The Art of Wedding-Gift Giving, Decoded
Everything the newlywed couple might not ask for but definitely needs.
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The only thing harder than deciphering wedding dress codes and trying to figure out what shoes are “beach formal” is the struggle to find the best wedding gifts for newlyweds. Now that it’s officially summer, wedding season is in full swing. If the invitations are flying at you faster than a freshly launched bridal bouquet and you’re starting to spiral about finding the perfect wedding-gift ideas, you’re not alone.
Since wedding-gift shopping can be a minefield, we reached out to experts for guidance. Below, we’ve rounded up the best ideas.
SO, YOU WANT TO BUY A WEDDING GIFT?
➼ FAQs
➼ Best wedding gifts under $100
➼ Best wedding gifts under $300
➼ Best wedding gifts under $500
➼ Our experts
Best Wedding Gifts Under $100
Georg Jensen Picture Frames Modern Size
Since there will be lots of photo ops, you really can’t go wrong with a picture frame. This silver frame from Georg Jensen is a crowd-pleaser. It’s minimal enough to match everything, and the ultrashiny stainless steel looks pricier than it is.
Printworks ‘A Love Story’ Wedding Album
If they want more than one picture to remember their wedding day, engagement, or maybe even first date, this photo album has 30 pages of space for their favorite moments. It also makes a great accent for their coffee table.
Mark & Graham Wood and Wine Chiller
A top pick from celebrity event planner Mindy Weiss’s wedding-gift curation for Mark & Graham, this sleek marble wine chiller is a great addition to anyone’s kitchen or bar space. Newlyweds are guaranteed to get a lot of wine and Champagne to celebrate the big day, so give them something pretty (and useful) to put the bottles in!
Airbnb Online Experiences
The couple who has it all probably hasn’t done it all, so what better way to treat the newlyweds than with scavenger hunts, cooking classes, and tarot readings. “Experiential gifts are great, whether it’s an Airbnb gift card, certificate for a local date night, at-home meal-delivery service, or something else they can do together,” Forrest shares.
Missoni Home Giacomo Towels
Yes, towels make for a great wedding gift. But Forrest says it’s important to remember that “giving a wedding gift is not just about giving the couple things they don’t already have, it’s also about [gifting] upgrades to help them start off their newlywed life together.” We’re sure they don’t have these Missoni towels in a timeless zigzag pattern.
Buffy Deluxe Cotton Bath Towels
These favorites from Buffy are a little more minimal than the Missonis, above, but just as luxurious. The plush cotton towels are thick, absorbent, and soft.
Winc Monthly Wine Club
“If you know the couple’s hobbies and interests well, opt for something more personalized, such as a gift card or subscription service for something like coffee or wine,” says Forrest. Winc delivers curated wine selections monthly.
Blue Bottle Coffee Subscription
Blue Bottle’s coffee subscription offers high-quality caffeine blends from all over the world so they can skip the Starbucks runs. If you’re really close to the couple, spring for a fancy espresso machine.
Aranami Blue Wave Noodle Bowl - 4
Foodies will appreciate any accessories to fuel their favorite hobby, like these cool blue bowls that are made for ramen.
COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo
Seriously, everyone wants an air fryer if they don’t have one already.
Nambé Scoop Mini Tiered Bowl Server
If they’re used to hosting or enjoy most of their date nights at home, this mini serving bowl will come in clutch for their favorite snacks.
West Elm Archer Barware Bar Tools w/ Stand
Comes with everything the experienced (or novice) bartender needs to make their favorite drinks, minus the alcohol.
Best Wedding Gifts Under $300
Buffy Hemp Linen Sheet Set, Queen
This is one of those foolproof gifts. You can never have enough sheets, especially ones like these. The lightweight linen is soft, breathable, and airy so they can use them right after their summer wedding.
Fferrone Dearborn Wineglass
Fancy enough to be wineglasses but subtle enough to use as everyday drinking glasses.
