The 50 Best Engagement Gifts for Couples of 2023
Kate is a senior editor covering home, registry, and wedding décor. She has been with Brides since 2015.
Brides / Chloe Jeong
A couple's engagement calls for a celebration! While engagement gifts are not required, it's a nice gesture for guests to bring a gift to an engagement party or send something sweet to the happy pair when they announce their news. However, shopping for a gift for the newly engaged couple can admittedly be harder than shopping for the wedding gift itself.
Fortunately, there's no shortage of options out there, from sweet personalized presents to foolproof crowd-pleasers that are a universally safe bet—and at a variety of price points, too. If the couple has set it up in time for the engagement party, NYC-based event designer and registry expert Jung Lee recommends choosing something from the registry. "Take the same budget you would spend on bubbly and put it towards a special piece that they'll have forever," says Lee. A personalized piece of art or another item that commemorates the engagement is also something that the couple will treasure for years to come.
While gifts aren't required, it's always good to show up to a party with something in hand, recommends Victoria Della Torre of San Francisco-based Etiquette Design Company. If you decide to splurge on some nice champagne, gift the couple "accompanying champagne flutes or matching travel toiletry bags (great for the honeymoon and other travels!)," she says.
To help you find the perfect item for your favorite couple, we researched the best engagement gifts out there–and even tested a few for ourselves in our NYC-based Lab. We tried out everything from thoughtful personalized tokens to classic options that can't go wrong. The couple who loves a wine night at home will appreciate the Slant Personalized Stemless Glasses or the VoChill Personal Wine Glass Chiller (along with their favorite bottle of vino). Want to make their engagement extra special? Gift the couple something personal like the Inspired Print Store Custom Couple Print or the Painted Press Ring Dish.
Read on for the best engagement gifts for the happy couple.
Etsy
Price at time of publish: $15
Affordable
Personalized
Durable
Paint application is a little messy
Some may not like the matte finish
Lower quality ceramic material
This little dish may be the gift they treasure the most—it will help keep their engagement rings and wedding bands safe on the nightstand or next to the sink. Personalize it with the happy couple's initials and engagement date for a thoughtful touch.
Associate Fashion Editor Erika Reals liked the overall look of the product, including the packaging that it came in. "There was a muslin cotton drawstring bag that's stamped with the brand's logo," she said. "It's a nice touch that really makes the gift feel handmade and extra personalized." The site offers several versions of customization and design, ranging from minimalist letters to more ornate floral motifs.
Reals didn't love the matte finish and quality of the material, but she appreciated that the dish was extremely durable. "Since it's not made of traditional ceramic or glass, these dishes won't break in transit or if it gets dropped on the floor." She even tried dropping it on the floor several times to test the strength of the material, and was not disappointed.
Dotdash Meredith
"For a personalized item that feels handmade, this is definitely a great option and price point." — Erika Reals, Associate Fashion Editor
Etsy
Price at time of publish: $19
Affordable
Nice quality paper
Personalization
Limited customization options
Not a lot of personality
Bright colors may not be for everyone
They'll treasure this personalized portrait for years to come. Customize everything from hairstyles and outfits to the pets on either side of the couple. It's a touching gift that will earn a permanent place of honor on their wall.
Senior Editor Kate Donovan ordered a custom version of this print representing herself, her partner, and their cats. "This print came out a little differently than what I had expected, but it's cute," she said. "The design has a whimsical, handmade vibe that feels cheerful." Donovan felt that the personalization options were a little limited and wished that there was more variety in the clothing. "For the women, there were only striped patterns in different colors and solid white shirts," she said. Donovan also was a little confused that it was marketed as a "gay wedding gift," but that there weren't any LGBTQ+ cultural signifiers. "It felt a little one-dimensional and watered down." she said.
Dotdash Meredith
"I think this print is a well-priced gift, considering it looks like an actual handmade, personalized painting at a fraction of the cost." – Kate Donovan, Senior Editor
Etsy
Price at time of publish: $38
The personalization
Comes with an ink pad
The stamp doesn't come with a case
Takes some effort to get a good impression
When it comes to practical gifts, this one may just take the cake. Between save-the-dates, wedding invites, and thank-you notes, the couple is going to have a lot of mail going out. Make their lives easier and help them streamline the process with this custom ink and stamp set featuring their return address.
