By Forbes Staff,Jordan Thomas,Katherine Louie
Copyright forbes
When selecting a wedding gift, checking the couple’s registry is the best way to ensure you’re purchasing something they want or need. If the couple doesn’t have a registry or you’re looking for inspiration beyond the items they’ve requested, I’ve curated the best wedding gift ideas based on my personal experience as a recent bride. From a splurge-worthy luggage set to elegant, scratch-resistant wine glasses to a custom watercolor painting, these thoughtful presents are sure to show the happy couple how much you care.
The best wedding gifts cater to the couple’s interests and take into account things that they need.
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To compile this list, I took into account various factors, including closeness to the couple, personal interests and budget, but the first step should always be browsing the registry. “Couples take a lot of time figuring out what to include on their registry, and purchasing something for them off this list is truly always appreciated,” says Bianca Hall, a wedding planner with Chicago-based firm Estera Events. However, when you need to go beyond their wish list, it’s essential to start with what you know about the couple. “Gift-giving is not one size fits all,” says Dawn Goldsmith, owner and creator of DM Events and Design, a Brooklyn-based wedding planning firm. “The ‘special sauce’ to finding the perfect gift is the thoughtfulness that goes into it.” With that advice in mind, here are the best wedding gifts of 2025.
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Best Wedding Gifts At A Glance
Best Wedding Gift Overall: All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
Best Traditional Wedding Gift: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven
Best Practical Wedding Gift: Flamingo Estate The Garden Tour Gift Box
Best Last-Minute Wedding Gift: Framebridge Gift Card
Most Unique Wedding Gift: Uncommon Goods A Year of Dates
Best Luxury Wedding Gift: Monos For The Family Luggage Set
Best Personalized Wedding Gift: Custom Couple Portrait
Best Wedding Gifts Overall
A Stainless Steel Cookware Set That They’ll Use Constantly
All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
Every couple needs a reliable cookware set to whip up meals at home. This 10-piece bundle features a stainless steel cooking surface, ergonomic handles and is compatible with all cooktops, including induction. (It’s also the top pick in our guide to the best stainless steel cookware sets.)
A Vibrant Painting Of The Bride’s Bouquet
Custom Wedding Bouquet Watercolor Painting
Gift the newlyweds a custom watercolor painting of the bride’s bouquet to remind them of their special day. Each painting is done by hand and ships without a frame. A Framebridge gift card, which we also recommend in this guide, is a nice accompaniment.
A Celebratory Case Of Wine
Avaline The Wedding Season Set
Help the newlyweds keep the celebration going with six of Avaline’s most popular organic wines. There’s a thoughtful mix of white, rosé and sparkling, so there’s something for everyone. Note that the exact bottles may vary based on availability.
Fluffy Bath Towels Made From 100% Organic Cotton
Boll & Branch
Boll & Branch Plush Bath Sheet Set
These soft, absorbent Boll & Branch towels will turn any bathroom into a spa-like experience. The bath sheets are also generously sized, so when you step out of the shower, you’ll be wrapped in plush warmth—even for taller individuals. This set also includes two hand towels and two washcloths.
Elegant, Scratch-Resistant Wine Glasses
Crate & Barrel
Schott Zwiesel Tour White Wine Glasses (Set Of 4)
No bar cart is complete without a set of wine glasses for both special occasions and everyday dinners. My husband and I have this set of white wine glasses, and we love that the Tritan glass is resistant to breaks, scratches and chips. If the couple prefers to drink red wine, there’s also a set of four red wine glasses.
A Gorgeous Cashmere Throw Blanket That Can Be Customized
Mark & Graham
Mark & Graham Monogrammed Italian Cashmere Throw
Made from a soft blend of cashmere and lambswool, this elegant Mark & Graham throw blanket looks great draped over a sofa, chair or bed. It has a subtle texture and long fringe that adds a decorative element. You can opt for personalization for an extra $15.
