What are the best gifts for the wedding season?
The most popular times to get married are May through October. If you’ve got a wedding to attend this wedding season, you might wonder what to get the couple.
While wedding gifts are not mandatory, most etiquette experts recommend you buy one to show the couple some love on their big day. But no matter how well you know them, this can be a daunting task.
The majority of wedding gifts revolve around what the couple needs for their home or items to upgrade their current housewares. Cash or honeymoon funds are now widely accepted. If you’re at a loss of what to give, a monetary donation to the couple’s fund is always appreciated.
Should I use the couple’s registry?
If the couple has a wedding registry, this is a win-win situation for all. This provides a curated list of what the couple wants and needs, and it takes the guesswork out of gift giving. Registries may either be online or in-store and typically offer a range of price ranges, so you can comfortably give the couple something within your budget that they are guaranteed to love.
Where else can I get gift ideas for the couple?
Besides the registry, an underused spot for clues into what the couple wants is their wedding website. These days, many couples create websites for the big day that include everything from the logistics of when and where it is, the dress code, and their love story. Pay attention to the couple’s story. For example, if they include travel photos of sipping coffee in Paris, consider getting the pair a French press or a certificate to a fancy French restaurant.
When should I give a wedding gift?
The proper time to give your wedding gift is before the wedding or up to two months afterward. It’s best to send the gift to the couple’s home. Bringing your gift to the wedding or the reception can add extra stress to the newlyweds’ big day, plus it runs the risk of your gift getting lost in the shuffle.
What are popular wedding gifts?
The majority of wedding gifts revolve around stocking the couple’s home with new stuff.
Kitchenware — such as kitchen utensil sets, nonstick cookware sets, and knife sets — is a top-performing category for wedding gifts. For the couple that loves to entertain, consider a wine glass set or bar set.
New pieces of furniture, such as a mattress or sofa, are bigger gifts that you may consider going in with a group on. For low-cost gifting, anything decorative for the home — such as a flower vase or an attractive bathroom wastebasket — is appropriate. You can also help the couple upgrade to a smart home with smart home devices.
Gift certificates to airline travel or vacation rentals, including home-sharing sites, are always a welcomed gift for couples, especially if they spent a lot of money on the wedding with not much left over for the honeymoon.
How much should I spend on a wedding gift?
While there’s no hard-and-fast rule on how much you should spend on a wedding gift, the average is $120. If that’s above your budget, however, spend as much as you are comfortable with. It’s also appropriate to spend less on someone you’re not close with and more on close friends or family members. Aim somewhere between $50-$200+.
Large wedding gifts
This premium mattress offers state-of-the-art support and three levels of firmness. Best of all, Saatva offers a 120-night trial period in case the couple wants to return it for a different comfort level.
Sold by Saatva
Christopher Knight Home Bridie Mid-Century Modern Loveseat
A contemporary style, this burnt orange loveseat will comfortably fit the two lovebirds. The mid-century design makes it a statement piece for any room it’s in.
Sold by Amazon
NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle
For couples with home gyms, this state-of-the-art exercise bike features an HD touchscreen for on-demand workouts. It’s comparable to Peloton bikes but with a slightly lower price tag.
Sold by Amazon
Wedding gifts for the kitchen
OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Tool Set
This comprehensive set provides the newlyweds with every conceivable kitchen tool they could ever need. The stainless steel and silicone utensils are built to last.
Cuisinart Classic Forged Triple Rivet 15-Piece Knife Set
For high-quality knives, at a reasonable price, this gorgeous set is sharp and sturdy. The white handles and attractive knife block make for a statement that the couple will want to display on their kitchen counter.
Sold by Amazon, Home Depot, and Kohl’s
Calphalon 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
A new set of pots and pans can be just the kitchen upgrade a newly married couple needs. This nonstick set offers high performance, and requires little oil, from a reputable brand in nonstick cookware.
KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper
For couples with cramped quarters, this compact food processor is a powerhouse for smaller chopping tasks. It comes in a whopping 10 color options.
Sold by KitchenAid and Amazon
Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor
For heavy-duty food processing, this high-capacity food processor features an extra-large feed tube and a 14-cup bowl. This is a popular wedding registry gift and a generous one at that.
Sold by Amazon
Wedding gifts for the bedroom and bathroom
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
The sateen finish of these sheets is silky and soft. They have a slightly luminous sheen that’ll make the happy couple feel as if they’re sleeping in the lap of luxury.
Sold by Amazon
Zipcode Design Abbate Accent Mirror
This porthole mirror can be hung in the bathroom or bedroom for a decorative element that’s also functional. The simple, clean design works with most decor and adds dimension to any room.
Sold by Wayfair
Goodpick Large Cotton Rope Basket
This affordable basket is versatile and stylish with its two-tone weave. It can be used as a laundry hamper, a blanket basket, or a nursery bin for when babies come into the picture.
Sold by Amazon
Hall & Perry Modern Farmhouse Tassel Shower Curtain
Another affordable pick, this stylish shower curtain is striped and tasseled in modern farmhouse style. This is a fun but classy look to update the bathroom.
