The holiday shopping season is in full swing and chances are, there are one or two or more couples on your shopping list. If you’re thinking you need to give them separate gifts, may I suggest shopping for the couple rather than the individual? It’s a great way to stretch your holiday budget. For example, if your per person budget is $50, you could do a combined gift for $75. It’s also a great way to promote togetherness and shared interests in the relationship, and that is a great gift within itself!

Whether you head to the shopping mall or you do your Christmas shopping online, I hope these suggestions help you find the perfect gift!

Shared interest gifts for the:

• Outdoorsy couple – how about a cozy 2 person tent?
• Coffee “snobs” – It takes one to know one and I know that the best coffee is brewed at home. Brew up some excitement with a selection of gourmet coffees or gift cards to their favorite coffee shop (presented in a pair of matching mugs!)
• Sports fanatics – they’ll look great in matching team jerseys
• Wine connoisseurs – a gift basket of bottle openers, stoppers, wine glass tags and a bottle of their favorite brand or local vineyard
• Gardeners – no more, “where is my …?” with his and hers garden tool bags
• Foodies – they may be hard to please but a gift basket of gourmet goodies & a gourmet cookbook is always fun to receive!
• Couch potatoes – Combine DVD sets for a his and hers gift pack! Pick a season or a complete show set, one for her, one for him and let the marathon watching begin.

Other gift giving ways to promote shared interests and togetherness:

• Date night out – restaurant gift card & movie or show tickets
• Date night in – movie rental gift card, snacks/popcorn, candles, wine/sparkling  juice
• Local attractions – theme parks, museums, sports tickets, concert tickets
• New Interest Classes – Sometimes it’s fun to find a new shared interest. Search your area for art classes (places like Sips and Strokes or other local art studios) or dance classes (ballroom, swing, even Latin! Check local directories for studios and locations)

And for the couple with children, an offer of free babysitting when they use their gift cards/tickets, etc is always much appreciated!

Hopefully this has sparked some ideas to help complete your holiday shopping. Think about the couples on your shopping list, consider their personalities and interests and then, get creative!

Merry Christmas to all!