The 30 best bridal shower gifts for when she doesn’t have a registry | CNN Underscored (2024)

Got a bridal shower on the horizon? You don’t want to show up empty-handed, so we’ve curated a list of thoughtful bridal shower gift ideas that’ll make her feel loved, supported and even more excited about her big day.

Bridal shower gifts are often practical products like kitchen appliances and home essentials that’ll help the couple establish their new life together. If the bride has a registry, that’s the perfect place to start to get a sense of her tastes and needs. You don’t have to go the traditional route, however, and it can be a lovely gesture to bring an extra, unexpected gift that’s just for the bride.

This might be something luxurious she’d never buy for herself or a small, sweet memento that’ll always remind her of this special time in her life. The most important thing is to consider the bride’s style and interests as you shop. Some brides can’t get enough of “Mrs.” gear, while others would prefer non-themed products they can use long after the wedding’s over. Customizing gifts is always a good idea, but just remember that not all brides change their last names. If you’re unsure what the bride’s plans are, consider personalized gifts with her wedding date or the couple’s first names instead.

Whether you’re looking for a bridal shower gift that’s sentimental, practical or just plain fun, our list has you covered.

Quince's robe is made from pure, washable mulberry silk, meaning it's elegant without being fussy. Gift one for the bride to wear on her wedding morning — and any time she wants to feel a little more glamorous.

Don't let their dainty looks fool you: These bestselling wine glasses are both chip-resistant and dishwasher-safe, meaning they won't get relegated to the back of the couple's cupboard.

The Company Store's plush, 100% cotton towels will add a touch of luxury to the bride's daily routine. The set comes in a wide range of rich colors and is available with monogramming options as well.

Gift this spacious bath caddy to help the bride unwind after hours spent wrangling vendors, arranging seating charts and tracking down RSVPs.

No bathtub? No problem. A set of soothing shower steamers can make any bathroom feel like a calming oasis and is another excellent (not to mention inexpensive) gift for the stressed-out bride.

This cookbook is packed with fabulous recipes designed for two, plus kitchen tips that any newlyweds should know (think: properly storing food and setting up a pantry).

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Make the bride's journey to a far-flung honeymoon locale more comfortable with this convenient travel set. The mask is perfect for red-eye flights, while the lightweight blanket can double as a shawl or scarf once she reaches her destination.

For some serious luxury, gift the bride this candle from a brand synonymous with romance. The glass votive evokes Tiffany & Co's iconic diamond cuts while the sophisticated fragrance features notes of fir balsam and patchouli.

For a more affordable yet still festive option, we recommend Homesick's "Team Bride" candle, which has a fresh, citrusy scent that brings to mind a crisp glass of sparkling rose.

Perfect for picnics, barbecues or just relaxing at home, custom koozies are an inexpensive and practical gift for the fun-loving bride-to-be.

Crafted from durable, sustainably harvested maple wood, John Boos & Co.'s cutting board is tough enough for everyday use and elegant enough to double as a serving platter. Add the couple's names or wedding date for a thoughtful addition to their kitchen essentials.

With its silky fabric, delicate lace accents and adjustable straps, Jonquil's top-rated chemise will make a flirty and flattering addition to her lingerie collection.

A custom sweatshirt is a comfy and cozy gift that the bride will never want to take off. You can choose everything down to the thread color, and because the text is embroidered rather than just ironed on, it won't flake away over time.

Featuring non-slip rubber bottoms, squishy memory foam insoles and adorably fluffy pom poms, these slippers will make fabulous accessories for the bride's bachelorette party and wedding morning.

Toast to the happy couple with these sweet and affordable champagne flutes from the Knot, featuring plenty of fun and unique customization options.

With its supremely plush, pill-resistant fabric, Barefoot Dreams' cozy blanket is great for snuggling on the couch after a long day of wedding planning.

A lovely and inexpensive gift that'll keep the bride's necklaces, earrings and, of course, rings safe on the go.

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Fill Crate and Barrel's elegant frame with your favorite picture of the couple (or even a sweet childhood photograph of the bride's spouse-to-be). You could also leave the frame blank with a handwritten note for the bride to display her favorite wedding photo when the time comes!

This stunning, hand-painted cake stand will make a gorgeous addition to the bride's kitchen.

Made from biodegradable vegan leather and offering colorful, foil-debossed monogramming, these luggage tags are a stylish and practical gift for the honeymoon.

A gal can never have too many totes, and the bride will appreciate having a sturdy bag for carrying all her shower gifts home.

These coasters combine to form a map of the meaningful location of your choice, such as the place where the couple met or got engaged. Made from tumbled marble with a protective cork backing, they'll be unique and useful additions to the bride's home.

Whether she's getting ready for the big day or relaxing at home, Eberjey's cute and comfy pajamas are sure to become a favorite in the bride's wardrobe.

Bagsmart's roomy and affordable toiletry bag will keep the beauty-loving bride organized at all her wedding-related events. We particularly love how the bag's wide, structured mouth makes it easy to see products without digging around.

