Shopping for a wedding gift isn't always easy. While most couples have a wedding registry, sometimes you want to branch outside the box. (Or all of the good items on the list have already been claimed.) There's also the issue of budget. Luckily, the best wedding gift doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful—or useful. Practical gifts like a new vacuum or a serving platter are great, and home items are always a no-fail option, especially when you can personalize them with a monogram. There's also something to be said for a gift that helps the newlyweds create memories together, like a cookbook for at-home date nights or a journal with date ideas.
For expert insight into finding the perfect gift for any couple, we consulted Kristin Sullivan, master wedding director of The Bridal Retreat. "Many couples already live together and have most everyday items, and traditional registries are now more uncommon," says Sullivan. She suggests gifting a unique experience for the couple, such as a picnic in the park or a day visit to local botanical gardens. Etiquette Design Company founder Victoria Della Torre also recommends considering the couple's habits and interests. And she loves to gift monogrammed items if the couple incorporates personalized touches into their home décor.
Sale Alert
- Minted is offering 20% off holiday cards and gifts + free shipping with code SNOW2023 at minted.com
- The Adventure Challenge Scrapbook is 30% off at uncommongoods.com
- The Life Sutra Couple Reconnect Card Game is 40% off at amazon.com
- The CustomFamilyGifts Customizable Wanderlust Roadtrip Print is 15% off at etsy,com
To help narrow your search, we rounded up the best wedding gifts, starting at just $12, considering uniqueness, thoughtfulness, materials, quality, ease of use, aesthetics, packaging, and price in our assessment. After hours spent researching items to find standouts, we bought and tested our top picks to evaluate everything from personalization details to quality.
Read on for the best wedding gifts for couples.
Greyling Post Personalized Couples Print
This customized print is right up an adventurous couple’s alley. Personalize everything from hair color to headwear, and even add furry friends! Top it off with the newlyweds’ names and the date they’re getting married, and you’ll have a sweet little keepsake to make them smile every time they look at it.
One tester liked that the print seemed more sophisticated than other personalized art options they had seen online. They were impressed by the quality and weight of the paper, as well as the vividness of the colors and the modern design.
Who It's For
The couple who loves the outdoors, hiking, and going on adventures together.
Shop Home Maven Mr. and Mrs. Doormat
The newlyweds will be able to welcome everyone to their new home with this adorable outdoor doormat, which boasts their last name and the year they were married in a 3D velour embellishment. It’s crafted to withstand all kinds of weather and comes in three different sizes to accommodate various door types.
One tester mentioned that many doormats tend to shed fibers shed fibers, but this and this one held up well over time and with repeated use. They also liked the variety of personalization options—the mat can be made with all lowercase or all caps—but wished that there were more opportunities to play with scale in the size and style of the fonts.
Who It's For
This is a great newlywed gift the couple will see and appreciate on a daily basis.
Mark & Graham Wood and Marble Platter
From chips and guac to cheese and jam, any appetizer will look enticing when served on this platter. It features three handcrafted marble condiment bowls that sit on a marble and solid acacia wood platter. You can even get it customized with an engraved monogram of their first initials or last name.
Who It's For
The couple who loves to entertain friends or create special date night experiences at home.
Beautiful Gift Shop Personalized First Christmas Ornament
This is a keepsake made extra special by the fact that it’s only looked at once a year. A first Christmas ornament will always serve as a reminder of the couple’s first holiday together as spouses every time winter rolls around. It’s an extra something magical to hang on the tree.
One tester tried out this ornament and liked the size and shape. They thought this would display nicely among other ornaments on a Christmas tree. The ceramic tile feels strong and should last for years to come. They also liked the customization options for names and years but felt the flat, circular tile style (versus a round globe design) may not be for everyone.
Who It's For
A sentimental couple who will cherish their first ornament.
Tinggly Gift Box of Experiences
Give the couple the gift of an experience so they can hang onto memories rather than objects. Choose the amount and the experience you think they’d like the most, and they can redeem the gift whenever they like—it never expires. They can choose to use it on their honeymoon or save it for their next getaway.
