What are some unique wedding gift ideas?

If you want to go off-registry for a more unexpected item, consider the couple's habits and lifestyle choices. If they love to entertain, serving pieces, engraved cocktail glasses , or charcuterie boards may be the perfect fit. Outdoorsy couples will love camping gear and experiential gifts, while homebodies will appreciate things that will make their nest feel cozy and personalized.

How much should I spend on wedding gifts?

It depends on how close you are to the couple and your own budget . "We tend to see guests spending within the $75-$250 range," Della Torre says. "The most important thing is to be conscious of your own personal budget and not spend beyond your means."

How much money should I give as a wedding gift?

The same range of $75-$250 would also apply to cash gifts. Della Torre recommends sending a check in the mail ahead of the wedding so that the couple or wedding planner does not feel responsible for keeping it safe on the wedding day.

Can you return personalized wedding gifts?

Generally, unless the item arrives damaged or broken, most gifts that feature monograms, dates, or other types of personalization come with a no-return policy. If you don't know the couple well, it might be to go with a gift purchased from their wedding registry, which will be easy for them to exchange or return.

The 50 Best Wedding Gifts of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

The Best Wedding Gifts in 2022 — Brides / Chloe Jeong

Shopping for a wedding gift isn't always easy. While most couples have a wedding registry, sometimes you want to branch outside the box. (Or all of the good items on the list have already been claimed.) There's also the issue of budget. Luckily, the best wedding gift doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful—or useful.

Practical gifts like a new vacuum or a serving platter are great, and home items are always a no-fail option, especially when you can personalize them with a monogram. There's also something to be said for a gift that helps the newlyweds create memories together, like a cookbook for at-home date nights or a journal with date ideas. For expert insight into finding the perfect gift for any couple, we consulted Kristin Sullivan, master wedding director of The Bridal Retreat.

"Many couples already live together and have most everyday items, and traditional registries are now uncommon," says Sullivan. She suggests gifting a unique experience for the couple, such as a picnic in the park or a day visit to local botanical gardens. Etiquette Design Company founder Victoria Della Torre also recommends considering the couple's habits and interests. And she loves to gift monogrammed items if the couple incorporates personalized touches into their home décor.

To help narrow your search, we rounded up the best wedding gifts, starting at just $12. After hours spent researching items to find standouts based on uniqueness, thoughtfulness, and price, we brought our top picks to our testing Lab to evaluate everything from personalization details to quality. For something unique to elevate their home, we suggest favorites like the Greyling Post Personalized Couples Print or the Shop Home Maven Mr. and Mrs. Door Mat. You can also never go wrong with practical kitchen essentials like the Karibe Knives Set.

Read on for the best wedding gifts for every type of couple.

In This Article

Our Picks
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Greyling Post Personalized Couples Print

Etsy

View On Etsy

What we like

The quality
The range of personalization options
The colors and design elements

What we don't like

The digital nature (versus hand-torn paper)

This customized print is right up an adventurous couple’s alley. Personalize everything from hair color to headwear, and even add furry friends! Top it off with the newlyweds’ names and the date they’re getting married, and you’ll have a sweet little keepsake to make them smile every time they look at it.

"I feel like this print is much more sophisticated than many other of the personalized art options out there," says tester Kate Donovan. "The quality and weight of the paper was better than I expected, and I love the vividness of the colors and the design."

Price at time of publish: $48 for 8x10 print

"I personalized this print for my brother and his fiancé, along with their two dogs. I was so impressed with the likeness (even details like my brother's backwards baseball hat and camping backpack!). It's the perfect gift for an outdoorsy couple-- it really expresses the joy of being in the wilderness and going on adventures together." – Kate Donovan, Senior Commerce Editor

Etsy

View On Etsy

What we like

No shed, high-quality material
Design

What we don't like

No gripping material on the bottom
There's not a lot of font variety available

The newlyweds will be able to welcome everyone to their new home with this adorable outdoor doormat, which boasts their last name and the year they were married in a 3D velour embellishment. It’s crafted to withstand all kinds of weather and comes in three different sizes to accommodate various door types.

