Best wedding gifts: Unique ideas for every type of couple that will be appreciated more than cash

Expert advice on how to pick the best wedding gifts, plus perfect present ideas from recently-married couples themselves

A composite image of three of the best wedding gifts on a light pink background with pink floral graphics.
(Image credit: Future)

Picking out the best wedding gifts for couples who don't have a gift registry is a challenging task, especially if you're invited to multiple weddings in one year and have numerous people to buy for. 

Our roundup of the best wedding gifts features a selection of products that are etiquette expert-approved, will appeal to all sorts of different couples, as well as universally crowd-pleasing options that are budget-friendly yet brilliant. 

The majority of products in our guide have been selected or suggested by recently-married couples themselves, so you know that whichever wedding gift you choose, you'll be picking the best gifts for couples to mark one of the most important days of their lives.

Where to buy the best wedding gifts in the UK

The best wedding gifts

Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

From personalised prints to useful home gadgets, these are the best weddings gifts for newlyweds this year that will be appreciated for a lifetime... 

1. Le Creuset Round Signature Cast Iron Casserole Dish: View at Amazon

1. Le Creuset Round Signature Cast Iron Casserole Dish: View at Amazon

RRP: From £215 | Delivery: Next day delivery available | Refund policy: Returnable within 30 days of receipt

Le Creuset is a timeless brand and its products have been on wedding present lists and gift registries for decades - and for good reason. The French brand is purveyors of the best cookware sets, kitchen utensils and induction pans on the market, as well as their classic cast-iron pans and Dutch ovens that are bestsellers year in, year out.

Buying a Le Creuset isn't just a wedding gift, it's a gift for life, as this brand isn't messing around when it promises a lifetime guarantee. 


2. Custom Watercolour Painting: View at Etsy

2. Custom Watercolour Painting: View at Etsy

RRP: From £31.84 | Delivery: 4-7 days | Refund policy: Non-refundable

"We loved the illustration that we received as a wedding gift," said Nav and Kirin Puri who tied the knot earlier this year. "We moved in together straight after our wedding, so this was a really special gift as it marked that exciting time and looks beautiful in our bedroom. And we didn't mind receiving it after the actual wedding day, as kind of gave us an excuse to relive the memories all over again."

This illustration can be printed onto paper, a canvas or sent digitally if you don't want to delay delivery any longer.


3. The White Company Unisex Cotton Classic robe: View at The White Company

3. The White Company Unisex Cotton Classic robe: View at The White Company

RRP: £65 each | Delivery: 3-5 working days, next day available for £7.95 | Refund policy: 30-day refund policy

Gift couples a 'his and hers' set of bath robes to wrap up in when they're having a cozy night in or lazy Sunday at home. The White Company creates products that help make your home feel like one of the best spa breaks in the UK, and these cotton robes are no exception. 


4. Sage Bambino: View at John Lewis

4. Sage Bambino: View at John Lewis

RRP: from £299 | Delivery: Dependent on retailer | Refund policy: Dependent on retailer

This snazzy Sage coffee machine is one of the best coffee machines on the market at the moment and will be a welcome addition to any coffee lover's kitchen with its different settings, milk frother and cleaning function. The lucky recipients can make two different sizes of espresso and it's a bean-to-cup machine, which means that they can enjoy the freshest coffee possible. There's no doubt that this is a pretty pricey present, but if you want to gift a couple a generous wedding present that they'll use for years to come, this is it.


5. Smeg Frying Pan: View at Amazon

5. Smeg Frying Pan: View at Amazon

RRP: from £69.97 | Delivery: Dependent on retailer | Refund policy: Dependent on retailer

A super stylish wedding gift that would look lovely in any newlyweds' kitchen, this is one of the best non-stick pans that has been tested by the w&h team. It has an elegant rounded Italian-style handle which gives it a unique look and adds an expensive feel to the pan and comes with a non-stick coating for healthier cooking. The deceptively large capacity also makes this a great pick for couples, as it can hold large quantities when making big dishes.


