What to Buy for a Bridal Shower: Practical & Memorable Presents

Planning weeknight dinners gets easier with the Zojirushi Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer. In our experience, it reliably turns out fluffy white, brown, and even porridge thanks to multiple presets, while the keep‑warm and delay‑timer features let couples sync rice with the rest of the meal. Be aware: cycles can run longer than stovetop or cheaper cookers, and partially filled pots may cook a bit unevenly, plus the included spatula is short. If you value consistency over speed, it’s a winner.

Couples who sleep hot will appreciate the Brooklinen Classic Percale, which felt cool and crisp in our testing and comes in a wide range of easy-to-style colors. The long-staple cotton has a smooth handfeel once broken in. Be aware that lab tests point to lower fabric strength than some rivals, and the sheets can arrive wrinkly and a bit stiff. Our experience shows washing on gentle and line-drying helps minimize shrinkage and extend the set's lifespan.

Couples who crave bubbly on demand will appreciate the SodaStream Terra’s compact, counter‑friendly design. In our testing, it’s an easy way to cut single‑use plastic and save money over store‑bought seltzer, as long as you’re comfortable swapping CO2 cylinders. That said, carbonation can be inconsistent and some units struggle to seal bottles properly, which can cause spills. Our experience shows it works best for everyday, lightly‑to‑moderately fizzy water—just plan for refill logistics and make sure the bottle is fully seated before pressing.

Starting a home together gets easier with a bin that does double duty. In our testing, SIMPLEhuman’s 58L can made sorting trash and recycling effortless thanks to the dual compartments, and the built‑in liner pocket sped up swaps more than any standard can we’ve used. The fingerprint‑resistant exterior stayed tidy, though some buyers report finish chipping and occasional shipping dents. If you recycle a lot, know the recycling side fills fast and can keep the lid from closing when overpacked.

A star map tied to their wedding date makes a romantic, display-worthy keepsake, and we love that you can add professional float framing for a ready-to-hang gift. During our review, the archival paper and print quality looked crisp for long-term display. That said, customer service can be hit-or-miss, with reports of incorrect proofs and delivery delays. Our tip is to order well ahead of the event and triple-check the details before approving the final design.

In our review, Artifact Uprising’s Signature Layflat Photo Album turns wedding memories into a coffee-table showpiece. The ultra‑thick layflat pages create seamless panoramic spreads that make full‑bleed photos look elevated, and the linen or leather covers with foil‑stamped customization feel truly gift‑worthy. It is pricey versus standard photo books, and we’ve seen occasional color or sharpness that doesn’t perfectly match on‑screen proofs, plus shipping and support can be slow. Our advice: order early and upload high‑resolution images for the best results.

Heirloom-worthy and sentimental, Minted's Our Vows lets you pair a favorite photo with personalized text for a keepsake. In our testing, the archival paper and premium inks delivered crisp detail, and the size and frame options made it easy to match their space. Just know the price climbs quickly with larger formats and frames, and the standard plexi isn't real glass. We suggest selecting a modest size and upgrading only the frame style to keep costs balanced.

Give the gift of future memories; an Airbnb gift card works for stays and Experiences. During our review, we found email delivery makes it a solid last-minute option and it integrates easily with Target registries. But be aware of reported delivery hiccups and occasional issues applying cards to existing reservations. Our experience shows it's best to purchase a few days early, confirm the email lands, and remind the couple to redeem promptly since refunds can be tricky if something goes wrong.

Want to give memories instead of more stuff? The Joyus Tinggly Experience Gift Box offers a wide range of experiences across many countries, with vouchers that never expire and options that can cover 1–4 people—perfect for date‑night adventures or a double‑date. Our testing found the booking process can require coordination with local operators, and some recipients perceive lower value than booking directly; shipping timing can also be inconsistent for last‑minute gifts. Plan ahead and let the couple choose what truly excites them.

Instead of juggling multiple appliances, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8 lets couples pressure‑cook chili, braise roasts, and air‑fry weeknight sides in one large 8‑quart pot. During our testing, the versatility impressed for meal prep and batch cooking, though air‑fryer results weren’t quite as crispy as a dedicated model. It’s bulky—especially with the extra lid—and some users report reliability quirks like error messages over time. If you have the storage space, it’s a value‑minded multitasker that streamlines busy kitchens.

For pour-over lovers, the Stagg EKG Pro feels like a cafe tool on the counter: the gooseneck spout gives excellent control, and programmable temperature plus scheduling dial in your routine. During our review, we found it heats precisely and looks stunning as a gift. Just remember it's pricier than basic kettles and some Pro units have firmware or display quirks. Our experience shows the handle and exterior can get warm, so mind your grip when pouring.

For couples short on counter space, the Vertuo Next delivers cafe‑style cups in a small footprint. During our review, its barcode recognition brewed everything from espresso to large mugs consistently, making mornings fuss‑free. The tradeoff is ecosystem lock‑in: it only takes Vertuo capsules, which adds ongoing cost and limits third‑party options, and occasional reliability hiccups may require resets. Updates and some features run through the app, so we’d pair this gift with a capsule sampler—and a heads‑up about the connectivity requirement.

Serious coffee couples will appreciate the Smart Grinder Pro’s versatility—60 grind settings cover espresso through French press, and the digital timer with Dosing IQ made our doses repeatable shot after shot. During our review, the 18‑ounce hopper meant fewer refills for daily brewing. Just measure your clearance: at over 15 inches tall, it can be awkward under low cabinets, and the one‑year warranty is modest given some reports of long‑term wear. Treat it well and you’ll outpace most entry‑level grinders.