Who It's For
The couple who has it all or one who will value an experience over an item.
Monogram Selection Mr. and Mrs. Champagne Flutes
Modern champagne flutes will help any couple fashionably toast to their wedding day. Made of hand-blown glass and featuring some sweet personalization, they’re durable enough to last for years after the wedding, making them perfect to pull out for every anniversary.
When testing, we could see how truly absolutely beautiful these flutes are in person. They're super lightweight and clear, and the contemporary flute shapes give them a modern feel. Since the glasses come packaged as a set of two, they're gift-ready for the happy couple. Our favorite part is the minimalist personalization of the monogrammed last names.
Who It's For
Newlywed couples who enjoy toasting with champagne or weekend mimosas.
Pottery Barn Providence Woven Picnic Basket
This preppy picnic basket will come in handy for a weekend date at the park. A navy-and-white striped canvas interior, coupled with woven willow and faux leather handles, lend a classic nautical vibe. Inside is a picnic set for two, complete with plates, wine glasses, cutlery, and a corkscrew for a nice bottle of red.
After testing, we concluded that we loved the look of this basket. It's a great size for two people and would make a nice gift for an engaged or newly married couple. And if you were giving it to a couple who really likes to picnic, it's great that it has everything you need for a day—there's silverware, plates, wine glasses, plates, and a corkscrew.
Who It's For
Couples who love to pack a lunch for a day at the park, beach, or an outdoor festival.
Patricia Carlin Intersection of Love Photo Print
This unique print captures the couple’s love with a customized street sign that features both of their names, as well as the year they met and the year they married. You can opt to buy it unframed or framed, with five different framing options to choose from, including wood and gold.
One tester personalized the print with her maiden and married names. They liked how it had both names, along with the date of their wedding, and loved the symbolic ode to their union. She was surprised by the size of the piece and would have preferred a smaller version to hang on her wall. But she felt that the piece was well-priced, considering the scale and sturdiness of the frame.
Who It's For
A sentimental couple who will love the artistic reminder of when they met and married.
Minted Watercolor Venue Portrait
Looking for a way to memorialize the venue where they're tying the knot? This custom print—one of the unique custom products from the Minted + Brides collection—offers an opportunity to do just that. Simply upload a favorite photo of the location (either with or without the couple) and Minted will create a digital watercolor rendition of the scene, complete with the couple's names, venue name, and event date.
Select from sizes ranging from a petite 7" x 5" print to an oversized 54" x 40" statement piece. There is an option to purchase the unframed artwork by itself or to choose one of 12 elegant frames for a wall-ready gift.
Who It's For
The couple that feels nostalgic about their wedding venue and would love custom print of the location.
While the digital watercolor technique works for most venue images, consider selecting a photo with a graphic, neutral background. This is especially important if the couple is being featured in the foreground—it will help the figures pop and keep the overall look feeling modern and less fussy.
Uncommon Goods Etched Skyline Glasses
These wine glasses are sure to make a couple swoon with nostalgia. Pick a city of significance to them—where they met, live, or are getting married—and its skyline will come to life etched on these wine glasses. They’re sold separately, so you could even gift a few different ones if the couple has several special cities.
Who It's For
A couple who feels a fondness for the city where they met, married, or currently live.
Do One Thing Every Day Journals
Couples will continue to be surprised by one another with this journal for two. Filled with daily prompts, it offers couples tons of ways to connect and ideas for spending time together. Cute, fun, and inspiring, this journal will keep communication going—essential for any relationship.
One tester observed that the cover design of this book is eye-catching and cute. It also seems high quality, but is affordable. Overall, they felt that many people would enjoy this type of activity gift, especially as a budget option (that keeps giving).
Who It's For
Couples who love to discover new ways to connect.
Date Night In
Sometimes, what couples really need is a date night in. This cookbook will make it complete, with more than 120 recipes to whip up together in the kitchen. Whether it’s fennel-crusted lamb chops or nectarine creamsicles, these recipes are sure to please.