Senior Editor Maggie Krienberg tested out the stamp on a range of different envelopes. "The font is really pretty and gives the envelope a vintage feel," she observed. "I like how the name is written in script and the address is more of a typewriter style." Krienberg also was impressed with the ink pad that came in the package, but wished that the stamp itself came with a case or a lid. "After a few uses, there is still some residual ink on the stamp so I wouldn't want to store this stamp loosely in a drawer or cabinet," she said.
Overall, Krienberg was a fan of the stamp: "I would buy this as an engagement gift for a couple getting married, or even as a housewarming gift for a friend moving into a new home. It's product that the recipient will get so much use from, even after the wedding."
Dotdash Meredith
"This stamp is easy to use and comfortable to hold—a must when you are stamping hundreds of wedding invitations!" —Maggie Krienberg, Senior Editor
Etsy
Price at time of publish: $47
Sturdy construction
High quality
No gift wrap option
Choose from three memorable locations—think the couple's hometowns, where they met, where they live, or the wedding location—to create a hand-crafted, map-inspired piece of art. You can even add custom text (such as the wedding date) to make it that much more personalized. It comes in various sizes and framing options at a range of prices, too.
"This wooden map print is very well made and the print itself is clear," said Editor Jesa Calaor. "The wood is durable and doesn't feel like it would break easily." Calaor personalized this print as a gift for her partner, featuring locations that have important meaning for both of them. "I love how each mountain is shown with a detailed terrain map that represents those special places," she said.
Dotdash Meredith
"The size and quality makes this map print worth every penny—it captures special moments perfectly." –Jesa Calaor, Editor
Etsy
Price at time of publish: $29
The quality
The craftsmanship
Limited font options
Scale of personalization is a bit large
There are plenty of custom cutting boards to be found out there, but few are as beautifully crafted and elegant as this one. Along with selecting the text, there's an assortment of sizes and materials to choose from—including marble, walnut, and white oak—so you can pick one that you think will best suit the couple's style.
"The quality of this board is really nice and it has a good weight to it," said Senior Editor Kate Donovan. "It's a bit smaller in size than what I had anticipated, but would be a great option as a little charcuterie board or accent serving platter." There are a range of larger sizes available on the site, however, so it's possible to choose something different if you're looking for a bigger board.
Donovan loved the color of the stain on the board, but felt like the name on the front was a little large in scale. "Because the carved letters take up so much of the surface, it's hard for me to imagine using this as an actual cutting board," she said. She mentioned that there were other design options available that might be better suited for that purpose. In general, she also wished there were a few more modern fonts to choose from.
"I think this board would make a lovely gift for a couple, especially if they're in the process of creating a new home together. It feels very warm and inviting, and the quality is excellent." – Kate Donovan, Senior Editor
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $13
The design
Good value
Many prompts
Some non-inclusive language
Some outdated quotes
Couples will continue to be surprised by one another with this journal for two. Filled with daily prompts, it offers couples tons of ways to connect and ideas for spending time together. Cute, fun, and inspiring, this journal will keep the communication going—essential for any relationship.
Associate Fashion Editor Erika Reals spent time going through this book, and felt that it was a good budget gift for a couple. "It has a high-quality look and feel, but at under $12, it's very affordable," she said. The book is full of many ideas and activities: "Lots of prompts means that these pages will last you and your partner awhile."
Reals felt that some of the quotations and concepts in the book were slightly outdated, but that it was overall a nice interactive experience to do with a partner. "Personally, this product was a little too cheesy for my taste, but I can definitely see some people really enjoying it."
Dotdash Meredith
This book feels high quality and has an eye catching and cute design, but is super affordable."– Erika Reals, Associate Fashion Editor
Uncommon Goods
Price at time of publish: $107
Think ahead and give them this beautiful—and very functional—storage system in which to house all their most important keepsakes post-wedding. It comes with everything they’ll need, from labels to drawers to envelopes, and looks so much more beautiful than the cardboard box they’d likely end up using otherwise.
