When a couple gets engaged, it’s customary to give them a gift that shows how excited you are for their nuptials, especially if they’re having an engagement party. While the best engagement gifts are typically traditional or personalized—a custom matchbox, an etched bottle of red wine or a gorgeous picture frame, for example—there are plenty of unexpected options, too. (A travel-friendly diamond cleaning pen comes to mind.) But there’s no need to splurge too much, says wedding planner Angela Marchese: “It really is just a way to congratulate and acknowledge the engagement; there will be many other opportunities during [this time] where people feel inclined to spend more, like on a shower gift or for the actual wedding.” As a longtime shopping editor—and someone who was a 2025 bride—I curated my 30 favorite engagement gifts to get you started. (For more gifting inspiration ahead of the big day, check out my expert-backed guide to the best wedding gifts.)
I rounded up the best engagement gifts that are thoughtful and show the couple just how excited you are for their nuptials.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTOS: RETAILERS
Our Top Recommendations
- Best Engagement Gift Overall: Framebridge Antiqued Oval Frame
- Best Engagement Gift Under $50: Rifle Paper Co. Porcelain Ring Dish
- Best Personalized Engagement Gift: Personalized Couples Large Matchbox
- Best Engagement Gift For Friends: Mano’s Wine Etched Wine Bottle
- Best Last-Minute Engagement Gift: The Little Book of Wedding Checklists
- Best Practical Engagement Gift: Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik
- Best Engagement Gift For Her: Kilo Brava Satin Bride Shorts Set
- Best Engagement Gift For Him: Brooks Brothers Engravable Tie Clip
Framebridge
Framebridge Antiqued Oval Tabletop Frame
This oval frame by Framebridge can be displayed on a nightstand or bookshelf, or hung on the wall with the couple’s favorite photo displayed inside. It has a vintage feel, and it’s easy to swap out the photo. (Framebridge offers photo printing in its retail stores.)
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Boarderie
Boarderie Lover’s Classic Cheese & Charcuterie Board
This customized Boarderie cheese board is arranged by hand and contains 18 food items: cheeses, meats, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate and more. It’s served on an elegant acacia wood board and topped with the couple’s initials—a personal touch that makes this gift extra special. If they’re unable to enjoy it right away, the insulated packaging keeps it fresh for up to seven days in the refrigerator.
Amazon
Nude Glass Round Up Dusty Rose Sparkling Wine Glasses
Help the happy couple celebrate their engagement with a set of sophisticated champagne glasses in a soft pink hue. They’re made from lead-free crystal and can be washed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. The brand also offers red wine glasses and white wine glasses in the same color, if the couple wants to invest in matching glassware down the road.
Lenox
Waterford Lismore Cake Server
A close family friend gifted us this elegant cake and pie server from Waterford, which we used to cut the cake at our wedding. The crystal handle has an intricate design with diamond and wedge cuts, a signature pattern for the brand.
Best Engagement Gifts Under $50
rifle paper co.
Rifle Paper Co. Porcelain Ring Dish
At some point, the couple will need a safe place to store their rings. This Rifle Paper Co. porcelain ring dish features an intricate full-color design with metallic gold details, and it can hold other small trinkets in addition to rings.
Minted
Minted Personalized Stationery Cards
One of the best gifts I received the year leading up to my wedding was personalized stationery from Minted. I used the cards for handwritten thank-you notes to wedding vendors and those who sent us engagement gifts. Minted also offers a vast selection of stationery, ranging from classic to modern styles.
Papier
Papier Family Favorites Softcover Spiral Recipe Journal
This Papier spiral journal is a great way for the couple to keep track of treasured family recipes, favorite restaurants and everything in between. It has space for 85 recipes and room to jot down ratings, dietary requirements and tips. Plus, personalization is free.
minted
Minted Personalized Floral Engagement Ornament
When I got engaged, one of my best friends sent me this Minted ornament personalized with the date of our engagement and our names. The clear acrylic has a nice weight, and the velvet bow on top is a welcome decorative touch. I’m looking forward to having it remind us of our special day for years to come.
Best Personalized Engagement Gifts
etsy
Oakdene Designs Personalized Couples Large Matchbox
This personalized matchbook is a unique and charming gift that doubles as a decorative item. It’s constructed from wood and has a sliding lid that can be customized with the couple’s initials.
Artifact Uprising
Artifact Uprising Everyday Photo Book
A photo book showcasing the couple’s love story—or displaying their engagement photos—is a gift they will cherish for years to come. This one from Artifact Uprising is fully customizable, from the color of the foil-stamped linen cover to the number of pages.
Etsy
Arcoalbum Personalized Wedding Keepsake Box
It’s a nice idea for the couple to have a dedicated space to preserve treasured memories and physical keepsakes, such as cards, guest books and photos. I bought this keepsake box for my husband and I to use in the lead-up to our wedding.
Uncommon Goods
Intersection Of Love Photo Print
This unique photo print, created by a local Philadelphia artist, can be customized with the couple’s names and important dates, such as the year they met or their anniversary. If you choose to get it framed, you can pick from five different materials, including wood and gold.
Best Engagement Gifts For Friends
Mano’s Wine
Mano’s Wine Custom Cheers! Etched Wine Bottle
Gifting the couple a bottle of bubbly is a common engagement gift, but if you want something different, consider this smooth cabernet sauvignon. The front of the bottle can be personalized with up to three lines of custom text, which makes it feel extra special.
The Bouqs Co.
The Bouqs Co. Wild About U Bouquet
I had several friends get engaged at around the same time I did, and I sent them all a cheerful and bright bouquet ahead of their engagement party to let them know I’m thinking of them. The Bouqs Co., our pick for best flower delivery service overall, has so many options to choose from, including this Wild About U arrangement that includes lush blooms and succulents.
