When it comes to wedding gifts, we tend to stick to the registry. But guess what? Your friend probably registered for all of that stuff two years ago and has a cabinet full of it now. So why not get them something they’ll use every day (or at least once in a while)?
Here are some creative ideas that will make your friend smile (and maybe forget about the fact that her kitchen is already packed).
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Creative wedding gifts go beyond traditional registry items. |
| Personalized gifts add a special touch and lasting memory to a wedding present. |
| Last-minute wedding gift ideas can still impress. |
| A thoughtful wedding gift can be memorable and show the couple you care. |
| Customized gifts can make your wedding gift truly one-of-a-kind. |
| Finding a unique wedding gift for a couple who seems to have everything can be tricky but not impossible. |
| Consider experiences or unique items that reflect the couple’s interests. |
| When selecting a wedding gift, consider your relationship with the couple and your budget. |
| A gift can be given before or after the wedding, but try to give it within three months of the wedding date. |
| If you choose to bring a gift to the wedding, consider having it shipped directly to the couple’s home. |
Dinnerware
Dinnerware is a great gift for newlyweds. It’s something that they can use every day, and it will last a long time. If you want to give them something that will be useful for years and years, this is the way to go!
There are many different types of dinnerware sets available on the market today—some are more casual than others. For example, this set includes plates with designs like “I love my wife” or “I love my husband.”
Personalized gifts can add a special touch to a wedding present and be a lasting memory for the newly married couple. Explore our ideas for personalized wedding gifts to find unique and heartfelt presents that will be cherished for years to come.
Le Creuset Braiser
Le Creuset is a high-quality, enameled cast iron cookware. It’s beautiful and durable, and will last for years.
If you have a friend who loves to cook or entertain, this is the perfect gift for them! They can use it in their kitchen or on their grill. A Le Creuset braiser is an excellent wedding gift because it comes in many colors, allowing you to match your friend’s style perfectly.
Best Le Creuset Braisers
Le Creuset is a well-known brand for cast-iron cookware, and their braisers are no exception. Here are some of the best Le Creuset braisers to consider:
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Le Creuset Signature Cast-Iron 3.75-Quart Braiser | This classic braiser is made with the brand’s signature cast iron and enamel finish and features wide and shallow dimensions for even cooking. |
| Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 1.5 Quart Braiser | A smaller option, this braiser is ideal for single servings or small families. It’s made with heavy-gauge cast iron and has an enamel finish for easy cleaning. |
| Le Creuset Chef’s Oven | This large, 4.5-quart braiser is also designed as an oven, with a tight-fitting lid that traps in moisture and flavors. It’s ideal for stews, roasts, and slow-cooked dishes. |
| Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick Pro Braiser | This braiser features a PFOA-free nonstick coating for easy food release and cleaning, making it an ideal option for those who don’t want to deal with seasoning or cleaning cast iron. |
| Le Creuset Stoneware Rectangular Covered Casserole | While not a braiser per se, this rectangular covered casserole is still a great option for those looking to cook slow-cooked dishes. It’s made with durable stoneware and is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. |
These Le Creuset braisers are all high-quality, durable, and designed to last for years of cooking enjoyment.
Wall Art
As you’re browsing, keep in mind that the artwork you choose should be meaningful to both the bride and groom and also something that will be displayed prominently in their home.
Consider a piece with a personal meaning (the couple’s initials or favorite place) or one that can be personalized (photo frames). Look for pieces that will last a lifetime, like metals and ceramics.
The best ways to frame your art:
- Use a simple frame made of wood or metal (think Ikea!)
- Invest in custom framing from an expert who knows what they’re doing—they’ll make sure all your corners are squared up perfectly without damaging the edges of your piece
- Go DIY! Find some frames at secondhand stores, then paint them yourself
Need some inspiration for a last-minute wedding gift that will still impress? Head to our guide on last-minute wedding gift ideas to explore quick and thoughtful ideas that won’t leave you empty-handed on the couple’s big day.
Personalized Wall Art
Personalized wall art is one of the greatest gifts you can give. It’s a wonderful way to commemorate a special event, display your favorite photos and quotes, or even make a statement about yourself.