Tester Maggie Kreienberg was impressed by the quality: "There's nothing worse than when the brown fibers shed all around a doormat, and this one doesn't seem to do that at all." Kreinberg was also pleased with the variety of personalization options—the mat can be made with all lower case or all caps—but wished that there were more opportunities to play with scale in the size and style of the fonts.

Price at time of publish: $58 for 18 x 30 inches

"I love the design on this doormat. It is pretty, neutral, and would complement any couple's aesthetic."

– Maggie Krienberg, Senior Editor

Mark & Graham

View On Markandgraham.com

From chips and guac to cheese and jam, any appetizer will look enticing when served on this platter. It features three handcrafted marble condiment bowls that sit on a marble and solid acacia wood platter. You can even get it customized with an engraved monogram of their first initials or last name.

Price at time of publish: $149

Beautiful Gift Shop Personalized First Christmas Ornament

Etsy

View On Etsy

What we like

The size
The customization options
The ceramic material

What we don't like

The design is a little old fashioned

This is a keepsake made extra special by the fact that it’s only looked at once a year. A first Christmas ornament will always serve as a reminder of the couple’s first holiday together as spouses every time winter rolls around. It’s an extra something magical to hang on the tree.

Maggie Krienberg tried out this ornament and liked the size and shape: "I think this would display nicely among other ornaments on a Christmas tree," she observed. "The ceramic tile feels strong and should last for years to come." Krienberg also liked the customization options for names and years, but felt the flat, circular tile style (versus a round globe design) may not be for everyone.

Price at time of publish: $13

"For a great budget price, you can get a customizable ornament that should last for years to come. It's a nice gift for a pair on their first holiday as a married couple." – Maggie Krienberg, Senior Editor

Amazon

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Give the couple the gift of an experience so they can hang onto memories rather than objects. Choose the amount and the experience you think they’d like the most, and they can redeem the gift whenever they like—it never expires. They can choose to use it on their honeymoon or save it for their next getaway.

Price at time of publish: $239 for Just Married

Monogram Selection Mr. and Mrs. Champagne Flutes

Amazon

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What we like

The modern design
The monogram
The size

What we don't like

Very delicate and feels like they could easily break
It's hard to read the text when the glass is empty

Modern champagne flutes will help any couple fashionably toast to their wedding day. Made of hand-blown glass and featuring some sweet personalization, they’re durable enough to last for years after the wedding, making them perfect to pull out for every anniversary.

"These champagne flutes are absolutely beautiful," says Social Media Editor Araziel Jackson. "They're super lightweight and clear, and the contemporary flute shapes gives them a modern feel." Since the glasses come packaged as a set of two, they're gift-ready for the happy couple. "My favorite part is the minimalist personalization of the monogrammed last names," says Jackson.

Price at time of publish: $50

"This set of two personalized glasses is a great gift set for a couple and makes for a luxurious champagne toast on their wedding day, date nights, and beyond." —Araziel Jackson, Social Media Editor

Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn

What we like

The design
The size
The contents

What we don't like

The quality is a little lacking

This preppy picnic basket will come in handy for a weekend date at the park. A navy-and-white striped canvas interior, coupled with woven willow and faux leather handles, lend a classic nautical vibe. Inside is a picnic set for four, complete with plates, wine glasses, cutlery, and a corkscrew for a nice bottle of red.

"I love the look of this basket," says Editorial Director Gabriella Rello. "It's a great size for two people and would make a nice gift for an engaged or newly-married couple. And if you were giving it to a couple who really likes to picnic, it's great that it has everything you need for a day—there's silverware, plates, wine glasses, plates, and a corkscrew."

