weddings

your guide to gifting the best wedding present

finding the best wedding presents: a step-by-step wedding gift guide.

When close friends and family get married, there's a lot of pressure to find the best wedding gifts. We're here to help with our guide to finding presents the happy couple will appreciate, enjoy, and use with fond thoughts of you. While the wedding registry is a great place to start, we've got extra tips on how to go beyond the expected and find the best wedding presents.

don't wait to begin the wedding present hunt

It's never too early to begin thinking about wedding gifts for couples planning to marry. Wedding gift ideas cover the spectrum from practical and functional presents to whimsical and playful options that will delight and amuse the recipients. The type of gift you choose will depend on factors such as items on the wedding registry, what you know about the couple, and your wedding gift budget. Starting the process of finding the perfect gift early will help you to manage your budget and your gift-buying process more easily.

shop early

Especially if you're on a budget, it's important to find the best wedding gifts early in the process. Looking through the couple’s wedding registry to find gifts that are in your price range and appeal to you can help you determine the best options. Affordable gifts may include small kitchen appliances, home décor, bath towels, and bed linens. These items on the gift registry usually go quickly as guests begin the shopping process. We suggest beginning your gift search as soon as you know about the upcoming wedding arrangements. While there's something to be said about last-minute inspiration, procrastination usually leads to settling for a second or third option.

start with the basics

A few factors will affect your choice of wedding gift. These typically include your relationship with one or both members of the couple, your personal tastes, and your budget. Consider how much you can afford to spend and the average cost of gifts listed on the wedding registry to determine an appropriate price range for your present. Even inexpensive keepsakes can make a big impact on the happy couple on the day of the wedding and throughout their life together.

plan your budget

Before you start hunting for the perfect present, determine the amount you can comfortably afford to spend. Whether you can buy an elegant cookware set or splurge on a furniture collection for an entire room, your budget will serve as a useful benchmark for beginning your search.

how much should you spend?


Members of the immediate family and close friends of the couple typically plan to give larger gifts like bedroom furniture and dining room sets. More distant relatives and acquaintances of the couple usually choose from among the less expensive items on the wedding registry.

Most wedding gifts from all but the couple's closest ties range in price between $50 and $200. The exact amount you will spend will typically depend on your own budget and the relationship you share with the couple getting married. There is no set amount of money that is appropriate to spend for a wedding gift.

pool your resources

Family members and close friends may also decide to go in together on larger items. By pooling available funds, you may be able to purchase items that would be beyond the financial means of an individual. Items like fine china, kitchen carts, and top-end grills
for outdoor gatherings can be much more affordable when purchased as gifts by a larger group of people. By putting your financial contribution together with that of other wedding guests, you can present a gift that your recipients will remember and use for many years to come.

claim your wedding registry purchases

If you're planning to buy an item listed on the couple’s wedding registry, be sure to claim it as soon as you purchase it. Your smartphone can allow you to access wedding registry information and to act promptly to mark items off the list immediately after you find and pay for them. This will prevent duplication of gifts that could require returns and added inconvenience for the newlyweds after their wedding day. Whether you're purchasing a practical coffee maker or a cozy electric fireplace, your recipients will appreciate it more if you check it off the wedding registry list.

consider the recipients

If you're close with the engaged couple, you can probably think of several items they need to build their new life together. Finding the best wedding gifts can be a trickier proposition if you don't know the couple well. In some cases, you may be able to ask family members or friends you and the couple have in common about their personal preferences, hobbies, or needs. Some items are always welcome. For instance, kitchen linens are a thoughtful and attractive gift for couples getting married at any stage of their lives.

know the etiquette

Following the proper etiquette for wedding gift-giving will ensure that you do not commit any major gaffes when selecting and delivering gifts for the upcoming wedding. Some of the most important elements of wedding etiquette include the following:

