It can be challenging to find the perfect present for a wedding. Even though most engaged couples have a gift registry, there are occasions when you want to think beyond the box. (Alternatively, all the desirable things on the list have already been taken.) In addition to that, there is the problem of the budget. To one's great relief, the most thoughtful and practical wedding present need not be expensive to be significant.
Every married couple has at least a few examples of wedding gifts that they have promptly banished to the basement. Some examples of these items include crystal animal figurines, serving dishes in old-fashioned patterns, and silver filigree platters that need constant polishing. Your best bet is to follow the guidelines listed on the couple's registry. But even if the only items on the registry that are still available are beyond your price range, or if the couple still needs to register for presents, there are still ways to give them a present that will be meaningful and appreciated, even in these situations.
If you want to give the happy couple a thoughtful present that isn't on the registry, opt for an item that complements their home and style. We suggest things that they can eat or drink, mementoes of the occasion, or goods that you know will fit in with the aesthetic sense of the couple you are shopping for. And yes, you can also pay with cash if you choose. We talked to some of our staff colleagues who are married to find out about the surprising and thoughtful gifts they got on their wedding day and the gifts that have continued to bring them joy long after their weddings have come and gone.
The 10 Best Wedding Gift Ideas for Couples Getting Married in 2023
1. Estelle Colored Glass Set of 2 Martini Glasses
Include this on the list of wedding gifts for couples that like to be on the cutting edge of fashion. The use of coloured glassware is having a major moment right now, and this trend of including coloured glassware on wedding registries is not going away any time soon. These stunning martini glasses were crafted by Estelle Coloured Glass, a company that produces some of our most cherished coloured glassware, such as cake stands and decanters. If the soon-to-be-married couple has lived together for some time, they will likely already have wine glasses and champagne flutes. Still, we're willing to bet they don't have fashionable martini glasses.
2. The Adventure Challenge Couples Edition
Scratch-off activity journals stuffed with cute and original date ideas for an entire year make for another one-of-a-kind wedding present for a couple that seems to have everything. The fact that each date remains a complete secret until it is scratched off gives people looking for new and interesting experiences a lot of things to look out to. If you have more money to spend on a present, consider upgrading to a book with a camera so that the recipient may record their precious memories. Get a discount of 10% off the site by using our special code: THEKNOT10.
3. Airbnb Gift Card
A wedding gift that is truly very thoughtful can be something like a gift card. You choose a store that you are confident the pair will enjoy, and then you allow them to choose something unique for one another—a win-win situation! Although we have stocked The Knot Registry Store with various gift cards, we believe this option is ideal for couples who enjoy new experiences. You may pay for their upcoming romantic vacation or assist them in seeing one of the places they've always wanted to visit.
4. Click & Grow The Smart Garden 3
When you're only making dinner for two people, it can be not easy to use all of the herbs that come in a package from the supermarket. With the help of Click & Grow, the pair may cultivate their food even though they do not have a typical garden or any other outdoor space. This indoor garden takes care of everything for you, from providing the plants with water and nutrients to ensuring they receive the appropriate amount of light daily. It is possible to cultivate herbs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers using it. To put it another way, it will significantly improve their garnish game.
5. Paravel Cabana Pet Carrier
Are you looking for loving owners of pets? Invest in a stylish pet carrier to elevate their luggage essentials. This unique accessory is not only attractive to look at, but it also has a purpose in its design. The washable liner and mesh panels promote comfortable airflow, and the mesh panels help with hygiene significantly. In addition to that, the carrier is constructed using eco-friendly materials. It is a one-of-a-kind wedding present for couples who would never think of parting with their furry pet.
6. Intersection of Love Photo Print by Patricia Carlin
Buying someone else furniture or accessories for their home might be particularly challenging. However, the artwork becomes a valid option when looking for a wedding gift for a best friend whose aesthetic you are familiar with. Our audience likes this heartwarming print because it conveys the pair's special connection. Use it to represent the moment when their lives collided for the first time and the blossoming of their love story after that. It is undoubtedly one of the most considerate wedding gifts you could select.
7. SPUR Experiences NBA Tickets
The Knot Registry Store is home to a wide variety of unique wedding presents that can be added to your shopping cart immediately. These include digital presents that can be redeemed for memorable activities that the newlyweds can participate in together. Basketball fans will be astonished and overjoyed to get NBA tickets, allowing them to cheer on their favourite team at a game. A bonus is that the last-minute wedding present will be emailed to the recipient.
