girlfriend will love if you simply put a little thought into it. That’s why we made your life easier with our list of gifts that girls have actually said they wanted. If you read the list, and think about the best fit for your girlfriend, you can’t go wrong. These are tried and true.

Even more gift ideas perfect for ymakeupour girlfriend.

11. Love Bracelet

Alex and Ani Love Spiritual Armor Bracelet: $46.90

12. Coffee Obsessed Love

Coffee Obsessed Racerback Tank: $24.99

13. Hot Tech Love

All-New Echo Dot: $49.99

14. Rayban Love

Ray-Ban Erika Sunglasses: $140.00

15. Whimsical Love

Jelly Clouds Shower Curtain: $29.99

16. Smoky Love

Tarte Eyeshadow Palette: $159.86

17. An Adorable Book

Me without You: $5.90

18. A Thoughtful Throw Pillow

Buy Now

19. Cat Love

Cuddly Cat Tapestry: $45.00

20. The Best Way to Read

Kindle Oasis E-reader: $249.99

21. Wanderlust Love

Buy Now

22. A Love Mug

You’re My Lobster Mug: $16.95 OR You’re my person mug: $22.00

23. Art Love

Punch Trunk Love Tapestry: $45.00

24. Literary Love

We Lose Ourselves Blanket: $49.99

25. Trendy Backpack

Herschel Little America Backpack: $86.85

26. Cuddle Love

Kitty Cone Duvet Cover: $89.99

Or one of these awesome duvets, almost guaranteed to get you some cuddle buddy action…

27. Gorgeous Earrings

10k Rose Gold Round Stud Earrings: $97.65

28. Treat Yo Self Love

Buy Now

29. Quirky Gift for Long Nights Studying

Ramen Bowl with Chopsticks: $16.95

30. Succulent Love

Buy Now

31. A Journal

Journal with White Embossed Suede Cover: $30.00

32. Fitness Love

Fitbit Alta HR: $149.93

33. Clever Tee that Says “I Get You”

Buy Now

OR

Buy Now

34. Bike Love

PUBLIC Dutch Style City Bike: $470.51

35. Photography Love

Canon EOS Rebel T5 Digital SLR Camera Kit: $394.00

36. Indulgent Love

Treat Yo Self Blanket: $49.99

37. Panini Love

Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler: $79.99

38. Personalized Love

10k Gold Personalized Name Necklace: $99.00

“I think getting a necklace out of the blue would be a great gift. It would definitely make my day.” -Gabrielle Loureiro, Sophomore, Construction Management Major, University of Florida

39. Adventurer Cozy Blanket

Buy Now

40. A Sexy Boot

Vince Camuto Boot: $74.58 and up

41. Gorgeous Watch 

Kate Spade Women’s Smart Watch: $325.00

Or if you’re ready to spend it all on her….Salvatore Ferragamo Rose Gold Watch.

42. High Quality Sound Love 

Libratone Multi-Room Wireless Speaker: $269.00

Buy Now

43. Hipster Music Love

1byone Turntable with Built in Speakers: $62.99

44. Robot Love

Sphero 2.0: App-Controlled Robot Ball: $130.43

45. Classic Photo Love

Buy Now

46. Motivation Love

Buy Now

47. Creative Love

MYNT3D Professional Printing 3D Pen: $69.99

48. Handmade Love

Oversized Knit Scarf : $74.95

49. Celestial Love

Celestial Fireworks Duvet Cover: $84.99

50. Instant Photo Love

51. Prickly Love

Prickly Pattern Shower Curtain: $49.99

52. Cuddly Love

Vermont Teddy Bear: $29.99

“I have memories that I can forget, so teddy bears are a good reminder. Plus, I can sleep with it.” -Audrey Nerette, Senior, Civil Engineering Major, Penn State University

53. Organized Love

Erin Condren LifePlanner: $29.99

54. Smart Love

Apple Smart Watch: $329.90

55. Flower Love

Two Dozen Red Roses: $43.81

“I’d want my boyfriend to get me calla lilies just because it’s Tuesday.” -Nadira Guerrero, Sophomore, Criminology and Law Major, University of Florida

56. Overnight Love

Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle Bag: $99.99

57. Movie Love

Netflix Subscription: Priceless

“A movie night would be a lot of fun, especially if it was a really long movie. If we watched a movie together and I got to eat all the popcorn all wanted, then I’d be a happy camper.” -Yasmeen Brooks, Sophomore, Public Health Major, University of Maryland

58. Serious Camera Love

Sony Alpha a5000 Mirrorless Digital Camera: $449.85

59. Running Love

Nike Women’s Running Shoe: $85.00

60. Laptop Love

Apple MacBook Air: $810.00

61. Coordinates of Your Love

Coordinates Bar Necklace Sterling Silver: $38.00