  • If you're not sure what the newlyweds will need, it's always a safe bet to check the registry and purchase an item listed there. Created by couples, wedding registries are wish lists of items they need and want. Sticking closely to the suggestions on the registry will help you to choose a present that you can be sure the couple will appreciate.
  • Many wedding etiquette experts still frown on cash gifts from anyone except immediate family members. Gift cards are an excellent compromise between the convenience of cash and the personal touch of a unique and thoughtful gift. If you have difficulty choosing a present, don't be afraid to give a gift card. It's likely that the couple will appreciate being able to choose some items that they didn't think to include in their registry.
  • Send the gift on time. Wedding etiquette dictates that wedding presents arrive before the wedding. If this is not possible, however, your wedding gift should arrive no later than two months after the big day to ensure that the newlyweds enjoy it to the fullest.
  • Don’t bring the gift to the wedding ceremony or reception unless the invitation or wedding website says to do so. Many couples go directly on the honeymoon after the wedding ceremony and reception, which can make dealing with these gifts much more difficult and time-consuming.

brainstorm for ideas

If others have already claimed most of the gifts listed on the wedding registry, you can call on friends and family members for help. Taking the time to think outside the box is an excellent way to come up with unique and brilliant gift ideas for the couple planning to wed. Clever kitchen gadgets, innovative ice cream makers, and digital photo frames are all solid choices that could arise from a brainstorming session with your nearest and dearest friends and family members.

let your gift take flight

A matched luggage set is a thoughtful gift that can make travel more pleasant for newly married couples. If you decide to purchase luggage as a wedding gift, making sure it arrives before the big day can allow the happy couple to pack it right away and take it with them on their honeymoon. Your gift recipients will remember your thoughtfulness every time they travel.

feather the love nest

Cushions and pillows are obvious choices for creating a cozy retreat. Blackout curtains and shades can also provide the privacy newly married couples will appreciate as they build their life together. Considering these and other thoughtful décor items to adorn the newlyweds' hideaway will help you find the best wedding gifts.

personalize your gift


The right customized gifts for the home can add a personal touch to your wedding present. If you can’t find the right wedding gift on the couple’s registry, personalized gifts are a practical option that can help you make the best possible impression on the newlywed couple.

don’t be afraid to double up

If you find that other guests have already claimed most items on the gift registry that are within your price range, there's nothing wrong with duplicating certain gifts. Gifting the newlyweds with multiple high-quality sheet sets, towels, or tablecloths in their favored styles can reduce their laundry duties as they're putting their combined household together. By giving extra sets of linens and towels, you can offer the married couple the gift of extra free time.

go all in for experiences

Some of the best wedding presents don’t come in a box or bag. Experiential wedding gifts are the perfect option for couples who already seem to have everything. We have collected some of the most popular experiences to make it easy to fulfill your gift-giving duties:

  • Outdoor experiences may include wine-tasting sailboat tours, helicopter tours, sightseeing expeditions, caving, snorkeling trips, visits to theme parks, and white-water rafting, to name just a few. For adventurous couples, a chance to soar above the clouds or to get really down to earth could be the perfect wedding gift.
  • A gourmet food experience is the perfect choice for gourmet couples who love the latest trends in the culinary world. Choices in this category could include a cooking or bread-making class for two, a visit to a famous restaurant, a tour of a distillery or winery, subscriptions to coffee or meal services, or a trip to one of the foodie tours located in metropolitan areas around the country. Chocolate tastings and dinner cruises are also options that will appeal to couples with a love for food, drinks, and fun.
  • Cultural experiences are thoughtful wedding gifts that are ideal for art and music lovers, history buffs, and movie enthusiasts. These options include tours of historical sites, tickets to art exhibitions, access to movie premieres, ghost tours, theater performances, and zoo visits. Painting classes, glass-blowing sessions, digital photography seminars, calligraphy courses, and other hands-on workshops can be outstanding options for artistically inclined couples. Zeroing in on the specific cultural interests of the happy couple will help you to purchase the best wedding presents for their big day.
  • Fitness and wellness enthusiasts will appreciate experience gifts that relate to their interests. Day spa visits, yoga sessions, and massages are among the most popular options for couples interested in wellness. For fitness fans, kayaking trips, bike tours, rock climbing classes, and zip-lining experiences could be the best wedding gifts ever.
  • Travel experiences can include glacier hikes, sunset sailboat voyages, snorkeling tours in island destinations, shark-cage diving expeditions, and visits to iconic landmarks in the United States or around the world. Segway tours and horse and carriage excursions are also available in some select areas of the country. These thoughtful wedding gifts can provide newlyweds with a unique way to see sights they would enjoy.
  • Affordable experiential wedding gifts range from 18 holes of miniature golf to distillery tours and axe-throwing sessions. Check out our lineup of curated experiences to find the perfect gift for weddings, anniversaries, and special occasions of all kinds.