The Art of Etiquette
Price at time of publish: $120
Writing vows is a meaningful and thoughtful task, so give the couple a place to jot down their notes and ideas. Not only are these beautiful enough to hold at the altar when reading their vows, but they're also a special keepsake the married couple will hold dear for years to come.
Price at time of publish: $50 with frame
The design
The quality of the print
The personalization
It's pricey
The frame feels a little cheap
=Surprise the newlywed couple with a personalized gift that they'll treasure forever. This show-stopping print features 30 of your favorite photos in a bold heart design—and it's possible to customize everything from the placement of the images to the size and frame of the finished piece. Go with the classic photo colors or try out one of Minted's fun new finishes—black and white, blush, or rainbow—for a whimsical, retro look.
Production Manager Alyssa Kingham customized this print with photos from her recent wedding. "The photos are laid out in a beautiful way," she said. "The images are very clear, and do not show any bleeding of color or blurry edges." She mentioned that the heart-shaped arrangement meant that there was some overlap, but she was still able to see each picture well.
Kingham was a little disappointed in the quality of the frame. "For the price, I would rather have a glass front instead of clear plastic." That option was available, but that would have been an additional charge that Kingham felt would make the overall piece too expensive. She mentioned that the frame also arrived slightly damaged and could have used better packaging. "I would definitely buy this print for myself or someone else, but I think I would choose to get it unframed."
Dotdash Meredith
"I love the heart-shaped design–I think it would also work well with wedding photos, birthday photos, or even baby photos." —Alyssa Kingham, Production Manager
Venus Et Fleur
Price at time of publish: $429
A great option for those wanting to splurge on an ultra-luxurious and special gift, this bouquet truly is a showstopper. These real roses (take a sniff) will last up to an entire year without any maintenance required. This particular arrangement also comes in a beautiful porcelain vase. Take your pick from any of the 24 different colors of blooms.
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $20
This cute wine glass set spells it out loud and clear—they're getting married! Pair the duo with a bottle of their favorite vino as a sweet combo gift that they'll be sure to appreciate. The size allows for a generous pour (20 ounces!) to toast with.
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $38
With notes of citrus and champagne grapes, this candle sets the scene for a festive event. Personalize it on the back with a handwritten note marking the couple and the cause for celebration. It's also nice to pair this candle with a bottle of bubbly or some self-care gifts that they can use throughout the wedding planning process.
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $18
Help your bestie stay hydrated while letting the world know she's engaged! This BPA-free acrylic tumbler, complete with a reusable straw, holds up to 20 ounces of her favorite cold drink. She'll be sure to stay refreshed throughout the wedding-planning process.
Caraway
Price at time of publish: $135
For the couple that loves to spend time in the kitchen together, this complete line-up of linen essentials is the ultimate choice. With three oversized organic cotton tea towels, a set of oven mitts and potholders, plus an apron, it's all the utilitarian basics they need for all their cooking adventures. Plus, the handwoven patterns will complement any kind of kitchen décor.
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $55
Celebrate the spot where they said yes! This graphic print can be customized with everything from names and engagement date to the color of the state of your choosing. It's a sentimental piece that will make them smile every time they look at it.
Parachute Home
Price at time of publish: $391
Towels and bathroom mats are a staple for any newlywed's home. So give them the practical yet thoughtful gift of a major bathroom linen upgrade. This set comes with four bath towels, four hand towels, four washcloths, and a bath mat, all made of super soft long-staple Turkish cotton and available in five different colors. It may not seem like the most obvious gift, but trust us, it will be appreciated—and used repeatedly.
West & Willow
Price at time of publish: $65
You know that couple that's so obsessed with their dog that the pup is going to be in the wedding ceremony? This is the perfect gift for them. Simply send in a photo of the pup and the brand does the rest, replicating their likeness in a portrait. You can also customize the text above the image (we suggest, "Congratulations, Mom & Dad.")
