It’s wedding season! As someone who’s been to a dozen in the last few years—and who’s currently planning my own 2027 wedding—I’ve learned a thing or two about wedding gift etiquette. If you’re wondering what to gift, my advice is simple: Give cash, write a check, or buy something from the couple’s registry.
I’ll admit, something a physical gift can be fun—maybe you’re headed to a bridal shower or you want to celebrate a close relationship with something personal. In a new survey of more than 1,300 Good Housekeeping readers, 3 in 5 people say small deviations from the registry are fine. That might look like a custom watercolor painting of the couple or an experience gift, like a cooking class. The trick, though, is off-registry wedding gifts should feel personal and intentional—not just an item you really think they need.
From bulky art they don’t have space to hang to monogrammed gifts for the bride who’s not changing her last name, here are some wedding gifts you should think twice about before you buy.
❌ Random off-registry items
Going off-list can be quite risky: More than 62% of respondents who created a wedding registry said they received an off-registry gift they didn’t like, according to our survey. They might already have that niche kitchen gadget, and they probably don’t have the storage space for that large appliance. Skip the serving dish, picture frame, or vase that doesn’t match their aesthetic.
❌ Large wall art
Personalized art can be cute, but keep size in mind. Speaking as someone who lives in a one-bedroom apartment, I don’t want to receive any large art if I haven’t asked for it. The couple may not have wall space, especially if they receive multiple pieces of custom art.
❌ Lingerie
If you’re extremely close (I’m talking best friend or sister), you can get away with buying the bride lingerie—Skims wedding shop is really cute. But, don’t let her unwrap it at her bridal shower in front of the whole family. This gift can quickly turn awkward, so it’s best to avoid if you’re unsure.
❌ Baby-related items
Let’s not make assumptions that the next step for the newlyweds will be babies, so skip the personalize onesie, keepsake book, or “Future Mom” and “Future Dad” clothing.
❌ Monogrammed gifts
Customs gifts can be the most meaningful. In fact, 18% of survey respondents said that a personalized gift was their favorite gift they received, especially if the item displayed the couple’s names and wedding date. Keep in mind, though, not all couples plan to share a last name, so monogrammed gifts can be risky. I’d suggest sticking to the couple’s first names if you’re not 100% confident. Most custom gifts also can’t be returned.
❌ Bulky kitchen gear
Unless they've specifically requested it, oversized kitchen gear can end up feeling like a burden. Large items—think stand mixers, air fryers, bread makers, or espresso machines—take up valuable storage space, which many newlyweds may not have.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