celebrate the little moments

Gifting champagne flutes, wine glasses, or beer mugs as wedding gifts can inspire the couple to break out these items over the years to celebrate milestones in their relationship. These gifts can remind newlyweds to share joy over even the smallest achievements and positive developments in their life together.

don’t forget the pets

For couples who share a love for animals and one or more pets, items to enhance life with pets could be ideal wedding gifts. Dog beds, cat trees, and other types of pet supplies can demonstrate to the happy couple that you understand their priorities and that you put thought and care into their gift. Because some animals have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask about the pets and their needs and preferences before choosing a pet-themed present.

when in doubt, organize

Couples who are starting out in a small apartment or rental house may be short on closet and storage space. Home organizers are useful and functional gifts that may include items like the following:

  • Underbed storage containers and bags
  • Shoe racks and containers
  • Space-saving storage units
  • Closet organizers
  • Cube storage units
  • Hanging storage for wardrobes and closets

establish a pattern

If the couple has listed several items in a specific pattern on their wedding registry, you can often look for items of the same pattern that are not on the registry to find the best wedding gifts. For instance, the place settings listed on the wedding registry may have serving sets and specialty flatware in a matching pattern that can complete the collection and impress the newlyweds. Bakeware or serving trays in the couple’s chosen pattern can also be great options for gift-giving if other options are not available.

liven up the living room

Taking a look at the registry can help you to find ideas for living room décor. Even if most of the registry entries are claimed, you can find complementary items to complete their interior design. An unexpected gift is always a nice touch. However, be sure to match the artistic taste of the couple to find the best wedding gifts and the most appropriate décor.

explore outdoor entertaining

For couples who enjoy spending time out on the deck or patio, consider gifting dinnerware and drinkware designed for use outdoors. Durable dinnerware and drinkware can make it easy for the newlyweds to entertain guests or to relax and enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of their own home.

brighten their smiles

If you're searching for a unique and memorable gift, a matching set of electric toothbrushes could be the perfect solution for your gift-giving dilemma. These items are personal without being overly intimate and are practical items that almost any couple can use and appreciate.

keep things comfortable

Smart thermostats can be ideal wedding gifts for do-it-yourself enthusiasts and couples moving into a new house together. If you feel confident in your abilities, you can even volunteer to install these systems yourself on behalf of the newlywed couple.

offer added security

Modern smart security systems are modular and easy to use. Couples just starting out together will love the added peace of mind that smart security systems can provide for the home they share. Additionally, linking security systems to smart assistants and home automation setups can provide improved accessibility and convenience for your gift recipients.

use what you know

The best wedding gifts reflect the specific interests and preferences of the happy couple. For example, couples who work from home may appreciate lap desks or other home office essentials. An outdoor fire pit can be the perfect accessory for those who like to entertain on the deck or patio. Taking into consideration the hobbies and interests of the couple will help you find a gift they'll enjoy using.

add a personal note

Adding a note to your wedding gift can make it even more special for the newlyweds. If you're bringing the gift along to the reception or sending it directly to the couple, you can include a handwritten note expressing your best wishes. For gifts selected from our wedding registry and shipped from us, we make it easy to add a gift message for a personal touch that will mean a lot to the recipients.

wrap it up

Wrapping your wedding gifts is not an exercise for the faint of heart. If you're not sure how to wrap a wedding gift, you may want to let the professionals handle this process. We offer gift wrapping and packaging services that can make the best impression on the newlyweds and take the stress out of wrapping your present yourself.

take advantage of modern technology

Shipping your packages directly to the newlywed couple can also be a practical way to manage transportation. This is especially appropriate for large gifts that would be difficult to transport to the site of the wedding ceremony and reception. It's important to get the OK from the couple and find out the most convenient place for delivery before shipping your gift. If they are planning an extended honeymoon, they may request that you send your gift to a different address until they return.

consult us for practical help

We hope this wedding gift guide has provided you with the information you need to choose the perfect gift for the special couple. If you need any further help or guidance, we are always here to help with all your wedding gift purchases. Our team offers the right solutions for every gift-giving occasion and can help you find the perfect wedding gift now and in the future. Call your local store, stop by, or visit us online to learn more.