6. NEOM Organics 3-Wick Tranquillity Luxury Scented Candle: View at Amazon

6. NEOM Organics 3-Wick Tranquillity Luxury Scented Candle: View at Amazon

RRP: £45 | Delivery: Next-day available | Refund policy: Returnable within 30 days of receipt

With a soothing blend of essential oils that makes for one of the best aromatherapy candles around, this candle blends lavender, jasmine and Brazilian rosewood for the ultimate relaxation experience.

"The fragrance of this candle fills the room instantly and travels well throughout the house," says newlywed Alice. "In fact, even hours after burning, I could still smell delicate hints of it throughout my living room, which is brilliant."


7. Personalised Tulip Champagne Flute Set For Couples: View at Not On The High Street

7. Personalised Tulip Champagne Flute Set For Couples: View at Not On The High Street

RRP: £47.75 | Delivery: 5-7 days | Refund policy: Returns not available due to personalization

"We're both big champagne drinkers, so this was one of our favorite wedding presents as we use them at least once a week," says Dominic and Michelle Gemski, who got married back in 2019. "The glass is really thin, which we love as it feels really comfortable to drink out of but the best part is the stylish engraving on the front."

With a unique shape and a pretty calligraphy-style script, this would be an impressive gift for newlyweds.


8. Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2014 gift box: View at Philglass & Swigot

8. Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2014 gift box: View at Philglass & Swigot

RRP: £48.95 | Delivery: Next day | Refund policy: Contact retailer for returns

Traditional champagne always makes a lovely gift for any occasion, but if you want to give a more unique wedding gift, Nyetimber's Blanc de Blancs is a really impressive bottle of fizz. With its elegant bottle and the warm yet crisp Chardonnay base, this bottle will be a gift that they'll treasure for a special occasion.


9. Matching Linen Monogrammed Pyjamas: View at Piglet in Bed

9. Matching Linen Monogrammed Pyjamas: View at Piglet in Bed

RRP: £125 each | Delivery: Within 4 days | Refund policy: Non-refundable if monogrammed

For couples who like to match, Piglet in Bed’s linen pyjamas come in an array of matching colours to suit every style. To make your gift even more personal, you can make use of Piglet in Bed’s monogramming service to add the couple’s new initials on the pocket.

Piglet pjs are made from 100% natural stonewashed flax, with an elasticated waistband, pockets, white pearl buttons and are finished with white/coloured piping.


10. Luxury Hotel Towel Set: View at Tielle

10. Luxury Hotel Towel Set: View at Tielle

RRP: £115 for the whole set | Delivery: 7-10 days | Refund policy: 14-day refund policy

"Towels might seem like a pretty basic, practical gift, but hear me out on this one," says Rachael, who got married in the Cotswolds last year and received a set of the best bath towels as a gift. "Getting luxurious new towels as a wedding gift was a real treat because we wouldn't have spent that much on towels ourselves - we now have a set of incredibly soft, fluffy towels at home."


11. Rustic Dish Personalised Couples Cheeseboard: View at Not On The High Street

11. Rustic Dish Personalised Couples Cheeseboard: View at Not On The High Street

RRP: £27 | Delivery: Within 3 days | Refund policy: Returns not available due to personalisation

As it's on the lower end of the price spectrum, this rustic customized cheeseboard is great if you want to give an impressive gift without spending too much money. This is one of the best wedding gifts for couples who own their own home and would also make a lovely housewarming gift.


12. Muji Portable Aroma Diffuser: View at Muji

12. Muji Portable Aroma Diffuser: View at Muji

RRP: £44.95 | Delivery: Within 10 days | Refund policy: Returnable within 30 days of receipt

If your couple could use some help winding down after the stress of wedding planning, this is one of the best essential oil diffusers around for a practical present option. You just drop a few spots of the lavender oil (included) onto a little foam pad that sits inside the diffuser and plug it in for a calming aroma throughout the room.

For an extra special gift, you could even pair this with a selection of the best essential oils for a gift that keeps on giving


13. Smeg 50's Style Blender: View at John Lewis

13. Smeg 50's Style Blender: View at John Lewis

RRP: from £169 | Delivery: Dependent on retailer | Refund policy: Dependent on retailer

This Smeg 50's style blender comes with all the specialist functions that you would expect from a high-tech blender but is compact enough that it won't take up too much room on the kitchen countertop. Plus, it's available in a wide range of attractive pastel colors, including this stylish sage green hue that's perfect for any couples who follow the latest interior design trends.