Personalized Wall Art: The perfect gift for every occasion!
Customized for You! With our personalized wall art, you can choose from tons of prints and styles that reflect your personality. If you love traveling, we have travel maps that can be customized with any place in the world.
If you like quotes, we have quotes from famous authors that are sure to inspire anyone who reads them.
And if it’s artwork from an old film or TV show that has always been your dream come true we’ve got those too!
Best Personalized Wall Art
Personalized wall art is a unique and thoughtful way to add a personal touch to any home. Here are some of the best options to consider:
| Product | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Personalized Coordinates Wall Art | Jane | This art piece allows you to choose your preferred location and input its coordinates so that it has a unique personal touch. You can customize it with any color and font style. |
| Personalized Family Tree Wall Art | Personalization Mall | Show off your family history with this personalized family tree, which can be customized with a family name, year established, and up to 18 different family members’ names. You can also specify the tree color and background. |
| Personalized Pet Portrait | Etsy | For pet lovers, a personalized pet portrait is a thoughtful gift. You submit a photo of your pet, and an artist will create a physical piece of artwork in their style. The portrait can be made in different sizes. |
| Personalized Home Coordinates Sign | Wayfair | This custom sign can display any address coordinates, which adds a personal touch to your home decor. It is available in different color options and made of sustainable birchwood. |
| Personalized Star Map | The Night Sky | Your everlasting love can now be commemorated with a personalized star map of the exact date, time, and location that is special to you. The Night Sky creates a detailed map of the stars and constellations in the night sky of the given date, complete with a personalized message. |
These personalized wall art options are all unique and can add a personal touch to any room. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just want to showcase your family history or interests, these options allow you to create something truly one-of-a-kind.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer
A KitchenAid Stand Mixer is an essential appliance for any home cook. It’s not just a luxury: it can actually make your life easier.
This stand mixer has five different attachments, which means you can use it as a food processor and even as a meat grinder! The motor runs at 350 watts, so you’ll be able to mix heavy ingredients like dough with ease.
One of the best things about a KitchenAid Stand Mixer is that there’s no need for extra bowls or bowls that need washing after every use just attach your chosen attachment and go! The bowl itself is also very durable, so there’s no concern about cracking or chipping the surface while mixing cake batter (or anything else).
There are quite a few colors available in this line of mixers; however, my personal favorite is “cherry” red because it looks sharp but classy enough to match any kitchen decor you might have in mind if getting married soon yourself 🙂
The perfect wedding gift should be special and memorable, but finding the right present for the happy couple can be challenging. Check out our gift guide for the best presents to discover a range of unique and thoughtful gifting options that fit any personality and budget.
Vitamix Blender
If you’re looking for a blender that will please the couple and last them for years to come, don’t look past Vitamix.
The company is the best in their field and makes blenders that blend smoothies, soups, nut butters and even ice cream.
Vitamix blenders are expensive (starting at $300), but they’ll last forever if taken care of properly and they can make some pretty awesome creations with fresh ingredients.
This gift takes some thought because it’s not something most people have lying around their home kitchen but if you’ve got an open mind about what your favorite couple likes to eat (or drink!), this could be your ticket to creating a unique wedding gift they’ll love forever.
Mason Jars and Personalized Labels
Mason jars are a great gift for couples who like to entertain. You can find plenty of options online, and if you’re feeling crafty, why not make your own labels or have them professionally made? Then attach the labels to the mason jars and tie them up with a bow.
Make your wedding gift truly one-of-a-kind with our ideas for personalized gifts for weddings. From photo mementos to custom-designed items, these unique and thoughtful gifts will leave a lasting impression on the happy couple.
Fresh Flowers Arranged in a Beautiful Vase
If you’re buying flowers for a wedding, take a minute to consider how you want them presented. Do you want them arranged in an elegant vase? Or do you prefer the natural look? If so, there are several ways to go about it:
You can buy flowers and arrange them yourself, or have someone else do it for you. For example, if your wedding is taking place in your apartment building’s lobby or conference room (which we recommend), arrange the flowers nearby using vases and buckets from home.
