The 30 best bridal shower gifts for when she doesn’t have a registry | CNN Underscored (2024)

Got a bridal shower on the horizon? You don’t want to show up empty-handed, so we’ve curated a list of thoughtful bridal shower gift ideas that’ll make her feel loved, supported and even more excited about her big day.

Bridal shower gifts are often practical products like kitchen appliances and home essentials that’ll help the couple establish their new life together. If the bride has a registry, that’s the perfect place to start to get a sense of her tastes and needs. You don’t have to go the traditional route, however, and it can be a lovely gesture to bring an extra, unexpected gift that’s just for the bride.

This might be something luxurious she’d never buy for herself or a small, sweet memento that’ll always remind her of this special time in her life. The most important thing is to consider the bride’s style and interests as you shop. Some brides can’t get enough of “Mrs.” gear, while others would prefer non-themed products they can use long after the wedding’s over. Customizing gifts is always a good idea, but just remember that not all brides change their last names. If you’re unsure what the bride’s plans are, consider personalized gifts with her wedding date or the couple’s first names instead.

Whether you’re looking for a bridal shower gift that’s sentimental, practical or just plain fun, our list has you covered.

Quince's robe is made from pure, washable mulberry silk, meaning it's elegant without being fussy. Gift one for the bride to wear on her wedding morning — and any time she wants to feel a little more glamorous.

Don't let their dainty looks fool you: These bestselling wine glasses are both chip-resistant and dishwasher-safe, meaning they won't get relegated to the back of the couple's cupboard.

The Company Store's plush, 100% cotton towels will add a touch of luxury to the bride's daily routine. The set comes in a wide range of rich colors and is available with monogramming options as well.

Gift this spacious bath caddy to help the bride unwind after hours spent wrangling vendors, arranging seating charts and tracking down RSVPs.

No bathtub? No problem. A set of soothing shower steamers can make any bathroom feel like a calming oasis and is another excellent (not to mention inexpensive) gift for the stressed-out bride.

This cookbook is packed with fabulous recipes designed for two, plus kitchen tips that any newlyweds should know (think: properly storing food and setting up a pantry).

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Trust us: The bride is going to be getting a lot of cards at her shower and other wedding events, and she'll appreciate having such a lovely box to keep all those meaningful messages safe.

Make the bride's journey to a far-flung honeymoon locale more comfortable with this convenient travel set. The mask is perfect for red-eye flights, while the lightweight blanket can double as a shawl or scarf once she reaches her destination.

For some serious luxury, gift the bride this candle from a brand synonymous with romance. The glass votive evokes Tiffany & Co's iconic diamond cuts while the sophisticated fragrance features notes of fir balsam and patchouli.

For a more affordable yet still festive option, we recommend Homesick's "Team Bride" candle, which has a fresh, citrusy scent that brings to mind a crisp glass of sparkling rose.

Perfect for picnics, barbecues or just relaxing at home, custom koozies are an inexpensive and practical gift for the fun-loving bride-to-be.

Crafted from durable, sustainably harvested maple wood, John Boos & Co.'s cutting board is tough enough for everyday use and elegant enough to double as a serving platter. Add the couple's names or wedding date for a thoughtful addition to their kitchen essentials.

With its silky fabric, delicate lace accents and adjustable straps, Jonquil's top-rated chemise will make a flirty and flattering addition to her lingerie collection.

A custom sweatshirt is a comfy and cozy gift that the bride will never want to take off. You can choose everything down to the thread color, and because the text is embroidered rather than just ironed on, it won't flake away over time.

Featuring non-slip rubber bottoms, squishy memory foam insoles and adorably fluffy pom poms, these slippers will make fabulous accessories for the bride's bachelorette party and wedding morning.

Toast to the happy couple with these sweet and affordable champagne flutes from the Knot, featuring plenty of fun and unique customization options.

With its supremely plush, pill-resistant fabric, Barefoot Dreams' cozy blanket is great for snuggling on the couch after a long day of wedding planning.

A lovely and inexpensive gift that'll keep the bride's necklaces, earrings and, of course, rings safe on the go.

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Fill Crate and Barrel's elegant frame with your favorite picture of the couple (or even a sweet childhood photograph of the bride's spouse-to-be). You could also leave the frame blank with a handwritten note for the bride to display her favorite wedding photo when the time comes!

This stunning, hand-painted cake stand will make a gorgeous addition to the bride's kitchen.

Made from biodegradable vegan leather and offering colorful, foil-debossed monogramming, these luggage tags are a stylish and practical gift for the honeymoon.

A gal can never have too many totes, and the bride will appreciate having a sturdy bag for carrying all her shower gifts home.

These coasters combine to form a map of the meaningful location of your choice, such as the place where the couple met or got engaged. Made from tumbled marble with a protective cork backing, they'll be unique and useful additions to the bride's home.

Whether she's getting ready for the big day or relaxing at home, Eberjay's cute and comfy pajamas are sure to become a favorite in the bride's wardrobe.

Bagsmart's roomy and affordable toiletry bag will keep the beauty-loving bride organized at all her wedding-related events. We particularly love how the bag's wide, structured mouth makes it easy to see products without digging around.

This wine cooler will add some serious class to any table setting while keeping whites and roses perfectly chilled throughout the meal. It also makes for a very chic flower vase or utensil holder.

These classy Tiffany & Co. napkins are ideal for special occasions, but they can also add a little luxury to romantic nights in.