Rello found that the overall quality is a little less impressive than she imagined it would be: "For the price, I would prefer real wine glasses, a better corkscrew, and for the details to be a little more polished (like the top lining being straight). It would also be nice to be able to choose your lining/napkin color for further personalization." But, she still would recommend the basket. "Since it's not a huge investment, I don't think that would stop me from buying this as a gift for someone who really loves to picnic."

Price at time of publish: $89 for Set of 2

"This picnic basket is great price point for an engagement gift and it's small enough that you wouldn't have to worry about it taking up too much space in someone's home. It could also be a nice option to pair with a gift card to a favorite restaurant or store if you wanted to go off-registry for a bridal shower." — Gabriella Rello, Editorial Director

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods

What we like

The frame feels sturdy
It feels unexpected

What we don't like

It's a bit large

This unique print captures the couple’s love with a customized street sign that features both of their names, as well as the year they met and the year they married. You can opt to buy it unframed or framed, with five different framing options to choose from, including wood and gold.

Editorial Director Jessica Mahgerefteh personalized the print with her maiden and married names. "I like how it has both names, along with the dates my husband and I met and got married. I love the symbolic ode to our union," she says. Mahgerefteh was surprised by the size of the piece and would have preferred a smaller version to hang on her wall. But she felt that the piece was well-priced, considering the scale and sturdiness of the frame.

Price at time of publish: $125 for Framed

intersection of love tested — Dotdash Meredith

"As a gift, this print is a touching tribute for a couple. It's a great way to reflect on an important milestone and remember it for years to come." – Jessica Mahgerefteh, Editorial Director

Minted

View On Minted

Looking for a way to memorialize the venue where they're tying the knot? This custom print— one of the unique custom products from the Minted + Brides collection—offers an opportunity to do just that. Simply upload a favorite photo of the location (either with or without the couple) and Minted will create a digital watercolor rendition of the scene, complete with the couple's names, venue name, and event date.

Select from sizes ranging from a petite 7" x 5" print to an oversized 54" x 40" statement piece. There is an option to purchase the unframed artwork by itself or to choose one of 12 elegant frames for a wall-ready gift.

Price at time of publish: $58

While the digital watercolor technique works for most venue images, consider selecting a photo with a graphic, neutral background. This is especially important if the couple is being featured in the foreground—it will help the figures pop and keep the overall look feeling modern and less fussy.

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods

These wine glasses are sure to make a couple swoon with nostalgia. Pick a city of significance to them—where they met, live, or are getting married—and its skyline will come to life etched on these wine glasses. They’re sold separately, so you could even gift a few different ones if the couple has several special cities.

Price at time of publish: $24

Do One Thing Every Day Together: A Journal for Two

Amazon

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What we like

Lots of prompts
Affordable
Eye catching design

What we don't like

Some language isn't inclusive
Some of the quotes are tone deaf

Couples will continue to be surprised by one another with this journal for two. Filled with daily prompts, it offers couples tons of ways to connect and ideas for spending time together. Cute, fun, and inspiring, this journal will keep communication going—essential for any relationship.

"The cover design of this book is eye-catching and cute," observed tester Erika Reals. "It also seems high quality, but is affordable." Reals felt that some of the content in the book featured outdated quotes and some non-inclusive language that gave her pause. But overall, she felt that many people would enjoy this type of activity gift, especially as a budget option (that keeps giving).

Price at time of publish: $13

"Lots of prompts means that these pages will last you and your partner awhile, making this affordable book a fun activity and good value." – Erika Reals, Associate Fashion Editor

Date Night In: More than 120 Recipes to Nourish Your Relationship

Amazon

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Sometimes, what couples really need is a date night in. This cookbook will make it complete, with more than 120 recipes to whip up together in the kitchen. Whether it’s fennel-crusted lamb chops or nectarine creamsicles, these recipes are sure to please.