8. Homesick Just Married Candle
When buying for a couple that already has everything they require, the most thoughtful present you can give them may be a more modest one. It is especially true if you're looking to save money. There is no such thing as having an excessive amount of candles, in contrast to other household items, such as baking sheets or bath towels, which can easily end up in excess. This idea for a tiny and easy wedding present is heartfelt because of the festive aroma of champagne, fresh linens, and seaside air that comes with the "Just Married" package. You can make it an even more meaningful present for the happy couple by engraving the jar with a word of congratulations specifically for them.
9. Uber Appliance 12-Can Mini Fridge
It can be not easy to shop for a couple who already possesses the basics for their home. Still, in today's world, many engaged couples already have their houses completely furnished before exchanging vows. On the bright side, The Knot Registry Store features many one-of-a-kind wedding presents that the couple most likely does not already own (but could use tremendously). Whether they enjoy the refreshing taste of a can of soda that has been cooled or they often host friends and family when there is a major sporting event, this chic little refrigerator will come in handy. It can hold up to 12 cans at once, and, more importantly, it will look good in their thoughtfully designed home.
10. Canvas Vows Pushpin World Travel Map
Looking for the ideal wedding present for those who love to travel? Provide the newlywed globetrotters with a fun method to keep track of their trips together, beginning with the honeymoon. This pushpin map makes things easy and looks amazing, and it's a terrific way to start a conversation. If you give a wedding gift to your pals that stands out from the crowd, personalise it by changing the size, the quote, or the colour.
How Much Should You Spend on a Wedding Gift? 12 Etiquette Tips
1. How much should I spend on a wedding gift?
The typical amount spent on a wedding gift ranges from fifty to one hundred dollars. They recommend breaking it down as follows: coworkers or distant relatives should pay between fifty and seventy-five dollars. With friends or family, between 75 and 100 bucks. Spend between 100 and 150 dollars, or more, on those who are close to you, family members, or at the wedding party.
If you have a budget of between fifty and seventy-five dollars, sending the couple a gift card to one of the places where they registered if everything else on the registry is outside of your price range is smart.
2. Is it okay to give a group wedding gift?
Join forces with a few other people to purchase an expensive item for the couple if the only ones remaining on the register are much out of your price range or if you truly want to show them how much you care by giving them something extravagant that you know they'll treasure. It is an especially prudent way to gift for bridesmaids and groomsmen who have already spent significant money on the bridesmaid dress, the bachelor party, and the shower. This way, the couple will receive a thoughtful large-ticket gift from the wedding party, and each person can typically get away with spending a bit less individually.
Meanwhile, combined gifts can be given by families still living under the same roof, couples, or guests who bring a plus one.
3. Should I give a wedding gift that matches the price per head?
The level of formality of the wedding affects many aspects, such as the time of day and the attire, but it has no bearing on the amount of money spent on the present. The kind of present you give a newlywed couple should be determined solely by your connection to the couple and the resources at your disposal. No guest should feel they are required to overextend themselves financially with the gift simply because they are expected to wear black ties.
Similarly, just though your best friend's best friend got married in their backyard in front of 10 people does not indicate that you should give them a cheap present. Also, if you are attending numerous celebrations for the pair, consider the following: You can use the 60-20-20 rule, which means spending 20 per cent of your total budget on a present for the engagement party, 20 per cent on a gift for the bridal shower, and 60 per cent on a gift for the actual wedding. This rule is applicable if you will be attending multiple events for the couple.
4. Is it okay to give cash as a wedding gift?
The giving of cash as a present is quite appropriate. Because the majority of millennials are delaying marriage until later in life and already have well-stocked houses, they would rather receive cash than wedding registry items so that they may put the money towards savings or a honeymoon.
Send any cash or checks ahead of time rather than bringing them to the wedding since it is far too easy for things to get lost in the commotion that occurs on the big day. Sites like Tendr, which let guests gift money online along with a heartfelt remark they can personally write on a digital card, allow some couples to register for cash to go directly into their bank accounts. It is an option that some couples may choose to take advantage of.
