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Say “I do” to these creative bridal shower presents — plus expert advice on what to gift

These finds for the future newlyweds are equally thoughtful and useful.
Etsy

Wedding season typically involves a series of events that lead to the big ceremony, including one that the future wife especially anticipates: the bridal shower. While the ceremony and reception is filled with plenty of love, attention and gifts, this intimate celebration is the perfect opportunity to give the couple your well wishes and some personalized presents to complement their new lives together.

The pre-wedding ritual dates all the way back to 16th century Europe, originally serving as a time to provide the bride's family with enough funds to compensate the groom. While the tradition has evolved over the centuries, the sentiment of setting up the happy couple for post-nuptial success remains.

For those in need of extra guidance as we approach peak wedding shower season, Shop TODAY spoke to an expert to reveal the latest nuances on bridal shower gifting. Whether you're in search of a set of plates for the future spouses or the perfect bridal shower treat, we compiled a list of bonafide products the couple will be using for years to come.

Guidelines | Do's and don'ts | Unique gift ideas | Home Gift Ideas | Travel Gift Ideas | Meet the expert

What is an appropriate gift for a bridal shower?

If you're familiar with the term "not safe for work", you should keep the same mindset when shopping for a bridal shower gift. (Remember, the bride will probably open her gifts in front of everyone attending the party.) Therefore, keep it appropriate and safe for her parents and future in-laws.

According to wedding planner Charissa Eykelhoff, it's better to gift something off their wedding registry and stick to items the couple will use after they tie the knot.

"If your bride-to-be has a specific interest, use that for inspiration," Eykelhoff adds.

Below are some of Eykelhoff's recommendations and general go-tos for bridal shower gifting:

  • Home storage and organization items
  • Meal service subscriptions
  • Wedding albums
  • Ring boxes or items they can use on their wedding day

Do's and don'ts for bridal shower gifting

While there are no general rules on how much you should spend on a bridal shower gift, there is some etiquette involved with what you decide on giving the couple. Eykelhoff advises avoiding re-gifting or giving things for the bedroom. Instead, give the bride something thoughtful, useful, affordable and sentimental (based on your relationship with the couple).

"You can also gift a talent/skill as an example. If the couple is fixing up a house and you are a great woodworker, offer to help them with renovations," she shares.

The wedding expert also recommends keeping your gifting simple if they're limited on resources for bringing everything from the party venue back to their residence.

"Remember, they will have to cart everything home. Instead of bringing a large gift, mail it to the couple's home and put a photo of the gift on a card to let them know it's on the way."

Unique bridal shower gifts to shop

Siete Foods Mexican Wedding Cookies


These buttery cookies are ideal for the couple celebrating a cultural wedding. Siete Foods is known for incorporating traditional Mexican heritage into their grain-free products, and these bite-sized sweets are a great treat they can enjoy on their way to their honeymoon.

Dearfoams “I Do Crew” Slide Slipper

Comfort is key while getting ready for the wedding, so give your bride these chic slides with the phrase “I do crew.” It’s a great way to remind her of the big day whenever she wears them, plus she’ll appreciate the cozy memory foam under her feet.

Wedding Dress Hanger

Give the future Mrs. something cute to hang her wedding dress on. This personalized wooden hanger will make her day extra special and is a great way to add a little extra oomph to her closet.

Pinkee Art Custom Engagement Gift for Couple

Their love will always meet at the intersection with this adorable home decor gift. This art print can be personalized with the bride and groom’s name.

DBG Boutique Acrylic Marble Mrs. Statement Earrings

Officially changing from Ms. to Mrs. is a big deal! Celebrate that change with these fun acrylic earrings that are sure to complement the rest of her bridal wardrobe. Whether she wears them for bachelorette events or well into her marriage, these earrings feature a large pearl stud with the words dangling past her earlobe, helping them (and her!) stand out.

Mother-Of-Pearl Letter Necklace

Tap into the "pearlcore" trend with this initial necklace that features a gold letter. It’s ideal for the bride that loves a minimalist and feminine style.

Artifact Uprising Vow Book

If they plan on penning their own vows to read during the ceremony, gift them these paperback booklets (the groom is sure to appreciate being included!). Available in an assortment of colors, you can choose to have “Her Vows,” “His Vows,” “Our Vows,” or “Their Vows” written across the cover in a plain or cursive font.

Birdy Grey Ruffle Satin Robe

While it's easy to don pajamas while getting ready for the ceremony, she may want to rock something silkier for her special day. This robe features ruffle details, comes in over 10 colors and can be personalized for the bride in your life.

Paper Source Hart Custom Stamp


If you know the couple very well, give them a custom stamp so they can step up their mailing game when they're sending out all of their thank you cards.

Mrs. Custom Beaded Clutch

Personalize this beaded clutch with her new last name, color scheme and add the couple’s “I do” date for a gift she won't want to put down -- even after the wedding.

Slip Silk Bridal Collection Sleep Mask

Make sure she gets the best night’s sleep before the big day with Slip's wedding-ready sleep mask. This 100% silk option is gentle on the eyes and will also leave her hair and face crease free.

