As boring as it sounds, the best wedding gift will be from the couple’s wedding registry. But when a couple doesn’t have a wish list, their gift ideas are out of your price range or you want to get them something extra, you’ll need to think carefully — or else your present could end up in the regifting pile.
To ensure that doesn’t happen, we consulted wedding experts, combed the internet and considered products we’ve tested to come up with a list of 37 wedding gifts couples will actually want.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to spend $300 on a stand mixer (though that is an option), because we’ve got recommendations for every budget. But before we regale you with Dutch ovens and knife sets, we’ll answer a few common wedding gift questions.
How to pick a great wedding gift
“Stick to the?registry when one?is provided!” says Alexa Farese of The Wedding Planner FLA. Farese explains that since couples put a lot of time into curating their wish list, choosing something from the registry guarantees they’ll get what they want.
But if you can’t use the wish list, or the couple doesn’t provide one, Julia Sabatino, wedding stylist and founder of The Stylish Bride, says you should carefully consider what the couple enjoys, and pick a gift based on their hobbies and interests.
“If you are wanting?to do something extra or outside of a registry, money is always a great option for a couple just starting out their lives together,” Farese adds. Experience gifts, such as a gift card for a couples massage or cooking class, can be excellent too, she says.
How much to spend on a wedding gift
Farese says that on average people spend around $100 per person on wedding gifts, though “your relationship with the couple can impact this.” If, for example, you’re distant friends, strapped for cash or both, then you can spend less. But for a close friend or relative, “spending a little more is a nice?show of enthusiasm and support as they enter this new chapter of their lives.”
However much you shell out, Sabatino says that you should also include a personal message with your gift. “The thought and sentiment behind the gift matter much more than its price tag.”
Ahead, you’ll find the best wedding presents at a variety of price points, whether you’re shopping for your best friend, niece or a coworker you’ve barely spoken to.
Wedding gifts for couples
One of the most useful wedding gifts also happens to be one of the most affordable. We love Stasher bags, the eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic baggies. Each Stasher bag is made from food-grade silicone that can handle the microwave, freezer, dishwasher and even the oven. Use them for packing snacks, sous vide cooking, steaming veggies, food storage and more.
The Breville Barista Pro is a luxurious wedding gift that'll impress anyone with its stainless steel design and premium components. But it's also practical, including everything you need to make great espresso, from a built-in grinder and programmable settings to a steam wand.
This KitchenAid classic is a registry staple for a reason. With 10 speeds and plenty of available attachments, it can handle everything from whipping egg whites to kneading dough to mashing potatoes. It also comes in a huge range of colors and finishes to add a stylish accent to any kitchen counter. No wonder we named it the best stand mixer of the year.
Provided they care for their cutting board properly, this durable teak model is the last one the couple will ever need. Teakhaus made sure of that by making their cutting board out of teak, a moisture-resistant wood, and by using durable edge grain construction (glueing the boards together lengthwise).
Gift a lifetime of cozy meals with Le Creuset’s beloved Dutch oven, which we named the best splurge Dutch oven, made from enameled cast iron and offered in tons of stunning shades.
No kitchen is complete without a good set of knives. With their sharp steel blades and sloped bolsters, these from Zwilling are as handsome as they are sharp.
Get the couple who loves to camp Coleman’s double-sized sleeping bag, which is perfect for snuggling together under the stars.
This top-selling bakeware set comes with three casserole dishes, two ramekins and a mixture of glass and plastic lids. The high-quality ceramic is safe for the oven, microwave and, most importantly, the dishwasher — meaning fewer arguments over who’s turn it is to clean up.
Bedsure’s blanket is supremely soft yet lightweight, keeping you cozy without overheating. It also boasts over 150,000 five-star ratings, so it’s safe to say the happy couple will love it.
Gift fresh herbs and veggies on demand with this lovely little garden, which comes in two chic finishes and features a built-in water reservoir that’ll keep plants nourished for up to a month.
Letterfolk’s customizable mat will make the perfect greeting for newlyweds stepping over the threshold. The mat comes with 150 soft, removable tile caps that you can rearrange into new messages and designs again and again. It’s an Underscored editor favorite too.
