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
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 shopSiete 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hues and Cues Board Game
How well do you know your partner? Well enough to be able to guess what color they're describing? 2024 bride Maia Augustine and her partner love this guessing game that puts them up to the test.
"Hues and Cues is a great game to play with friends and family, with any age that’s different from any other game," she says. "In our experience playing, it’s engaging, easy to learn and brings a lot of laughs."
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.
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.
Zola Gift Card
"This might be a hot take, but as someone who got married in the last two years, I strongly believe in purchasing bridal shower gifts from the couple’s registry if they have one. After all, that’s what it’s for!," says senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. "My husband and I put a lot of time and thought into the items we registered for, so we were excited to receive these items. And if you’re worried that buying a gift off the registry isn’t thoughtful, don’t — you can still choose an item that has meaning for your relationship to the couple or shows how well you know them. For example, buy them those co*cktail glasses they registered for and suggest a margarita night together soon. When my husband and I see items we received from our registry around our home, we think of the person who chose to give them to us! If you’re having trouble deciding (or need a last-minute gift that won’t be influenced by shipping times), a gift card to their registry is a nice gesture, too. The couple can use this toward any items not purchased by the wedding date that they’d still love to have."
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 shopCopper 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.
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.
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.
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.
SAMEAT Towel Warmer
Augustine is "already hooked" on this gift, that will keep your towels warm while you shower so you have one at the ready when you step out.
"As someonewho loves a warm, cozy towel after a shower, this product is a game-changer," she says. "I have heard nothing but great reviews and considering most towel warmers are $100+, I’d say this is an incredible option."
Best Choice Products Foldable Lounge Chairs
With how much time Augustine and her soon-to-be husband spend outside, they're excited about how easy these lounge chairs are to pack and take along with them when camping.
"I think they are a great idea for those who do not have room for patiofurniture and/or want something comfortable and relaxing, but easy to move when going camping," she says.
Bissell Little Green ProHeat Portable Deep Cleaner
"This is high on my want list," says 2025 bride, Haylee Knudsen. "Living with men, pets, (and eventually, kids) I need something that can take on heavy-duty messes," she says.
This little, green, powerhouse of a machine promises to clean carpeted and fabric areas with ease, thanks to its hose and scrub brush features. The brand notes it collects pet hair, cleans dirt and debris and will leave areas looking spotless.
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.
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.
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.
KitchenAid Classic 4.5 Quart Classic Stand Mixer
Whether it's cookies, a loaf of sourdough or one of the recipes they've been passed down, this KitchenAid mixer will quickly become a go-to gadget in their new kitchen.
"This is at the top of my list!" says Knudsen. "As I enter this new era, I find myself baking or wanting to bake more and more and now that I have a house with space to store a stand mixer, I feel like it's a must."
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 shopColleen 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.
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 & GrahamTravel 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.
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 expertCharissa Eykelhoff is a Connecticut-based wedding planner with almost a decade of event planning experience.
Jannely Espinal
Jannely is the SEO Writer for Shop TODAY.
Sierra Hoeger
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