15 Best Bridal Shower Gifts That Will Wow the Bride-To-Be

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We can’t say for certain, but we’re willing to bet that your soon-to-be-married friend —who, by the way, is probably in the midst of making some intensely stressful wedding decisions at this very moment—would probably prefer a shower gift she can eat, drink or zen out to over some fancy new lingerie.

Nothing against lingerie, of course; she’d probably love that, too, but the best wedding shower gifts are the ones that say,

“I get you. You are tired of talking about chair covers and how to bustle your dress.”

So, if you are wondering what kind of gifts do you give at a bridal shower? Or you are looking for some unique bridal shower gifts. We’re here to help you find some awesomely thoughtful bridal shower gifts that go far beyond the standard. 

From candles that smell like cities to baskets full of liquor, listed are some of the best bridal shower gift ideas.

What to get for a bridal shower?

There are different types of bridal shower gifts that you can consider, which can help you make your friend feel extra special when she is about to get married. You can give her 

• Something sentimental or personalized that will bring a smile to her face
• Something that is both practical and thoughtful, which she can utilize later
• Something that she can enjoy now and which will help her cope with the stress of marriage preparations

15 best bridal shower gifts

If someone is going to be a bride soon, you might be planning her bridal shower already. But when it comes to bridal shower gifts, it is normal for you to face some confusion and pressure. 

Here are some options for you to consider if you are looking into ideas for gifts at a bridal shower: 

1. A nostalgia-inducing candle

Whether it’s the location where the couple plans to tie the knot or the one where they met for the first time, place candles are amazing bridal shower gifts to make you feel super-sentimental.

There are state-scented candles for all of the fifty nifty, so you’ll definitely find one that takes you back to a special place and time. Candles also have the unique power of helping you settle into a state of happy relaxation, which is a much-needed mindset among the engaged. 

2. Personalized stationery for the bride

Personalized stationery is one of those timeless personalized bridal shower gifts that are traditional yet easy to modernize, depending on the design and messaging you choose.

Be sure that you know the exact spelling and name preferences of the bride-to-be (in other words, don’t assume she’ll be taking her husband’s name or keeping her own). Choose a suite complete with personalized note cards and envelopes that can be used for all sorts of correspondence.

3. A day at the spa to ease the stress of planning

Chances are, the guest of honor is knee-deep in stressful wedding planning, from fielding inquiries from nosy family members to mulling over linens and signature drinks.

The best couples shower gifts she needs right now might be a massage and a manicure, preferably somewhere with no cell service. Hook her up with a whole day’s worth of services to ensure that she fully sinks into a state of bliss.

4. A piece of heirloom kitchenware

She may not yet have a collection of colorfully enameled Le Creuset bakeware or original Pyrex glass dishes, but if she’s into cooking and baking in any form, it won’t be long before she hops on this train.

Heirloom and vintage cookware are one of the best bridal shower gift ideas because they last forever, so they will stay with her for a lifetime of weeknight dinners, special occasions, and parties.

Choose one heirloom piece and make it a good one! Buying things slowly, piece by piece is the smartest approach here.

5. A self-care basket

If you know that the stress of the wedding has taken a toll on the mental health of the bride-to-be, consider equipping her with a goodie bag of self-care staples that will help her sink into a state of grateful bliss at home.

Luxe face masks, fancy bath bombs, sweetly aromatic candles, and a membership to a meditation app are some solid basket-stuffers. 

6. A cocktail-themed basket

You’ve probably seen those gift baskets featuring wine for every milestone—first fight, first house, first baby, etc.—but this is the version for the bride-to-be who prefers margaritas over merlots.

Start with a bottle of top-shelf liquor and fill the basket to the brim with mix-ins, glasses, garnishes, bar tools, and other accouterments that will help her create next-level cocktails as she plans.

7. Sweets that are shamelessly extra

There is no better time to finally order those insanely intricate (and insanely expensive) custom chocolates and baked goods you’ve seen on Instagram. (We see you, Milk Bar.)