Great for music-loving couples, the Sonos Era 100 brings true stereo separation in a compact footprint, a big upgrade over the older Sonos One. In our testing, Bluetooth support made spontaneous streaming easy while keeping Sonos app control intact, and the USB-C line-in accommodates a turntable with an adapter. Downsides include the higher price and the lack of Google Assistant support. If they want wired playback, we found the sold-separately USB-C to 3.5mm adapter is an extra cost to plan for.

A celebratory standby, the Waterford Lismore Essence Champagne Flute adds instant sparkle to toasts. We found the modern take on the classic Lismore cut looks upscale in photos and in person, with high‑clarity crystal and a comfortable, balanced weight; it also arrives in Waterford‑branded packaging that’s ready to gift. The downsides: it’s hand‑wash only, the fragile stem and bowl demand careful handling, and the price is undeniably premium. For milestone moments, though, this one feels timeless and special.

For wine lovers who open a bottle on Monday and finish it on Friday, the Coravin Pivot+ is a smart upgrade. During our review, it kept still wines fresh for up to four weeks, and the included aerator noticeably improved aromas and flavors as you pour, with a quick one‑handed operation and reusable stoppers. Note the caveats: you’ll need replacement argon capsules, some bottle necks don’t seal perfectly with the stopper, and it’s not for long‑term cellaring. Ideal for by‑the‑glass nights in.

Gift a his‑and‑hers daily upgrade with the YETI Rambler Tumbler. During our testing, its 18/8 stainless steel build and excellent insulation kept coffee hot and iced drinks cold for hours, and the tapered design fits most car cup holders for easy commuting. Just know the MagSlider lid is splash‑resistant—not leakproof—so avoid tossing it in a bag, and it’s heavier and pricier than plastic alternatives. For couples on the go, it’s a durable, low‑maintenance pick that stands up to everyday use.

Perfect for newlyweds in a small kitchen, this mini waffle maker tucks into any cabinet and heats fast for quick breakfasts. During our review, the nonstick ceramic surface made cleanup a breeze—ideal for weekend waffles or fun dessert bases. The tradeoff is output: it makes only one mini at a time, so it's not built for crowds. Our experience shows it runs hot on the exterior, and a few units can be finicky, so test and handle with care.

Looking for a personalized bar gift that won't blow the budget? In our testing, the free engraving on this Lion whiskey decanter made it feel bespoke, and the 23.75 oz capacity nicely fits a standard 750 ml bottle for display. The matching rocks glasses mean the couple can use it right away. Do note that glass can be fragile and some engravings arrive off-center, and the gift packaging is basic—plan on inspecting on arrival and re-boxing for a polished presentation.

Hydration goals feel easier with the Stanley H2.0 FlowState Quencher. We found its vacuum insulation keeps ice for hours, and the comfy handle plus tapered base make it easy to carry and fit in most car cup holders; it’s also dishwasher‑safe and backed by a lifetime warranty. The trade‑offs: the lid isn’t leakproof, larger sizes get heavy when full, and the multi‑part lid can be fiddly to clean. For all‑day sipping at home or work, it’s a sturdy, crowd‑pleasing choice.

A classic that earns its spot on any registry, the Lodge L10SK3 comes pre-seasoned so the couple can start searing steaks or baking cornbread right away. In our testing, heat retention was excellent, delivering deep browning and even cooking. The tradeoffs are real: it's heavy, heats slower than thin pans, and needs hand-washing plus periodic seasoning to prevent rust. If they'll embrace the care routine, our experience shows it can last decades and become the kitchen workhorse.

If the couple loves farmers‑market greens, this spinner makes prep quick with a one‑handed pump and instant brake. In our testing, the non‑slip base kept it steady and the clear bowl doubled nicely for serving or storing washed lettuce. That said, the central pump housing eats into basket space and can crush delicate leaves, and some batches emerged less dry than we wanted. Cleaning the lid and letting the mechanism fully dry takes patience—better for everyday romaine than ultra‑tender mixes.

For a cuddle-ready gift, the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Doubled Stripe Throw feels instantly special. In our testing, the fabric is exceptionally soft and cozy, perfect for movie nights or adding a plush layer at bedtime, and it consistently gets that “wow” reaction from recipients. Do note that shades can look different than the online photos, and some striped versions may shed threads or leave lint on clothing. If you’re gifting, consider managing color expectations and include care tips for gentle washing—it's an easy, cozy upgrade for a couple’s new home.

Weekend getaways are easier with the CALPAK Luka, which keeps shoes separate from outfits and slides over a suitcase handle thanks to the luggage sleeve. In our testing, the lightweight polyester shrugged off scuffs and light splashes, making it a low-stress travel companion. The caveats: some buyers find the fabric a bit plasticky, and exchange/return fees can sting if you didn't opt in at checkout. Our experience shows shoulder straps may wear over time, so avoid overloading.

Heading off on a honeymoon? This coordinated tag and passport case feels special, especially with the shadow‑printed or embossed monogram—ours looked crisp and made bags easy to spot. The passport case’s card slots and slip pocket handle essentials for airport check‑ins, though capacity is intentionally slim and the vegan leather can scuff sooner than full‑grain alternatives. It’s pricier than many sets at $109, but for a personalized keepsake that photographs beautifully and travels well for short trips, it’s a delightful bridal‑shower pick.

For forget‑prone newlyweds, AirTags are small lifesavers for keys, luggage, and camera bags. In our testing, Precision Finding on U1‑equipped iPhones gave near‑pinpoint directions, and the Find My network reliably located items across town; the replaceable CR2032 battery lasts about a year. Do note full precision requires a newer iPhone, and there are well‑documented privacy concerns around misuse despite Apple’s safeguards. There’s also no built‑in attachment point, so we’d gift a couple of key‑ring holders or adhesive mounts alongside.