Flamingo Estate
Flamingo Estate Personalized Heritage Olive Oil
If the newly engaged couple enjoys cooking, this Flamingo Estate Heritage extra-virgin olive oil is a gift that will be put to good use in the kitchen. It’s harvested by hand in Ojai, California, and boasts a bright, peppery flavor that complements a wide range of dishes.
Mark & Graham
Mark & Graham Wood And Marble Heart Cheese Board
“You can never go wrong with a cheese board, let alone a cheese board with the couple’s initials in the shape of a heart,” Marchese says. Mark & Graham also has a wide selection of elegant serveware, most of which can be personalized and paired together for a cohesive look when entertaining.
Best Last-Minute Engagement Gifts
Amazon
The Little Book Of Wedding Checklists
Keeping track of all that needs to be done when planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but this wedding-planning book by wedding expert Elizabeth McKellar simplifies the process and makes it more manageable. Think of it as your personal wedding planner in book form.
Amazon
Where Should We Begin? A Game Of Stories By Esther Perel
This card game, developed by popular podcast host and therapist Esther Perel, has guided prompts that can help you learn more about the person you’re playing with. My husband and I own a similar game, and it’s a nice date night activity that brings up fresh and interesting topics to discuss.
Best Practical Engagement Gifts
Amazon
Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik
This convenient Connoisseurs jewelry-cleaning stick is sure to come in handy with all of the events in the bride-to-be’s future. Simply twist the bottom, then brush the solution over your diamond to remove any dirt, oil or debris that might be clouding the surface. (The brand’s gemstone cleaner also earned a top spot in our guide to the best jewelry cleaners.)
Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel French Kitchen Marble Wine Cooler
A marble wine cooler is both a practical and decorative gift, as the couple is sure to be gifted champagne bottles to celebrate their engagement. I had my eye on this white marble cooler during the months before the wedding, and I particularly loved that it doubles as a vase for fresh-cut flowers. (You can also personalize it for an extra $15.)
Etsy
Etsy Personalized Passport Holder And Luggage Tag Set
Ideal for the jet-setting couple, this passport holder and luggage tag set is crafted from faux leather and keeps your most important information secure while you’re traveling. You can also add the couple’s initials on the front of each item.
Best Engagement Gifts For Her
Anthropologie
Kilo Brava Satin Bride Shorts Set
Pamper the bride-to-be with a silky satin pajama set. The short-sleeved top has buttons down the front (helpful if she does her hair and makeup in her pajamas and then gets dressed), and the comfy pull-on shorts have an elegant ribbon tie detail. The best part? She can use these as her “getting-ready pajamas” on her wedding day.
Jenny Bird
Jenny Bird Monogram Necklace
This best-selling necklace from Jenny Bird features a single letter hanging on an adjustable gold chain. It’s delicate enough to layer with other jewelry, and you can add another letter to the chain to represent the bride-to-be’s new initials.
Chillhouse
Chillhouse Forever & Ever Mani Set
When I first got engaged, everyone wanted to see my ring, so I found myself getting constant manicures—or attempting to do my nails at home. Any bride-to-be will appreciate this comprehensive nail care set, which includes five different Chill Paint polishes (you can choose your preferred colors), a Magic Finish top coat, a nail serum, a crystal nail file and a cosmetic bag.
dermstore
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Rose Gold Eye Masks
These are my favorite eye masks, and I was using them regularly to help hydrate, soothe and brighten my under-eye area in preparation for my wedding. I recommend placing them in the refrigerator before use for a cooling sensation when you apply them. They also make a cute favor when putting together bridesmaid packages.
Mark & Graham
Mark & Graham Medium Travel Jewelry Case
This rectangular case is crafted from pebbled vegan leather and features a soft linen lining that helps keep favorite pieces scratch-free during travel (this will come in handy on her honeymoon). The removable, double-sided pouch offers ample space for dangling bracelets and earrings, and it has tabs and looped clips to hold rings and necklaces in place securely. Plus, it can be monogrammed with her name or initials.
Best Engagement Gifts For Him
brooks brothers
Brooks Brothers Engravable Rhodium-Plated Tie Clip
Gift the groom-to-be something classic he can wear on the wedding day—and for formal occasions to come. We recommend this sleek tie clip from Brooks Brothers. Made from tarnish-resistant rhodium-plated sterling silver (or sterling silver with gold plating), its 2-inch length makes it ideal for both traditional and slim ties. You can personalize it with his initials for a thoughtful, custom touch.
Amazon
Well Told Engraved Map Pint Glass
I received a set of these pint glasses when I got engaged, and I’ve gotten so much use out of them. The glass is dishwasher safe and feels surprisingly high quality. Each glass is laser-etched with a detailed map of the city you select, complete with GPS coordinates. I plan on gifting a set to a good friend who’s newly engaged.
swanky badger
Swanky Badger Classic Whiskey Decanter
If the groom-to-be appreciates a fine whiskey, upgrade his home bar with this custom decanter. Crafted from durable, lead-free glass, Swanky Badger’s option features a solid glass stopper and clean lines, and it can hold up to 28 ounces of spirit. You have the option to laser-engrave his name, his initials or the couple’s engagement date to make it a truly classic piece.
macy’s
Perry Ellis Portfolio Baroque Cuff Links & Stud Set
Help him pull together his wedding look with this sophisticated accessory set. The six-piece collection consists of two cuff links and four matching shirt studs crafted from polished brass; the smooth enamel centers are delicately framed by an etched silver-tone ring. The subtle vintage feel will add polish to his wedding-day look—or any future black-tie gathering.