14. Maps International Scratch the World Map Print: View at Amazon

14. Maps International Scratch the World Map Print: View at Amazon

RRP: £15.99 | Delivery: Next-day available with Prime | Refund policy: 30-day refund policy

"I loved how sleek and sturdy this map felt," says Laura, who got married in 2022. "The gold scratched off easily with no damage to the map behind it at all and it was really fun to use, adding an extra special perk when we got home from honeymoon to be able to scratch off a new destination together."


15. 'Mr & Mrs' Mugs: View at Emma Bridgewater

15. 'Mr & Mrs' Mugs: View at Emma Bridgewater

RRP: £46 | Delivery: 3-5 days | Refund policy: Returnable within 30 days of receipt

If the newlyweds you know are more likely to toast each other with a cup of tea than a bottle of fizz, these 1/2 pint mugs from classic crockery brand Emma Bridgewater will make a perfect present.

A sweet way to mark the couple's new titles, this wedding gift idea makes a lovely yet practical keepsake that they will use and cherish for years to come. Check out the woman&home Emma Bridgewater voucher codes for more discounts.


16. White Bedtime Bundle: View at Piglet in Bed

16. White Bedtime Bundle: View at Piglet in Bed

RRP: from £263 | Delivery: Within 4 days | Refundable: Returns policy lasts 90 days

White bed linen is the perfect choice for new couples, providing a blank canvas for the newlyweds who might be considering redecorating or moving home to start their lives as a married couple. It’s also an inoffensive option for couples with varying tastes or styles. 

Piglet in Bed’s linen bedding offers ultimate comfort with the softest sheets and an effortless look. The signature fabric, made from 100% natural stonewashed French flax, gets softer and softer with use. Ironing is optional as their crumpled texture looks great straight off the line or out of the dryer.  


17. Happily Ever After photo album: View at Amazon

17. Happily Ever After photo album: View at Amazon

RRP: £42 | Delivery: Next-day available | Refund policy: Returnable within 30 days of receipt

Give the happy couple somewhere to store and share all of their professionally-shot wedding photos by giving them a beautifully bound photo album as a wedding gift.

Wedding photography is a big investment and takes a significant chunk out of any couple's wedding budget, so giving them a photo album to store all of their lovely pictures in is both a practical and sentimental gift. We love this album by Printworks because of it's fun yet stylish cover and coffee table aesthetic that would look at home with all the latest interior design trends


18. Papier Gift Card: View at Papier

18. Papier Gift Card: View at Papier

RRP: from £10 | Delivery: Immediate via email | Refund policy: Non-refundable

"One of my favorite gifts that my husband and I received after we got married was a voucher for Papier," says Rachael, who tied the knot in August 2021. "The brand do gorgeous photo books but also really high-quality, framed prints and the idea was that we could use the voucher towards getting our favorite wedding photos framed for the walls of our new home.

"We really appreciated the gift as we would have wanted to get our wedding photos framed anyway, but this wedding present made it so much more affordable for us to get the pictures printed and framed in great quality."

Use our Papier discount codes to get great deals on Papier products. 


19. Champagne Laurent Perrier Magnum: View at Virgin Wines

19. Champagne Laurent Perrier Magnum: View at Virgin Wines

RRP: £112.99 | Delivery: Next-day available | Refund policy: Within 14 days from the date of delivery

This huge magnum of Champagne is the perfect gift for those who have everything. It’s not something you’d buy for yourself but definitely is worthy of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. It’s indulgent and brings a huge wow-factor that’s sure to impress the happy couple. And because Champagne gets better with age, the happy couple can save it and open on their first wedding anniversary.


20. The Wedding Day Hamper: View at Fortnum & Mason

20. The Wedding Day Hamper: View at Fortnum & Mason

RRP: £160 | Delivery: 3-5 days | Refund policy: Within 14 days from the date of delivery

No one does luxury food gifts quite like Fortnum & Mason and their classic hampers are known for their top-quality contents and covetable, keepsake baskets. Their aptly named 'Wedding Day Hamper' contains seven quintessentially British, fine, foodie gifts including Champagne truffles, biscuits, and, of course, a bottle of Fortnum's Brut Reserve Champagne.


