The Late-Romantic dot com Gift Guide – The Person You’re Saving for a House With

You clearly love this person a lot, but money is also clearly something you’ve discussed and you’re on track for building a life together, which takes cash. How can you show your partner that you care in both the long and short-term?

• Etsy jewellery. People like pretty things, and rather than going for mall jewellery like Pandora or expensive jewellery like Tiffany’s, get them something that’s affordable but more like what they actually want. Etsy has things like uncut diamonds, fake stones in real bands and artisans who’ll copy the gems from their favourite movie or celebrity in a more budget way, so you can get them the gift they deserve without worrying them about the hole in your joint savings you might have made.
• Handmade gifts. A couple of years ago I was under-employed and quite broke, so for my partner’s birthday I bought a candle and a paper tablecloth, made a menu, and turned our flat into a fancy restaurant I couldn’t have afforded to take us to. The menu could be wrapped up, as could a scarf you’ve hand-knit (this is not a cheapo option, as anybody who’s ever bought yarn will tell you) or the wood for a bookshelf you know they want – putting time into something shows exactly the sentiment that this kind of relationship warrants.
• Art for your walls. If you know your partner’s taste, why not surprise them with a framed poster or print that will look lovely on your walls? Even if its permanent home is not your rental place, you’ll look at it and be brightened in the meantime.
• Self-care. Buying something like a massage, a fancy bottle of wine or a language class will allow your partner to do something they’ve probably been skimping on whilst you save – if they have a bad back, have cut out niceties, or wish to travel, this is a great way of saying ‘I love you, we’re building a life together’ that puts them first and still keeps your savings in mind. Think about what self-care would look like to your love and make this your priority.
• THE BOOK: Stacey Solomon’s practical housework guide. If you’re building a life together you’ll need some DIY knowledge, and a book like this acknowledges that you’re going to need to put in some work when you get your own place.