Preserved Roses That Will Last Longer Than Their Wedding Flowers
Lasting Brilliance
Lasting Brilliance 2-Dozen Roses In Black Box
Sending fresh flowers is a thoughtful gesture, but they have a short shelf life and will eventually wilt. However, these preserved blooms by Lasting Brilliance will retain their color and shape without wilting for up to three years. The roses come in a circular black box with a faux leather finish, which looks beautiful on a coffee table or dining room table.
A Set Of Luxe, Personalized Note Cards
Minted Campania Stationery
Custom stationery is a thoughtful gift that the couple is sure to reach for when sending thank-you cards or any type of correspondence. There are six color schemes to choose from for the Minted Campania set, and the illustration of two glasses clinking has a whimsical and celebratory feel.
Best Traditional Wedding Gifts
A Classic 5-Quart Dutch Oven That They’ll Have For Years
Williams Sonoma
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven
Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron cookware is the gold standard, as it heats evenly, doesn’t require additional seasoning (like most cast-iron pans) and resists staining and dulling. The 5-quart size feeds roughly five to six people, and the oval shape is excellent for longer cuts of meat or baking bread in a traditional loaf shape.
A Beautiful Book To Store Photos, Notes And More
Artifact Uprising
Artifact Uprising Wedding Scrapbook Album
This handcrafted book from Artifact Uprising is a fun way for the couple to store photos, handwritten notes, menus and other mementos from their wedding all in one place. The matte pages lie flat, which makes it easy to write on, and it comes with a double-sided tape dispenser.
A Modern, Stoneware Dinnerware Set
Fable 16-Piece Dinnerware Set
Every couple needs high-quality dinnerware that looks beautiful but holds up to everyday meals and entertaining. This 16-piece set, which earned the top spot in our guide to the best dinnerware sets, feels substantial and performs incredibly well against microwave heating, dishwasher cycles and general use.
A Retro-Inspired Toaster That Gets The Job Done
Smeg 2-Slice Toaster
Kitchen appliances are a traditional wedding gift and can be helpful for couples who are moving into a new space together. I own this toaster and love how efficient it is (it reheats and defrosts, too), and there are six helpful browning levels. Plus, it looks beautiful on my kitchen counter.
Best Practical Wedding Gifts
A Curated Assortment Of Fragrant Home & Self-Care Items
Flamingo Estate
Flamingo Estate The Garden Tour Gift Box
My husband and I received this Flamingo Estate gift box ahead of our wedding, and it was such a lovely surprise. It contains household essentials that we use frequently, including hand soap, body wash, a candle, wildflower honey and extra virgin olive oil. Everything was packaged in a beautiful green gift box that felt celebratory and special.
An Oversized Throw Blanket For Cozy Nights At Home
ChappyWrap Harborview Herringbone Navy Blanket
This reversible throw from ChappyWrap is undoubtedly going to become the couple’s new favorite blanket. It’s crafted from a super-soft cotton blend that’s machine washable and resistant to pilling and shrinking, and the generous size easily covers two people without someone getting cold.
An Efficient, Beginner-Friendly Robot Vacuum
iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
With its three-stage cleaning system, powerful suction and multi-surface brushes, this iRobot Roomba vacuum will keep floors clean and dust-free. It has multiple sensors to help it avoid stairs, and it works particularly well when sucking up pet hair. (We reviewed this model in our guide to the best robot vacuums for pet hair, and it earned top marks from our testers.)
A Set Of Household Essentials To Keep Their Home Clean
Preston Lane
Preston Lane Signature Set
Preston Lane uses plant-based formulas and delicate fragrances in all their products, ensuring that even those with sensitive noses will enjoy the brand’s four signature scents (my favorite scent is Highrise, which has notes of plum and red currant). This set includes all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, hand soap, hand cream and a candle.
Best Last-Minute Wedding Gifts
Help Them Get Their Favorite Photos Framed
Framebridge
Framebridge Gift Card
Another wonderful wedding gift that we received was a Framebridge gift card that we plan to use to frame our favorite wedding photos. I love that we can choose which frames and sizes we want, as everyone has different tastes.