Who It's For
Newlyweds who love to cook together.
Anthropologie Marble Wine Rack
Give the couple a place to store all their gifted wine bottles with this elegant wine rack. A white marble base holds a stainless steel rack available in silver or gold that will store up to three bottles. It has a luxe look at an affordable price, promising to look good on any bar cart.
Who It's For
The couple who enjoys decorative items for their bar area.
The Parmatile Shop Marble Coaster Set
We love how this coaster set made of tumbled marble emits southwestern bohemian vibes while simultaneously having a sophisticated feel. The red-orange stone can complement a lively, colorful decor theme just as well as it can add a surprising contrast to a more muted palette.
Who It's For
Anyone who appreciates high-quality coasters that are decorative and interesting.
Sweet Water Decor Wedding Day Candle
A sweet candle evokes romance and will help to create a sense of nostalgia for the newlyweds (they'll think fondly of their wedding every time they smell it). With notes of sea salt, jasmine, wood, and cream, this soy wax candle promises a calm feel. Its minimalist aesthetic also means it’ll easily blend in with any home decor.
Who It's For
Newlyweds who enjoy candlelit dinners and home scents.
Vermicular Vermicular Musui-Kamado Cast Iron Induction Cooker
This cast iron induction cooker does it all—sears, sautés, stews, roasts, and bakes! An induction base controls temperature and distributes heat evenly, while the cast-iron pot and lid help retain moisture and flavor while food is cooking. Bonus: It comes with cookbooks touting over 70 recipes, two measuring cups, and a cast-iron lid stand.
Who It's For
Newlyweds who love to cook and add useful appliances to their home.
Bissell MyAir Personal Air Purifier
This air purifier helps capture everything from pollen and dust to the smell of salmon baking in the oven. The best part is that it’s not noisy at all, subtly humming along as it does its job. It features a high and low mode, plus a sleep mode with a night light.
Who It's For
Anyone who has a pet or allergies will benefit from this air purifier.
Karibe Knives Set
Tomatoes and onions, watch out—this stainless steel knife set is as sharp as it gets! Each knife is lightweight but heavy-duty, featuring an easy-to-grip black handle and sharpener to keep them in top shape. It’s a diverse set, so there’s a knife for every cutting need, from cheese to chicken.
Who It's For
Anyone who needs an excellent starter-set of kitchen knives.
Everdure Cube Portable Grill
A portable grill will be sure to delight the outdoorsy couple. The Everdure CUBE is compact and lightweight, complete with several functions that make grilling easier than ever. A bottom heat protection shield lets you place it anywhere, while the storage tray holds all your supplies and a removable charcoal tray provides easy clean-up.
Who It's For
Anyone who enjoys cooking out at the beach, tailgate parties, or camping
Winc Gift Card
You don't have to be a sommelier to appreciate a monthly wine club membership. Gift the newlyweds a one-month, three-month, or six-month commitment to drinking wine from Winc, which has a revolving door of wines to choose from. It even sends wine recommendations based on a palate profile.
Who It's For
The couple who loves to sample new wines from around the world.
Brooklinen Luxe Move-In Bundle
A good bed is an investment in your sleep and peace of mind, but it doesn’t stop at the mattress. With Brooklinen’s Move-In bundle, your favorite couple will feel like they’re sleeping in a cloud. It includes 480-thread count luxe sateen sheets, a comforter, and two pillows.
Who It's For
The couple who is ready to upgrade their bedding.
Everything Etched AZ Etched Wine Glass
A set of two personalized wine glasses makes quality time that much more special—especially for unwinding together at the end of a long day. Each glass comes laser-etched with a floral monogram sign that sits above the couple’s last name. They'll be thrilled to display on their bar cart for years to come.
Who It's For
Any couple that enjoys personalized gifts with their monogram.
