Rings aren’t the only item you should be exchanging with your soon-to-be spouse on your wedding day.
If you want to take part in a charming tradition that will give you both something to cherish for the rest of your married lives, then you’ll love the idea of a bride and groom gift exchange. Although optional, this gift exchange gives you the perfect opportunity to show your sweetheart how much he or she means to you before walking down the aisle.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to a bride and groom gift exchange. Although most couples give each other gifts on the eve of their big day or the morning of the wedding, other couples opt to kick off their honeymoon with their bride and groom gift exchange. When you give each other your wedding presents is really up to you.
So, whether you opt to buy something traditional, sentimental, creative or downright funny, here are some great bride and groom wedding gift ideas that are sure to put a smile on your loved one’s face.
In This Article
Some of the Best Bride Wedding Gift Exchange Ideas
No one knows your future spouse better than you, her future husband, does. So, whether you find the perfect wedding present on this list or are inspired by our guide to look for something similar, be sure to match the gift to the interests and needs of your sweetie.
Wedding Gifts for the Bride
1. Earrings
Buying your bride earrings for your special day is a wedding gift that never goes out of style. If your bride has pierced ears, she’ll love wearing something you chose for her as you take your vows. If you’re at a loss as to what style to choose, opt for something elegant. Diamond or pearl earrings are classic choices that go with every wedding dress, but you can also choose a stone that matches the color scheme of your wedding.
If you’re on a budget, then these beautiful freshwater cultured pearl earrings are a perfect choice. Available in silver or rose gold, you can choose the metal that best matches your fiancée’s wedding ring.
If you have a more substantial budget and price is no object, there’s not a bride-to-be around that wouldn’t adore receiving these heart-shaped 18k white gold and diamond Paloma Picasso earrings in a classic blue Tiffany gift box.
2. Personalized Ring Dish
If there’s one thing every bride needs it’s a safe place to lay her wedding and engagement rings. That’s where a ring dish comes in handy. Both economical and practical, it’s a gift that works for most brides.
This personalized Mrs. heart ring dish from Avenue J Creations is one of our favorites with its elegant script and multitude of personalization options. You can choose from heart-shaped or round and can also select the color for your bride’s name from more than 40 different hues. A customization section allows you to input the name and date you would like on the ring dish.
3. Bridal Gift Box
If your future wife enjoys a little bit of pampering, then she’ll love this bridal gift box from Petals and Ivy Designs, complete with a personalized Mrs. lace-enhanced robe, future wifey socks, wedding planning mug and a compact mirror engraved with her initial.
If you’re feeling creative, you can make your own pre-wedding basket filled with some of her favorite spa products, cosmetics and sweet treats.
4. Mrs. Clutch
Every bride needs a purse to keep the essentials in on her big day, making this a wonderful wedding day gift. Makeup for touch ups, tissues, breath fresheners and hair products are all must-haves for staying picture-perfect the whole wedding through.
That’s what makes this adorable yet elegant customized clutch from The Native Bride such a great and thoughtful pre-wedding present. You can choose the color of the clutch, hardware and lettering and enter in your bride’s future last name, ie: Mrs. Bennett, for that personalized touch.
5. Silky Bathrobe
If you want to give the gift of comfort and sexiness in one fell swoop, a slinky bathrobe is the way to go.
This silky robe from Flora Nikrooz sports metallic Venise lace trim and sheer netting that forms the back and sleeves for a look that is both elegant and sexy for your wedding night. Whether you buy it in-store or online, it will be wrapped with Nordstrom’s signature tissue paper and packaged in a Nordstrom gift box for free.
6. Personalized Compact
Every woman needs a compact in her purse, so why not make your bride’s one that she will cherish forever? This personalized compact with initial script letter and Swarovski crystals will, hands down, be the most beautiful compact your bride has ever owned.
This mirrored compact from Crystal Filigree will be made in the color of your choice with your bride’s initial engraved in the center. This gorgeous keepsake comes with a pouch to protect it from scratches and will be gift wrapped in paper and ribbon.
7. Locket
If your bride loves sentimental gifts, then this personalized sterling silver beveled heart locket from Things Remembered will be a keepsake she’ll always treasure. On an 18-inch twist chain, this heart-shaped locket can store two photos capturing special moments or a sentimental flat object. The front or back of the heart can be engraved with your names and wedding date.
8. Mrs. Pjs
Is your bride hard to buy for? Worry not. She’s sure to love a pair of Mrs. pyjamas. This adorable pajama set includes a soft flowy tank top and short, girly boxers. The top sports Mrs. printed in metallic silver and is accentuated with a fuchsia heart.