Sold by Amazon
Seville Classics Water Hyacinth Lidded Oval Double Laundry Hamper
For newly cohabitating couples, they may want to keep some things separate, such as laundry. This hand-woven hamper features two compartments complete with two bags to keep things sorted.
Sold by Amazon
Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels
A set of two, these luxurious towels will elevate the happy couple’s bathroom game. You can’t go wrong with a pair in white.
Sold by Amazon
Red Barrel Studio Marveen Handloom Bath Rug
This fluffy bath rug is a gamechanger. Not only is it comfy and super plush underfoot, but it also maintains its softness and shape after multiple washings in the machine.
Sold by Wayfair
Wedding gifts for entertaining
Winesome Wooden Entertainment Cart
This elegant cart is perfect for serving coffee after dinner or drinks beforehand. Its comprehensive design features a wine rack, glass rack, and cabinet.
Sold by Amazon
This eight-piece value set is made of dishwasher-safe, high-end crystal. These built-to-last glasses are versatile for everyday use or for entertaining.
Sold by Amazon
Barfly 12-Piece Deluxe Cocktail Set
This chic cocktail set will not disappoint the experienced home bartender. It contains every conceivable tool you need to make drinks, whether for your significant other or guests.
Sold by Amazon
Oneida Chef’s Table 20-Piece Everyday Flatware, Service for Four
This sleek and contemporary flatware is the perfect starter set for a couple who throws an occasional dinner party. The smooth, stainless steel has good heft and is dishwasher safe.
Sold by Amazon
Kota Japan Premium Marble Cheese Board Slab
To host a variety of cheeses, this 12-inch-by-16-inch marble board is an instant classic. Whether in use or not, you can leave it out on display. It also keeps cheeses cold.
Sold by Amazon
Urban Villa Cuisine Stripes Dinner Napkins
These striped cloth napkins add a festive flair to the table. They are high-quality and stay bright, even after multiple washes.
Sold by Amazon
Wedding gifts for the health-conscious couple
KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender
Blenders are a popular wedding gift, and this one won’t break down a year into the marriage. It is an expert smoothie maker and comes in an array of attractive colors.
Sold by KitchenAid, Amazon, and Home Depot
Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender
This generous gift will last for a lifetime of smoothies. It’s great at making not only smoothies but soups and puree recipes as well.
Sold by Vitamix, Amazon, and Macy’s
Breville Juice Fountain Cold Plus Centrifugal Juicer
Breville’s centrifugal juicer offers powerful cold extraction of fruits and veggies without taking up too much countertop space. Plus, its brushed stainless steel design makes for a stylish addition to the kitchen.
Sold by Amazon
GreenPan Lima Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 12-inch Frying Pan
For nontoxic cooking, this ceramic pan will never release toxic fumes into the kitchen, even if you accidentally overheat it. You don’t even have to use oil with its truly nonstick coating.
Smart home wedding gifts
Aluratek Distressed Wood Digital Photo Frame
Undoubtedly, newlyweds have photos from their big day. This rustic wooden frame displays their digital photos in a slideshow with an easy-to-use USB port. It’s also priced well under $100.
Sold by Amazon
Another budget-friendly smart home gift, this voice-controlled device can play music, make calls, and is Alexa-compatible. This home hub is tiny but mighty.
This high-end smart speaker supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2 and is easy to connect with Apple devices. It features voice control, and the sound is superb.
Hamilton Beach Smart Coffee Maker
For those who are not morning people, this smart coffee maker is a lifesaver. Just ask Alexa to start brewing your coffee while you lounge in bed or use the Alexa app.
Sold by Amazon
Wedding gifts under $50
Apsoonsell Shabby Chic Metal Jug Vase
While affordably priced, this charming vase adds a rustic accent to the room. It is great to have on hand for flowers and can double as a decorative pitcher.
Sold by Amazon
Household Essentials Woven Seagrass Wicker Wastebasket
Sometimes the best presents are the most practical, such as a bathroom wastebasket. This wicker-style basket adds charm and class to the space. Most importantly, it doesn’t hold an odor.
For java lovers, this elegant canister keeps coffee beans fresh in its airtight seal. It comes with a stainless steel scoop and is offered in a variety of attractive colors.
Sold by Amazon
INK + IVY Bree Chunky Knit Square Pillow Cover
A throw pillow can make or break a room, and this knit pillow cover adds both coziness and style to the living or bedroom. Be sure to also purchase pillow inserts to complete the gift.
Kalinco Wooden Acacia Salad Servers
This classic serving set is handmade from beautiful acacia wood. If you can swing it, also purchase the matching salad bowl.
Sold by Amazon
Songmics Large Bamboo Bed Tray
For a surprise breakfast in bed, this beautiful wooden tray is adjustable and multifunctional. It doubles as an ergonomic laptop stand and can fit two laptops side by side.
Sold by Amazon
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Ana Sanchez writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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