Sonos Playbar
The Sonos Play Bar will provide the ultimate home theater experience considering that it was specially tuned by Oscar-winning sound engineers. Controllable from the phone or a remote, it enhances sound effects and makes dialogue crystal clear. This one is a pricey gift, which makes it perfect for splitting among a group of friends.
Who It's For
Anyone who appreciates high-quality sound when watching movies or listening to music.
Uncommon Goods Personalized Wedding Keepsake Library
Give the couple a gift they didn’t even know they wanted. This personalized wedding keepsake library is the perfect treasure box for all their favorite mementos from the big day: a flower from the bridal bouquet, written vows, and the garter, to name a few. It features acid-free drawers, envelopes, fabric bags, and vertical files to keep everything organized.
Who It's For
A sentimental and organized couple will love a place to store their keepsakes.
Minka Textured Pot
Plant parents can never have too many green kids, so we bet they’d appreciate another home for their latest philodendron. The textured style of this hand-painted cement vessel has a sophisticated, bohemian edge. It comes in four sizes, from the six-inch in diameter extra small to the 14.5-inch in-diameter large.
Who It's For
Anyone who loves potted plants and a stylish place to grow them.
Alo Aura Diffuser
A diffuser that doubles as decor, the Alo Aura Diffuser is sleek and small enough to blend in with everything else on the dresser. It runs for up to 22 hours continuously, helping to create a soothing and relaxing ambiance in your living room or bedroom.
Who It's For
Anyone who enjoys a long-lasting diffuser that blends in with the decor.
Cuisinart Coffee Maker and Single Serve Brewer
A coffee maker is a must for any kitchen counter—even if your couple doesn’t drink coffee, it’s likely an overnight guest does. Besides, the Cuisinart Combo is good for soup, tea, and hot chocolate too, thanks to its instant hot water button. It has a K-cup compatible brewer, removable drip tray, and offers three serving sizes: six, eight, and 10 ounces.
Who It's For
Anyone who wants a multi-purpose coffee maker that can brew different-sized cups.
Food52 Five Two Everyday Soft Cotton Napkins
Paper napkins are convenient and easy, but cloth napkins are a nice touch for special occasions. Crafted from cotton, these are surprisingly soft, featuring vintage-inspired hem-stitching details for a casual look. You can choose a set of four from seven different colors or select a set of six (available in either a cool or warm palette).
Who It's For
The couple who wants to elevate their dinner table setting.
In Good Taste Tasting Flights
Help the newlyweds kick off their honeymoon celebration with a mini flight of wines. There are four different themes to choose from: the California Wine Mixer, featuring favorites from the Golden State; Wild Child Wines, an array of non-traditional flavors; the Passport Collection, which boasts the best from Europe; and Winemakers’ Favorites, a hand-selected curation from around the world.
Who It's For
Couples who love wine from a particular region or want to sample wine from around the globe.
ZPirates Bamboo Bath Mat
No more stepping onto a soon-to-be-soggy bath mat when you have one made of bamboo. A floor-gripping rubber pad keeps it in place, while a lattice design promotes air circulation and a quick dry. The top coating is also water resistant, promising a lifespan of up to four years.
Who It's For
Couples who love spa-like touches in their bathroom.
Intelligent Change Let's Get Closer Table Talk Game
Help your couple elevate their date nights in with this fun and interactive card game. Questions like “What would you like to learn?” and “What are you grateful for today?” will help them continue to connect over the years. It’s also a great game to whip out for friends or family.
Who It's For
Couples who love to share deep thoughts and have meaningful conversations.
CamelliaAndLove Wedding Ring Box
A customized wedding ring holder will keep rings safe and sound when they’re taken off while bathing or doing housework. Formed out of acrylic, it comes laser engraved with the newlyweds’ last name centered in between their first names and the wedding date. Two magnets help the box open and close.
Who It's For
Couples who want to keep their wedding rings safe and sound when they're not wearing them.
Cuisinart Elemental Food Processor
A food processor is something no one realizes they need until they’ve already got a recipe out. Stay one step ahead by giving them the Cuisinart Food Processor, which shreds, slices, and purees up to eight cups of food. Whether the chef wants to make soup, salsa, or coleslaw, this can do it all.