Crate & Barrel
Price at time of publish: $32
They’re probably going to be receiving quite a bit of champagne, so why not give them a beautiful bucket in which to chill it? This retro-inspired glass version, accented with platinum trim, is a modern take on the traditional stainless steel option, equally as pretty as it is functional. Pair it with your favorite bottle of bubbles.
Argaux
Price at time of publish: $100
Choose six bottles to gift the couple, selecting a special tag for each one denoting when they should open it. Think options like "Just Married," "Valentine's Day," "Let's Celebrate," and more. It's a sweet way to help them celebrate long past the engagement period and wedding day, and hopefully they’ll think of you whenever they crack a bottle.
Remix Lifestyle
Price at time of publish: $35
Hand-crafted using jasmine oil and a lepidolite crystal, lighting this candle helps channel love and romantic energy—what couple wouldn't appreciate that? It burns for 145 hours and is made of 100 percent soy wax. Plus, it's so pretty that you don't even need to wrap it.
Casper
Price at time of publish: $169
We know what you’re thinking—a robe as an engagement gift? Yes, trust us. This is a hybrid, offering the same feeling as being bundled up in a cozy comforter, but with the convenience of a robe. The only issue: You’ll probably need to buy two of them since the couple is sure to fight over it if they only have one.
Diptyque
Price at time of publish: $95
Fun and colorful, there's no shortage of ways to put this chic tray to good use. It's great for housing jewelry (like that new ring bling!), small snacks or sweets, soap in a bathroom—you name it. We love this interlocking oval pattern, but if you're looking for something a little different, there are several other options available.
Rae of Light
Price at time of publish: $99
This gorgeous acrylic box bag makes for the perfect engagement gift for the bride. Give it to her as soon as she gets engaged so she can use it for all of the upcoming wedding-related festivities. The clutch includes a detachable chain that makes it more versatile to carry, as well as a mirror inside for makeup and hair touchups.
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $180
Perfect for a sweets-loving couple, this ingenious appliance makes it easy to whip up not only homemade ice cream but also gelato, frozen yogurt, smoothie bowls, and milkshakes—pretty much any cold and creamy dessert you can think of.
Day Designer
Price at time of publish: $39
As any newlywed couple will tell you, wedding planning involves a lot of to-do lists. That's why this is a perfectly practical gift, a convenient (and pretty) place to write down all of those lists and other miscellaneous thoughts and ideas.
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $50
For the couple that loves enjoying a nice glass of wine together, this is the innovative accessory they never knew they needed. The two personalized wine glass chillers will keep their favorite stemmed glass of rosé or white perfectly chilled for up to an hour and a half inside, or 45 minutes outside on a hot summer day.
Juli
Price at time of publish: $160
She's got the diamond, and this will help keep it insanely clean. So it's just as shiny and sparkly as the day she got it! Think of this as an electric toothbrush for diamonds. The sonic, vibrating brush is specially designed with unique bristle shapes to get into every nook and crevice and comes with a special clip that keeps your ring secure so you never have to worry about it falling down the drain (the horror!).
Zola
Price at time of publish: $50
There will be plenty of time for framing wedding photos after the big day, but for now, we suggest popping one of the couple's engagement photos into this sophisticated frame. The back of the frame features a sturdy easel for easy display, and design is clean and crisp. It's perfect for pretty much any home decor style.
Tipsy Scoop
Price at time of publish: $89
There's no denying that the soon-to-be newlyweds will be receiving plenty of congratulatory wine and bubbly, but chances are good that you’ll be the only one sending them a boozy ice cream cake. That's right, this adults-only cake is made with alcohol. Choose from flavors such as cake batter vodka martini, spiked hazelnut coffee, or vanilla bean bourbon. The icing on the cake, as it were? Adding a fun custom inscription.
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $65
Give them a head start on getting organized and packed up for the honeymoon with these convenient packing cubes. They come in three different sizes and six colors, and can be personalized with the couple's new monogram.
Target
Price at time of publish: $80
We know, a Crockpot as an engagement gift feels a little 1950s, but it does make for an invaluable appliance that they'll use daily. Not to mention, it will be one less thing they have to register for. This modern version features a super sleek aesthetic, touts nine customizable settings, and even comes with a mini warmer that's ideal for heating dips and sauces.
