The BAZAAR Bride Gift Guide for the Newly Engaged
The chic things to shop for those planning to tie the knot later this year, or next.
The pandemic's social distancing hasn't stopped those planning to propose from popping the question, and during isolation, it's nice to have something to celebrate. Whether you're popping the champagne via Zoom conference or waiting to celebrate when our isolation is a thing of the past, getting the happy couple something as a token of your love (for their love), if it's financially feasible, will continue the sense of community we're all striving for. Show your excitement for the celebrations that are bound to follow; trust us: Sending a gift to the newly engaged will likely lift your spirits as much as theirs. Here, our top gift picks—from grand gestures to small tokens—for chic spouses-to-be.
Haute Toast
Your newly engaged friends have one thing in mind–celebrating. Give them a chance to enjoy the moment, before the litany of questions about potential wedding dates, venues, the honeymoon, and planning come their way. Give them a bottle of bubbles they likely would never splurge on themselves to enjoy for an at-home date night.
Dom Perignon P2 Vintage, approximately $335 SHOP NOW
Party Starter
For the couple wanting an all-out wedding celebration (post quarantine, of course) or a bride whose the ultimate entertainer, BAZAAR top wedding planner, Bryan Rafanelli's new book will be a welcome addition to any bedside or coffee table.
"A Great Party" by Bryan Rafanelli, $55 SHOP NOW
Put A Ring On It
With a celestial touch, this gift idea is as practical as it is decorative. A trinket tray is a foolproof surprise for any newly engaged bride to keep her ring safe when sleeping, cooking, washing her hands, or doing other things around the house.
Gucci trinket tray, $230 SHOP NOW
Take Notes
Your newly engaged friends are about to have to send some thank you notes–lots of thank you notes. Odds are, ordering personalized note cards isn't at the top of their to-do list. Give them a head start by gifting beautifully designed cards with their monogram, or a cheeky set like this eye talisman set.
L'OBJET stationary set, $95 SHOP NOW
Rock Your Body
While bridal showers tend to be the source of one-too-many lingerie gifts, sending the bride-to-be a little something sexy for her engagement will help her own the confidence she is undoubtedly feeling as a soon-to-be wife. Rather than a bra and panty set, consider a sheer bodysuit–she can wear it under a perfectly tailored jacket for a night out, as well as at home for the time being.
Agent Provocateur bodysuit, $565 SHOP NOW
Breakfast in Bed
Your friends probably have their way of preparing coffee each morning, but it's likely not as chic as this metallic French press. Start off your string of gift giving with something affordable for you, and luxurious in feel.
Gifting in theme is both memorable and thoughtful, so snag the cups and saucers off their registry and add in a bag of artisan coffee beans when it comes to their wedding gift.
Bodum copper french press, $50 SHOP NOW
Cocktail Hour
Get your friends started on at-home entertaining in style with a cocktail set fit for an at-home mixologist. While it might be just the two of them for now, you'll likely receive infinitely more invites to theirs for cocktails in the future after sending this gift their way—cheers!
Baccarat Cocktail Party in a Box, $990, SHOP NOW
Click & Grow
For the couple missing their local farmer's market, this smart garden can yield his or her favorite sprouts—sans yard. For the couple who loves to cook and eat fresh, your friends will be able to garnish their own meals or cocktails with this thoughtful countertop addition.
Click & Grow Smart Garden 3, $99 SHOP NOW
Go Off Registry
Give your friends something you know they'll want and love–even if they haven't solidified their registry just yet. Think about what they'll be in need of as they entertain and celebrate in the months to come; chic servingware that doubles as a centerpiece vessel is a good start.
Richard Brendon serving bowl, $154 SHOP NOW
Chic Sleepers
His-and-her pajamas are a sweet token to make a couple's time at home that much sweeter. Something cozy is also a subtle acknowledgement of the newly betrothed's need for some R&R after all the engagement festivities and fodder.
Sleepy Jones 'Mariana' pajama shirt, $138, and cropped pant, $98 SHOP NOW
Be Well
Send a set of luxurious essential oils that encourages calm, energy, bliss, and rest—like this Ayurvedic kit that can be used as a moisturizer, bath treatment, or diffused to fill the air with its aromatherapeutic goodness. Wedding planning can be stressful, but your gift will sooth and inspire. Want to go above and beyond? Send a diffuser to go along with them.
Uma wellness oil kit, $40 SHOP NOW
Dinner Date
Encourage your friends to enjoy each other's company at a time when they'd usually be invited out more than ever. Gift them one of Blue Apron's easy packages where ingredients and recipes are shipped to you the morning of to allow you to cook fresh, seasonal meals without the stress.
Blue Apron 2-person plan, $60 for one week SHOP NOW
Carrie Goldberg is HarpersBAZAAR.com’s Weddings & Travel Director. She oversees the site’s BAZAAR Bride channel, travel & dining content, and styles fashion and bridal editorials for BAZAAR.com. When she’s not traveling, she spends her free time in her hometown–New York City–where there is no shortage of new places to shop, eat, drink, see and explore.
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
15 Off-the-Rack Wedding Gowns to Shop Now
10 Rehearsal Dinner Ideas for 2022 Weddings
20 Long Sleeve Dresses to Wear to Winter Weddings
The Most Elegant Wedding Processional Songs