5. Do I have to buy a wedding gift for a destination wedding?
While there are no hard and fast laws, it is generally understood that their attendance at the wedding can undoubtedly be considered their present. It is even though there are no such restrictions. You need to remember that your guests are likely taking time off from work and making childcare arrangements, which means they have already committed a significant amount of effort. It is OK for an attendee to present them with a gift and be present at the event. As the costs of attending destination weddings are often higher, it is gracious of the couple to spread the word that 'your presence is a present.
You can always wait until later (up to a year later), even if you want to get them a wedding gift, but you are tight for funds right now after spending money on the flights and hotels. If so, you can wait until later to get them a wedding gift. They will always value it, regardless of when it is given to them.
6. Should I buy a gift if I can’t attend the wedding?
Guests who have been invited to a wedding ceremony give or bring a gift, regardless of whether they can attend the event. It is voluntary for those guests who have only been asked to the reception.
Nevertheless, for those who RSVP "no," feel free to spend less than you might spend if you attended the event; that $30 wine opener is still a nice expression of congratulations that the newlyweds will undoubtedly appreciate.
7. Should my wedding gift amount increase if I have a plus one?
No provision in the manual of wedding present etiquette suggests the size of your wedding gift should increase if you bring a date to the wedding. You are not required to spend more money simply because you are bringing two mouths to feed. While it may make sense to spend a bit more because you are bringing two mouths to feed, there is no expectation that you need to do so. One should spend between 1.5 and 2 times more money on the gift.
8. How long do I have to get the couple a wedding gift after the wedding?
According to customs, you have up to one year after the wedding to give the happy couple a gift. However, etiquette experts agree that it is preferable to offer the gift as soon as it is possible to do so. Everyone wants to open their wedding gifts while still basking in the pleasure of recently getting married.
9. How do I address a check to the couple?
If you give a check to the newlyweds, you should ensure that you do not write their new last name in the "to" field of the check. It may seem paradoxical after having just watched them tie the knot, but when it comes to cashing checks after the big day, the bank may sometimes not accept checks that do not have the registered account name on them. It is because the bank needs to verify the identity of the person cashing the check. It is recommended that the check be made payable to a single individual, and a cheerful message should be included in the memo section of the check.
10. Should I ship a gift directly or bring it to the wedding?
The best way to give a present is to deliver it directly to the newlyweds' residence rather than bring it to the ceremony itself. Please make the newlyweds' lives a little bit simpler by making it easier for them to keep track of the numerous tasks that need to be done on the day of the event. Because of registries, it is a relief to learn that you can ship the present in question with minimal fuss. It is of the utmost importance for destination weddings since it creates a logistical problem for the couple when they must send everything back home. (Also, you won't have to pack it either.)
The tradition of bringing a physical gift to a wedding is normally reserved for those guests who have purchased a present for the couple outside of the registry. If you are still trying to figure out what to do, read the directions on the website for the register to save yourself the hassle of wrapping the present yourself.
11. Is it okay to buy gifts that aren’t on the wedding registry?
Giving presents that are not on the couple's official registry is not considered a breach of wedding gift etiquette. Even if the couple has a gift registry, the guest should always have the last say in what to purchase or present as a gift.
If, on the other hand, you decide to get something that is not in the register, you should make sure it is something you are certain they will adore. A couple has taken the time to select items they need, so it makes sense most of the time to align with their wishes. As a result, it makes perfect sense to fall in line with their wishes. That said, if you are close to the couple and are certain that the item you bought off the registry is exactly what they need, give it to them by all means.
12. Do I have to buy a shower and wedding gifts?
You must purchase a unique present for both the bridal shower and the wedding if you plan on attending either of these events. Guests spend between fifty and seventy-five dollars on a present for the bridal shower. (However, the 20-20-60 ratio can also apply if you already gave the couple an engagement present; therefore, the cost of your shower gift should account for 20 per cent of your total budget.)
Sending a gift is optional for those guests who have been invited to a bridal shower but cannot attend in person: if a guest cannot attend the shower, they may send a gift but are not obligated to do so.
To get you started on your hunt, I've listed a few suggestions for wedding gifts based on different price ranges below.
7 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Gift
Before buying a wedding gift, it is a good idea to think about the following items. It will help ensure you choose the right gift rather than the wrong one.
1. Set a Budget
Did you know that determining how much money you want to spend on a wedding gift will help you choose from a more manageable range of potential presents? It will be much simpler for you to select the present you want to offer if you start by deciding how much money you will spend on the gift.