Brightland
Price at time of publish: $118
Yes, olive oil and vinegar can be gift-worthy, and this set proves it. It comes with four cooking essentials: two different varieties of extra virgin olive oil, plus balsamic and champagne vinegar, all in beautiful bottles that don't require any wrapping and are well worthy of being displayed on the kitchen counter.
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $35
Made from 100 percent organic cotton, these sumptuous sheets are an extremely practical gift option. And with a 300 thread count and an extra-thick fabric construction, this bedding will make them feel like they live in a fancy hotel. The set includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases—and there's an option to add a matching duvet to complete the look.
The Night Sky
Price at time of publish: $55
A great way to commemorate the couple's engagement, this custom print features a visual of the night sky at the exact location and time they got engaged. It's both sentimental and makes for a super cool and chic piece of wall art.
Myeq
Price at time of publish: $75
Wedding planning inevitably equals stress which inevitably equals trouble sleeping. That's why these gummies are sure to quickly become a must-have for any engaged couple. They combine organic, hand-harvested CBD and CBN along with l-theanine and chamomile to help regulate your sleep and wake cycle. We’ve tried a lot of CBD sleep gummies, and none work quite as well as these do to help us easily doze off, even after the most stressful of days.
Minted
Price at time of publish: $42
Part of the exclusive Minted + Brides Collection, this one-of-a-kind puzzle is easily personalized by sending in a photo of your choice. Go with their first photo together or one of their gorgeous engagement photos for a special touch. This puzzle features luxurious matte paper, high-quality clipboard, and a trendy typewriter font you can customize with their names.
Daily Harvest
Price at time of publish: $50+
The wedding planning period is often busy with a capital B, with cooking and meal-planning falling by the wayside. Give them the gift of easy, healthy meals at their fingertips with a gift card to Daily Harvest. They can pick their plan, choosing from all kinds of delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options—all of which are full of nutritious ingredients.
Etsy
Price at time of publish: $35+
Sure, countdown apps on your phone are convenient and all, but there's something so fun about marking the days until the wedding in an old-fashioned way. This daily calendar is customized based on the couple's wedding day and comes complete with a stand that makes it easy to display.
Etsy
Price at time of publish: $43
Give the happy couple something special for their home, such as this personalized throw blanket. You can customize it with their initials and engagement date or future wedding date. It will give them something meaningful to cozy up with for many years to come. Plus, the simple and neutral design will add a nice element to any kind of decor aesthetic.
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $16
Help the couple keep the romance alive despite the stress of wedding planning. Making delicious meals together is a time to connect, relax, and learn something new together—and this cookbook that offers 120 recipes for couples is the perfect place to start!
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $100+
Why not give the couple something they can use on their honeymoon? This experiential gift is sure to be put to good use, whether they decide to use it on their newlywed adventures or for a pre-wedding weekend getaway for two.
Courtesy of Lynn & Liana Designs
Price at time of publish: $90
From hosting parties in their newlywed home to cozy date nights in, every couple needs a high-quality cheese board. Available in nine trendy color options, this chic and modern design instantly elevates any charcuterie board.
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $35
Give the happy couple something to document this special time in their lives. This sweet journal helps capture all the moments that make the engagement journey so special through a variety of written prompts. It features pages to jot down where their story began, a section for wedding planning details, and even a space for writing letters to each other to exchange on the big day.
MasterClass
Price at time of publish: $15+
Help the soon-to-be spouses prepare for married life and elevate their cooking skills! This masterclass teaches all the kitchen basics they need to know—from learning techniques for cooking vegetables to making pastas from scratch.
Etsy
Price at time of publish: $14
Take a shot, they're tying the knot! For the couple who loves to party, these cheeky shot glasses are a fun and lighthearted gift option. Customize it with the date they got engaged, then give it to them with a bottle of their favorite spirit.
Etsy
Price at time of publish: $9
Hello, honeymoon! Gift the soon-to-be newlyweds a matching set of personalized passport holders and luggage tags for all their travel adventures to come. Customize these with a variety of different colors, script options, and gold or silver font.