This elegant wood and glass stand is perfect for displaying cakes, cupcakes or even charcuterie. Reviewers love that it’s tall enough for layer cakes and sturdy without being too heavy to carry from room to room.
Oxo’s stackable containers are a must-have for keeping the pantry organized. The airtight seal activates at the press of a button to keep dry goods fresher longer.
The Popper’s reusable bowl lets you make yummy popcorn without the wasteful bag or heaps of oil and butter (unless you want ‘em!). The bowl is also collapsible to save space when not in use.
This bestselling bundle comes with flat and fitted sheets, four pillowcases and a duvet cover in Brooklinen’s ultra-soft sateen weave. The sheets are incredibly soft and breathable, and will instantly make any bed feel fancier.
Bring a little greenery indoors with this lovely hanging planter from Umbra, which is easy to install and sleek enough to work in spaces big and small alike.
Wedding gifts for the groom
Gift a stylish Dopp kit for all the groom’s honeymoon essentials, featuring soft pebbled leather, nylon lining and the option to add a foil-debossed monogram.
Lots of men aren’t used to keeping track of jewelry. Make the groom’s life a little easier with this sleek ceramic ring dish, which is made by hand and comes in a white or black finish.
The adventurous groom will love this rugged portable Bluetooth speaker, which is waterproof and dust-resistant and even floats.
Get the groom who always likes to be prepared this classic Swiss Army knife, which packs 13 tools into one (including a corkscrew and a screwdriver).
Kaweko’s pens are classics for a reason. Sleek, sturdy and beautiful to write with, they’re perfect for taking notes, journaling and, of course, penning vows.
This highly rated set comes with a handsome decanter and four rocks glasses, all of which you can get custom engraved for the man of the hour.
Another great gift to start the honeymoon off right, this elegant luggage tag is made from full grain leather offered in 13 hues. Get the groom’s initials debossed or handpainted onto the tag for an extra thoughtful touch.
Personalize this sleek tie clip with the groom’s initials on one side and the wedding date on the other.
Gift the cocktail connoisseur these vintage-inspired glasses, featuring delicate, laser-cut stems and four classic shapes. You can gift a full bar set or select a four-pack of martini, coupe, fizz or Nick & Nora glasses.
Don’t let its compact size fool you. This lightweight, portable charcoal grill packs in 150 square inches of grilling space — enough to cook for the whole family at once.
Personalize this bottle opener with the groom’s name, wedding date or a fun message he can read whenever he reaches for a cold beer.
Wedding gifts for the bride
This gorgeous jewelry case will keep the bride’s earrings, necklaces and, of course, rings safe on the go. The case comes in a wide range of lovely leather finishes, from orchid pink to robin’s egg blue, and offers an optional monogram.
With smart organizational touches, a large capacity and water-resistant canvas fabric, Beis’s stylish tote is perfect for the honeymoon (and beyond!). We especially love the separate bottom compartment for shoes and the optional cross-body strap.
Who knew a cooler could be so chic? Vinglacé’s bottle cooler is double-walled and vacuum-insulated to keep wine chilled for hours. The matching tumblers are even lined with glass to prevent any metallic flavors from seeping into the bride’s drink of choice.
Few things feel as elegant as lighting a fancy candle. We love this option from the luxury perfumer Diptyque, which will fill any room with the romantic scent of roses.
This 100% silk pillowcase doesn’t just look luxurious, it’s also gentler on hair and skin than standard cotton. That means less frizz, tugging and tangles throughout the night.
Dagne Dover’s weather-resistant toiletry bag is as practical as it is cute. Lightweight, spacious and durable, it’s another excellent honeymoon companion.
These lovely earrings feature real pressed flowers preserved in resin. Customize them with the bride’s birth month for a unique, thoughtful gift.
Gift ultimate relaxation with this?adjustable bamboo tray, featuring dedicated slots for a candle, wine glass, book and phone.
A pair of cozy, fluffy slippers she’ll want to wear while getting ready on the big day, and probably every day after that.
This cult-favorite body oil is packed with skin-nourishing antioxidants. It also has a lovely citrus scent and comes in a chic glass bottle that’ll make the bathroom feel decidedly more spa-like.