This way guests will still be able to see what they’re getting without having to move everything around themselves.
Alternatively, if the bride-to-be has set up an actual flower shop at her venue—or even better yet if she has her own green thumb you can sign up for one of her DIY workshops!
Here she’ll teach attendees how to create beautiful arrangements that will last through the ceremony before being given away as gifts later on in life when they need cheering up again (or just because).
A Bottle of Wine or Champagne with Personalized Labels
A bottle of wine or champagne is another great way to celebrate a successful registry completion.
If you’re going the wine route, consider purchasing a few bottles from your favorite vineyard (or even from the couple’s favorite region) and have them ship it directly to their doorstep.
For an extra special touch, add personalized labels that represent something about your relationship with the bride and groom you can get them online or at craft stores in all shapes, sizes and colors.
Another fun option for this category is making your own! You could stick with traditional paper labels or go bold with plastic ones that stand out on any wine bottle!
An Ornate Cutting Board or Serving Tray
An ornate cutting board or serving tray can be used for years to come. It’s the kind of gift that will make your loved one feel like they’re being pampered, and it’s something they’ll reach for again and again.
Handmade gifts are more personal than store bought gifts, which is why we love them! When you take the time to make something with your own two hands, it’s guaranteed to reflect how much you care about someone.
Handmade gifts are also more thoughtful and durable than their store-bought counterparts and since they’re so unique (not everyone has a round wooden bowl with their name engraved on it), they make great conversation pieces in any home.
Tickets to an Experience They’ll Love
Tickets to a concert, play, or sporting event
Maybe the couple has been talking about going to this show for ages. The tickets are expensive and they can’t make it happen because they don’t have enough money.
You could give them the gift of an experience they’ll love by buying them these tickets as a wedding present.
Tickets to a local museum or theme park
The best way to make sure someone won’t forget you is to give them something that will be fun for years! Let’s say your friend loves history you can buy her annual pass at any of the museums in town (or all of them!).
Or maybe she’s been dying to ride roller coasters but hasn’t had time during the summer months because she’s always working full-time jobs. Or maybe he wants something different from what he does every weekend with his friends—a trip out west!
Conclusion
As we’ve shown here, there are many ways to get creative with your wedding gifts. You don’t have to stick with the typical registry items or even go for one particular item that shows how much thought you put into it.
Instead, think about how your gift can be personalized and meaningful so it reflects your relationship with the bride and groom.
Further reading
Here are some additional resources that can help you find the perfect wedding gift:
New York Times Wirecutter’s top wedding gift ideas. This list goes beyond the typical registry and offers creative and practical suggestions for couples of all interests.
The Knot’s list of wedding gift ideas. From personalized items to unique experiences, this list offers a variety of gifts to fit any budget.
Brides’ round-up of the best wedding gifts for 2021. This list includes stylish and practical gifts that any couple would love.
FAQs
What are some unique wedding gift ideas?
Consider unique experiences, such as wine tastings or cooking classes, personalized home decor items, or custom-designed travel accessories. Do some research to find a gift that reflects the couple’s interests and personalities.
Is it okay to buy a gift not on the registry?
Yes! While the registry can be a helpful guide, you’re not limited to the couple’s chosen items. Consider their style and needs when selecting a gift and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
How much should I spend on a wedding gift?
It depends on your relationship with the couple and your budget. As a general rule, aim to spend enough to cover the cost of your attendance at the wedding. However, if you can’t afford a high-priced gift, don’t feel pressure to overspend.
When should I give the wedding gift?
You can send a gift before or after the wedding, but try to give it within three months of the wedding date. If you attend the wedding, you can also bring the gift with you to the reception.
Should I bring a gift to the wedding?
While it’s not required, bringing a gift to the wedding is a common tradition. If you choose to bring a gift, consider having it shipped directly to their home before or after the wedding to avoid the hassle of carrying it with you.
Hey there, I’m Hellen James, and I’m here to help you find the perfect gift for all your favorite people. I have been working in the retail industry for a little over ten years now, and I’ve seen a lot of people struggle to find the right gifts for their loved ones.