A Handy Cookbook With Easy-To-Follow Recipes
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering The Elements Of Good Cooking
Whether the couple loves to cook or is just starting their culinary journey, this cookbook by beloved chef Samin Nosrat makes it easy to succeed in the kitchen. Beyond the recipes, this book stands out for its vibrant, educational illustrations that don’t feel intimidating, even if you’ve never stepped foot in the kitchen before.
Most Unique Wedding Gifts
Fun Date Night Ideas For Their First Year
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods A Year Of Dates
Take the stress out of planning date night with this handy box of 52 “secret” dates that are ready to go in sealed envelopes. The color-coded envelopes indicate whether the date can be done at home (blue), during the day (green), on a day or night out (yellow) or as a complete surprise (orange).
Personalized Lyrics And Music For The Couple
Uncommon Goods
Made-To-Order Personalized Song
Musician David Morgan will create a custom song for the newlyweds after you share meaningful stories of the couple and answer a few questions. The custom track will be one to three minutes long, and you will be able to approve the lyrics before he records it.
A Compact, Durable Cooler For Outdoor Adventures
Yeti Roadie 15 Cooler
Ideal for camping, fishing, beach trips and backyard barbecues, this Yeti portable cooler is a unique gift that the couple will reach for on their next outdoor excursion. It can fit 22 cans or 16 pounds of ice, and most standard wine bottles can fit on their side. Plus, the freezer-quality gasket and Permafrost insulation lock in the cold, so you’re never drinking warm beverages.
Best Luxury Wedding Gifts
New Luggage For Their Honeymoon
Monos For The Family Luggage Set
A new luggage set is perfect for the jet-setting couple, whether they’re leaving on their honeymoon right after the wedding or waiting to take a longer trip. This Monos set comes with the Check-In Large (83 liters), Check-In Medium (60 liters) and Carry-On (28 liters), all of which are available in 12 different colors.
A Smokeless Fire Pit For Outdoor Entertaining
Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit
If the couple has a backyard or outdoor space, this popular Solo Stove smokeless fire pit—which our team rated the best overall fire pit, based on our rigorous testing—is a wonderful gift. It’s portable, easy to light and offers the warmth and feel of a wood-burning fire pit but without any lingering odors.
A Bluetooth Speaker With Impressive Battery Life
Ultimate Ears Epicboom Speaker
This portable Bluetooth speaker is a great gift for couples who enjoy entertaining. I’ve owned this speaker for several years, and it has impressive battery life and a rich, clear sound that fills both small and large spaces with ease. It’s also dust-resistant and can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes (meaning you can take this speaker with you to the beach or pool without worry).
Extra-Soft And Cooling Sheets
Brooklinen Washed Classic Percale Hardcore Sheet Bundle (Queen)
Give the gift of a good night’s sleep, which the couple will undoubtedly need after the excitement of their wedding is over. These washed percale sheets from Brooklinen are soft, cool, breathable and feel perfectly broken-in. The set includes everything they need for a perfectly made bed: fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases, duvet cover and extra pillowcases.
Best Personalized Wedding Gifts
A Detailed Drawing Of The Newlyweds
Custom Couple Portrait
A custom portrait is another meaningful gift that’s specific to the couple. The hand-drawn picture will be sent to the couple as a digital file so the couple can print it on their desired paper and frame it if needed. Reviewers say the turnaround time is quick, and it’s a fun and unique gift option.
This Sophisticated Wood And Marble Serving Platter
Mark & Graham
Mark & Graham Wood And Marble Appetizer Serving Platter
Another great gift for the couple that loves to host is a custom serving platter. Three marble bowls—which can hold olives, nuts, dried fruit and other small appetizers—sit on a solid acacia wood board that can be personalized. Mark & Graham also has coordinating wood and marble coasters that look beautiful paired with this serving platter.
Full-Grain Leather Luggage Tags To Inspire Their Travels
Leatherology
Leatherology Deluxe Luggage Tag
Made from soft, full-grain leather, these Leatherology tags feature a privacy sleeve to keep your personal information hidden from view and can even accommodate a business card. There are more than ten colors to choose from, and you can add the couple’s name or initials for an extra personal touch.
