The most wanted gifts for couples

Ticket to Ride Board Game

Wanted for Blocking your route to Denver out of pure spite.

A beginner-friendly game about building train routes across a map of North America. It's easy to learn and plays well with two, which makes it a great gift for couples and families.

Why it's here One of the best board games for two, and it's simple enough to pick up on a weeknight.

Let it slide if They've got a shelf full of board games. They probably own it already.

100 Dates Scratch-Off Poster

Wanted for Ending the 'I don't know, what do you want to do?' loop.

A poster of date ideas you reveal by scratching them off one at a time. It takes the planning out of date night, and it's a cute, cheap gift for couples at any stage.

Why it's here It's a great solution to the 'what should we do tonight' problem, and it lasts for a good long time.

Let it slide if Your partner would prefer a gift with a little less homework.

We're Not Really Strangers Card Game

Wanted for Asking the questions nobody planned on answering tonight.

A card game of increasingly personal questions designed to spark real conversations. It's a great choice for couples, close friends, and anyone who's tired of talking about work.

Why it's here A surprisingly lovely game for couples, even if they've been together for years.

Let it slide if The people playing aren't in the mood for feelings.

Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit

Wanted for Bringing a campfire to the patio table with minimal smoke.

A small stainless fire pit that burns pellets or wood and sits right on an outdoor table. It's an easy way to make an ordinary night outside feel like an occasion, and s'mores are hard to argue with.

Let it slide if They don't have an outdoor space to use it in.

ENO DoubleNest Hammock

Wanted for Loitering between two trees for hours.

A lightweight two-person hammock that packs down to the size of a grapefruit. It's a simple way to make the most of a backyard or a campsite. Don't forget to add a set of straps.

Let it slide if Their outdoor life is limited to walking to the car.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera

Wanted for Printing evidence of the party on the spot.

A simple instant camera that spits out credit-card-size prints in seconds. It's easy enough for anyone to use, and it brings a little magic to birthdays, trips, and dorm walls. Add an extra pack of film.

Let it slide if They'd be annoyed by the ongoing cost of film.

Scratch-Off World Map

Wanted for Publicly tracking bragging rights, one country at a time.

A wall poster with a foil coating you scratch away as you visit each country. It's an easy gift for travelers and couples. Lots of makers offer them, so pick a style that suits their walls.

Let it slide if They've barely left the state and might feel called out.

Cocktail Smoker Kit

Wanted for Making an old fashioned look like a magic trick.

A small torch-top smoker that adds wood smoke to a drink right at the glass. It's a fun bit of theater for home bar owners. Lots of brands sell these, so check reviews and whether a torch is included.

Let it slide if They don't drink, or there's no home bar in sight.

Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

Wanted for Blending frozen pints into ice cream with alarming ease.

A countertop machine that turns frozen bases into ice cream, sorbet, or high-protein treats. It's a real splurge, but also a popular one for people who want to control what goes in their dessert.

Let it slide if Their kitchen has no counter or freezer room to spare.

Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

Wanted for Outliving the person who bought it.

A pre-seasoned cast iron pan made in the USA that's cheap, tough, and useful for nearly anything. It's a great gift for a new home, and it only gets better with use.

Let it slide if They already own one. Cast iron people tend to.

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

Wanted for Paying for itself in roughly a hundred avoided lattes.

An all-in-one espresso machine with a built-in grinder that gets beginners making real espresso at home. It's a major gift best split between family members, and there's a learning curve.

Let it slide if They want coffee in a hurry. This one takes practice.

Homesick Scented Candle

Wanted for Smelling like a home state and causing feelings without warning.

Candles with scents themed around states, cities, and memories. Picking one that fits where somebody's from makes it feel personal, even if you only found it this morning.

Let it slide if They're sensitive to fragrance, or live with someone who is.