It’s the era of the microweddings, celebrations that cap their guest count at a dozen or two, thanks to pandemic restrictions. While it has raised plenty of questions for to-be-weds, the change in wedding etiquette extends to gifts too: What to give to your family members, friends, and colleagues who said “I do” but you weren’t invited because of the stricter headcount?
While you’re by no means required to send a gift, many of us want to say “congratulations” to the happy couple with a box wrapped in a bow. And the good news is that there is no guide to how, what, or when. It’s up to you to decide how you want to surprise the newlyweds. We suggest classic items that won’t break the bank, be it a pair of flute glasses or a playful jar for dog treats. Here are 10 thoughtful presents to give a recently wed couple.
Vintage Champagne: The go-to gift for newlyweds is vintage Champagne, a congratulatory bottle they can pop to toast this life-changing moment. Everyone, regardless of how well you know them, will appreciate a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal 2013 showing up at the door. The gold label and name brand says extravagance and celebration as well as expert winemaking and elegant bubbles. Cristal is made only in the best vintage years, like 2013, the most recent vintage to hit the market. Crafted from Grand Cru vineyards in France’s Champagne region, the wine is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, and features juicy fruit flavors with candied citrus, hazelnut, and a mineral finish with chalky notes that’s so iconic of the region. Suggested retail price: $280
Silver picture frame: Couples spend thousands of dollars on wedding photographers, so give them a way to showcase all the beautiful images: with a timeless sterling silver frame. Many couples today forget that a well-made silver frame will last generations, and that’s why it’s been a classic wedding present for decades. This simple and chic version from Tizo comes in three sizes—four by six inches, five by seven inches, and eight by 10 inches—though we suggest going big with the eight by 10 so the picture really pops on the mantle. SRP: Starts at $250
Slippers: One of the perks of newlywed life is nesting with your spouse. What better way to cozy up than a pair of Turkish cotton slippers? This set from Parachute Home works well for at-home spa nights, evenings on the sofa streaming a docuseries, or weekend mornings spent brunching on the patio. Buy a pair for each half of the couple. SRP: $39
Espresso maker: Sometimes home goods double as art pieces, like Alessi’s Moka espresso coffee maker. Designed by architect David Chipperfield, this stovetop appliance will brew six cups of espresso for coffee-loving newlyweds who appreciate design as much as they do caffeine. After all, the kitchen is a place to surprise and delight. SRP: $55
Toasting flute glasses: A gift from Tiffany & Co. gets bonus points—everyone wants to open the iconic blue box. It’s why the heritage brand’s drinkware makes great go-to presents for couples who value the jeweler’s know-how of crystal. This set of two toasting flutes says both celebration and everyday use with their classic look and lead-free crystal. Plus, of course, the flutes come gift-wrapped in that famous packaging. SRP: $70
Breakfast tray: Newlywed bliss includes a lot of breakfast in bed—trust us. Give the couple a head start with a beautiful tray perfect for two cups of coffee and some decadent pastries. Event planner Jung Lee stocks this neutral-toned large tray with silver handles at her namesake home goods shop, Jung Lee New York, which caters to all sorts of couple gifts. SRP: $425
Diffuser: Who doesn’t love a good-smelling home? For a couple who appreciate heady scents, this Lehmann Design Haus diffuser makes a relaxing gift, thanks to its combination of lavender and cannabis. Each item is poured and packaged in small batches by hand in its Santa Barbara studio by founder Andrew Lehmann. Plus, it’s LBGTQ-owned, for newlyweds who support gay rights. (All the products are cruelty-free too.) SRP: $48
Woof canister: For the couple who are really into their pup, this cheeky dog treat canister makes a giggle-worthy gift. Designed by master sculptor and designer Jonathan Adler, this glazed porcelain canister will hold plenty of snacks for your playful pet and be a colorful addition to the countertop. SRP: $128
Wine decanter: Opt for a statement wine decanter for the oenophile couple; one can never have too many. The Mark Thomas “double bend” decanter is mouth-blown and lead-free Austrian crystal, crafted with a modern look that sets itself apart from the average decanter on the bar. It perfectly presents one bottle of wine, but it’s also compact enough to easily fit in a liquor cabinet. SRP: $150
Chessboard: Lovers of The Queen’s Gambit will jump at the opportunity to play on this modern chess set crafted from blue and clear Lucite. Most board and card games can be a drag with only two players, but chess is one of the best competitions for game-loving pairs—and why we love it as a newlywed gift. Plus, the bold colors and contemporary material mean it serves double duty as an eye-catching statement piece on a coffee table or shelf of objects. SRP: $350