This Heirloom Quality Keepsake Box
Personalized Walnut Keepsake Box
Having a way to store important tokens and physical mementos from the couple’s wedding is a thoughtful gift they will put to good use. The box is constructed from walnut and can be personalized with specific names, initials and the date (available in two different sizes).
A Doormat That Displays The Couple’s Last Name
Home Maven Mr. And Mrs. Doormat
Help the new couple make their apartment or house feel like a home with this custom doormat that displays their last name and the year of their marriage. There are six sizes, and the natural coir fibers (a natural material that comes from the husks of coconuts) are durable and thick.
An Ornate Bowl That Keeps Champagne And Wine Cold
Mark & Graham
Mark & Graham Celebration Wine Bowl
Champagne and wine are popular gifts that are given to new couples, so this oversized metal bowl by Mark & Graham is the perfect solution for storing and chilling celebratory beverages. Each bowl fits several bottles (plus ice) and can be monogrammed with the bride and groom’s name or initials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The amount you spend on a wedding gift largely depends on your budget and your relationship to the couple. Guests shouldn’t feel the need to overextend themselves or match the gift the couple gave them as a wedding present.
If you don’t have the budget to splurge on a wedding gift, a sentimental gift is just as special and can highlight your relationship with the bride or groom. When considering how much you want to spend, it can also be helpful to calculate the amount you’ve spent on pre-wedding festivities, such as an engagement gift and a bridal shower gift.
As we mentioned earlier, the resounding advice from almost all the wedding and gift experts we spoke with is to check the couple’s registry. But if you’re looking for a wedding present off-registry or the couple didn’t sign up for one, there are plenty of other thoughtful options, from experience gifts to contributions to their honeymoon fund. It’s always important, however, to start with what you know about the couple. “Some might prefer experiences over physical items, while others might have specific interests or needs that could guide the selection process,” says Amy Abbott, owner and creative director of Amy Abbott Events.
Physical Gifts
If you choose a physical gift, start with the question of whether it’s something the couple will actually use, advises Goldsmith. “You can ask the couple or those close to the couple in advance if a gift you are considering is something they would like,” she says. If you’re thinking of gifting a kitchen or home appliance, you should also consider whether the couple has already been living together or is long established in a home before the ceremony, Goldsmith adds.
According to Abbott, you also can’t go wrong with a present that’s either practical, timeless (something the couple will use for years to come) or unique. “Kitchen gadgets, such as high-quality cookware sets from brands like All-Clad or Le Creuset, are often popular choices. Functional home appliances like smart thermostats or robot vacuum cleaners could also be [considered],” she says.
Experience Or Money Gifts
Just like with physical gifts, Abbott advises starting your search with what you know about the couple’s lifestyle. “[They] might have specific interests or needs that could guide the selection process,” she says, adding that activities like cooking classes and wine tastings are gaining popularity.
Toronto-based wedding planner and Chic by Nicole founder Nicole-Natassha Goulding agrees. “We always suggest tuning in to what the couple loves and finding a gift where they can experience something new together,” she says. This is especially true for couples who are tying the knot later in life or already have a home together, Goulding adds.
Above all, experts say shoppers should try to think outside the box and reflect on their unique relationship with the couple, which Hall acknowledges requires a bit more effort than simply ticking off an item on a registry. “It takes a little extra legwork to gift an experience (especially abroad), but in my opinion, doing the research is just part of the fun of gifting,” she says. And if you’re on a budget but still want to gift an unforgettable experience, Hall adds that splitting the cost with others is certainly an option.
Today, it’s common to register with multiple retailers. Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and Macy’s are popular mid-level retailers, with some couples adding in pricier places like West Elm, Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma.
Instead of registering solely for items, some couples register for activities and contributions for their honeymoon via sites like Honeyfund. The Target Wedding Registry integrates with Honeyfund, explains Honeyfund’s CEO and co-founder Sara Margulis, who adds that Amazon has also become popular because “couples can register for almost anything under the sun.”
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