Price at time of publish: $16

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Give the couple a place to store all their gifted wine bottles with this elegant wine rack. A white marble base holds a stainless steel rack available in silver or gold that will store up to six bottles. At less than $100, it has a luxe look at an affordable price, promising to look good on any bar cart.

Price at time of publish: $78

Amazon

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We love how this coaster set made of tumbled marble emits southwestern bohemian vibes while simultaneously having a sophisticated feel. The red-orange stone can complement a lively, colorful decor theme just as well as it can add a surprising contrast to a more muted palette.

Price at time of publish: $54

Amazon

View On Amazon

A sweet candle evokes romance and will help to create a sense of nostalgia for the newlyweds (they'll think fondly of their wedding every time they smell it). With notes of sea salt, jasmine, wood, and cream, this soy wax candle promises a calm feel. Its minimalist aesthetic also means it’ll easily blend in with any home decor.

Price at time of publish: $20

Vermicular Vermicular Musui-Kamado Cast Iron Induction Cooker

Amazon

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This cast iron induction cooker does it all—sears, sautés, stews, roasts, and bakes! An induction base controls temperature and distributes heat evenly, while the cast-iron pot and lid help retain moisture and flavor while food is cooking. Bonus: It comes with cookbooks touting over 70 recipes, two measuring cups, and a cast-iron lid stand.

Price at time of publish: $670

Amazon

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This air purifier helps capture everything from pollen and dust to the smell of salmon baking in the oven. The best part is that it’s not noisy at all, subtly humming along as it does its job. It features a high and low mode, plus a sleep mode with a night light.

Price at time of publish: $73

Courtesy of Karibe

View On Karibecompany.com

Tomatoes and onions, watch out—this stainless steel knife set is as sharp as it gets! Each knife is lightweight but heavy-duty, featuring an easy-to-grip black handle and sharpener to keep them in top shape. It’s a diverse set, so there’s a knife for every cutting need, from cheese to chicken.

Price at time of publish: $80

Amazon

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A portable grill will be sure to delight the outdoorsy couple. The Everdure CUBE is compact and lightweight, complete with several functions that make grilling easier than ever. A bottom heat protection shield lets you place it anywhere, while the storage tray holds all supplies and a removable charcoal tray provides easy clean-up.

Price at time of publish: $199

Winc

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You don't have to be a sommelier to appreciate a monthly wine club membership. Gift the newlyweds a one-month, three-month, or six-month commitment to drinking wine from Winc, which has a revolving door of wines to choose from. It even sends wine recommendations based on a palate profile.

Price at time of publish: $60+ for 1 month

Brooklinen

View On Brooklinen

A good bed is an investment in your sleep and peace of mind, but it doesn’t stop at the mattress. With Brooklinen’s Move-In bundle, your favorite couple will feel like they’re sleeping in a cloud. It includes 480-thread count luxe sateen sheets, a comforter, and two pillows.

Price at time of publish: $499

Everything Etched AZ Etched Wine Glass With Initial

Etsy

View On Etsy

A set of two personalized wine glasses makes quality time that much more special—especially for unwinding together at the end of a long day. Each glass comes laser-etched with a floral monogram sign that sits above the couple’s last name. They'll be thrilled to display on their bar cart for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $30 for Set of 2 Glasses

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Backmarket.com View On Houzz

The Sonos Play Bar will provide the ultimate home theater experience considering that it was specially tuned by Oscar-winning sound engineers. Controllable from the phone or a remote, it enhances sound effects and makes dialogue crystal clear. This one is a pricey gift, which makes it perfect for splitting among a group of friends.

Price at time of publish: $520

Uncommon Goods

View On Uncommon Goods

Give the couple a gift they didn’t even know they wanted. This personalized wedding keepsake library is the perfect treasure box for all their favorite mementos for the big day: a flower from the bridal bouquet, written vows, and the garter, to name a few. It features acid-free drawers, envelopes, fabric bags, and vertical files to keep everything organized.

