60+ Examples of Romantic Gestures: For Any Occasion or Budget

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Creative & expert-backed ways to boost intimacy with a partner
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When you feel just overwhelmed with affection for someone, a romantic gesture can show them just how big your love is. You want to do something special, but you're drawing a blank. Good thing you landed here! Keep reading for tons of ideas so you can pick the romantic gestures that are perfect for your relationship. Then, stick around for tips from holistic love coach Kate Dreyfus on how to boost intimacy in your relationship.

The Best Romantic Gestures

  1. Write a hand-written love letter.
  2. Make breakfast in bed.
  3. Set up a romantic scavenger hunt.
  4. Create a personalized playlist.
  5. Put together a video montage of your life together.
  6. Hide love notes in pockets, drawers, and more secret spots.
  7. Draw a bath or offer a massage.
Section 1 of 4:

Romantic Gestures for Him or Her

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  1. This sort of grand romantic gesture is not for the faint of heart—or the small of budget. But if you really want to go over the top, there's no better way.
    • You could also get your love's name written across the sky in fireworks or using skywriting—the possibilities are endless.
  2. 2
    Recreate your love's favorite movie scene. Is there a romantic scene they've watched over and over again, one they can recite by heart? Do what you can to make it come to life and watch them swoon.
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  3. 3
    Get a message to your love on the JumboTron at a sporting event. It's a good idea to make sure that they won't get embarrassed, especially if you're going to be at the game when this happens. You don't want your grand romantic gesture to backfire in front of thousands of people!
  4. 4
    Surprise them with a vacation or VIP experience. Going on a lavish vacation or being treated like a star is a great way to show your special someone just how much they mean to you. Just keep in mind these types of romantic gestures can't usually be very spontaneous!
    • For example, you might fly your love to Paris for the weekend—just to kiss them at the Eiffel Tower.
  5. 5
    Arrange a reunion with a long-lost friend or loved one. Does your partner have someone they love and miss, someone they talk about all of the time? What if you could get them together? Cue the waterworks—in a good way.
  6. This is the perfect romantic gesture if your sweetie has a birthday coming up. Remember to invite all of their oldest friends, even people they haven't seen in years.
  7. 7
    Help them fulfill a lifelong dream. If there's something they've always wanted to do, find out if there's a class nearby that you can enroll them in. It shows them not only that you love them but that you're paying attention to them and want them to be happy.
  8. 8
    Create something inspired by them. If you're something of an artist (or even if you're not), you might paint their portrait or write them a song. When love is your muse, anything that comes from the heart is beautiful.
  9. 9
    Check in and offer support when they're struggling. If you know that your partner is having a hard time, just taking a moment to say that you're there for them will really mean a lot. [1]
  10. 10
    Mail them an old-fashioned, hand-written love letter. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone, folded it into an envelope, and took it to the post office to mail it? Going to all of that effort for a love letter will really put a smile on your sweetie's face.
  11. 11
    Serenade them with their favorite song. This works even if you're not the greatest singer because they'll appreciate your bravery and vulnerability. It also shows them that you're paying attention and want to share their joy in the things that they love.
  12. This works best if you pick something that you can memorize—your love will swoon if you just start reciting beautiful poetry at them. Or turn it up a notch and Write a romantic love poem yourself.
  13. 13
    Surprise them with breakfast in bed. This is a classic, tried-and-true romantic gesture that will never do you wrong. Go all out and get a tray complete with a tiny vase and some flowers.
  14. 14
    Leave a path of rose petals from the front door. Where does the path lead? The mystery only adds to the romance. Maybe it's a candlelit table for two, or maybe a freshly drawn bubble bath. The choice is yours!
  15. 15
    Send them on the hunt with a clue. Set up a romantic scavenger hunt with clues that lead your love straight to you—or whatever other sweet surprise you have in store for them.
    • To make it more personal, use clues that take them to places that are significant in your relationship, such as the restaurant where you had your first date.
  16. 16
    Send flowers to them at work or school "just because." Nothing says love like flowers on a random day. This romantic gesture is sure to put a smile on your love's face (and might provoke a little jealousy among their coworkers or classmates).
    • Pick them a bouquet of wildflowers as you walk in nature for a whimsical, personal touch.
  17. 17
    Take them on a romantic picnic. No need to go to the park, though—you can throw a picnic in the backyard or the floor of the living room. This makes it all the more unexpected and means you can be a little spontaneous about it.
  18. This one checks all the boxes of a charming romantic gesture, complete with the feeling of "playing hooky." Take a walk with your cones, and you'll really feel like kids again!
  19. 19
    Post a romantic message for her on social media. A little call-out to them on social media not only shows your affection but also shows how proud of them you are. Add a recent pic you've snapped of them, or maybe one of the two of you together.
    • If you want to get creative, you might format it as a glowing "review" of them. This works especially well if they've recently done something really awesome for you that you want to thank them for.
  20. 20
    Give them a personalized piece of jewelry. Jewelry is always romantic, but you can take it to the next level with [ jewelry engraved with your initials or with an inside joke.
  21. 21
    Cook dinner for them—and clean up afterward. Cooking for your love is romantic enough, but this keeps the gesture going. After dinner, you shuttle them off to the couch to relax while you clean everything up.
  22. 22
    Compile a custom playlist of songs for them. Your sweetie will think of you while they're at the gym and smile if you've made their workout playlist. This is also a great gesture if they're about to go on a trip.
  23. 23
    Bring them their favorite food as a treat. Nothing would brighten your sweetie's day more than a surprise visit from you! Just make sure it's okay for you to show up at their work or school before you just appear unannounced.
  24. If you want a little heat in your romance, this is a great way to set off some sparks. Bonus points if you send them teasing selfies throughout the day that hint at your big reveal.
  25. 25
    Make their lunch for work. It's likely that nobody's made their lunch for them since they were a kid—it'll make them feel really special to be so cared for. Add a sweet love note or a small token of affection to really make them swoon.
  26. 26
    Get their car or truck detailed. This romantic gesture shows that you're looking out for them and taking care of them. If you want to be really sweet, you'll likely get bonus points if you do it yourself instead of taking it to a shop.
  27. 27
    Prep for them in the morning so they can sleep in. Granted, you can't take a shower for them—but anything else you can do for them shows them how much you love them. Leave them a note on the nightstand to let them know you're doing this the night before.