Memories of Us: An Anniversary Journal

Fill out the blanks in this book as you reminisce on your first year together, answering prompts such as “Something new we learned about each other,” or “Favorite adventure together.” With a spot to tape a photo down, this book has enough room for 50 years' worth of memories.

Custom Map Coaster Set

For the couple that holds a special place in their hearts for a specific spot (perhaps the bar where they had their first date or the park where they had their proposal), these custom coasters can be personalized with their location of choice.

BedHead Pajamas Stripe Organic Cotton Sateen

If your bride is all about the classic things in life, BedHead Pajamas has you covered. The soft fabric was chosen with comfort in mind to keep her cool throughout the night. But be mindful, shoppers say these pajamas run large.

Home bridal shower gifts to shop

“The Newlywed Table,” by Maria Zizka

Prepare their newlywed culinary skills with this cookbook. This book is ideal for beginners who want to learn how to set a table, mix cocktails and figure out what to do with leftovers.

“The recipes are perfect for someone new to cooking for just two people. [There’s] great entertaining ideas for the new homeowner as well,” added one shopper.

Yeti 10-ounce Wine Tumbler

If the couple enjoys drinking wine, this Yeti tumbler will come in handy. The mug can be customized and comes with a smooth-sliding lid to protect her libation while keeping it cold.

Copper Fox Company Charcuterie Board

If the couple loves hosting guests, give them a personalized charcuterie board. This classic kitchen piece comes with a customized engraving of the couple’s initials and is conditioned with mineral oil to ensure it lasts beyond their first wedding anniversary.

DeLight Patisserie Custom Message Shortbread Cookies

If your bride is always craving a sweet treat, give her these shortbread cookies for a sweet treat before the wedding. The cookies can be customized with a personal message or the couple’s wedding date for a delightful twist.

Royal Albert Polka Rose Formal Bone China Teacup & Saucer


Give them the royal treatment with this "Bridgerton"-inspired teacup set. The fine china cups and saucers are dishwasher-safe and add an elegant vibe to their table setting.

Williams Sonoma Home Monogrammed Soap & Towel Gift Set

Bring the spa to their home with this beautiful gift set from Williams Sonoma. The towel can be personalized and adds a delicate texture to their bathroom.

Lowe’s Gift Card

Are they into home renovations and DIY projects? A Lowe’s gift card will help them update and refresh their indoor space with all the free reign they may desire.

Big Blanket Original Stretch Blanket

According to the brand, this blanket will change their married life. With a near-perfect rating, this 10-by-10 foot throw is the perfect piece to keep the bride and groom comfy during a movie marathon.

“I no longer have to stick my arm or leg out to try and regulate my temperature from being too hot or too cold. It’s also one of the softest blankets I’ve ever had!” added one shopper.

Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set

Every couple will appreciate a new set of sheets and this option from Brooklinen is the ultimate gift. The luxurious-feeling weaved cotton fabric will make the future couple’s slumbers more peaceful and enjoyable.

Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream, Gelato & Sorbet Maker

If this Ninja ice cream maker is not on their wedding registry already, the couple will appreciate this delicious surprise. Indulge their sweet tooth with this must-have kitchen appliance that will churn a smooth, creamy gelato in just minutes.

Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven

For the home chef that loves creating new concoctions, give her this Le Creuset Dutch oven. The brand’s cookware tends to sell out quickly (especially when they do a vibrant color drop!), so the newlyweds won’t hesitate to invite you over after the honeymoon’s over.

Travel themed bridal shower gifts to shop

Colleen Rothschild Beauty the Voyager Case

Colleen Rothschild's Voyager travel case can hold all of your toiletries and then some. This sleek organizer mixes elegance and function with a clear top that allows your bride to see everything at a glance.

Worried about spills? Don't fret. Not only will this travel case keep messes confined, it also is made of faux saffiano leather which is easy to clean. Just use a damp cloth to wipe spills away.

Personalization Mall Bridal Brigade Personalized Beach Towel


Instead of grabbing towels from the hotel lobby, they can embrace their new marital status with this personalized beach towel. The style comes in different colors and themes, including one for the groom.

Mark & Graham Compression Packing Cubes

Start their honeymoon with style and gift the happy couple matching packing cubes.

These compression packing cubes were made for the over-packers who want to fit just a little more into their vacation. The couple can also rock their new last name if you choose to customize it with an embroidered monogram.

Mark & Graham Travel Jewelry Case

If she has lots of rings, earrings and necklaces, help her keep them organized with this chic jewelry box. The roomy interior has many compartments and padded sections to keep her favorite accessories safe.

Mark & Graham Leather Luggage Tag & Passport Case Set

Your bride may need a classic tag and passport case to keep her belongings safe. The genuine leather adds a sophisticated vibe to their travel accessories and is a great way to keep her essential documents in order.

Meet the expert

Charissa Eykelhoff is a Connecticut-based wedding planner with almost a decade of event planning experience.