2. Choose a Gift According to the Interests of the Bride and Groom
Giving gifts related to the interests, hobbies, or preferences of the bride and groom are helpful hints to consider while shopping for a second wedding gift.
For instance, if they have a passion for travelling, you can give them gift certificates for vacations, hotel stays, or transportation so that they can select the most appropriate present. If you know they enjoy cooking, give them some culinary books or kitchen supplies as a gift.
Adjust the existing gifts so that they correspond more closely with the hobbies or interests of your companion. Giving presents that are relevant to the hobbies and passions of the bride and groom increases the likelihood that these presents will be kept in mind for a significant amount of time.
Feel free to enquire directly about the matter if you are still trying to figure out how to select a present.
3. Choose Useful and Useful Objects
It's common knowledge that starting a new life together as a married couple would necessitate purchasing many goods to meet the home's requirements. Consequently, select a present that can be used in the future by either or both partners.
Listed below are some possibilities for products that are both useful and useful:
- Equipment for the kitchen
- Supplies for sanitising
- Furnishings for private residences
- A variety of sporting goods
4. Providing Service Assistance
There is no one standard format for wedding gifts. One of these comes in the shape of assistance with service provision. They will find great significance in providing this aid because it can reduce the strain on their mental and physical resources.
You can provide aid in the form of service by either assisting with the preparations for the wedding or managing the event itself till it is over. No matter what assistance you provide, the bride and groom will be quite thankful to you for it.
5. Choose Unique and Anti Mainstream Gifts
Picking a one-of-a-kind wedding present that goes against the grain is one way to make an impression that is distinctive and out of the ordinary. However, you should make sure that the present you choose is still connected in some way to the hobbies and characteristics that the bride and groom share.
6. Split the Bill
A large sum of money is required to give a wedding present. Especially if you wish to provide a present that the recipient can use in their future home life.
You could discuss the possibility of splitting the bill with some of your closest friends to avoid becoming a burden on them and to be able to save costs. Remember to include a greeting note and acknowledge the person who gave you the present by mentioning their name.
7. Choose the Best Sincerely Gift
The next piece of advice, among the most crucial, is to select the most appropriate present by your values. Genuinely presented presents will invariably be held in higher esteem by the recipient.
Summary
Look at some of the wedding gifts that will be the most exciting and unexpected for the couple to receive in 2023. It can be helpful if the couple's invitations do not contain information about a wedding gift list or if you are trying to come up with a wedding present that will surprise and delight the couple.
When you go "off list," you have a lot more freedom to be creative and select a present that is unique to the pair and will make them smile when they discover what it is. It is one of the many advantages of this approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular tech-related wedding gift ideas for the modern couple?
For the tech-savvy couple, consider gifts like smart home devices, wireless charging stations, noise-cancelling headphones, or even a digital photo frame. These tech-related gifts can enhance their lifestyle and provide convenience in their daily routines.
How do I choose a personalized wedding gift that both partners will love?
To choose a personalized wedding gift that both partners will love, opt for items that reflect their shared interests or experiences. Customized items like a monogrammed blanket, engraved glassware, or a star map depicting their wedding night's sky can be thoughtful choices. Ensure the gift resonates with both individuals, celebrating their union and unique bond.
Are there any etiquette guidelines to keep in mind when selecting a wedding gift?
When selecting a wedding gift, it's important to consider the couple's preferences and your relationship with them. It's customary to spend an amount that reflects your closeness, but ultimately, the thought and effort behind the gift matter most. If attending the wedding, it's best to bring the gift to the event or send it within a few months of the wedding date.
How can I ensure my wedding gift stands out and resonates with the couple?
Consider their interests, hobbies, and preferences to ensure your wedding gift stands out and resonates with the couple. If you know their favourite activities or upcoming plans, tailor your gift to match. Personalized items, thoughtful gestures, and unique experiences show that you've put effort into selecting a meaningful present that reflects their personalities and the journey they're embarking on together.
Is it a good idea to give cash or gift cards as a wedding gift?
Yes, giving cash or gift cards as a wedding gift is a practical option that many couples appreciate. It allows them to use the funds towards their honeymoon, future investments, or any other expenses they might have. Including a heartfelt card or note can make the gift feel more personal and thoughtful.