If your bride likes something a little bit sexier, possibly for your wedding night, this tank and panty set will be a hit. With its humorous I woke up like this #married slogan, the turquoise tank is accompanied by a pair of white panties with wifey embroidered on them in turquoise.
9. Wife Jean Jacket
Denim lovers will adore this pearl encrusted jean jacket that can be personalized with her future Mrs. name. Available in small through XXL, the jacket fits size 2 through size 22. You can choose from four different denim colors — light, dark, black and white — and six different fonts for her name.
10. Spa Gift Card
While a gift certificate isn’t something your bride can cherish for years, it’s something every stressed-out bride will truly appreciate and enjoy before the wedding day. Purchase her a relaxation massage and a facial or a certificate for a mani and pedi. If you want to go all out, getting her a gift card for a full day of spa services is a great idea.
Some of the Best Groom Wedding Gift Exchange Ideas
Every bride wants to make her fiancé feel special and loved on their wedding day. If you need some inspiration to nail your groom’s wedding present, these unique ideas will get you off to a good start. Whether you find something perfect on this list or are inspired by our tips, he’s sure to appreciate your gesture of love.
Wedding Gifts for the Groom
1. Personalized Watch
Is your man a watch wearer? If so, he’d love to receive an engraved watch from you for your wedding day. This minimalist stainless steel watch by Fossil is perfect for engraving your names and wedding date on the back.
With its scratch-resistant mineral crystal face, quartz movement and durable foldover clasp, it’s sure to stand the test of time. Not only is this watch a sentimental gift to celebrate your upcoming marriage, it’s sure to leave your groom feeling suave and stylish.
2. Leather Wallet
What man doesn’t need a new wallet? If you’re looking for a wallet that will let your future husband know how much you love him, then this personalized leather wallet is sure to do the trick. Handmade of split leather, it’s available in black or brown and is laser engraved to order. You can choose to simply get his initials on the front or add an inside message as well, making it one of the most sentimental gifts he could receive.
3. Funny Boxers
If you want to give your fiancé a good laugh, provide him with a pair of funny boxers to wear under his wedding suit or tux. These hilarious boxers allow you to officially brand him as yours, thanks to the ‘Property of (your name)’ on the seat. Made by Hanes, these soft, stretchable boxers are guaranteed not to pinch or bind. If you’re looking for something more colourful, these boxers from Saxx should do the trick.
4. Personalized compass
If you’re looking for a unique way to express your love to your groom, then an engraved compass could be just the thing. This lovely antique finished sundial compass can be engraved for a personal touch. You can add a name, your wedding date, quote, GPS coordinates, image or a logo to the back of it.
The compass and sundial are both working pieces, so your man will always have accurate directions and know what time it is. It comes with a genuine leather case to keep it free of dust and scratches, making it a great gift idea.
5. Monogrammed Cuff Links
Every handsome groom can use some finishing touches on his wedding day. And that’s what makes a pair of monogrammed cuff links the perfect groom gift. Etsy offers a wide range of cuff links with options for personalization, but this monogrammed set is our favorite. With free shipping from Canada, custom orders are available at no extra cost from The Blue Agave Studio. Available in your choice of five metal finishes, these cuff links are made with 100% glass cabochons and are resistant to wear and scratches for a lifetime of use.
6. Personalized Beer Stein
Beer lovers will be thrilled to receive a personalized beer mug as a groom gift. Not only can he use it for a drink to calm his nerves before your wedding ceremony, this is a gift he’ll be able to use year after year. This 34-ounce glass beer mug not only holds a lot of liquid refreshment, it’s made to last with thick walls, base and a handle with a thumb rest. You can have the mug engraved with his name, a nickname or your wedding date right.
7. Personalized Tie Clip
One of the best classic groom gift ideas for your future husband’s wedding day is a personalized tie clip. We love this sterling silver tie bar that is sure to go with any suit or tuxedo.You can have his name, initials or monogram engraved on it for a truly special pre-wedding gift that he can wear every time he dresses up.
8. Appreciation Gift Box
If your groom is the type of guy who enjoys a surprise, you can’t go wrong with a gift basket filled with wedding day essentials. You’ll find a number of choices on Etsy, but this groom box from The Wood Shack Gift Co. is a best seller with rave reviews.
