Before you even start thinking about a wedding gift, there’s a good chance you’ll have to choose a bridal shower gift. Sometimes the bride will use a registry to help guide what type of gift she’d appreciate but not always — and sometimes you just want to treat her to an extra gift regardless. Either way, if you put off shopping until the last minute, you’ll still need to find a considerate gift that arrives at your door quickly. You should be also aware of the etiquette involved in picking out last-minute bridal shower gifts.
“It’s not considered rude if you don’t get something that’s not on the registry, but you still need to find a gift that fits the couple’s personality and lifestyle,” says etiquette expert Elaine Swann.
If you’re not using a registry to find a gift, the key is to find a gift that the couple “would enjoy for the home — something that’s not a need but something they would want.” If you find yourself stumped with the shower fast approaching, Swann suggests looking for handy kitchen gadgets or kitchen organizers that the couple could use.
Bridal shower guests should also keep in mind that this is a publicly facing event, where the bride’s family members, as well as the groom’s mother, will likely be in attendance. If you have a saucy or more risqué gift in mind for the bride, Swann advises that it’s probably best to save it for the more intimate bachelorette party setting.
Keep reading to check our picks for the best last-minute bridal shower gifts that ship quickly.
An elegant pie dish should be a staple in every kitchen. This one from Le Creuset is made from stoneware, one of the best materials for baking dishes because it doesn’t create hot spots as it’s heating up. The crimped edge and Le Creuset stamp come together to create a timeless piece the couple will use for years to come.?
If the bride is passionate about coffee, she’s going to love receiving a coffee subscription. With Trade, she’ll have a new variety of coffee beans (from all over the world!) delivered to her home every seven, 10 or 14 days. The subscription offers an effortless way to sample new flavors and styles of coffee.?
Between the chaos of work, socializing and household chores, it’s no wonder some people — not just newlyweds — feel like they don’t have the time to cook. But when you’re decompressing from a wedding, a meal subscription that takes the stress out of eating well will be a welcome treat. Blue Apron sends the recipient all the ingredients they need to create nourishing meals at home, with options like chickpea curry, buttery scallops and burrito bowls.?
The best Dutch oven we tested, this enameled cast-iron beauty outperformed its more expensive competitors. It comes in plenty of colors, ranging from neutrals to bold hues, so you are sure to find something the couple will love.
You can’t go wrong with a high-end hand soap and lotion combination, like this set from Aesop that features citrus and woodsy aromas. The hand soap cleanses skin without leaving it stripped and tight, while the accompanying hand balm provides hydration.
Give the bride a delicate, subtle reminder of her current title. The simple style adds a fun touch to her look, and it can be stacked with other bracelets to wear at the bachelorette party or on the honeymoon.
This timeless Emile Henry oil cruet will make using olive oil more enjoyable. Not only will it serve as a both practical and elegant decoration on her kitchen counter, but the glaze on the outside is also resistant to scratches and easy to wipe clean.?
These champagne flutes are the most romantic way for the couple to cheers to a long and happy life. With a heart-shaped opening and gold rim, they’ll reach for these on every special occasion. If you have extra time, you can even add a personalized monogram to each glass.?
Now that the bride has a lifelong partner by her side, she might be planning all sorts of adventures. This journal helps couples plan their bucket list. It includes sections for writing down travel goals, as well as for recording restaurants and museums the couple wants to visit and as well as prompts to help them record their favorite experiences.?
For the bride who loves baking, a gorgeous cake stand to display her creations won't disappoint. You can order online and pick it up at a nearby store if you're really short on time.
A handy cosmetics bag will keep the bride’s makeup and skin care organized both at home and while traveling. This large-capacity toiletry bag has enough space to fit bulky foundation and perfume bottles, as well as makeup brushes. It has three interior pockets and a handle on the outside.
If the couple loves making coffee drinks at home, they'll appreciate this milk frother that feels like their own personal barista. It makes hot and cold foam for lattes and cappuccinos, and it can also heat milk. Plus, it works in just seconds.?
Luggage is a classic bridal shower gift, so you can't go wrong with gifting a new suitcase or carry-on. We like this spacious duffel bag from Calpak, which can even be picked up at your local Nordstrom.
Self-care is a full-time job, and it's especially important in the weeks leading up to a wedding. That’s exactly why the bride will appreciate this Patchology kit, which includes under-eye, full-face and foot masks to keep her skin fresh and glowing.?
A gift that makes home life more convenient — and cooking tasks easier and faster — is always welcome. This Dash rice cooker quickly makes two cups of rice (enough for two people to share) in less than 20 minutes, according to the brand. With the simple on and off switch, there are no complicated settings to learn how to use.
A plush robe that makes you feel like you’re at a resort even when you’re just getting ready for work in the morning is the ultimate treat. This Hill House Home robe isn’t just comfortable, but it also dries you off fast. We bet the bride will love it.
A towel warmer is the practical gift they never knew they needed. This one fits up to two large towels at a time and can even warm up pajamas and bathrobes before bed or in the morning.
As the bride settles into her life (and perhaps a new home too) post-wedding, she’ll reach for this luxe candle to make her space feel cozy and smell amazing. Voluspa’s candles come in tons of scents, but if you’re not sure what to get, French Cade Lavender is a solid choice.
A reliable kettle is a household essential. This one from Le Creuset is compact enough to fit in any kitchen. The polished porcelain enamel not only looks elegant but resists rust and stains. And yes, in classic kettle fashion, it whistles when the water is done boiling.?
Let the bride show off the fact that her marriage is just around the corner with this sweatshirt. It’s a playful way for her to show off that she’s getting married. Plus, the relaxed and comfortable fit is perfect for casual, everyday wear.
Now that the bride is building her home with a partner, there’s a chance she might start wanting to cook more often. This recipe journal is a satisfying way to record her favorite meals, with space for ingredients, prep time and cooking instructions. And since the recipes are in book form, once it's filled up, she might even want to pass it down to another generation of home cooks.?
Beauty sleep is key to looking refreshed and energized in the morning — and it’s all the more important when you have a wedding on the horizon. This plush sleep mask is designed to accommodate eyelash extensions, an accessory the bride-to-be might be sporting ahead of her big day. Plus, it helps block out any distracting light that might prevent her from getting the rest she needs.?
Whipping up hummus, pesto, salsa and other dips doesn’t require serious knife skills — all you need is this KitchenAid food chopper. In just seconds, it dices onions, tomatoes or herbs. It has two speeds and a pulse button so you can control whether the results are fine or coarse. It drastically cuts down on meal prep, which means less time in the kitchen and more time with family.
For the beauty-obsessed bride, an Ipsy subscription is a must. For $14 per month, she gets five skin care or makeup products (a $70 value) mailed right to her door. The sample-size products allow her to try lots of different items — and who knows, maybe she’ll find her new favorite beauty product with it.
A cluttered kitchen is frustrating and harder to clean, especially when your cleaning products aren’t always within arm’s reach. This under-the-sink organizer instantly gets all her cleaning products, dish towels, soaps and more in order. This way, she’ll never have to rummage through a messy pile of bottles again.