Who It's For
Couples who are new to cooking or ready to upgrade their kitchen gadgets.
Parachute Classic Bathroom Starter Bundle
There’s nothing better than stepping out of a shower into a soft towel, and Parachute’s Turkish cotton bath bundle is the ultimate luxury. Featuring a ribbed dobby design, they’re free from harmful synthetic dyes. The set includes six bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths each and comes in seven different colors.
Who It's For
Anyone who loves luxurious, high-quality towels.
A&R Cashmere Cable-Knit Cashmere Blend Throw
What’s cozier than something that’s both cable-knit and cashmere? Not much. This throw has some serious hygge vibes that you won’t want to move from. It’s classy and timeless, promising to look great slung over the back of the couch or across the edge of the bed.
Who It's For
Couples who will enjoy snuggling under a soft and elegant throw.
Smeg 2-Slice Toaster
SMEG is in, and it’s easy to see why. Retro mid-century meets the 21st century in its sleek design and expert function, complete with two extra-wide slots, six browning levels, and a removable crumb tray. It comes in SMEG’s signature fun colors, in a powder-coated enamel finish that’s scratch- and stain-resistant. Now, all the newlyweds need is a matching SMEG fridge.
Who It's For
Couples who appreciate a stylish and high-quality appliance.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
Finally, a mug that solves the problem of your drink running cold. Through the brand's app, you can use your smartphone to set the perfect temperature to keep your drink at (even without the app, the mug will keep the drink warm). Whether they are a coffee or tea drinker, they'll love this temperature control mug.
Who It's For
Anyone who enjoys their coffee or tea at a consistently warm temperature.
We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game
Recommended by commerce writer Chloe Caldwell, this simple card game helps couples bond and continue to learn new things about each other. The deck consists of three different levels of questions that you ask one another. It's the perfect activity for date night at home.
Who It's For
Couples that love activities that enhance their connection.
Anthropologie Sophie Faux Fur Throw Blanket
Every couple needs a plush blanket to snuggle under, and this faux fur throw from Anthropologie is it. Made from Oeko-Tex-certified materials, it looks and feels like the real thing while remaining eco-friendly. It comes in 12 different colors, from neutrals to jewel tones, so it's the perfect accent for a new home. One tester received this as a gift, and they absolutely love it. Not only does it look luxe but it also has a nice weight to it—so it's like a chicer weighted blanket.
Who It's For
Anyone who loves a plush, colorful, and cozy blanket.
Homesick Wedding Collection Candles
Whenever we don't know what to get someone, we go for a Homesick candle. They have candles for different cities, memories, astrology signs, etc., so you can always find something to commemorate a relationship. The large candles are made from a natural, hand-poured soy wax blend and last forever. Consider perusing the wedding collection.
Who It's For
Couples who love candles will appreciate these personalized scents.
Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser
For the couple that prefers a diffuser over candles, this smart device takes it to the next level. By pairing the plug-in with a smartphone, you can control the diffuser from anywhere, turning the scent on and off and selecting the ideal intensity. Each diffuser holds two fragrances and you can choose your favorites from brands like Nest New York and Thymes. One tester, who is sensitive to fragrances, found that the Pura never bothered them because you can select the exact intensity of the scent and turn it on and off whenever you want.
Who It's For
Anyone who loves diffusers will appreciate this one that you can control with a smartphone.
Cloud Massage Foot Massager
Whether working from home or relaxing after a long day in the office, a foot massager makes sitting on the couch so much better. With three intensity levels and five different modes, this device helps stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation in the feet, ankles, and legs. It's the type of splurge a couple may not buy for themselves but will wholly appreciate.
Who It's For
Anyone who appreciates a high-quality foot massage.
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
Rather than crowding the newlyweds' kitchen with all sorts of pots and pans, give them the only one they need; the Always Pan from Our Place. This pan replaces eight pieces of cookware and comes with a spatula and strainer so you can braise, sear, steam, strain, saute, fry, boil, and more.