Filled with assorted goodies, each item comes with a specialized note. The black dress socks, for instance, come with the note ‘For my handsome Groom in case you get cold feet’ while the chocolates say ‘Something sweet until we meet.’ Also in the parcel are a groom shot glass and a note to accompany a bottle of alcohol that says ‘Alcohol to calm your nerves.’ Mints and tissues with clever tags round out this fabulous groom’s wedding gift.
9. Personalized Shaving Kit
Every man needs to shave, so why not make his experience amazing? If you want to make shaving a more pleasurable task for your groom, this personalized shaving kit from Maison Lambert is sure to fill the bill.
Packaged in a beautiful wood box, the kit comes with a 100% pure black badger shaving brush that can be engraved with his initials, a wood shaving bowl, a long handled double edge safety razor and 10 astra superior platinum blades, organic shaving soap, a shaving stand and organic pre shave and aftershave oils. If your honey has a beard, try this grooming kit instead.
10. Self-Care Experience
If your man has never had a professional hot shave — or has had one and loved it — a gift certificate at an upscale barber makes a luxurious gift for your wedding morning.
The barber will begin by applying a hot towel to his face before lathering with shaving cream and removing his beard with a blade. The barber will then apply moisturizer to his freshly-shaved skin and then apply yet another hot towel to leave your husband-to-be feeling completely refreshed.
Some of the Best Wedding Gift Exchange Ideas for the Bride and Groom
The bride and groom gift exchange tradition doesn’t have to be, well, traditional. While the presents purchased are usually meant for each other’s sole use, you can certainly change things up a bit. Why not start a new tradition — a tradition of buying items that can benefit both of you?
Purchasing items for your home or planning special moments to enjoy together can be just as meaningful — and it also gives you a wider selection of items and ideas to choose from. This premise works even if you want to plan a surprise for your best friend and soon-to-be-spouse.
Here are some great ideas to consider for your bride and groom gift exchange that you’re both sure to love.
Wedding Gifts Ideas for the Bride and Groom to Give Each Other:
1. Personalized Throw Pillow
A monogrammed pillow cover is a gift you can both enjoy for many years to come. This linen throw pillow cover from Our Rustic Home Decor can be personalized with your family name and your marriage date and is sure to look great on your bed or couch. Printed with durable permanent inks that will not fade with washing, these covers come in four different sizes.
2. Personalized Wedding Mugs
Looking for an economical bride and groom gift that still says ‘I love you?’ This darling mug set is the type of couples gift that keeps on giving. From morning breakfasts, to after dinner cups of tea, you’ll be sure to use these mugs often. Able to hold 16 ounces, the mugs sport an allover speckled pattern and silver rim and come personalized with your wedding date.
3. Customized Clock
You can’t find a more timeless gift than a clock. And this personalized marble map clock is a charming addition to any newlywed couple’s home. This vintage style map features nine square miles of your chosen locale, such as your neighborhood. It also marks your home’s location with a small star.
4. Family Name Sign
What better way to start your married lives together and express your love for each other than with a family name sign? Perfect for hanging in your entryway, this rustic sign is not only a best seller on Etsy, shipping is free. You can choose from three sizes, enabling you to find the perfect look for your home.
5. Personalized Wedding Whiskey Decanter Set
If you enjoy having a drink together after work or on the weekends, a personalized whiskey decanter set makes a great pre-wedding bride and groom gift.
This classic whiskey decanter and glass set can be personalized with the names of the bride and groom or with your family name. It’s perfect for couples who want a present they can enjoy with each other.
Some of The Best Free Wedding Gift Exchange Ideas for the Bride and Groom
Who says you have to spend money to take part in the bride and groom gift exchange tradition? Sometimes, the best way to celebrate your relationship can be with thoughtful yet free wedding presents. A love letter is a beautiful idea and is sure to bring a smile to your partner’s face.
Even if you’re not much of a letter writer, you can always write a point form note telling your future spouse all of the reasons you love them.
If you’re musical, why not write a song about your love story? You can sing it for your future spouse privately or in front of everyone at your reception.
Another economical idea is taking turns planning special outings for each other. If you want to keep it low cost, you can have a romantic, candlelit dinner at home, or a beachside picnic supper followed by a moonlit stroll. Don’t be afraid to surprise each other with romantic gestures, either!
Final Thoughts
If you want to purchase your sweetie something special to celebrate your love for each other, our handy bride and groom gift guide is full of ideas your life partner is sure to love and cherish.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that this tradition isn’t about what type of presents are purchased or how much you spend, it’s all about the thought put into it and the love you have for each other.
Remember, some of the best gifts you can give each other are free!
