The secret to finding the best Christmas gift for your girlfriend this year? Keep it personal. Choose a gift that says something about her—who she is and what she loves. Beyond the typical jewelry and perfume, these ideas will help you think a little more outside the (gift) box, no matter your budget or how long you’ve been together.

  • Share a New Experience

This is a great way to strengthen your relationship and see your partner’s more adventurous side. Take a class, go zip lining, backpack through a national forest, or see an opera. And if this special experience requires a new outfit as part of the gift, well that’s just a bonus.

  • Support Her Hobbies

If she’s a reader, give her a few classics, writing a special inscription in the front cover of each one. If she’s a music lover, tickets to see her favorite band or a stack of old vinyl would make thoughtful gifts. If tinkering in the kitchen is her zen, a basket of culinary tools or a coveted appliance could be perfect gift ideas. Take advantage of Vitamix blender deals, and let her play with ingredients to her heart’s content, since it’s considered the best blender by most chefs.

  • Book a Trip

Whether there’s a special place you’d like to share with her, or a common locale on both your bucket lists, taking a trip is a great way to celebrate and reconnect. The time you take to make all the arrangements will speak volumes, making it a perfect Christmas gift for girlfriends

  • Show Heartfelt Practicality

Pay attention to items she relies on that may be showing their wear. She’ll love that you notice the little things and want to take care of her. This could be anything from a new pair of stylish snow boots to a personalized journal. A little bonus tip: Items like this make great “just because” gift ideas for girlfriends throughout the year.

  • Craft Handmade Gifts

Handmade items make perfect Christmas gifts for girlfriends because they’re so personalized—and you’re likely the only person who knows her well enough to think of them. A hand-carved jewelry box, hand-painted wooden sign, or even a special tree ornament are more than Christmas gifts—they’re keepsakes your girlfriend will cherish throughout your relationship. If you’re not terribly crafty, vendors on Etsy offer a myriad of gift ideas for your girlfriend that you can personalize just for her.