Mark And Graham
Price at time of publish: $39
You can never go wrong with a personalized home decor gift. We love these chic handmade coasters featuring luxurious marble and wood. From morning coffee to cocktail hour, these coasters add an eye-catching element to any living room or kitchen while keeping furniture clean.
Amazon
Price at time of publish: $80+
From choosing their wedding playlist to practicing their first dance, this vintage-inspired Bluetooth turntable will help the couple prepare for their big day in style.
Uncommon Goods
Price at time of publish: $125 with frame
Their paths crossed, then their lives were never the same. Highlight the couple's road to marriage with a personalized print that features their last names, the year they first met, and the year they'll be getting married.
Etsy
Price at time of publish: $68
Looking for a totally unique gift? Turn the place where they got engaged into a beautiful piece of artwork for their home. We love that the miniature size of this piece makes it easy to place anywhere—it would look especially great on a side table or countertop!
Meet the Expert
Engagement gifts are a great opportunity to get personal and gift the couple something they'll truly enjoy. Think about what hobbies and interests they share and let your gift reflect their personalities. Or, go the custom route and get them something with their new monogram or a piece of thoughtful artwork that commemorates the engagement. We especially love The Painted Press Ring Dish and the Inspired Print Store Custom Couple Print.
Whether it's a custom charcuterie board for their next wine and cheese night, an ice cream maker, or tickets to a food festival, there's something for everyone. Engagement parties are a cause for celebration, so a simple bottle of bubbly or some chocolates are also a great option, such as the Argaux 'Year of Firsts' Engagement Wine Gift Box.
They're about to embark on the wedding planning process, which can be stressful at times (where to even start?). A wedding planning journal or keepsake boxes to hold mementos will help them along the way. Self-care gifts to help them relax—think scented candles or bath salts—will also be much appreciated.
An engagement party is a special celebration for the engaged couple, usually held soon after they've announced that they're getting married. In general, an engagement party tends to be more informal than other wedding-related events and is a chance for friends and family to come together to toast the couple.
It's not required, but it's a good idea, especially if you're being hosted by the couple for the event. It can be as simple as a nice bottle of wine that they can toast together after the whirlwind of the engagement party is over, or a gift card to a favorite restaurant. And remember to include a thoughtful card—sometimes a special note can mean more than any physical gift and is something they'll treasure forever.
If you're a couple looking to host an engagement party, the time frame is fairly flexible. It's a good rule of thumb to have a gathering soon after the announcement has gone out (whether it's a formal card or text messages to friends). It's also good to keep the guest list to family and friends you know will also be invited to the wedding.
Brides contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Her work has appeared in digital and print publications such as Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Allure.
For this story, we tested a wide range of products in our Lab, evaluating items based on price, personalization options, and quality. We also looked for items that we would choose for our own homes, or to gift to loved ones.
Price at time of publish: $15 Price at time of publish: $19 Price at time of publish: $38 Price at time of publish: $47 Price at time of publish: $29 Price at time of publish: $13 Price at time of publish: $107 Price at time of publish: $120 Price at time of publish: $50 with frame Price at time of publish: $429 Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $38 Price at time of publish: $18 Price at time of publish: $135 Price at time of publish: $55 Price at time of publish: $391 Price at time of publish: $65 Price at time of publish: $32 Price at time of publish: $100 Price at time of publish: $35 Price at time of publish: $169 Price at time of publish: $95 Price at time of publish: $99 Price at time of publish: $180 Price at time of publish: $39 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: $160 Price at time of publish: $50 Price at time of publish: $89 Price at time of publish: $65 Price at time of publish: $80 Price at time of publish: $118 Price at time of publish: $35 Price at time of publish: $55 Price at time of publish: $75 Price at time of publish: $42 Price at time of publish: $50+ Price at time of publish: $35+ Price at time of publish: $43 Price at time of publish: $16 Price at time of publish: $100+ Price at time of publish: $90 Price at time of publish: $35 Price at time of publish: $15+ Price at time of publish: $14 Price at time of publish: $9 Price at time of publish: $39 Price at time of publish: $80+ Price at time of publish: $125 with frame Price at time of publish: $68