Who It's For
Anyone with a small kitchen or a minimalistic aesthetic will appreciate this multi-purpose pan.
Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
An air fryer is a great gift for a new couple. It makes cooking for two easier since you don't have to heat up an entire oven, not to mention many recipes turn out tastier. This top-rated model comes in three different sizes and can do everything from air frying to baking to grilling. It's super easy to use with presets for some of the most popular air-fried recipes.
Who It's For
Newlyweds will appreciate this single appliance that can do it all.
The Sill
Plants make a house a home, so why not mark the start of a new chapter with some greenery? The Sill lets you ship a new plant right to the recipient’s door and comes with care instructions. We love how the site makes it easy to choose the right plants by categorizing them by size, experience level, and other factors like whether the household has pets.
Who It's For
Anyone who loves fresh, healthy plants delivered to their home.
Vital Red Light Vital Charge
Give the gift of wellness with this red light device. The Vital Charge is an FDA-cleared light therapy device that can help improve your skin, muscles, and sleep. Simply use it for a few minutes per day before bed, when you wake up, or whenever you need a boost. Since this device is portable, it's easy to travel with as well.
Who It's For
Anyone looking to nourish their skin and improve their sleep.
Away Luggage Set
From the bachelorette party to the honeymoon, the new couple will likely have many upcoming trips. With this luggage set from Away, they can upgrade how they fly with sleek and functional suitcases.
Who It's For
Any soon-to-be-married couple would be thrilled to receive a new luggage set in time for their honeymoon.
Apple AirTag 4-Pack
With these Apple AirTags, there will be a whole lot less of "Honey, have you seen my X?" You can stick these on practically everything from keys to a wallet to help find those commonly misplaced items with an iPhone or iPad.
Who It's For
Anyone who needs a little extra help keeping track of easy-to-lose items.
Therabody TheraFace Pro
If you know the couple is a fan of the Theragun, gift them the latest device, the TheraFace. Both men and women can use this innovative tool to reduce wrinkles, rejuvenate their skin, and boost overall wellness through a relaxing facial massage.
Who It's For
Anyone who enjoys a deep facial massage.
Bissell Battery Powered Stick Vacuum
This is the vacuum of every house’s dreams. It's a cordless, rechargeable cleaner that features a two-in-one design—a classic floor stick vacuum and a handheld vacuum in one. With two speed control options and an LED light indicator, you'll never miss a spot again, even in those hard-to-reach corners.
Who It's For
Anyone who appreciates a lightweight, easy-to-use vacuum.
What to Look for in a Wedding Gift
- Useful and Meaningful: There's a reason that household gadgets and kitchenware like the Vermicular Musui-Kamado Cast Iron Induction Cooker are among the most popular wedding gifts—they serve a purpose. But sentimental gifts are also useful in their own way. The personalized ornament made our list because it'll spark memories for many holiday seasons.
- Personalized: Like the Grayling Post Personalized Couples Print and the Shop Home Maven Mr. and Mrs. Doormat, lots of the best wedding gifts on our list offer options for customization. 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 is to give them the chance to make memories with an experiential present. The Tinggly Gift Box is available in a variety of themes, each one offering them the opportunity to choose their own adventure. Sullivan also recommends putting money towards their honeymoon through Honeyfund to add a paddle board lesson, a city tour, or a couple's massage to their itinerary. "Just make sure it's something they can do together," she says. "I'm a big fan of gifting memorable experiences!"
How We Tested
- Our editors tested several of the top products in our NYC-based lab.
- We considered materials, quality, ease of use, aesthetics, value, and packaging in our assessment.
Why Trust Brides
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 that she takes into consideration when selecting gifts. Her favorite gifts are those that create memories, whether it’s a photo book or experience.
- Kristin Sullivan is a wedding and event planner, author, and creator of The Bridal Retreat.
- Victoria Della Torre is a designer and the owner and founder of Etiquette Design Company.