21. The White Core Coffee Press: View at Amazon

21. The White Core Coffee Press: View at Amazon

RRP: £33.95 | Delivery: Next-day available | Refund policy: Returnable within 30 days of receipt

Barista & Co. make specialty coffee and kit for home, work, and play, making them the perfect brand to turn to for the best wedding gifts for couples who pack plenty of all three into day to day life. 

Their White Core Coffee Press is a brand new product for this year and is one of the best French press coffee makers for couples who value both style and sustainability with their daily coffee.   


22. Professional X50 Chef Knife Set: View at ProCook

22. Professional X50 Chef Knife Set: View at ProCook

RRP: £199 | Delivery: Next-day available | Refund policy: Returnable within 90 days of receipt

These expertly crafted knives by Sheffield-based brand Forest & Forge come with a 25-year guarantee. Made from stainless steel, you couldn't find a better wedding gift for a couple who loves to cook up a storm in the kitchen and takes their culinary pursuits very seriously. 


23. Denby Kiln Bottle Vase: View at John Lewis

23. Denby Kiln Bottle Vase: View at John Lewis

RRP: £50 | Delivery: Within 5 days | Refund policy: Returnable with a gift receipt

Denby is a timeless and reliable brand known for its extensive range of durable crockery. This Kiln Bottle Vase in particular would suit a home of any style, making it a failsafe present option. 


24. Fine Black Small Picture Gallery Wall: View at The White Company

24. Fine Black Small Picture Gallery Wall: View at The White Company

RRP: £220 | Delivery: 3-5 days | Refund policy: Returnable within 30 days of receipt

Something most couples will have in common after their wedding day is that they will have lots of brand new photos that they will be keen to display around their home. You can't go wrong with a simple black frame as a gift, but what makes this present particularly great is that it gives couples the choice to create a new gallery wall in their home to display their wedding photos as a set, or they can put the pictures up separately around their house. 


25. Cast Iron Roaster: View at Amazon

25. Cast Iron Roaster: View at Amazon

RRP: from £191 | Delivery: Next-day available | Refund policy: Refundable within 30 days of receipt

Set a lucky couple up for a lifetime of perfectly cooked roast dinners with the crème de la crème of cookware. Created with both durability and longevity in mind, this roasting dish will see the married couple through even their most creative Sunday lunch ideas and family dinners, and with Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee, you know that this really is a gift they'll have forever. 


26. LSA International Borough Gin Balloon Glasses: View at Amazon

26. LSA International Borough Gin Balloon Glasses: View at Amazon

RRP: £35 | Delivery: Within 7 days | Refund policy: Returnable with a gift receipt

"One of the lovely things about the wedding gifts we received when we got married is that we upgraded lots of the basic stuff we brought when we first moved in together with really good quality things that will last us for years," says Amy, who got married in Herefordshire in August 2022. "We asked for lots of good quality glassware for our new home and have loved being able to host guests with a full set of everything."


27. Baies Scented Candle: View at Selfridges

27. Baies Scented Candle: View at Selfridges

RRP: £56 | Delivery: 3-5 days | Refund policy: Returnable with a gift receipt within 28 days

No one does candles quite like Diptique, purveyors of the best scented candles and fragrances on the market. This fruity rose fragrance is one of their bestsellers and has been enduringly popular since it first came to market. A failsafe, luxurious token of thanks if you want to show your gratitude to the happy couple for inviting you to their big day. 


28. The Pampering Pass: View at Red Letter Days

28. The Pampering Pass: View at Red Letter Days

RRP: £99 | Delivery: Immediate via email  | Refund policy: 30-day refund policy if the voucher hasn't been used

Planning a wedding is stressful stuff, so why not gift them a truly relaxing experience to enjoy together in the aftermath? This voucher is valid for up to 12 months and can be used at hundreds of different locations around the UK, for massages, spa days and other treatments.


29. The Always Pan 2.0: View at Our Place

29. The Always Pan 2.0: View at Our Place

RRP: £130 | Delivery: Within 4 days | Refund policy: Within 100 days of the product being shipped

The Always Pan does it all, which is ideal if you're buying for a couple who have just moved in together and might not have kitted out their kitchen yet. The nonstick pan comes with a wooden spatula and a steamer basket/colander, but it can also be used in the oven for roasting and baking and is deep enough for deep-frying. 


