Gifts for Couples

Something two people share

A gift for two people works best when it gives them something to do together on an ordinary weeknight. It should not be another object for one of them to quietly put away. Two-player games, a pot big enough for a shared dinner and a reason to sit outside after dark all earn their space.

Under $25 7 ideas

  1. Codenames: Duet

    The cooperative two-player version of Codenames, so they win or lose as a team instead of arguing over the score. Rounds take about fifteen minutes and it travels well.

    Czech Games EditionStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  2. The Fox in the Forest

    A clever two-player card game built on the kind of trick-taking their grandparents played, with a fairy-tale twist. Small enough to bring to a restaurant.

    Renegade Game StudiosStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  3. Exit: The Game – The Abandoned Cabin

    An escape room in a box that takes an evening to solve and plays well with just two. You destroy parts of it as you go, which is half the fun and means it is a one-time experience.

    KOSMOSAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  4. Monopoly Deal Card Game

    All the property trading of Monopoly in fifteen minutes instead of three hours. Fast enough that the loser always asks for a rematch.

    Hasbro GamingStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  5. We're Not Really Strangers Card Game

    Three levels of question cards that move from small talk to the conversations couples stop having once life gets busy. Good for a date night in.

    We're Not Really StrangersAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  6. The Book of Questions

    A pocket book of odd, revealing questions that has been a road-trip staple for decades. Couples who think they know everything about each other usually find out they do not.

    Gregory StockBookStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  7. Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film, Twin Pack

    Twenty shots for the instant camera they already own, or a refill to pair with the Instax Mini 12 below. Instax film always runs out faster than people expect.

    FujifilmGets used upStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

Under $50 5 ideas

  1. Sky Team

    A cooperative game where the two of them land an airliner without talking about their dice. It won the 2024 Spiel des Jahres and is built for exactly two players.

    Le Scorpion MasquéAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  2. Patchwork

    A two-player puzzle game about stitching a quilt from Tetris-shaped scraps. Calm, quick and easy to teach to someone who does not normally play board games.

    Lookout GamesAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  3. Jaipur

    A two-player trading game about spices, cloth and camels that takes thirty minutes and has a lot of repeat play in it. A long-time favorite for couples who game.

    Space CowboysAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  4. 7 Wonders Duel

    The two-player version of a classic civilization game, with three different ways to win. A step up in depth for couples who already like card games.

    Repos ProductionAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  5. Sunbeam Heated Throw Blanket, Microplush

    Big enough to share on the couch, with heat settings and an auto shut-off so nobody has to remember to turn it off. Ends the thermostat argument for one season.

    Sunbeam

    See it on Amazon

Under $100 5 ideas

  1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera

    Prints credit-card-size photos on the spot, with automatic exposure so nearly every shot comes out. Couples end up with a fridge full of them.

    FujifilmAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  2. Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

    Big enough for a pot of chili or a whole chicken for two with leftovers, and it goes from stove to oven to table. Lodge's enameled version does the same job as pots that cost several times more.

    Lodge

    See it on Amazon

  3. Cuisinart Electric Fondue Set CFO-3SS

    An electric fondue pot with temperature control, so cheese or chocolate never scorches. It turns a regular night in into an event that lasts two hours.

    CuisinartAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  4. LEGO Icons Bouquet of Roses 10328

    A build for two over a couple of evenings that ends as flowers which never wilt. Split the bags and race each other if they are competitive.

    LEGOFor displayAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  5. ENO DoubleNest Hammock

    A two-person hammock that packs into its own pouch and hangs between two trees in minutes. Add tree straps if they do not already own them.

    ENOAn experience

    See it on Amazon

$100 and up 3 ideas

  1. Ooni Koda 12 Gas Pizza Oven

    Runs on propane, heats up in about fifteen minutes and cooks a pizza in about a minute. Pizza night becomes the thing they invite friends over for.

    OoniAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  2. Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

    A steel fire pit designed to burn with far less smoke, so they can sit by it without changing seats every five minutes. Best for couples with a yard or patio.

    Solo StoveAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  3. Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock

    Wakes them with gradually brightening light and plays white noise at night, which helps when one goes to bed earlier than the other. Controlled from a phone app.

    Hatch

    See it on Amazon