35: How to Give Your Partner a Gift Card Without Hurting Your Relationship

Make More Love

[SUMMARY]

Gift-giving during the holidays or special occasions can be a minefield, especially when it comes to significant others. This week, Ellen dives into a common mistake many partners make: giving a gift card without much thought—and how it can unintentionally hurt your relationship. She shares a real-life story from a client and offers practical, step-by-step advice on how to turn even a gift card into a meaningful experience that shows your partner how much you care.

Part 1: Why Gift-Giving Feels So Hard

Ellen breaks down the common frustrations and challenges of holiday gift-giving:

• Why partners with “everything” are difficult to shop for.
• How big-ticket items and personal preferences make gift-giving feel impossible.
• Why a gift card might seem practical but can come across as thoughtless.

She also unpacks what the phrase “It’s the thought that counts” really means—and how partners interpret effort differently.

Part 2: A Client’s Gift-Giving Dilemma

Ellen shares the story of her client, JT, who struggled to find a gift for his wife after past failures—including a gift card disaster that caused resentment. She explores why this scenario is so common and how frustration can lead to gift-giving procrastination or avoidance altogether.

Part 3: The Solution—Make It an Experience

Ellen lays out a step-by-step plan for turning a gift card or shopping budget into a meaningful and personal experience:

1. Create a beautifully wrapped certificate for a shopping day together.
2. Plan ahead by contacting stores and arranging a curated selection within budget.
3. Elevate the experience with lunch, dinner, or thoughtful details that show care and effort.She also provides ideas for scaling the experience to different preferences, budgets, and logistics.

Key Takeaways:

1. A great gift isn’t about the price—it’s about the thought and effort behind it.
2. Focusing on an experience over a “thing” creates connection and shows your partner you value them.
3. Planning even simple details, like arranging a private shopping experience, can make all the difference.

Call to Action:

If you’ve ever struggled with gift-giving, this episode is your chance to rethink your approach and create a meaningful moment with your partner. For more personalized advice, schedule a free Relationship Reset Call with Ellen or join the conversation in the P3 Insider’s Community. Links are below!

Closing Thoughts:

Ellen reminds listeners that putting thought into a gift is about more than avoiding conflict—it’s about deepening your connection and showing your partner they matter.

"Until next time, remember, 'What I want most in the world is for you to Make More Love in Your Life and with Your Wife.'" - Ellen Dorian

Support & Resources:

Ellen invites listeners to share their thoughts, either in the P3 Insider's Community or directly with her via email. Or, for one on one brainstorming on a specific situation, listeners can set up a time on Ellen's Calendar for a free Relationship Reset Call.

All links can be found below.

PS:

custom jewelry design info:

https://www.instagram.com/dorianjewelers/

"Until next time, remember, 'What I want most in the world is for you to Make More Love in Your Life and with Your Wife.'" - Ellen Dorian

Disclaimer:

The Make More Love show is for information and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for the guidance of a qualified mental health or medical professional.

Make More Love Show Website: www.makemorelove.show

Parent Company: The Passionate Partners Project: www.passionatepartnersproject.com

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