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BRIDES Editors Reveal the Wedding Gifts They Loved Receiving and Want to Give

Wedding Gifts For Couples

Brides

Although most couples have a wedding registry, sometimes all the good items on the list have been claimed. Other times, you might choose to go off-registry. If you’re giving money as a wedding gift, as many people do, a smaller token can complement cash and is a thoughtful way to get personal with a wedding gift for a couple.

It’s tempting to give something that speaks to your aesthetic; however, when it comes to gift-giving, the cardinal rule is to consider others’ tastes ahead of yourself. Etiquette Design Company founder Victoria Della Torre recommends keeping the couple’s habits and interests in mind. She loves to gift monogrammed items if the couple incorporates personalized touches into their home décor. Ahead, BRIDES editors share the wedding presents they loved receiving and are excited to give. Our curated list includes the best wedding gifts for couples, from grand gestures to smaller tokens.

For the Home

“You can never go wrong with home goods as wedding presents, especially if the couple doesn’t yet live together and needs certain products to help make their new space feel like home. Of course, it’s always best to look at their registry first (if they have one) so you can purchase gifts they actually want and need. Things I’ve gifted from registries recently include a linen duvet cover, vases, and delightfully kitschy Anthropologie mugs.” Maddie Barber, BRIDES writer

Home Entertainment and Tech Gadgets

“Couples who don’t have registries or already live together present the chance to get more creative with your home-related gifting. I would gift my friends or relatives something less traditional but useful, like a towel warmer, a cashmere blanket, or a Hatch alarm clock, products they’d necessarily think to buy themselves but will get tons of use and feel special enough to wrap up.” —Maddie Barber, BRIDES writer

Crystal

“A classic wedding gift, crystal denotes luxury, longevity, and celebration. Whether you choose flutes, an objet d’art, or a picture frame, a crystal gift will be appreciated by the couple for years to come.” —Jill Di Donato, BRIDES Associate Editorial Operations Director

For Green Thumbs

“Audrey Hepburn famously said, ‘To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.’ This is one reason why I love to gift newlyweds something green. As a plant lover myself, I adore the life that plants bring into the home, but when it comes to gifting etiquette, it’s not what I like that matters. So for couples I know struggle with keeping plants alive, there are plenty of options, like forever roses, or a faux orchid that looks so real, no one will be able to tell.” —Jill Di Donato, BRIDES Associate Editorial Operations Director

For Travel Lovers

“When we married in 2021, my husband and I knew we wanted to travel. I had spent my 20s traveling all over the world, but my husband had barely left the country. So, we knew we wanted to receive a trip as a wedding gift. But it had been a while since we could travel, so we were very much in need of quality luggage. And when I think of quality luggage, my mind goes straight to Away. I love the brand’s classic suitcases, which are durable and totally fashionable. With so many colorways and sizes, you simply can’t go wrong with a carry-on for a weekend getaway or a large flex for a honeymoon abroad.” —Cher Checchio, BRIDES Copy Editor

For the Kitchen

“The kitchen is the hub of creativity in a home, and for newlyweds, the place where everyday memories will simmer. Most couples will choose items for the kitchen on their registry, but if you’re looking for a small token to accompany a cash gift, consider elegant napkins. I’d stay away from flatware, as the couple most likely has their preferred aesthetic; however, luxury appliances and practical one-pot cookware are always welcome.” —Jill Di Donato, BRIDES Associate Editorial Operations Director

Unique Gifts

What to Look for in a Wedding Gift for Couples

  • Useful and Meaningful: There's a reason that household gadgets and kitchenware are among couples' most popular wedding gifts—they serve a purpose. However, sentimental wedding gifts for couples are also helpful in their own way. Things like personalized ornaments will help spark memories for many holiday seasons to come.
  • Personalized: If you opt for a personalized gift, you may want to ask a close friend or member of their family about the couple's traditions, religious preferences, décor aesthetic, and personal tastes before you click the buy button. Remember that a personalized gift usually comes with a no-return policy.  
  • Gift of Experience: If the happy couple loves to travel, a wonderful wedding gift allows them to make memories with an experiential present. Sullivan also recommends putting money towards their honeymoon. You can then give a smaller gift to complement the experience.
FAQ
  • What are some unique wedding gift ideas for couples?

    If you want to go off-registry for a more unexpected wedding gift for couples, consider the couple's habits and lifestyle choices. If they love entertaining, serving pieces, engraved cocktail glasses, or cookware. Outdoorsy couples will love camping gear and experiential gifts, while homebodies will appreciate presents that will make their nest feel cozy, personal, and like home.

  • How much should I spend on wedding gifts for couples?

    How much you spend on wedding gifts for couples depends on how close you are to the pair and your budget. "We tend to see guests spending within the $75 to $250 range," Della Torre says. "The most important thing is to be conscious of your budget and not spend beyond your means."

  • How much money should I give as a wedding gift?

    The same range of $75 to $250 would also apply to wedding gifts of cash. Della Torre recommends sending a check in the mail before the wedding so that the couple or wedding planner does not feel responsible for keeping it safe on the wedding day. You can also complement a cash gift with a thoughtful, less expensive toke.

  • Can you return personalized wedding gifts?

    Generally, unless the item arrives damaged or broken, most wedding gifts with monograms, dates, or other types of personalization come with a no-return policy. If you don't know the couple well, you can go with a gift purchased from their wedding registry, or from a big box retailer like Nordstrom, Target, or Amazon, which will be easy for them to exchange or return.

Why Trust Brides

Jill Di Donato, is the BRIDES associate editorial operations director, who specializes in bridal and wedding gifting. She joined the team in 2022 and has created dozens of gift guides for BRIDES. She values quality and craftsmanship, and giving the recipient something that will spark joy, and be treasured for years to come.

BRIDES contributor Hillary Hoffower has over six years of experience writing for the wedding industry, covering everything from bridal fashion trends to wedding decor. She has an eye for design and quality, which she considers when selecting gifts. Her favorite gifts are those that create memories, whether it’s a photo book or experience. She consulted Victoria Della Torre, a designer and the owner and founder of Etiquette Design Company.

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