30. Le Creuset Classic Salt and Pepper Mills: View at John Lewis

30. Le Creuset Classic Salt and Pepper Mills: View at John Lewis

RRP: £55 | Delivery: Within 5 days | Refund policy: Returnable within 35 days of purchase

A classic homeware gift that will last them through many years of happiness, Le Creuset salt and pepper mills are sturdy yet stylish; they'll be putting them pride of place on the table every time they host guests. The mills are also adjustable, meaning the recipients can choose either fine or coarse grinds.


31. Instax Mini 12: View at Argos

31. Instax Mini 12: View at Argos

RRP: £79.99 | Delivery: Same-day available | Refundable: Within 30 days of delivery

Whether it's gifted at the start of the wedding to ensure unique snaps are taken of the big day, or it's taken on honeymoon, an Instax mini is a fun, affordable present for the happy couple which they won't be expecting. Bear in mind you'll have to purchase the film alongside this gift; why not make it even more special by adding a photo album so they can look back on the memories captured whenever they like?


32. Personalised Map of the Stars: View at Not on the High Street

32. Personalised Map of the Stars: View at Not on the High Street

RRP: £59.95 | Delivery: Within 9 days | Refundable: Non-returnable due to customisation

An especially sweet gift if you're particularly close to the couple or have known them a long time, this personalized constellation map captures the night sky on a certain date, whether that's the night of the proposal or the wedding.

What do you need to consider when buying a wedding gift?

There are a few important things to take into account when considering different wedding gift ideas and what to buy:

  • The personal taste of the couple: It's important to take into account what you know the couple like in general, and their taste when it comes to their home and personal style. If they generally favor more practical, stylish items, perhaps shy away from buying anything that might potentially clash with their home decor. Or, if you know they love to travel, or food, buying them a gift that aligns with those passions could be a brilliant option—and the above list of gifts are things they'd likely never buy themselves!
  • Your budget: Don't push yourself outside of your financial comfort zone for the sake of a wedding gift—always only pay for what you can afford. It's also key to consider how close you are to the couple. If they are only distant friends, don't put yourself under pressure to spend a fortune, just for the sake of keeping up appearances.
  • How long the couple has been together and whether they’ve lived together before: This is so important when considering wedding gift ideas, as the couple may have all they need for their home if they've been living together for some years, but really cherish a gift that buys them quality time together. On the other hand, a couple who has recently moved home will really appreciate any contributions towards their new pad - as well as know that moving house is an expensive business.

We spoke to wedding and British etiquette expert Jo Bryant, who explained that sometimes, it can actually be helpful to buy the couple an upgrade to products—such as a kettle or coffee machine—that they may have bought on a budget many years ago!

She explained, "Sometimes a wedding is a chance for a couple to have a bit of an upgrade with their things, so buying them a very nice toaster, for example, could actually be a brilliant idea, even if they already have one."

Jo also answered some of the most common wedding gift idea questions for us, too hopefully soothing any of the wedding gift anxiety you may be feeling.

Do I always have to buy something from the couple's wish list, or can I get something else I think they'd like?

"If you are looking at the list and you can't afford something, then you can buy your own present for the couple," says Jo Bryant. "As a couple, if you are writing a list for your wedding, you need to make sure you have a list with a really wide price range."

Entrepreneur and founder of Buy Me Once wedding registry service Tara Button. agrees, but adds "A wedding list is a great guide to what a couple really wants in their future lives together, so it’s always worth looking at the list seriously first to see if any of the presents resonate with you." 

She cautions, "Also, make sure that you don’t buy a different version of something they already have on their list. For example, if they have chosen a certain style of lamp or toaster, don’t buy them your own version as it may not fit in with their vision for their home."

For avoidance of doubt, ask yourself the following questions before purchasing: 

  • Am I sure they don’t already have one?
  • Am I sure they will use / enjoy it regularly?
  • Am I sure the style will fit their taste?

If the answer is yes to the above, then go for it. Taste may be the trickiest one, but a look at their wedding list should give a clear indication of the type of style they like.

When should you give a couple their wedding gift?

