The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift for the (Unlucky) Partner Who Married a Realtor
What Not to Give Your Partner This Valentine’s Day
Before we get to the good stuff, let’s go over a few things you should absolutely avoid gifting this year:
- An “I owe you” dinner reservation. We all know that dinner’s getting canceled when a buyer suddenly needs to see a house.
- A half-hearted apology text for being late (again). They already have a whole folder of those saved.
- A speech about how “this year will be different.” The market says otherwise.
- Anything that benefits you more than them. A framed photo of you isn’t a gift - it’s a threat.
Now that we’ve covered the bare minimum expectations, let’s get into the gifts that will actually make your partner feel appreciated for putting up with you.
Thoughtful Gifts to Make Up for Your Realtor Behavior
1. A Fully Planned Date Night (That You Swear on your $1MM Listing You Won’t Cancel)
Your partner doesn’t want to hear “I’ll make it up to you” for the 47th time. They want a real, distraction-free date.
- Book the sitter.
- Make the reservation.
- Turn your phone off (yes, really).
If you want to go big, plan a weekend getaway and block it off your calendar like it’s a closing. If it’s on your schedule, you can’t cancel, right?
2. A “No Work” Coupon (That You’ll Actually Honor)
Nothing says romance like a handwritten promise to ignore your phone for an entire day.
- No emails.
- No quick calls.
- No sneaky MLS scrolling under the dinner table.
If you want to really impress them, set your email to an out-of-office auto-reply that says, “Spending the day with the love of my life. Will respond tomorrow.” That’s a power move.
3. A Massage or Spa Day (Without Interruption)
Your partner deserves a break from you answering calls during dinner. Give them a stress-free, client-free, contract-free day at the spa.
- Book them a full spa package.
- Drop them off yourself (so they know you won’t suddenly need them home).
- Do not text them while they’re there. Not even “Just checking in!”
If you want extra points? Have the house cleaned while they’re gone.
4. A Home Deep Clean or Professional Organizing Session
Speaking of which… Let’s be honest. Your home has probably been neglected while you’ve been out showing properties.
- Hire a professional cleaner to do the deep clean neither of you has time for.
- Or bring in an organizer to tackle that one area of the house your partner always complains about.
It’s a gift that says, “I acknowledge the chaos I bring into this home, and I’m making amends.”
5. A Subscription to a Meal Kit or Fancy Takeout Night
Since you’ve missed several home-cooked meals by working late, make dinner easier for them.
- Get a meal kit subscription so they don’t have to think about what’s for dinner.
- Or set up a takeout night with their favorite restaurant -wine included.
Bonus: If you actually cook the meal yourself (without calling it “showing effort”), they might even forgive you for last weekend’s missed brunch.
The Best Gift of All: More Presence, Less Phone
At the end of the day, your partner doesn’t need a grand romantic gesture—they just want to feel like a priority. They want your presence more than a present from a store.
- Put your phone down.
- Be mentally present.
- Schedule real, uninterrupted time together—and actually stick to it.
Your partner supports your career every single day. This Valentine’s Day, make sure they know that you see them, appreciate them, and will try (keyword: try) to do better this year.
And if nothing else… at least don’t take a client call during dinner.
Final Thoughts: Show Them They Matter (Even When Real Estate is Insane)
Your partner deals with a lot - late nights, missed plans and managing the family in your absence. This Valentine’s Day, show them you appreciate their patience with a gift that actually makes up for your Realtor tendencies.
Because let’s be honest - you’re definitely going to be late for dinner again next week.