Posted by Chris Randle on 28th Apr 2016

Wedding Gifts: Tips & Buying Guide

Gift buying for newlyweds can be a tricky business. Nowadays couples more often than not have lived together for a considerable length of time before tying the knot and therefore have all the basics their homes could need. Instead, aim for something a tad more ‘deluxe’ and you’ll be hitting the nail right on the head! Kitchen, entertaining, bath and bed items are considered the most popular categories to purchase from, so we are somewhat experts in this field – just remember to aim for classic designs with a traditional modern twist. If you are a guest at some upcoming nuptials, this gift buying guide will give you some advice and inspiration to guarantee your present stands out amongst the crowd.

Cash or Gift?

It is fairly common for cash to be requested in lieu of gifts at modern weddings, however not everybody is comfortable simply handing over a wad of notes. Whether it is because of a tight budget or simply because you believe cash gifts lack a certain sentimentality, a gift certificate is a great alternative. It shows that you have still put some thought into the present and ensures that your pennies get spent on something the couple will love – because they chose it themselves! You can purchase a gift voucher from our website in a lovely wedding theme for any amount you choose, then the voucher can be emailed directly to the recipients straight after purchase, no fuss.

Our Gift Recommendations

If you have decided that traditional gift giving is the way to go, then look no further. Here are some of our favourite gift ideas for the kitchen and home; from glassware, to serving, to home accessories. There’s something for everyone regardless of your budget, with varying price ranges for either a splurge or save. Glassware Sets as ever, are one of the go to items for wedding gifts. If you or the couple favour traditional styles, the Royal Scot Crystal London Set of 6 Large Crystal Wine Glasses are a bit of a splurge at £99.99 but are certainly ‘special occasion material’ in their satin lined gift box. Learn all about this quality hand cut crystal here. A slightly more modern, younger set is the reasonably priced LSA Lulu Champagne and Cocktail Glass Set. These handmade, mouth blown glasses include 4 varying shapes in simple and stylish designs. Decanters are another option in the glassware category that are always well received. The Bohemia Glass Lovers Decanters makes a perfect wedding gift; the pair of stunning Czech crystal decanters wrap around and fit perfectly together in a romantic display, they’re a bit of a splurge but are worth every penny. A cheaper alternative at £49.99 is the Final Touch Twister Wine Aerating Decanter. This striking accessory instantly oxygenates red wine with a show stopping display that would certainly be brought out at every dinner party . Tableware is a great gift option because you can buy as many or as few pieces as your budget allows. The Iittala Taika (meaning magic) range of crockery was designed with Finnish Folklore and Japanese inspirations and is simply beautiful. Pieces range from £9 to £69 per item, so if you have a smaller budget a set of coffee cup and saucers would make a lovely gift and the Bride and Groom can always add more pieces to their collection later down the line. If you want to spoil them, then you can just get the lot! Similarly, the single Black + Blum Loop Candelabra is a bargain on its own, however it looks fantastic on the dinner table or mantle piece interlinked with a few others, creating a cluster. Cheese Serving items are gifts that are sure to make you popular with all of the foodie couples. Fine dining has become quite the trend and nowadays it seems everyone is a gastronome and good cheese is about as gourmet as you can get. The rather fancy Robert Welch Radford Gourmet Cheese Knife Set comes complete in an oak storage box for extra luxury. Our budget options are the stylish and practical slate serving boards by Just Slate that vary from £19.99 to £38.99. They help to keep the cheese at a 'just cool enough' temperature - our favourite is the heart shaped board which is a perfect gift for a romantic occasion like a wedding.  Tea & Coffee gifts are sure to be well received, especially an ‘occasion’ set like the Maxwell & Williams Cashmere William Kilburn Collection teapots, cups and saucers. The stunning floral designs are reminiscent of the Victorian era and all its splendour, but with prices between £6.95 and £34.95, they also don’t break the bank. Home Accessories are also popular gift options, but be careful with this category and stick to simple, neutral designs and colour palettes that can fit into any style of interior. The Redecker Wooden Bath Tub Shelf with Book, Glass & Candle Holder makes a fantastic luxury gift, keeping the romance alive and ensuring plenty of relaxing evenings in the tub with a novel and a glass of wine by candlelight. For the traditionalists, the Dartington Crystal Glitz Vase with Swarovski Crystals is the ideal wedding present. At just under £50, this timeless piece never goes out of style and will hopefully be filled with flowers for years to come - on those special occasions, or simply just because. Just remember though, it’s the thought that counts when it comes to gift giving and most couples will be touched that you went to the effort, regardless of the cost. So don’t worry about the supposed ‘etiquette’ too much – go in with friends if there’s something pricey you’ve got your eye on, and take the time to express something thoughtful in your card because genuine well wishes are priceless. We'd love to hear what you think makes the perfect wedding gift, share your thoughts and moments with us on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages. Just click on the links at the bottom of the page and don't forget to follow or like our pages for up to date products and reviews.