This wine cooler will add some serious class to any table setting while keeping whites and roses perfectly chilled throughout the meal. It also makes for a very chic flower vase or utensil holder.

These classy Tiffany & Co. napkins are ideal for special occasions, but they can also add a little luxury to romantic nights in.

The bride can wrap herself in plush comfort with this super-soft and absorbent robe, made from 100% Turkish cotton. Like all the best bridal shower gifts, you can personalize the robe with her name or monogram too.

This indoor herb garden is a super fun and easy way for the couple to add some fresh flavors to their home-cooked meals.

This pretty dish will be a convenient place for the bride to stash her rings and other jewelry at the end of each day.

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The 30 best bridal shower gifts for when she doesn’t have a registry | CNN Underscored (2024)

FAQs

What do you need to bring to a bridal shower if there is no registry? ›

It is customary for invited guests to bring gifts to a bridal shower (showering the bride with gifts) regardless of the presence of a formal registry. Traditional gifts are lingerie, and related items . . . If you are unsure of the bride's tastes, give a Visa Gift Card or cash.

What is a normal bridal shower gift? ›

Gifts given at traditional bridal showers should have a focus on what the bride likes, wants, or needs. Common gift ideas include vases, cookware, champagne glasses, sleepwear, fine linens, picture frames, and home decor items. Any items specified on a bridal shower registry fall under this category.

What gift to buy for bridal shower? ›

"A few go-to's for me are a custom bag with the bride's name or monogram, a hand-painted watercolor of the wedding venue or couple, or a Champagne bottle personalized with the couple's name and wedding date." Pretty lingerie, jewelry, and self-care gifts like scented candles and beauty products are also excellent ...

Is $100 enough for a bridal shower gift? ›

The Average Cost of a Bridal Shower Gift

"Many people spend around $50 to $75, whereas closer friends and family may spend upwards of $100," she says. "However, the amount you want to spend is up to you."

Do you have a bridal shower if you dont have a registry? ›

Does the Bride Need a Registry for a Bridal Shower? Not necessarily. The actual wedding registry can also function for the bridal shower. If, however, it's a lingerie shower, that would require a separate registry should the bride want to register for specific lingerie.

Are you supposed to have a registry for a bridal shower? ›

Thankfully, understanding the difference between a bridal shower registry vs. a wedding registry is simple. For most couples, they're one and the same. It's common to create a single registry to be used for both the shower and the wedding (and any other prewedding events your guests might bring a gift to).

Does the mother of the bride give her daughter a bridal shower? ›

Traditionally, the mother of the bride doesn't host the bridal shower (the maid of honor typically assumes the chief shower-planning role), however, your daughter will likely want you to be a part of the celebration.

What is a reasonable budget for a bridal shower? ›

That works out at $300 to $800 for a 20-person party but can go as high as $150 per person or $3,000 for a 20-person shower. Based on these estimates and an average bridal shower guest list of 35-50 people, a reasonable budget for a bridal shower is between $350 and $7,500.

Who pays for bridal shower? ›

In short, the host is the one who pays for the bridal shower—or at least some of it. Most commonly, this is the maid of honor, but the couple's relatives, friends or even the to-be-weds themselves can all pitch in to cover the cost of the wedding shower.

Do you buy gifts off registry for bridal shower? ›

Regardless of how much you spend on a bridal shower gift vs. a wedding gift, you'll want to source both from the couple's registry.

Is money a good bridal shower gift? ›

Just give the money in a card, there isn't any rule on the amount of money to give at either event. I would check to see if they have set-up a registry at any store & buy something from there if you can afford it. Otherwise money is also a good option.

Does the bride give gifts at bridal shower? ›

Throwing a bridal shower is an especially generous act on part of your family and friends. While a handwritten thank-you note is acceptable, the bride-to-be may want to give a gift to the host—for example, tickets to a show or a gift box full of small luxuries.

What do you give when there is no registry? ›

And if the couple doesn't have a registry, you can choose something from our picks for the best wedding registry ideas. We also recommend thoughtful things they can eat or drink, mementos of the occasion, or items you know will fit in with the couple's aesthetic sense (which may not be yours).

What to get a couple that doesn t have a registry? ›

"When I see the words 'No Registry,' it generally suggests that cash gifts are welcome—even when it says, 'Your presence is our present. ' Personally, I love the way I feel when I give a meaningful gift. My go-to gift as of late is planting trees in honor of the couple in a place that is special to them.

Is it rude to not have a wedding registry? ›

At the end of the day, it's not weird to not have a wedding registry — but not having one might not get you what you really want as a wedding present. Your guests will take time to celebrate your new beginning, so it's up to you to make the experience as pleasant and seamless as possible for them.

Is it OK to give a gift card at a bridal shower? ›

Yes, a gift card is appropriate for a bridal shower! In fact, some couples even ask for gift cards on their registry. It's a great opportunity to provide the duo with the freedom to choose whatever they want. And its flexibility makes it a fun and beloved gift that'll definitely be used and appreciated.

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