Design: theSkimm | Photo: Allstar Picture LibraryWhen shopping for the perfect wedding gift, there’s usually a list of checkmarks you’re eager to tick. Maybe you want something sentimental, or maybe you’re looking for something the happy couple can actually use often. And, of course, a gift that won’t chew through your wallet. Easier said than done.
Enter: this list. We rounded up go-to gifts all under $100. We’ve got heartfelt things you can customize, products that’ll become a staple in their kitchen, and some activity-based options that’ll get them working with their hands. Cheers to the newlyweds.
This post was originally published in July 2021 and has since been updated.
A soft-serve maker that only needs frozen fruit to make tasty treats…
Put frozen bananas, blueberries, and raspberries down the chute, push down the plunger, and presto — smooth and delicious soft serve. It’s really as simple as that. Finish it off with some toppings (team chocolate sprinkles) and dessert is served. ($49.95+, Amazon)
And a fondue maker that will become a quick hit…
Fruit drenched in hot chocolate or bread and veggies dipped in cheese? No one can resist that. This fondue maker is the ultimate kitchen gadget and party must-have. The 3-quart bowl is removable, which makes it easy to wash. It also comes with eight color-coded forks, a fork holder to reduce drips, and six cups to hold dipping ingredients. The only thing they’ll have to complain about is being too full. ($59.99, Amazon)
A custom family portrait that’ll cartoon-ify the happy couple…
Say hello to their new favorite art piece. All you have to do is send in a picture of their family (pets included), and a full-body, hand-illustrated portrait will be created. You can also choose what text you want. Once the first draft is done, you’ll get a sneak peek to make any edits before the final version is mailed. Get ready — the minute they receive it, they’ll be thinking about where to hang it. ($63.75+, Tiny Buffalo Designs Co on Etsy)
An engraved cheese board for the dinner parties they’ll be hosting…
The bamboo board comes with nestled utensils, so it’s great for storage in a cabinet or drawer. There are also 12 different engraving styles to choose from. During checkout, pick the one you want and add your text. It’s a kitchen must-have. ($69.18, JM La Bonne Impression on Etsy)
A jar that’s filled with sweet and heartfelt messages from family and friends…
The process is easy: Once you make your purchase, you’ll be able to forward a link to those close to the couple. They’ll be able to write their own message dedicated to the happy newlyweds. From there, Little Love Jar will collect, print, and place the notes into the jar. In total, production takes 12 days, so plan ahead. ($84.95, Grommet)
Personalized luggage tags to send them off with…
A honeymoon that actually includes leaving their home? Thrilling. With (safe) travel back in action, these luggage tags are the perfect gift for newlyweds heading out of state. Adventure awaits. ($22.99, Lifetime Creations on Etsy)
Ceramic coasters they can add to their coffee table...
Take them down memory lane with custom coasters that showcase some of their favorite memories. From vacations to concerts to quality time spent with family and friends, these photo coasters are a simple way to remind them of how much love they have in their lives. Cue the awws. ($39.99, Shutterfly)
A champagne vase they can use for flowers…
An easy way to brighten their home? Add a fresh bouquet. This vase is a sentimental option that’s engraved with their names, wedding date, and ceremony location. The bottle is also upcycled, so it’s an environmentally friendly item they’ll be able to use over and over again. ($75, Uncommon Goods)
Date-night dice that’ll make future evenings more spontaneous…
After so many dinners and weekends spent hiking, they may be in need of some spice when it comes to their classic date night. These dice are an easy way to help change up their usual takeout and a movie. The pressure of ‘what should we do?’ will be taken away and all they’ll have to do is roll. You can order the dice with standard phrases, or completely customize the set. So get as adventurous as you think they can realistically handle. Maybe no skydiving option. ($24.50+, Sugar Blush Studio on Etsy)
A double-walled, vacuum-sealed wine bottle to keep things chilled…
Once their bottle is opened, they’ll pop it into the holder. It’ll keep the bottle cold for up to four hours. The outside stays condensation-free, which is especially convenient while pouring. When their dinner runs long, they won’t have to deal with room-temperature vino. Sigh, it’s the little things. ($35+, Food52)
A wicker picnic basket that’ll inspire them to get outside…
It’s got everything: An insulated compartment for hot or cold foods, plates, mugs, napkins, and silverware. It even comes with tiny salt and pepper shakers and a convenient corkscrew. Everything straps into place so items won’t jostle around as they head to the park. It’s time for lunch with a view. ($52.99, Amazon)
A travel scratch-off poster so they can keep track of the places they’ve gone…
While also keeping an eye on the locations they can’t wait to visit. They’ll get a world map, a separate map of the US, scratching tools, and memory stickers to pin past adventures. It’ll become a fun activity that’ll help keep their travel bug alive and well. ($14.99, Amazon)
An experience gift so they can make memories together…
Instead of giving them something to unwrap, gifting them an activity can be just as rewarding. Uncommon Experiences is just that. You can choose from cocktail classes, portrait drawing sessions, DIY bath bomb how-tos, and more. Along with the actual activity, they will receive a corresponding product, so they won’t have to buy anything extra for the class. You can also sign them up for a membership to Uncommon Perks. They’ll get access to free shipping, new products and sales, monetary credits, and more. Do it before August 1 and they’ll get exclusive discounted access to brand-new Uncommon Experiences classes before anyone else. (Prices vary, Uncommon Goods)
A journal filled with prompts that the newlyweds can answer together…
Some questions can be answered individually, but plenty will call for them to reflect on moments together. It’s a fun way to get creative juices flowing and reminisce on the journey of their relationship. They can also treat the journal as a sentimental keepsake. Once they’ve recorded their answers, they’ll be able to read them back on every anniversary. ($11.66, Amazon)
A three-speed record player with built-in speakers for audiophile couples…
They’ll be able to listen to their favorite records, or plug in their phone and connect via the system’s Bluetooth feature. The best part is that they can start listening within minutes. There’s no lengthy setup or extra equipment necessary. If they want to store it, they can just close the case and keep it in a closet. ($58.77, Amazon)
If you buy anything from this email, theSkimm may get something in return. Oh, and if something’s out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate too) when we published. Thanks.
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Skimm'd by Alexandra Napoli, Emmy Favilla
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