Gift-giving should be a joy, but it really depends on the recipient, and if you are trying to buy for a couple it is especially tricky. This is because you may be trying to cater to two people with entirely different tastes and preferences, or feel hamstrung by the fact that the couple in question is already in possession of everything they could reasonably need.
If you are in this situation and you need a little inspiration, here are some couple-oriented gift ideas that should take the stress out of proceedings.
Glorious glassware
The great thing about glassware is that every home needs it and invariably you will find that couples get through it quite quickly, with the fragility of this type of item making it especially susceptible to accidental damage.
Likewise glassware is an established gifting option, especially if you go the extra mile and invest in high quality examples that are fit for special occasions and deserve to be cherished, such as the Tang signature glassware range from Tom Dixon.
Glassware can even be personalized, so if you want custom sets for couples you are close to, this could make the gift even more meaningful.
Snuggly blankets
Blankets are another item that no couple can be without, especially for those cold winter nights spent cuddled up together in front of the TV.
The advantage of gifting a blanket to a couple is that you have so much choice in terms of style and design. From blankets that sit at the more bohemian end of the aesthetic spectrum to contemporary counterparts that have designs that match their décor, you can easily encounter options that will suit the intended recipients down to the ground, rather than feeling like a half-baked last resort.
Drinks trolley
If the couple loves to host parties or simply has a large collection of premium spirits that are gathering dust in a cupboard out of sight, then endowing them with a drinks trolley could really have a transformative impact on their lives.
Many of the examples on the market at the moment are inspired by mid-century design trends, probably because this kind of furniture features heavily in more recent pop cultural re-visitings of this period, such as HBO’s Mad Men. There are more modern designs as well, so keep this in mind when making your selection.
Food prep appliances
One of the great things about gift giving is that you can take the opportunity to buy someone a product they would never feel comfortable spending the money on themselves. This can be an excuse to push the boat out in terms of budget, and it is definitely worth doing when it comes to kitchen appliances, because the most attractive examples tend to also be the most expensive.
Whether you opt for the manually operated, old-school appeal and stainless steel charms of something like a food mill from OXO, or you choose the elegance and style of a more modern piece of equipment like the Smart Grinder Pro coffee machine from Breville for caffeine fans, it will be money well spent both in terms of form and function.
Plant stands
If you know a couple that has a home full of houseplants, then the chances are that they would definitely appreciate an additional stand as a way to showcase their carefully maintained greenery.
Industrial-look stands are especially en vogue at the moment, although as with all of the gifts mentioned here, do bear in mind the kind of style that the couple prefers, rather than trying to imprint your own tastes on them with what you choose.
