Choosing a wedding present or a baby gift for a loved one is generally pretty straightforward as there is often a registry to shop from but picking the best engagement gift can be trickier. There typically isn’t a registry to follow or a secret wish list somewhere, so the best way to go about this is to think about who these two people are as a couple. Are they sporty? Amateur chefs? Globetrotters? Are they the type to boast that they “don’t own a TV” or perhaps the type that go jogging together every morning at 5 a.m.? Think of the best category to describe their couple style and gift accordingly. Below are some places to start.
Vogue’s Favorite Engagement Gifts:
For the Most Jubilant Couple
We all know the couple who like to toast each and every milestone: “Our first Valentine’s!”; “Our first night in our new apartment!”;“Our first Christmas as an engaged couple.” These people love to mark a moment, so lean into the celebration of it all and gift them a box of hand-selected wine bottles with milestone tags on each one. Salud!
For the Planners
If the couple in question have countless lists on their iPhone Notes app of possible wedding themes, dog breeds to adopt and future baby names, then a Smythson wedding planner is just the thing to jot down all of their meticulous wedding details and plans.
For the “Carry-On Only” Couple
I’ve seen it before: one member of the couple is a die hard “carry-on only” traveler and the other is…not. The only way to save this marriage before it even begins is to get them onto the same page travel-wise with packing cubes. Bon voyage!
For the Popular Couple
Some couples start their wedding guest list before getting engaged and said guest list includes their dog walker, dentist, BFF from second grade and various other “close friends” who you’ve never even heard of. If this description apples, then a wedding guest book is just the thing. Help them keep track of all the people who made their special day so memorable.
For the “Engagement Chicken” Couple
If your betrothed pals got engaged after making Ina Garten’s engagement chicken recipe then the only logical gift for them post-engagement is her Coconut cake—the perfect celebratory sweet treat.
For the “Game Night” Couple
A seemingly casual “game night” at these friends’ apartment that dissolves into an all-out war? A chic deck of cards is just what they need for impromptu game nights. A backgammon set would also do the trick!
For the Amateur Chefs
No matter how a dish looks when it’s finished, a drizzle of this luxurious olive oil from Flamingo Estate will easily take even the most basic pasta to the next level, plus you can personalized each bottle for just the right “chef-y” touch.
For the Instagrammers
What could be better for the couple who love to share curated glimpses of their gorgeous life than a personalized cheese board from Boarderie? If they had a secret photographer hiding in the bushes at their engagement and a three-piece band pop out of the woods then the next logical step is a customized charcuterie board. The perfect pic for their grid!
For the Destination Wedding Couple
If a destination wedding is in the cards, why not give them a gorgeous book about their dream location from Assouline’s travel series? Great for wedding inspiration and a memento of their special place for years to come.
For the Analog Couple
If their fridge is covered in printed out photos and ticket stubs then this polaroid style camera and printer is the perfect gift for them and their endless kissing selfies!
For the Tablescrapers
A conversation starter for any dinner party, these vegetable knife rests are a charming addition to any a table or even left out on the counter while cooking.
For the First to Get Engaged
The first couple of your friend group to get engaged always wants to play cupid and set up their remaining single friends so everyone gets hitched and joins them. These relationship status napkins are the perfect accessory for a set-up cocktail party.
For the Couple Really Obsessed With the Ring
Perhaps it was his grandmother’s stone or maybe a wedding band design the lovebirds worked on together, whatever the case, we all know a couple who is truly obsessed with their new bling—give them the prettiest place to keep it safe with a chic ring holder.
For the New Homeowners
Imagine the happy couple making each other endless cups of tea with this vintage-inspired Smeg kettle, the ultimate status symbol for any new homeowner. And if mint doesn’t match the vibe, you can always opt for classic black, white, or a playful pop of red!
For the “Love Note” Couple
Did he propose with a Post-It? Does she leave him notes in the steam in the bathroom mirror? For the couple whose love language is the written word, look no further than a set of these chic heart notecards.
For the Caffeinated Couple
The coffee connoisseur couple will probably have a La Marzocco machine on their registry so give them these chic little Tiffany espresso cups for a spot of brightness in their morning routine.
For the Couple With the Small Apartment
Couples who are short on space appreciate gifts that can multitask like this gorgeous Tory Burch pitcher—perfect as a pitcher for margarita night or as a vase for when someone brings home “just because” bodega flowers.
For the Possessive Pillow People
Pillow usage is a sacred topic in my marriage; my husband is very possessive over his pillow and I know he’s not alone. A set of monogrammed mini “his and hers” pillowcases would be just the gift to start off their engagement period on the right note!
For the Takeout Romantics
Nothing says “I love you” like a detailed discussion via text about what takeout to order that night. Elevate their everyday Chinese into a candlelit supper with these chic twist candles.
For the Bakers
A pinch of salt and a pinch of love, these heart-shaped bowls are the ideal gift for the couple whose always causally bringing freshly-baked treats into the office.
For the Globetrotters
Before they jet off on their next adventure, give them a set of matching luggage tags for their bags—bonus points if you customize them with their new initials too!
For the Snail Mail Devotees
One certainty a newly-engaged couple will face is a ton of thank you notes, help them show their gratitude in style with a new set of thank you cards.
When a Card Will Do
For some couples a simple acknowledgement of the engagement will suffice but upgrade your everyday “Congrats” card with this gorgeous one from Bernard Maisner, it’s sure to secure a spot in their keepsake album!
For the Sun-Seekers
Keep the honeymoon vibes going long after they return with this three piece beach set from Serena and Lily. Perfect for sunny days à deux, by the pool, in their backyard or on their city balcony, they’ll just need to add their own cocktails in coconuts and they’ll be transported back to the honeymoon stage immediately!
For the Procrastinators
Every couple has “make wedding album” on their post wedding to-do list but not every couple completes this task. Take the first step off the list for them by giving them these gorgeous photo albums from Milk Books.
For the Couple Who Finally Locked in a Date
The engagement year is a big celebration year and some couples love to commemorate every little thing from their “one month engagement-versary” to securing the date and location. Give them something chic to pour the bubbly in with these classic crystal champagne flutes.
For the Breakfast-in-Bed Couple
Breakfast-in-bed can be a divisive category in a relationship: my own husband loathes the idea of eating while laying down simply because of the crumb possibilities. Rule out any mess conundrums with this silver scalloped crumb catcher.
For the Newly Cohabiting
Moving in together can be tricky as the couple blend their pre-marriage items and hope for a cohesive home. Start them off fresh with new tableware like these pretty Tory Burch floral salad plates and their dinner parties are sure to be a success—at least from a tablescape point of view!
