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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Trust us: The bride is going to be getting a lot of cards at her shower and other wedding events, and she'll appreciate having such a lovely box to keep all those meaningful messages safe.

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 is a practical gift for a bridal shower? ›

Think kitchenware, travel essentials (for the honeymoon, obvi), or some comfy pajamas for the couple. Or, you can pick out something more personal, like an initial necklace or a custom stack of stationery. The goal is simply for the bride to love the gift—and use it more than once.

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.

Can you have a bridal shower without 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.

Who pays for a bridal shower? ›

Nowadays, the person (or people) hosting the bridal shower are responsible for covering the costs associated with the shower.

What to put on a wedding registry if you already have everything? ›

Charitable Donation. If you're not looking for anything material on your big day, consider making a charitable donation your only registry gift option by creating a GoFundMe Registry through The Knot.

What is the difference between a wedding shower and a bridal shower? ›

The bridal shower is designed for just you and the girls while the wedding shower is a co-ed party where the bride and groom both get showered with gifts and love. If you're a bride who loves to party and celebrate, then have both a wedding shower and bridal shower!

What do you wear to a bridal shower? ›

Therefore, for a casual dress code, Abbasi suggests a sundress, a matching set, or a blouse worn with a skirt or trousers. For more formal affairs, she advises guests to lean into fancy styles, like midi dresses and pantsuits, without going over the top.

Should a bride open gifts at the shower? ›

The decision ultimately is yours. It could be a very special moment and nostalgic and it's totally fine to do it! But if it makes you uncomfortable and you'd rather spend the time doing another interactive activity with guests or mingling – that's fine too! Looking for an elegant venue to host your bridal shower?

How to word a bridal shower invite with no registry? ›

If you would prefer not to include registry information on your invitation, you can always include a note that says “No gifts, please” or “Your presence is the only gift we need.”

What's the point of a bridal shower? ›

The purpose: to shower the bride with good wishes, congratulations, and gifts. It's as simple as that! During a bridal shower, guests come together to celebrate the bride and have some fun. The event usually includes activities, games, and sometimes even a theme.

How to give money at a bridal shower? ›

The best way to wrap a gift card or cash for a bridal shower is in a card. Even if you choose to use the couple's online cash fund to send money, you should still bring a card to the bridal shower. You can find great stationery in-person and at online retailers like Etsy, Amazon and Zazzle.

Is it rude to go to a bridal shower without a gift? ›

Yes, if you are invited to a shower in addition to the wedding, you're expected to bring a gift to the shower as well as send a wedding gift.

How many games should be played at a bridal shower? ›

With an average battery life of three hours, a bridal shower typically has three games going on at once. If you're worried about making the wrong choices, talk to the bride-to-be and make your decision based on her input. Everything she says is fair game because this is her bridal shower.

What to wear as a guest to a bridal shower? ›

As with any outfit you choose to wear, you should consider the weather and season when selecting your ensemble for a bridal shower. “In the winter, you can lean into long dresses, jumpsuits, and nice pants. In the summer, it is safe to lean into shorter midi skirts and dresses,” Abbasi notes.

Do you buy someone a gift for a bridal shower? ›

"If you are invited to a shower, it would probably be uncomfortable to show up without a gift, and the same for the wedding," she says. "However, spending a much smaller amount [each gift] and making them sentimental and meaningful—not expensive—is the key."

Is a bridal shower gift from a couple? ›

What is an appropriate gift for a bridal shower? A bridal shower gift is usually relatively small, and can be for the bride or for the couple. We recommend purchasing a gift from the couple's registry, but if you find something you think the bride would really like that's off-registry, go for it.

What kind of card for a bridal shower? ›

Keep your message to the bride short and sweet (one paragraph is sufficient). Include something personal, like you're favorite thing about the her or a cherished memory, in your bridal shower card. Don't force humor if it doesn't come naturally.

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