Check out the next-level custom chocolates or edible masterpieces for some seriously mind-blowing chocolate creations that any recipient would flip slash drool over.

8. A unique subscription box

Another great way to help your stressed-out pal stop and enjoy the little things in life is to surprise her with a box of the perfect bridal shower gifts that will delight her month after month.

Whether she’s into tea, craft beer, wine, beauty products, snacks, or nail polish, there’s a monthly subscription box made for her. There are even subscription boxes specifically for brides!

9. A pre-planned date night

Give her a gift that helps her reconnect with her partner before she ties the knot like an elaborate date night you planned yourself for her and her future spouse.

How about a fancy dinner at that really nice restaurant she wouldn’t otherwise pick? Top it off with a gift card to the best bakery or ice cream shop in town, and you’ve got yourself a points-winning present. Concert or play tickets are always a thoughtful option for a mini getaway, too. 

10. The silkiest silk or satin PJs you can find

A good gift is one that’s at least partially indulgent, and if she’s the type of person who would fully enjoy a pair of fancy pajamas but who would never actually pay for something to sleep in, you’ve found your winner.

Giving silk wearables is also a sweet way to subtly honor the lingerie tradition if you aren’t super keen on going full-on cheeky. 

11. Lingerie is not dead

If you still want to surprise the bride-to-be with oodles of revealing lace, satin, and mesh, there will be ample opportunity along the way. 

The bachelorette party is one of the best times to give the sexy stuff because you don’t have to worry about embarrassing anyone in front of grandma or that one conservative aunt on the guest list. 

Designate the bridal shower as the time to help the guest of honor remember to take a moment to sit back, relax and breathe as she’s planning the biggest day of her life. 

12. Personalized cutting board

A beautifully engraved cutting board adds a touch of elegance to the kitchen and makes for a practical and sentimental gift. You can get this engraved with the couple’s name or a carnival picture of them so that this looks extra special. 

13. Outdoor picnic set

Encourage the couple to enjoy outdoor adventures by giving them an outdoor picnic set as one of the bridal shower gifts. 

You can create and personalize a set complete with a blanket, baskets, and utensils for romantic outings in nature. This gift will help not just the bride but also the couple to get some time to truly relax. 

14. Customized wall art

Add a personalized touch to the couple’s home with customized wall art featuring their names, wedding dates, or a meaningful quote. It can add glamor and warmth to their home while also giving it a personal touch. 

15. Coffee maker and grinder

Who doesn’t like to wake up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee?

Fuel the couple’s mornings with a high-quality coffee maker and grinder as one of the bridal shower gifts, allowing them to enjoy freshly brewed coffee in the comfort of their home.

Watch this video to learn more about hosting the best bridal shower:

Some commonly asked questions

Here are the answers to some pressing questions about bridal shower gifts that can help you decide on what to give your friend before her special day:

• Can you give a gift card at a bridal shower?

Yes, a gift card is a perfectly acceptable and appreciated gift for a bridal shower. In fact, many couples now list gift cards on their wedding registries, as they allow the couple to choose what they want and need for their new life together. 

When choosing a gift card, it’s important to consider the couple’s interests and needs. 

For example, if they are big foodies, a gift card to a local restaurant or grocery store would be a great choice. If they are just starting out in their new life together, a gift card to a home goods store would be a helpful way to stock up on essentials.

• Can you give cash at a bridal shower?

Yes, it is generally acceptable to give cash as a gift at a bridal shower. Cash gifts can help the couple cover various wedding expenses, go towards their honeymoon fund, or be used to fulfill other specific needs or desires.

If you choose to give cash as a gift, you can do so by placing it in a card or an envelope and presenting it to the bride-to-be during the bridal shower. Including a thoughtful message or well wishes along with the cash can add a personal touch to the gift.

Final thoughts 

Deciding what to give your friend before her special day may seem daunting. You might want to make her feel special, but you could be facing difficulty because of the varied options that are out there. 

You can give her something that will make her feel loved and cared for, like a spa voucher, a piece of jewelry, or lingerie. Or you can even pay for their premarital counseling, which helps them start their marriage on the right note.