Price at time of publish: $147

View On Anthropologie

Plant parents can never have too many green kids, so we bet they’d appreciate another home for their latest philodendron. The textured style of this hand-painted cement vessel has a sophisticated, bohemian edge. It comes in four sizes, from the six-inch in diameter extra small to the 14.5-inch in diameter large.

Price at time of publish: $34 for XS

Aloyoga

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A diffuser that doubles as decor, the Alo Aura Diffuser is sleek and small enough to blend in with everything else on the dresser. It runs for up to 22 hours continuously, helping to create a soothing and relaxing ambiance in your living room or bedroom.

Price at time of publish: $98

Cuisinart Combo 12 Cup Coffee Maker and Single Serve Brewer

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Zola View On Wayfair

A coffee maker is a must for any kitchen counter—even if your couple doesn’t drink coffee, it’s likely an overnight guest does. Besides, the Cuisinart Combo is good for soup, tea, and hot chocolate too, thanks to its instant hot water button. It has a K-cup compatible brewer, removable drip tray, and offers three serving sizes: six, eight, and 10 ounces.

Price at time of publish: $200

Food52

View On Food52

Paper napkins are convenient and easy, but cloth napkins are a nice touch for special occasions. Crafted from cotton, these are surprisingly soft, featuring a vintage-inspired hem-stitching details for a casual look. You can choose a set of four from seven different colors or select a set of six (available in either a cool or warm palette).

Price at time of publish: $30 for Eucalyptus Set Of 4

Amazon

View On Ingoodtaste.com

Help the newlyweds kick off their honeymoon with a mini flight of wines. There are four different themes to choose from: the California Wine Mixer, featuring favorites from the Golden State; Wild Child Wines, an array of non-traditional flavors; the Passport Collection, which boasts the best from Europe; and Winemakers’ Favorites, a hand-selected curation from around the world.

Price at time of publish: $65 for California Wine Mixer

Amazon

View On Amazon

No more stepping onto a soon-to-be-soggy bath mat when you have one made of bamboo. A floor-gripping rubber pad keeps it in place, while a lattice design promotes air circulation and a quick dry. The top coating is also water resistant, promising a lifespan for up to four years.

Price at time of publish: $22

Intelligent Change Let's Get Closer Table Talk Game

Amazon

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Help your couple elevate their date nights in with this fun and interactive card game. Questions like “What would you like to learn?” and “What are you grateful for today?” will help them continue to connect over the years. It’s also a great game to whip out for friends or family.

Price at time of publish: $25

CamelliaAndLove Personalized Wedding Ring Box

Etsy

View On Etsy

A customized wedding ring holder will keep rings safe and sound when they’re taken off while bathing or doing housework. Formed out of acrylic, it comes laser engraved with the newlyweds’ last name centered in between their first names and the wedding date. Two magnets help the box open and close.

Price at time of publish: $29

Cuisinart FP-8GMP1 Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor

Amazon

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A food processor is something no one realizes they need until they’ve already got a recipe out. Stay one step ahead by giving them the Cuisinart Food Processor, which shreds, slices, and purees up to eight cups of food. Whether the chef wants to make soup, salsa, or coleslaw, this can do it all.

Price at time of publish: $100

Parachute Classic Bathroom Starter Bundle

Parachute Home

View On Parachute

There’s nothing better than stepping out of a shower into a soft towel, and Parachute’s Turkish cotton bath bundle is the ultimate luxury. Featuring a ribbed dobby design, they’re free from harmful synthetic dyes. The set includes six bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths each and come in seven different colors.

Price at time of publish: $391

A&R Cashmere Cable-Knit Cashmere Blend Throw

One King Slane

View On Onekingslane.com

What’s cozier than something that’s both cable-knit and cashmere? Not much. This throw has some serious hygge vibes that you won’t want to move from. It’s classy and timeless, promising to look great slung over the back of the couch or across the edge of the bed.