"Practically, it can be a real pain if you turn up on the wedding day itself with presents, especially if you're in a public venue, as they've got to find somewhere safe for them," says Jo. "So, sometimes I recommend that you take a card on the day that says 'present to follow', so they can enjoy it after the honeymoon, or after the wedding. It's actually not that common to turn up to a wedding with a gift now. Because it usually does end up falling to someone in the family to remember them for the couple on the day."

"If you want to send your present before the wedding to make sure it gets there in time, I think it depends on how superstitious you feel. In the same way that some people don't like receiving baby presents before the safe delivery of a healthy child. But I think it's usually best to wait until after—and it's usually something nice to look forward to!"

If a couple has asked for cash, do you think it's still okay to get them a present instead?

"I think that may be up to the couple to make clear," says Jo. "If you've got more traditional people on your guest list, perhaps people of an older generation, they might appreciate having a few presents on the list. But sometimes, people do have targeted things they want to save up for—a new sofa, an extension to their house, etc. It's nice to share that if that's the case, so people know you won't just be heading down to the local on a Friday night to spend it!"

Tara adds: "It’s worth taking the wishes of the couple seriously, as it could be they do not want more items in their home. Clutter and excess items can cause stress and unwanted presents can give a couple a feeling of guilt - they don’t want the item, but don’t feel they can give it away as it was a present."

"If however, you know the couple well enough that they would adore what you have chosen for them and the present would have significant meaning for them, then go for it. However, I’d warn them first, if you get significant pushback on buying a physical item, then go with their wishes."

How much should I spend on a wedding gift?

"It depends on how well you know the person," says Jo. "Go for a bit lower than you'd normally spend if you don't know the person all too well. But if you do know them very well and you're close, I'd say err on the side of generosity. I think you have to switch it around in your head and say, if it was my wedding, how would I feel if I got this gift from this person? That's always a good litmus test. Also, compare it to what they got you if you're already married!"

Tara suggests, "If cash is tight, but you’re keen to make a big impression with your present, then it’s all about making your gift as personal and meaningful as possible. When I was skint, one thing I liked to do is to design the text of a reading or poem from the couple’s wedding ceremony in an attractive way and then buy a frame I could afford (you can even get nice frames from charity shops and replace the picture). This created a personalized memory for them."

Is it okay to split the price of a gift between friends?

"I think that's fine. Because sometimes, if you're not doing that, it can feel like you're just buying a bit of rubbish that might get lost in their house they'll forget about. Whereas if you've got a good group of friends and it's not going to cause any rows—they're all willing to spend the same—I think it's totally fine for people to join together to buy a more significant item or the pricier item that a couple might really treasure."

Tara agrees adding, "If this allows you to get something you know that the couple will really like, rather than several gifts that may not be ideal, then I would say clubbing together is preferable."

However, Tara also adds a note of caution to whoever has been given the responsibility of organizing the gift for the big day: "Just a note of caution; It’s important that everyone clubbing together is firmly agreed on what the present is and how much it will cost each person. Make sure you can trust the people you’re splitting with and, if you are the one buying the present, get the cash in advance of buying the present so you don’t end up out of pocket."

What makes a good wedding gift for couples who have everything? 

"If a couple is truly established in terms of practical home and kitchenware, they may not want extra clutter in their lives, in which case, an experience might be a better gift," suggests Tara.

"This could be offering to pay for a couple’s massage or adventure on their honeymoon, or offering tickets to an event that you can attend along with them on their return from honeymoon. Either way, it’s an excellent opportunity to create memories for them. If you know their taste well enough, you might want to consider a personalized piece of art. My sister had one of my wedding pictures turned into a cartoon which is great fun to look at and helps us remember the day."

Aleesha Badkar
Digital Beauty Editor, woman&home

Aleesha is Digital Beauty Editor at woman&home, where she gets to share her expertise into all the best techniques, sharpest tools and newest products—with a particular savvy in skincare and fragrance.

Previously, she was Deputy Editor and Beauty & Fashion Editor for My Imperfect Life, where she headed up the beauty, fashion and eCommerce pages. In the past, she has worked as Shopping Writer at woman&home, gained an AOP awards nomination after working on their news team, contributed to Women's Health, Stylist and Goodto and earned an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London.

With contributions from