The bride can wrap herself in plush comfort with this super-soft and absorbent robe, made from 100% Turkish cotton. Like all the best bridal shower gifts, you can personalize the robe with her name or monogram too.

This indoor herb garden is a super fun and easy way for the couple to add some fresh flavors to their home-cooked meals.

This pretty dish will be a convenient place for the bride to stash her rings and other jewelry at the end of each day.

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The 30 best bridal shower gifts for when she doesn’t have a registry | CNN Underscored (2024)

FAQs

The 30 best bridal shower gifts for when she doesn’t have a registry | CNN Underscored? ›

Something for the wedding day or honeymoon: A gift the bride can use on her wedding day or honeymoon is both a practical and sentimental choice. You might consider unique toasting flutes, a custom jewelry case to hold her accessories, or pretty lingerie she can pack in her honeymoon luggage.

What kind of gifts are given to the bride at a bridal shower? ›

Something for the wedding day or honeymoon: A gift the bride can use on her wedding day or honeymoon is both a practical and sentimental choice. You might consider unique toasting flutes, a custom jewelry case to hold her accessories, or pretty lingerie she can pack in her honeymoon luggage.

Do you have a bridal shower if you dont have a registry? ›

You can absolutely throw a shower if she's not registered! If that's the case, people will probably bring cash. Or, you can throw a backyard garden party “celebration” instead, and if you don't use the word “shower” in the invites or anything, people will be less likely to bring gifts.

What is a good bridal shower gift amount? ›

According to Opperman, bridal shower gifts tend to be less expensive than wedding gifts. "Many people spend around $50 to $75, whereas closer friends and family may spend upwards of $100," she says. "However, the amount you want to spend is up to you."

What is the etiquette for bridal shower gifts? ›

Keeping the 20-20-60 Rule in mind, a bridal shower gift should be about one-third the price of your wedding gift. However, what you spend comes down to your relationship with the bride or groom, and your budget. Typically, shower gifts should be between $25 to $75.

What not to put on bridal shower registry? ›

Don't register for clothing, jewelry or other personal items. It's totally fair to treat a wedding registry as a wish list, but it's not the same as a shopping list.

What is the etiquette for the mother of the groom's bridal shower? ›

Bridal Shower Etiquette

Typically, as per tradition, the mother of the groom will bring a gift for the bride to the bridal shower. It can be something small and thoughtful. However, if she cannot attend the shower the bride's side of the family hosts, maybe because of distance, she can host her own.

Is it rude to go to a bridal shower without a gift? ›

Yes, if you are invited to a shower in addition to the wedding, you're expected to bring a gift to the shower as well as send a wedding gift.

Do people still give bridal shower favors? ›

Giving out wedding shower favors isn't necessary, but it's a (really) nice gesture. Favors are a cute way to show your gratitude and give guests a small keepsake to remember the event. The best bridal shower favors are the ones that guests can use and enjoy after the party ends.

How do I make my bride feel special in the shower? ›

Include the bride's faves.

This is her day after all! For example, you could serve up her favorite foods and signature drink, decorate in (or wear) her favorite color or reference a film or book she loves in the theme and décor. It's a fun way to make the bride feel extra special on her big day.

Who pays for a bridal shower? ›

In short, the host is the one who pays for the bridal shower—or at least some of it. Most commonly, this is the maid of honor, but the couple's relatives, friends or even the to-be-weds themselves can all pitch in to cover the cost of the wedding shower.

What gifts are brought to a bridal shower? ›

Gifts given at traditional bridal showers should have a focus on what the bride likes, wants, or needs. Common gift ideas include vases, cookware, champagne glasses, sleepwear, fine linens, picture frames, and home decor items. Any items specified on a bridal shower registry fall under this category.

Is there a difference between a bridal shower gift and a wedding gift? ›

A bridal or couples shower gift can be less expensive than a wedding gift, since the event is just a precursor to the larger, more formal celebration. Additionally, some showers focus on just the bride's individual needs and supporting her in a more personal way, which can also contribute to the lower price point.

Is money a good bridal shower gift? ›

Giving a cash gift is usually fine at either the shower or the big day, but actual gifts are typically the preference—especially if the bride is opening presents for guests to see. Gift cards are especially suitable for showers, while cash and checks are more common at weddings.

What is expected of the bride at a bridal shower? ›

What Happens At A Bridal Shower? At a bridal shower, guests will often bring gifts for the bride and her future spouse. These gifts are typically items that the couple will need for their new home together. The bride will open her gifts in front of the guests and often express her gratitude with a short speech.

Who normally gives the bride a bridal shower? ›

Today, it's common for the maid of honor or matron of honor — sometimes in conjunction with the mother of the bride — to plan the shower. However, the bridesmaids, wedding party, and the bride's family can all pitch in if necessary. Another modern trend is to make bridal showers gender inclusive.

What's the difference between a bridal shower gift and a wedding gift? ›

A bridal or couples shower gift can be less expensive than a wedding gift, since the event is just a precursor to the larger, more formal celebration. Additionally, some showers focus on just the bride's individual needs and supporting her in a more personal way, which can also contribute to the lower price point.

Does the bride get bridal shower hostess a gift? ›

QUESTION: Is it appropriate for the future bride to give the hosts of her shower a thank you gift? CALLIE'S ANSWER: It isn't just appropriate, it has started to be expected! Think of gifts that they can use all the time at parties like yours. A nice vase with flowers in it, or a serving dish.

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