Price at time of publish: $345

Amazon

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SMEG is in, and it’s easy to see why. Retro mid-century meets the 21st century in its sleek design and expert function, complete with two extra-wide slots, six browning levels, and a removable crumb tray. It comes in SMEG’s signature fun colors, in a powder-coated enamel finish that’s scratch- and stain-resistant. Now, all the newlyweds need is a matching SMEG fridge.

Price at time of publish: $200+

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales

Finally, a mug that solves the problem of your drink running cold. Through the brand's app, you can use your smartphone to set the perfect temperature to keep your drink at (even without the app, the mug will keep the drink warm). Whether they are a coffee or tea drinker, they'll love this temperature control mug.

Price at time of publish: $105

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target View On Urban Outfitters

Recommended by commerce writer Chloe Caldwell, this simple card game helps couples bond and continue to learn new things about each other. The deck consists of three different levels of questions that you ask one another. It's the perfect activity for date night at home.

Price at time of publish: $25

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Every couple needs a plush blanket to snuggle under, and this faux fur throw from Anthropologie is it. Made from Oeko-Tex certified materials, it looks and feels like the real thing while remaining eco-friendly. It comes in 12 different colors, from neutrals to jewel tones, so it's the perfect accent for a new home. "I received this as a gift, and I absolutely love it," says Emily Cieslak, assistant commerce editor. "Not only does it look luxe but it also has a nice weight to it — so it's like a chicer weighted blanket."

Price at time of publish: $98

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Homesick.com

"Whenever I don't know what to get someone, I go for a Homesick candle," says Cieslak. "They have candles for different cities, memories, astrology signs, etc., so you can always find something to commemorate a relationship." The large candles are made from a natural, hand-poured soy wax blend and last forever. Consider perusing the wedding collection or even customizing your own candle.

Price at time of publish: $38

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Anthropologie View On The Container Store

For the couple that prefers a diffuser over candles, this smart device takes it to the next level. By pairing the plug-in with a smartphone, you can control the diffuser from anywhere, turning the scent on and off and selecting the ideal intensity. Each diffuser holds two fragrances and you can choose your favorites from brands like Nest New York and Thymes. "I'm sensitive to fragrances, but my Pura never bothers me because I can select the exact intensity of the scent and turn it on and off whenever I want," says Cieslak.

Price at time of publish: $45

Amazon

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Whether working from home or relaxing after a long day in the office, a foot massager makes sitting on the couch so much better. With three intensity levels and five different modes, this device helps stimulate blood flow and and reduce inflammation in the feet, ankles, and legs. It's the type of splurge a couple may not buy for themselves but will wholly appreciate.

Price at time of publish: $230

Our Place

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Rather than crowding the newlyweds' kitchen with all sorts of pots and pans, give them the only one they need; the Always Pan from Our Place. This pan replaces eight pieces of cookware and comes with a spatula and strainer so you can braise, sear, steam, strain, saute, fry, boil, and more.

Price at time of publish: $145

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On Crate & Barrel

An airfryer is a great gift for a new couple. It makes cooking for two easier since you don't have to heat up an entire oven, not to mention many recipes turn out tastier. This top-rated model comes in three different sizes and can do everything from air frying to baking to grilling. It's super easy to use with presets for some of the most popular air-fried recipes.

Price at time of publish: $350

The Sill

View On Thesill.com

Plants make a house a home, so why not mark the start of a new chapter with some greenery? The Sill lets you ship a new plant right to the recipient’s door and comes with care instructions. We love how the site makes it easy to choose the right plant by categorizing them by size, experience level, and other factors like whether the household has pets.

Price at time of publish: $48+

Vital Red

View On Revolve View On Vitalredlight.com

Give the gift of wellness with this red light device. The Vital Charge is an FDA-cleared light therapy device that can help improve your skin, muscles, and sleep. Simple use it for a few minutes per day before bed, when you wake up, or whenever you need a boost. Since this device is portable, it's easy to travel with as well.

