Summer-wedding season is in full swing, meaning it’s time to get your gift ideas in order. As your social calendar is fills up with everything from intimate engagements to destination affairs, apart from outfits, you’ll need unique gift ideas and lots of them. Giving is a reflection of who you are, but it’s always important to consider the couple’s wants and needs — whether you’re thinking luxe Tiffany & Co. items or affordable surprises. As shopping editors who have way too many nuptials to attend this year, we know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to wedding gifts. We’ve got you covered with 32 unique gift ideas and what they say about you.
SO, what does your WEDDING GIFT Say about you?
➼ You’re playing it safe
➼ You know the couple
➼ You’re the designated third wheel
➼ You’re a plus-one
➼ You’re treating this like any other celebration
➼ You’re projecting what you want to be gifted
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You’re playing it safe
Maybe you skimmed their registry for ideas but you still want to do gifting your way. These gifts are crowd pleasers that stay within the realm of reason.
Odds are they have fluffy bath and hand towels on their registry, but if you want to stray from the standard beige and white, opt for these colorful, reversible, patterned towels that are way more fun.
You can never go wrong with frames, and for the most part, they’re always on the registry. But if you don’t want to be responsible for picking one out they may not like, let them choose how to preserve their special-day memories with a Framebridge gift card.
They’ll need new sheets, so why not gift them something luxurious? These best sellers are made from breathable hemp linen that gets softer with each wash.
This colorful game set is ideal for the couple that enjoys nights in. When they’re not playing, it folds into a book worth leaving on the coffee table.
Candlesticks are always a classy choice and a great way to contribute to the couple’s future dining aesthetic. These beautiful glass sticks come in a variety of colors and exude elegance. The couple will thank you at their next dinner party.
More practical than another set of wine glasses and prettier than a set of plastic cups.
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You know the couple
If you know the ways they complement each other, choose a gift that reflects the couple’s inside jokes, personalities, and hobbies.
If they spend weekends on the go, this wine-chiller bundle will keep their wine of choice cool and make their getaways a little more romantic.
If they’re self-proclaimed chefs and spend a lot of time in the kitchen, they’re going to need fresh salt for all of their cooking. This refillable salt box is made of a Japanese cypress called Hinoki, which allows the salt to “breathe” while keeping exterior odors out. Not to mention that it’s a cute addition to any kitchen décor and comes in an array of colors.
If they’re somewhat outdoorsy (more glamping than camping), they’ll appreciate this picnic basket that features settings for four, an insulated cooler, and a corkscrew.
If you want to splurge a bit on a couple you love, treat them to Tiffany’s china. These pastel mugs featuring illustrations of New York landmarks are a beautiful (and potentially more useful) alternative to classic china plates. If the couple are big coffee drinkers, these mugs will become a prized possession.
Sure, a nice suitcase is a must-have for the newlywed traveler, but a good garment bag is also essential. Whether they’re on a wedding world tour or getting ready for their tropical honeymoon, a versatile garment bag that can fit everything from suits and dresses to formalwear is extremely useful.
Do they have a thing for scatological humor (and excellent hygiene!)? Surprise them with an easy-to-install bidet for a gift that keeps on giving.
Know a duo who were too intimidated to hop on the sourdough-starter trend but still want to give it a shot? This kit provides everything they need for a cute couple’s activity.
Listening to an audiobook with your loved one is a great way to pass the time during long car rides or a sweet alternative to binge-watching on a weeknight with a glass or two of wine.
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You’re the designated third wheel
There’s knowing the couple, then there’s being their third wheel throughout their relationship. This type of commitment requires an extra-special gift (maybe even one that you, too, can enjoy when you visit the lovebirds).
What’s better than game night? Pizza night. Elevate their pizza-making skills with this sleek Ooni Karu oven. You’re sure to be the first person they have over to try it out.
Since you’re essentially an extension of the couple, they’ll love you even if you present them with a trash can for a wedding gift. Interesting? No. Practical? Yes. They might not ask for it, but they’ll certainly need it, and this one is sensor-operated, so they’ll be very grateful.
If either (or both) of them have a green thumb, give them the gift of plant life with the AeroGarden Harvest. It’s perfect for those who live in the city and don’t have access to an outdoor garden. (Bonus points if you offer to tend to the AeroGarden when they’re out of town.)
If they are puppy parents before all else, why not give them something that’ll benefit their furry friend? This pet cam allows them to keep an eye on their precious pup when they’re not home.
Household hygiene has been a key concern ever since the pandemic, but it may not be the first thing someone thinks about for their wedding registry. You can think for them by giving your favorite couple this Simplehuman Sensor Soap Dispenser.
They’re plant parents, so they’ll appreciate a pretty place to store their favorites. They’ll also appreciate another plant, so pair this with a gift card to The Sill.
Adopting an olive tree is too much? These infused olive oils for pastas, salads, pizzas, and dipping are one of many gifts you’ll get to enjoy whenever you visit the newlyweds.
They’re coffee and design snobs, gift them something that will satisfy both.
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You’re a plus-one
You don’t want to show up empty-handed but you don’t want to play it too safe. Keep scrolling for gifts are way more thoughtful than cash.
Even if they’re not the best cooks, they’ll need pots and pans. These pretty pans are non-stick and durable with gold accents. So they won’t mind hanging them around the kitchen.
Even if they have cutlery already they’ll proudly leave this shiny, stainless steel set on the counter. Go the extra mile and gift a sleek vessel to hold them all.
Since they’ll have several reasons to celebrate, cocktail glasses are a safe gift.
When in doubt, opt for something practical and picturesque. A nice decanter is a sure bet. When they’re not using it, they can stow it away on a shelf or nightstand.
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You’re treating this like any other celebration
If you prefer practicality over sentiment — maybe you’re not the romantic type or this is one of the many weddings on your calendar this summer — the list below is for you.
Make changing their name feel like a celebration with HitchSwitch, the site that makes the (usually tedious) process surprisingly fun and easy.
Their wedding will not be the last party they throw, so why not give them a monogrammed bowl for bubbly and wine?
When it’s not used to pass cocktails and snacks, it’s a chic accent piece for any living or dining space.
If they’re always hosting and you have the pleasure of being a guest, gift them this chic serving platter. They can accent their dining table and make more hors d’oeuvres for you.
Make a camping couple’s dream come true with the ultimate status cooler (yes, that’s a thing).
Couples can customize this welcome mat for every guest and occasion. It’s thoughtful and entertaining without feeling too cheesy.
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You’re projecting what you want to be gifted
Your wedding is just a few weeks or months away and they’re on the guest list. These gifts are nice, but they’re also strategic.
Because you probably put a fancy stand mixer on your own registry, gift them something equally nice and counter-worthy. This retro-inspired coffee machine does all the basic duties of a fancy coffee machine and looks really good when not in use.
Much like the garment bag, a good toiletry kit is a travel item people always need — especially for long trips (a.k.a. honeymoons) that require full glam. When they need to fit all of their beloved makeup and skin-care products in one place in an organized fashion, you can’t beat the fold-out, easily accessible layers of this Tumi cosmetics case.
A little bit silly but still useful, this color-blocked shower curtain is transparent — just right for adding an element of flirty fun to their morning routine.
Flatware — we all need it, but most of it isn’t this interesting or cool. Gift this.