Alessi ‘Il caffè/tè Alessi’ Coffee Spoon Set
Experienced coffee and tea drinkers likely have all the pour-over coffee makers and French presses they need. Consider this set of offbeat spoons to go with their collection of cups and mugs.
Estelle Colored Glass Champagne Coupes (Set of 6)
Or you can opt for Champagne coupes in a pretty shade since the newlyweds will have more than enough opportunities to celebrate.
SMEG 2-Slice Toaster
Retro kitchen appliances are having a moment thanks to brands like SMEG. From this incredibly cute two-slice toaster to a pastel electric kettle, SMEG has all the aesthetically pleasing, high-quality appliances newlyweds need to deck out their kitchen.
Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker (5.5-Cup)
Featured in The Knot’s Registry Awards this year, this rice cooker is one of Nowack’s favorite wedding-gift items. “After spending my childhood in Japan, I am a sushi aficionado and very particular about how my rice is cooked, so I love how well this Zojirushi rice cooker does the job,” she says.
Waterford Love Forever Crystal Champagne Flute
Another top gift from The Knot’s Awards Registry list is this exquisite Waterford Champagne-flute set. Crystal is always a beautiful way to express love for a happy couple, especially with these special flutes that feature a stylized diamond cut representing the eternal flame of love. Sentimental and sparkly!
Mikel Customs Fold-Up Wood Picnic Table & Carrier
This ingenious carrying basket transforms into a handy picnic table.
Simplehuman Stainless Steel 12 Gal. Rectangular Trash Can With Liner Pocket
Don’t hesitate to give something extremely practical. Forrest notes that some couples are afraid to add these types of items to their registries. That said, why not gift a very fancy trash can instead of the standard plastic ones. This option features a liner pocket for easy replacement and opens hands-free for quick disposal.
Furbo Dog Camera
For pet parents, separation anxiety is real, so gift them this camera that lets them check in on their pets and give them a treat throughout the day.
Samsonite Outline Pro 20” Hardside Carry-on Spinner
Of course, luggage is always practical, especially for the honeymoon. Gift the couple this carry-on that will withstand the TSA and being thrown in the overhead compartment.
Best Wedding Gifts Under $500
Made In Nonstick Frying Pan 3-Piece Set
Pots and pans are always top picks, according to Forrest. Make sure to choose well-made ones so the cooking (and clean up!) is a breeze for the couple you’re shopping for — these Made In nonstick pans are exactly that. Features include heat-resistant handles, an oven-safe design, even heating properties, and, of course, a professional-grade nonstick cooking surface.
Ivation 18-Bottle Freestanding Wine Refrigerator
Gift them the joy of a mini at-home wine cellar with this free-standing fridge. Available in black or stainless steel, it features an advanced compressor cooling system and removable shelves so you can arrange the bottles as you please. Truly no better gift for a wine lover or any self-proclaimed sommelier.
The Toaster Steam Toaster Oven
True toast connoisseurs are already coveting this meticulously engineered Japanese toaster oven. It’s great for making melt-y sandwiches and warming up leftovers, and it includes a steam feature for evenly browned, crisp bread with a fluffy and moist interior. The fact that they would probably never splurge on one for themselves makes it an ideal wedding gift.
Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Vacuum
Say hello to another practical item they might not ask for but will definitely need. This cordless vacuum is perfect for deep cleaning cars, carpets, and everything else.
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven
Lots of couples ask for this multi-purpose kitchen staple, but this green is the color Forrest has been seeing a lot of on registries. With presents on the pricier side, she suggests making it a group gift, splitting the costs with your plus-one or a family member.
KitchenAid Artisan 5 Qt. Stand Mixer
Even the most kitchen-avoidant couples have this stand mixer on their registry. We’ll be honest; we would have it too. However, if they barely bake, this won’t collect dust, since there are plenty of useful attachments you can gift, from spiralizers to food grinders.
Ferm Living Damo Glass Centrepiece
It’s one part sculptural and one part practical. If they’re always hosting dinner parties, this is an easy way to decorate the table and serve their favorite meals.
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