Price at time of publish: $329

Away

View On Awaytravel.com

From the bachelorette party to the honeymoon, the new couple will likely have many upcoming trips. With this luggage set from Away, they can upgrade how they fly with sleek and functional suitcases.

Price at time of publish: $275 for The Carry-On

Amazon

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With these Apple AirTags, there will be a whole lot less of "Honey, have you seen my X?" You can stick these on practically everything from keys to a wallet to help find those commonly misplaced items with an iPhone or iPad.

Price at time of publish: $100

Therabody

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If you know the couple is a fan of the Theragun, gift them the latest device, the TheraFace. Both men and women can use this innovative tool to reduce wrinkles, rejuvenate their skin, and boost overall wellness through a relaxing facial massage.

Price at time of publish: $349

Bissell BGSV696 Battery Powered Stick Vacuum

Amazon

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This is the vacuum of every house’s dreams. It's a cordless, rechargeable cleaner that features a two-in-one design—a classic floor stick vacuum and a handheld vacuum in one. With to speed control options and an LED light indicator, you'll never miss a spot again, even in those hard-to-reach corners.

Price at time of publish: $199

What to look for in a wedding gift

Think usefulness and meaning

There's a reason that household gadgets and kitchenware like the Vermicular Musui-Kamado Cast Iron Induction Cooker are among the most popular wedding gifts—they serve a purpose. But sentimental gifts are also useful in their own way. This personalized ornament, priced under $13, made our list because it'll spark memories for many holiday seasons.

The personal touch

Like the Grayling Post Personalized Couples Print and the Shop Home Maven Mr. and Mrs. Doormat, lots of the picks on our list offer options for customization. If you opt for a personalized gift, you may want to ask a close friend or member of their family about the couple's traditions, religious preferences, décor aesthetic, and personal tastes before you click the buy button. Remember that a personalized gift usually comes with a no-return policy.

The gift of experience

If the happy couple loves to travel, gift them the chance to make memories with an experiential present. The Tinggly Gift Box is available in a variety of themes, each one offering them the opportunity to choose their own adventure. Sullivan also recommends putting money towards their honeymoon through Honeyfund to add a paddle board lesson, a city tour, or a couple's massage to their itinerary. "Just make sure it's something they can do together," she says. "I'm a big fan of gifting memorable experiences!"

FAQ

What are some unique wedding gift ideas?

If you want to go off-registry for a more unexpected item, consider the couple's habits and lifestyle choices. If they love to entertain, serving pieces, engraved cocktail glasses, or charcuterie boards may be the perfect fit. Outdoorsy couples will love camping gear and experiential gifts, while homebodies will appreciate things that will make their nest feel cozy and personalized.
How much should I spend on wedding gifts?

It depends on how close you are to the couple and your own budget. "We tend to see guests spending within the $75-$250 range," Della Torre says. "The most important thing is to be conscious of your own personal budget and not spend beyond your means."
How much money should I give as a wedding gift?

The same range of $75-$250 would also apply to cash gifts. Della Torre recommends sending a check in the mail ahead of the wedding so that the couple or wedding planner does not feel responsible for keeping it safe on the wedding day.
Can you return personalized wedding gifts?

Generally, unless the item arrives damaged or broken, most gifts that feature monograms, dates, or other types of personalization come with a no-return policy. If you don't know the couple well, it might be to go with a gift purchased from their wedding registry, which will be easy for them to exchange or return.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Hillary Hoffower has over six years of experience writing for the wedding industry, covering everything from bridal fashion trends to wedding decor. She has an eye for design and quality that she takes into consideration when selecting gifts. Her favorite gifts are those that create memories, whether it’s a photo book or experience. For this story, our editors tested several of the top products in our NYC-based lab. We considered materials, quality, ease of use, aesthetics, value, and packaging in our assessment.