    • For example, you might write, "I'm taking the kids to school tomorrow, my love—enjoy an extra hour of sleep. I love you."
  28. 28
    Make a list of things that you appreciate about them. When you show gratitude to your partner, you increase your emotional intimacy and overall satisfaction with your relationship—nothing more romantic than that! [2]
    • You could also simply thank them for sharing life with you. Acknowledge that they make a choice to be with you every day and that you appreciate it.
  29. 29
    Offer to help with a task they're working on. If they seem a little overwhelmed (or even if they don't!), show them you love them by lending a helping hand. Even better if it's something that you wouldn't ordinarily do.
  30. Include a heartfelt quote to let them know how much you adore them. It's a great way to give them a quick smile in the middle of the day or when you're apart.
  31. 31
    Surprise them with a replacement for something old. You might not think that a tool could be romantic, but if it's replacing one that's about to bite the dust, it totally is. You're telling your love that they deserve to work with the best.
  32. 32
    Create a bucket list together. What could be more romantic than planning the rest of your lives together? Thinking about all of the things that you want to do in your life also helps you discover things about each other and forge stronger emotional connections.
  33. 33
    Offer to do one of their favorite things with them. When you love something, you also love sharing it with other people. If your sweetie enjoys doing something that you've just never gotten into before, now's your chance!
  34. 34
    Have a conversation without any distractions. Turn off all of the screens and the notifications, sit face to face, and just talk. Allow yourselves to be in the moment together and give each other your full attention.
  35. 35
    Paint or redecorate a room of your house. It's a nice surprise and gives you both something fresh to look forward to. You could also tackle any household project that you've both been putting off.
  36. Passwords or keys, tucked in a small box and tied with a bow, are a super romantic gesture. They show that you're giving this person access to you.
  37. 37
    Carve your initials into a stone or a piece of wood. Just make sure you're not vandalizing someone else's property! The tried-and-true initials in a heart will preserve your love for years to come.
  38. 38
    Recreate your first date. Reminiscing together strengthens your connectedness and intensifies empathy, so don't be afraid to indulge in a little nostalgia to make your romantic gesture special. [3]
  39. 39
    Create a scrapbook of your life together. Gather up ticket stubs, menus, receipts, and anything else and put it together with photos and memories. Then, you can both swoon over your beautiful love story.
  40. 40
    Map out the route of your love. Use a GPS app to make a map of all of your special places , such as where you had your first date or your first kiss. Then, take your love on a literal stroll (or drive) down memory lane.
  41. 41
    Work a jigsaw puzzle together. But not just any puzzle! Have a puzzle made from a photo of the two of you, or of a special message that they can only read once the puzzle is complete.
  42. Digitize old photos or videos from their childhood and give your love a zip drive with all of the copies. They'll cherish it forever.
  43. 43
    Make a video montage of photos from your life together. This can help you remember wonderful days that you might've otherwise forgotten. It also gives you a chance to relive all of those great experiences you've had together.
  44. 44
    Take kissing selfies and set them as wallpaper on your phones. Every time you pick up your phone, it's also a celebration of your love. This is especially great if you're long-distance because it gives you a chance to feel more connected.
    • You might also make up a secret hand signal that means "I love you" and include that in selfies you send to each other while you're apart.
  45. 45
    Hide little love notes for them to find randomly. Use something as small as a sticky note, and you can hide it in pockets, under a cup, or anywhere you think your love might happen to notice. It's an unexpected and sweet little romantic surprise.
  46. 46
    Grab their hand and skip down the sidewalk instead of walking. Something about being in love just makes you feel like a kid again. This might be why some of the sweetest romantic gestures indulge that playful, childlike spirit.
  47. 47
    Record yourself doing something silly and send it to them. If you're apart and feeling lonely or can sense that your love could use a pick-me-up, a silly video is all you need. The best thing about recording it this way (instead of just video-calling them) is that they can watch it over and over again if they want.
  48. There's nothing more romantic than spontaneous dancing, so pull up some music on your phone and cut a rug in the kitchen. You might even get the chance to literally sweep your love off of their feet!
  49. 49
    Take care of the chore your love most hates doing. Doing any kind of chore is always appreciated, but when it's the one you know they detest? That makes it even sweeter. It will mean so much to them that you show up for them in this way.
  50. 50
    Restock something you can see that they're running low on. For example, if you borrow their car, you might top off the tank before you bring it back. Or if you see that their favorite coffee is on sale, you might pick up a couple of bags for them. They'll feel loved and cared for.
  51. 51
    Draw them a bath after a long, hard day. If they come dragging in late from work, a soothing hot bath could be just the trick. Take care of the prep work so they can slide right in and unwind.
  52. 52
    Offer your love a massage after a grueling day. A massage is a great way to get physically intimate without getting sexual. You'll strengthen your connection to each other while also helping your love relax.
  53. 53
    Give your love the afternoon off. Take over their responsibilities for a few hours, so they have nothing to worry about. This might include running errands for them—whatever you have to do to buy them some time to themselves.
    • Another sweet thing you can do is clean the house while they're gone so everything's done when they get home, and all they have to do is sit back and decompress.
  54. If intense relaxation is what you're looking for, you can't beat being pampered at a salon. You could also make it more personal and create a spa in your own home.
  55. 55
    Choose a book to read and discuss together. Share your thoughts, ideas, and creative energy by forming a little book club for two. It's a romantic gesture that includes a great way to spend quality time together.
  56. 56
    Give them a nice long hug for no reason. If your love is someone who enjoys hugs, a spontaneous hug from out of the blue is going to make them feel so loved and supported. Add a kiss or two to boost the romance.
  57. 57
    Hold their hand when you're walking down the street. There's nothing more adorable than holding hands. It's sure to make their heart skip a beat when they feel your hand in theirs. Affectionate squeezes tell them you love them.
  58. 58
    Give them a playful squeeze in public when no one's looking. Being a little flirtatious makes this romantic gesture fun and playful. It might also hint that you're interested in getting a little more intense later.
  59. 59
    Put your arm around them when you're sitting together. Sitting next to each other might signify that you're a couple, but when you put your arm around your love, there can be no mistaking your feelings. They'll feel protected and loved with your arm around them.
  60. If you and your partner live together, you probably walk past each other a dozen times a day. Every single one of those times, there could have been a kiss. Just don't go overboard!
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Section 2 of 4:

