Some people are a little harder to buy gifts for than others. We have all been through the experience of thinking that we have bought the perfect birthday present, watching them open it and seeing them pull that face which means “I’m going to say that I am really happy with this but to be honest, it’s not really for me.” Sometimes it is because this person might buy themselves all the things they actually want. Sometimes it’s because their habits are just really tricky to buy for. How many gifts can you really get someone whose favourite activity is swimming, for example?

So, every year, we rack our brains, search through store after store, and we end up taking a chance on the gift that is least likely to cause offence, or we get them vouchers, or we transfer some money into their account so they can get themselves something they actually want. But let’s face it: there is nothing like getting someone the perfect gift. It shows them that we have put time and effort into thinking about what they would like, it shows them that we care about them, and, on a purely selfish level, it always feels like a massive victory when we get it exactly right.

With the UK reopening this summer and lockdown restrictions lifting, it’s time for us to pivot from those indoor favourites and think about how we can celebrate the partner’s big day and stepping out with a new sense of confidence. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

A Night Away

It’s fair to say that most of us are pretty sick of the sight of our own four walls by now. We have been staying at home as much as possible since March 2020, and now that things have opened up, it’s time to treat ourselves. If you and your partner have been itching for a proper holiday but you’re not ready or not able to go on a long break abroad yet, then why not think about splurging on an upscale hotel for a night or two?

Think about how nice it would be to sleep in a bed that someone else has made, order room service and relax far away from the confines of your own home. We’ve put this suggestion at the top of the list for anyone with kids, because you definitely deserve a night to yourselves at this point.

Workout Gear To Celebrate A Fresh Start

We have all been doing our best to stave off the lockdown belly during the course of the pandemic, but it’s tough to stay off the snacks when things have been so stressful. And even though we have seen restrictions slowly lifting over the last couple of months, it’s not as if the weather has made heading out for a jog particularly enticing recently.

However, summer is here (in spirit if not in sunshine levels just yet), the gyms are back open, and now is the perfect time to get back to work on our fitness levels. If your partner has been itching to get back to their old workout routine, then they should be doing so with some fresh gym wear. If you’re looking for tracksuits for men, check out the range at Gym King. They offer everything from sharp tapered poly suits to casual sportswear.

Tickets To See The People They’ve Missed

One of the toughest things to deal with throughout the pandemic is that we have been cut off from our friends and loved ones for so long. As excited as we are that everything from cinemas to nightclubs are reopening, the biggest impact of the restrictions ending will be the ability to see the people we’ve been missing for more than a year.

Of course, it’s not always as simple as jumping in the car and driving over, which is why planning a reunion for your partner could be the ultimate summer gift. Is there someone on the other side of the country that is hard to see even when there isn’t a pandemic? Scheduling a visit and treating them to the train (or plane) ticket could be the perfect gift. Maybe you want to think a little bigger. Think about getting their friends and family together for a party to show your partner how much they have been missed.

Don’t Be Afraid To Keep It Simple

As we mentioned, there have been so many things we have missed over the last year and a half. When you’re thinking about that perfect gift to get your partner, it’s worth keeping in mind that the perfect gift could be that activity you used to enjoy doing together regularly before all this pandemic business started.

With that in mind, don’t be afraid to keep it simple. Book a table at their favourite restaurant. Get tickets to go and see a movie at your local cinema. Go to a gig. These things that we used to think were little have become so much more important and that should be remembered.