21 Ideas for Thoughtful Engagement Party Gifts in 2024 (That Aren't A Ring Dish)

If someone you know just got engaged, you may be wondering how you can celebrate them. Odds are they don't have a registry yet (which you'll likely go to for their wedding gift), so you're probably coming up with this engagement party gift without much guidance. With that in mind, we put together the below list of 23 unique engagement presents that the couple will love. No hate on the ring dish - just ask any friend who got married in the last few years and they probably received multiple of these (which is why we reluctantly include them as a bonus 24th idea if you needed it).

Do you bring a gift to an engagement party?

Before we even dive into the list of ideas, it's important to assess if you even need to bring a gift. The short answer is no, you are not required to bring a gift to an engagement party. Between the various wedding showers, the event itself, and even a bachelor or bachelorette party, you'll have many opportunities to celebrate the couple with a gift. Weddings these days are costing guests a fortune, and this isn't one of the parties where a gift is 100% expected. That said, there likely will be people who show up with a gift, so if you feel like you don't want to come empty-handed without dedicating too much time to it, you could of course bring a bottle of champagne. If you did want to gift the couple something more thoughtful, keep reading.

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Ideas for Thoughtful Engagement Party Gifts (Under $50) in 2024

1. Custom Art Print from the Proposal

Etsy has a ton of fun options of personalized artwork you can have made from the photo that was taken from their proposal. Of course, this would take time for shipping, so if you don't want to show up empty-handed to the party itself, you can bring a card and tell them that the gift will be arriving soon.

2. Handmade Wedding Planning BINGO Card

If you're a close friend of the couple's, you can create a BINGO card of what is to be expected during wedding planning (e.g. "Alex says he doesn't care... and then he does"). The couple will X off the BINGO card as it happens, and then the first one to get to "BINGO" wins.

3. From Old to New Family Personalized Recipe Book

Compile a collection of recipes, favorite dishes, and special treats from both sides of the family into a personalized recipe book (with blank pages for them to add their own) This gift not only celebrates their union but also creates a culinary legacy.

4. A Random (but Awesome) AirBnB Experience

AirBnB Experiences can be a fun way to feel like a tourist in your own city and discover new things you would have never done. For example, if they live in Los Angeles, they may not know they can learn how to raise backyard chickens.

5. A Gift to Minimize Wedding Planning Stress

If you know the couple will care about making their wedding ceremony special, gift the couple Provenance's stress-free tool to help them craft their wedding ceremony script and vows. This is especially popular with couples having a friend or family member officiate, and those writing their own vows.

6. Custom Wine Bottle for their Engagement

Since wine only gets better with age, you can get the couple this wine bottle that commemorates their proposal, and note that they should drink it on their 1 year anniversary.

7. For the couple that's obsessed with their pet

If the couple's world revolves around their dog or cat (or any pet for that matter), there are a ton of adorable pet-centered gifts like this mug that says "my humans are getting married,"

8. Date Night Subscription Box

Ensure the couple continues to prioritize their relationship amid wedding planning chaos. Gift them a subscription to a date night box, providing them with curated experiences to enjoy together.

9. Dinner at their favorite restaurant

In the theme of date night engagement gifts, a gift card here could be framed as a fun "this will be the first time you're going there as an engaged couple!" type of gift.

10. Memory Book:

Create a keepsake memory book where friends and family can jot down well wishes, memories, and advice for the couple. This heartfelt gift becomes a treasured memento of their engagement celebration.

11. Cozy Nearlywed Sweater

From "BRIDE" to "FEYONCE" to everything in between, Etsy has a bunch of cozy custom sweaters you can have made so the couple has a fun, new thing to wear while wedding planning, on their bachelor / bachelorette parties, and all year (+) long.

12. Personalized Charcuterie Board

Engrave their names, wedding date (if they have one), or a special message, making this gift both functional and sentimental for when they're hosting.

13. Customized Map Art:

Capture the significance of their relationship with a customized map art print. Highlight the locations where they met, got engaged, or plan to say "I do" for a truly meaningful gift.

14. Uber Eats Gift Card for Their First Night of Wedding Planning

Acknowledging that planning a wedding can feel like an additional full-time job, further minimizing any time they have to cook a meal, a gift card with the right messaging can be really thoughtful.

15. Personalized Luggage Tags

Perfect for the couple with a love for travel, personalized luggage tags add a thoughtful and practical touch to their journey together.

16. Personalized Puzzle

Celebrate their journey to becoming a married couple with a personalized puzzle. Choose a photo from a special moment, and watch as they piece together their love story.

17. A Class to Enjoy Together

Perhaps the couple is very theatric and mentioned wanting to get into improv, or neither of them are great cooks and they'd like to get better. Gifting an experiential date like taking a class can be a solid idea.

18. Donation to a Meaningful Cause

If both partners are really passionate about a shared cause, they could appreciate a donation in their name.

19. Personalized Home Decor

Choose a practical item for their home, like custom-made throw pillows, blankets, or doormats featuring their names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote.

20. Scrapbook Their Memories

Using photos of the couple throughout their experiences together, put together a scrapbook that covers the highlights of their releationship.

21. Ring Dish

Ok fine, the ring dish is on every engagement gift list so we do have to still include it. We do love a classic ring dish engagement gift, just make sure the couple doesn't already have it.

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FAQs

Why is it important to give a thoughtful engagement gift?

Thoughtful engagement gifts show the couple that you care and have put effort into selecting something meaningful. It's a way to celebrate their love and contribute to the start of their journey together.

‍What are some popular themes for personalized engagement gifts?

Popular themes for personalized engagement gifts include customizing items with the couple's names, engagement date, or incorporating significant locations or quotes from their relationship.

Are experience-based gifts a good idea for engagements?

Yes, experience-based gifts like cooking classes or subscription boxes for date nights provide the couple with opportunities to create lasting memories and enjoy shared activities.

How do I choose a gift that suits the couple's taste?

Consider the couple's hobbies, interests, and preferences. Look for items that align with their lifestyle or have sentimental value, such as personalized items related to their relationship.

Can I give a group gift for an engagement?

Absolutely! Group gifts, like a contribution to a larger item or experience, can be a great way for friends and family to collectively give the couple something special.

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