What is a romantic gesture?

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  1. Showing affection helps deepen and strengthen the bond between you and your partner. Romantic gestures can be massive and well-orchestrated or relatively small and spontaneous—and the wonderful part is that those small, spontaneous ones can mean just as much as going all out. [4]
    • Many romantic gestures look like things you would do for anyone you cared about. What makes them romantic is the feeling and intention behind them.
    • Often, the most meaningful romantic gestures are the ones that come straight from the heart for no special occasion.
Section 3 of 4:

What are gestures of intimacy?

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  1. You can think of romantic gestures as just one type of intimate gesture. There are different kinds of intimacy (including intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical) in a healthy relationship, each with its own intimate gestures that help strengthen that connection. [5]
    • Most romantic gestures are also intimate gestures of some sort. For example, giving your partner a book that both of you will read and discuss can strengthen your intellectual intimacy.
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Section 4 of 4:

Expert Insights on Boosting Intimacy in Your Relationship

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  1. Dreyfus advises that you not only ask about these things, but also "participate in what lights them up! It always feels good knowing someone cares about what you love."
    • For example, if your partner enjoys playing hockey, you might read up on the rules and the history of the sport so you can follow along. Then, go to their games and cheer them on!
    • If your partner is interested in a topic you don't know much about, you could watch a documentary or read an overview so you can carry on a conversation with them about it.
  2. Being open and honest with one another builds trust. This means "taking down your professional persona, your protective armor and, if needed, removing your social media persona to let your authentic self shine through," as Dreyfus explains.
    • "This includes revealing and owning your imperfections or mistakes and letting them know when you are having a bad day," Dreyfus continues.
    • "It is a great opportunity to see how they show up for you in those moments," Dreyfus concludes. "That is what can build a deep emotional connection!"
  3. When you move beyond the surface and talk about why you really love someone, you're "sharing pieces of your heart and feelings," Dreyfus notes. These sorts of compliments allow you to practice vulnerable intimacy.
    • "Another way to practice vulnerable intimacy," Dreyfus adds, "is to share with them challenges you have faced in your life that make you feel exposed, raw, and vulnerable."
    • Dreyfus does caution that "it is as important to ask them to also open up and be vulnerable with you in the same way to create a balance in your vulnerable exchange to support the success of your emotional connection."
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      References

      1. ↑ https://socalmentalwellness.com/couples-counseling/showing-love-with-daily-small-gestures/
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-discomfort-zone/202408/emotional-intimacy-the-key-to-a-resilient-and-fulfilling
      3. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36641833/
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wild-connections/201503/why-we-need-to-make-romantic-gestures
      5. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/relationships-creating-intimacy

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