It seems like the official wedding season, which used to be in the spring and summer, has been extended throughout the entire year. Along with wedding invites comes the challenge of finding the perfect present. If the person is a close friend or family member, you may have an easier time locating the right gift. However, things get tricky when you barely know the bride and groom. Whether it is a colleague, distant relative, or your partner’s friend, you want to give the newlyweds a thoughtful gift. Here are 11 wedding gift ideas that provide a balance between practicality and elegance, ensuring that you contribute something memorable to their big day.
1. A Gift Card for an Experience
Gift cards might feel impersonal, but they don’t have to be. Rather than buying a generic gift card, consider gifting them an experience. You might give them a gift card for a wine tasting or a weekend getaway. Think about what you know about the couple. If they are big foodies, tailoring your gift to a food experience would be a great idea. Similarly, if they are outdoorsy, you can set them up for a trip near a lot of hiking trails. You can put some thought into it and give them more than just a gift card.
2. Customized Home Decor
Personalized wedding gifts are always a great idea and they don’t require a whole lot of knowledge about the couple. You can buy custom artwork with their names in it. Another great gift idea is a date plaque with the day they got married on it. Other great ideas include personalized cutting boards, embroidered pillows, and personalized doormats. These kinds of gifts are both unique and thoughtful.
3. A High-End Bottle of Wine or Champagne
You can’t really go wrong with booze unless the couple is sober. Look for a high-end bottle of wine or champagne to gift the couple. If you know they enjoy a specific type of liquor, you could also buy them a nice scotch or whatever their preference is. This can be great for them to enjoy on their honeymoon or when they get back from their trip and are looking to continue the honeymoon phase. Look for something that is a little more luxurious than your everyday drink and include a handwritten note to add a personal touch.
4. Subscription Box for Their Hobbies
Subscriptions have become a popular gift in recent years. They offer a wide range of curated goods and experiences. Consider things they can enjoy together or things that might make life easier. You can gift them a meal delivery subscription or a wine club subscription. If you know they enjoy reading together, a book club subscription could be a great idea too. Subscription boxes are truly the gift that keeps on giving.
5. Elegant Kitchen Gadgets
Newlyweds might still be working on getting their home in order, especially if they’ve recently moved in together. High-quality kitchen items are always a safe bet when it comes to wedding gifts. Some ideas include a coffee machine, a marble cheese board, charcuterie boards, or even a nice set of kitchen knives. Even if the couple already has some of these things, an upgraded version might be a welcome and pleasant surprise.
6. A Couples’ Spa Gift Certificate
Newlyweds have often spent months stressing over the details of their wedding. What better way to unwind than a spa day? Gifting a spa day for two will give them an opportunity to relax after the big day. Search for local spas with good reviews, or look into the place they’re going for their honeymoon and get a certificate for the spa at the resort. This gives the couple time to focus on themselves and being together in the weeks after the wedding, and you don’t need deep knowledge of the couple’s preferences to make this a successful gift.
7. Cash in a Beautiful Presentation
Cash is always a welcome gift, especially after the expense of the wedding. However, just handing someone money in an envelope feels impersonal and a little awkward. There are ways you can present it that make it more interesting. Look for a decorative money box or consider putting together a money bouquet. Most couples live together before they get married these days, so a cash gift can allow them to spend the money where they really need it. It can go toward their honeymoon, things they need at home, or even be stashed for future plans.
8. A Charitable Donation in Their Name
You might know that the couple values philanthropy or they’ve asked for people not to bring physical gifts to the wedding. If that’s the case, you can make a donation to a charity in their name. Pick a cause that aligns with their interests. Most charities will provide you with a certificate or letter recognizing the donation being made. This can be great for couples who might already have everything they need and place value in giving back.
9. A Unique Plant or Indoor Garden Kit
Plants can be a great way to bring life into a home. Some specific plants can symbolize luck or wealth, making them a perfect wedding gift. You could even look for something more hands-on, like an herb garden kit. A grow-as-you-go kit can bring the couple closer and give them something to work on together.
10. A Fun Date Night Kit
You can help the newlyweds keep the romance alive with a fun date night kit. This could include a movie and snacks with a cozy blanket for movie night. You could also include a game or other activity they can enjoy together, or the makings of a meal they can share. A date night kit will encourage the couple to continue creating special moments after the big day.
11. A Thoughtful Coffee Table Book
Coffee table books can be a thoughtful wedding gift. Even if you aren’t sure of what they like, you can focus on something that represents their future together. Look for coffee table books on art, travel, or a book about love and relationships. These types of books are designed to be conversation starters and can add a sense of sophistication to the room.
Thoughtful Gifts for Lasting Memories
When you barely know the bride and groom, pinpointing the perfect wedding gift can feel impossible. With the versatile and thoughtful gifts mentioned here, you can choose something that feels meaningful without being awkward or overstepping. Remember, any heartfelt gesture will be appreciated by the newlyweds.