28 Engagement Gifts That Are More Memorable Than Champagne
Trust me, I actually loved receiving these gifts.
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As someone who was completely surprised by my engagement (and didn’t have a big party), I wasn’t expecting to receive gifts from friends and family. Every present made me feel loved and celebrated, from thoughtful cards and sentimental keepsakes to the more practical, like the diamond cleaner I've started recommending to everyone. Here are the chicest gifts I've receive since getting engaged, alongside some recommendations from my engaged and married friends.
Engagements don't typically come with a registry and it can be challenging to avoid the cliché gifts (no judgment if you're into bridal puns). Think an elegant wine label to upgrade that fancy bottle of red or a wedding planner journal to help them brainstorm for the big day. Coming from a gifts editor, you can't go wrong with something personalized, like a sweatshirt that flaunts her new title, a hand-painted portrait of their proposal, or embroidered coasters they can use on future date nights.
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Celebrate the next phase of her life by customizing this adorable sweatshirt with her future last name (if she's planning to change it). You can choose the sweatshirt and thread color.
The moment you get engaged, everyone starts asking about the wedding, which can feel overwhelming. This chic journal will guide them through the planning process, from the guest list and seating charts to budgets.
No one told me how quickly a diamond gets dirty! This was hands down the best (and most used) gift I received from a friend. It's so easy to use, and seriously makes my ring sparkle.
They may receive a few framed photos of their proposal, but nothing competes with this custom portrait in a vintage-inspired gold frame. It's 2.5 x 3 inches, and honestly I prefer something small and thoughtful—especially if they're receiving a lot of gifts.
She can never have too many tote bags, and this trendy design lets her flaunt her new title. She can bring it to the grocery store, gym, or beach.
Elevate their favorite bottle of red, white, or rosé with a custom label that commemorates their engagement. The elegant design features their initials and the date they popped the question.
According to my best friend, a personalized matchbox was among her favorite engagement gifts. You get to choose the font, accent color, and customize it with their initials and the date. Keep in mind: You'll have to buy matches separately.
She’ll have to take off her ring from time to time, whether she’s hiking, working out at the gym, or showering on vacation. This travel jewelry case, which can clip on a bag, will keep it safe until she’s ready to put it back on.
Encourage them to honor the occasion with a bottle of their favorite liquor, like this tequila blanco from 818. It'll look great on their bar cart, and they can take a few celebratory shots as a couple. P.S. If you want to splurge, go for the Eight Reserve by 818 in a handmade ceramic decanter.
With a delicate, vintage feel, these embroidered coasters double as decor on a bar cart. You can choose from a scalloped circle or square, and what monogram you want inside.
They have a lifetime of dinner dates ahead of them, so inspire them to cook as a team. This recipe book is full of 100 recipes—classic and modern, as well as helpful tips for new chefs like how to repurpose leftovers and properly set a table. Not to mention, it looks great on display in the kitchen.
A signature scent for her bridal era? This exclusive perfume is a fresh blend of peony and musk, perfect for spritzing on the special day.
He doesn't have to be the only one to gift her a "diamond" ring! Jellycats are everywhere right now, and this adorable 6-inch plush looks cute on display—on a bookshelf, bed, entry table, you name it.
Planning a wedding involves sending a lot of mail. Luckily, you can make it easier on them with a custom return address stamper. There are four different designs to choose from.
Bag charms are trending this year, and this chic design is so fun for the bride-to-be. The lobster clasp makes it easy to clip to purses, bags, or keys.
I'll admit it: I received four ornaments for my engagement, but I got engaged in December, and I love every single one. This glass heart highlights the date they got engaged in a fresh way, and includes their names.
Okay, I know I implied that champagne is a boring gift, but I'm always happy to receive it. If you're going to go classic, it better be Veuve. The iconic yellow label is one of the world's most popular champagnes for good reason—it tastes luxurious without a super expensive price tag.
My cousin gifted me this candle, and it feels celebratory in a subtle way. It looks adorable on display, and smells delicious—I have the lavender, but there's also a vanilla scent.
It's never too early to start planning their vows, and this pocket-sized book makes the perfect sentimental present. It'll remind them of what they have to look forward to as they begin planning the wedding of their dreams.
She'll love lounging and sleeping in these buttery soft pajamas. Our testers raved that these pajamas were drapey, but not clingy and applauded how the fabric felt lightweight and luxurious. My advice? Opt for the white set with her monogram.
RELATED: 19 Best Pajamas for Women, According to Clothing Experts
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.
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