5 Meaningful “Now & Later” Gift Ideas

What makes a gift meaningful? Honestly, it probably depends on the person. It could be expensive or free, functional or frivolous, as long as it’s given with intention and thoughtfulness – and makes the recipient feel known, loved, and/or holds sentimental value.

There’s no shortage of meaningful gift ideas out there; you’ve probably given and received some yourself. So we decided to put a spin on it with these two-part gift ideas for your partner. Each one has a component to enjoy right now and another to be saved for later or carried into the future. Let’s get started:

Custom playlists


Make a playlist for right now and another for a specific time in the future (when they’re traveling for work, prepping for a big presentation, working out, etc.) Sure, this idea is as old as mixtapes, but there are so many ways you can get creative with it, and technology makes it easier than ever! Build one that tells the story of your relationship or walks them down memory lane, or pick a theme to follow. Mix in their old favorites with new songs/artists you think they’ll like, or consider adding some variety with podcasts.

“Now & later” coupons


Pair a gift card from a favorite restaurant/spa/etc. with a “homemade” coupon for something special – maybe cooking up their favorite meal, a weekend for them to enjoy alone time, a pre-planned date night, etc. They can redeem one coupon now and save one for a later time. Consider combining two homemade coupons for a lower cost option, or creating a “coupon book” to last throughout the year. The homemade aspect allows you to tailor it to your spouse’s preferences making it all the more meaningful. It’s a thoughtful addition or twist on the traditional gift card route, which can sometimes feel a bit uninspired.

Love letters


You might cringe at these words, but it doesn’t have to be as corny as it sounds. Instead of emulating Shakespeare, just focus on writing two letters from the heart. It could be a list of the things you want to thank them for, a recap of your favorite memories from the past year, or the things you’re looking forward to doing together in the upcoming year. (Bonus points for actually hand-writing it!) Give one to your spouse now, and hide the other one in a place they’ll discover at a later time – in the back of a dresser drawer or in the pocket of a jacket they won’t wear until the spring. It will be a nice day-brightening surprise when they least expect it.

Photo album/slideshow


Whether you go digital or put in the extra effort with physical prints, pulling together photos your spouse will love into one album or slideshow is a treat. We might scroll through old photos on our phone, but there’s something extra special about someone else taking the time to curate the snaps they think you’ll love. You can add some background music, funny captions, etc. to make it even more personalized and meaningful. The best part is it can be an open-ended gift – you can keep adding to it or make a new one that your partner looks forward to receiving each year.

A new tradition


Start a new gift tradition now, and enjoy it for years to come! For example, you could start buying or making a special Christmas ornament for each other every year, introducing a “white elephant”-type gift into the mix, or creating a “challenge” for each year, such as “edible gifts under $20” or “must fit in your pocket.” Have fun with it, and make the tradition extra meaningful by dedicating some quality time to exchange the gifts.

If you struggle with finding the right gift for your spouse, you’re not alone! Whether they’re hard to shop for, you just feel like you’re buying more stuff, or you’re looking for a way to spice up your traditional gift exchange, consider incorporating the aspect of “now and later.” It’s a simple way to reframe your thinking of what makes a meaningful gift, and even if none of these strike a chord with you, we hope they’ll spark some of ideas of your own.