30 Best Wedding Gifts Ideas For The Parents Of The Bride And Groom
How do you say "thank you" to the parents who helped you on your big day?
getty From the moment a "yes" was spoken at the engagement, both the couple and (both sides') parents have been on the front line of planning and executing the most perfect wedding for family and friends! Between financial help, moral support or manual labor, it seems as though there's nothing parents can't (or won't) do to lend a helping hand.
For those parents who go the extra mile to show their love and support, what wedding gifts are big or special enough to demonstrate your endless gratitude? While a daunting task, we've listed 30 wedding gift ideas we believe are sure to wow both the bride and groom's parents on the couple's special day.
1. A classic framed picture (for both)
Known as the most common choice when it comes to presenting a gift to the bride and groom's parents. Whether it's simply a photo of the couple, or a family portrait at the wedding, hire a good photographer on your special day so there are many options to choose from.
(Keepsake Frames, cost varies, but images can be uploaded, frame selected, paid for, and shipped)
2. A digital picture frame (for both)
On the other hand, why gift just one image when you can provide dozens (potentially hundreds). A digital picture frame is the perfect way for both the parents of the groom and the bride to relive the special night over and over.
Best feature? New digital picture frames can now play video, which is great when including a mother-son or father-daughter dance. We recommend the Seed Wave by NIXPLAY.
(NIXPLAY, $249.99)
3. A digital video of their wedding (for both)
Once, back in the day, your parents had their special day (full of friends and family they loved). Unfortunately, with modern technology it takes several converters and many hours of patients to watch one video full of static. Now, with the help of a third party, old tapes can be made digital and enjoyed from a phone, computer, or smart TV.
(Legacy Box, cost varies to digitalize your parent's older VHS or VHC videos)
4. A bottle of wine (for both)
Wine is a universal language, one a love and celebratory measures, so why not gift your parents a wonderful bottle of wine (or a few)? Whether the wine is seasonal or classic, there's many types of wine to choose from.
For a real sentimental moment, try locating the wine served at your parents wedding. For a creative take, we recommend the rosé, white, and red blend from Wine Society.
(Wine Society, $49)
4. Wine chillers (for both)
If you're going to gift wine, why not gift wine chillers? These will especially come in handy if gifting whites or rosés during the spring and summer months when things can heat up.
(BOS Drinkware, $19.95)
5. Memorable drinkware (for both)
More than koozies or plastic drink wear served at a wedding, there's something special and commemerative about signature glasswear that personalizes the date of your wedding for your parents. A special keepsake for them to have in their cuppboards forever.
(Toastmade, $37; cost varies for personalized drink cuffs)
6. A quality suitcase (for both)
There are a few items that are worth the splurg, and a suitcase is one of them. There's nothing worse than a travel day equipped with a less than adequate suitcase, so why put your parents through the drama?
It's likely that one or both sets of parents will likely be traveling for your wedding day. Why not gift them a nice suitcase to help them get from point A to point B? We recommend the Hardside Frequent Flyer Carry-On from Victorinox.
(Swiss Army, $460).
7. A vanity case (for mom)
One of the most special moments for a bride is getting ready with her mother, future mother-in-law, and her bridesmaids. How lovely of a gift would it be for your mother and mother-in-law to provide them with a quality vanity case to bring the morning of your special day?
The ability to gift organization and style in one package is a great gift. We recommend the Vanity Case by Calpak.
(Calpak, $75)
8. A wedding day makeup look (for mom)
Who says wearing bridal makeup is only for the bride? Both mothers will be walking down the aisle as well, so why not gift a full face of illuminous and soft looking products (perfect for a wedding day)?
- Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (Sephora, $42)
- Highlight: Becca's Champagne Pop (Sephora, $22)
- Blush: Milani's Baked Blush in Dolce Pink (Ulta, $7.99)
- Lips: Hourglass' Unreal (High Shine) Lip Gloss in shades: Child, Truth, and Sublime (Hourglass, $30)
- Eyes: Tarte's Tartelette in Bloom Clay (Tarte, $39)
- Lashes: Lilly Lashes in Goddess (Sephora, $20)
9. A wedding day beauty set (for both)
Having a smooth and clear complexion on your daughter or son's wedding day is important, especially when there will be a lot of photos taken. Pre-gift your parents or in-laws a beauty set to bring out their inner glow.
Before using the product, have them patch test on their skin. This makes sure there aren't any allergic or sensitivity reactions of the face or neck during the ceramony or reception. For mom, we recommend Here Comes The Bride by Mask Moments. And for Dad, we recommend The Active Man Set from Way of Will.
(Mask Moments, $35) & (Way of Will, $99)
10. Luxury chocolates (for both)
There's nothing more delectable and delicious than chocolate. Gifting parents or in-laws quality chocolate is a perfect gift to let them know you're excited to embark on this next chapter with a little added sweetness. We recommend the Summer Box Chocolate Collection from Godiva.
(Godiva, cost varies)
11. Exotic coffees (for both)
And we just don't mean for the morning of (even though there will be a lot). Gifting exotic coffees from around the globe is perfect for those parents who love to travel and taste new things — just make sure they're coffee drinkers before gifting (otherwise you might have to go with tea). We recommend Atlas Coffee subscription.
(Atlas Coffee, $20)
12. Home decor (for both)
Putting in personalized touches to your parents or in-law's home may be a nice way to signify how much their home and family means to you. Plus, it's a great reminder for them to think of you as they stare off to the corner of their house. We recommend Hyascent's Diffuser.
(Hyascent, $169)
13. Kitchen accessories (for both)
While the couple will be living in an endless supply of kitchen accessories from their registry, it may be nice to share the love with the parents. When picking a gadget for your parent's kitchen, make sure it's versatile and creative enough that it's not already in their kitchen but will be used regularly. We recommend Made In's Blue Carbon Steel Wok.
(Made In, $99)
14. A grilling kit (for dad)
Does your father, or future father-in-law, love to grill? Why not set him up with a grilling-kit that wraps up a backyard party in one package. What's even better, you'll now know where you'll be this 4th of July. We recommend Man Crates' Ultimate Grill Master Crate. And for those dads that are urban living (and can't grill) but are meat lovers, try the World Tour Jerkey Crate: the flavor of smoked meat without the hassle.
(Man Crates, $109.99)
15. Signature fragrances (for both)
Your parents might already have their signature scents, but if they don't, that's where you come in. While scents are personal to an individual, try and put together a scent that's perfect for the wedding (floral for mom and fresh/clean for dad).
For Mom, try something unique and floral that adds freshness for her to wear on your wedding day. We recommend Goutal Paris' Rose Pompon Eau de Toilette Spray. For Dad, try a staple fragrence like Tom Ford's Costa Azurra Acqua.
(Neiman Marcus, $116) & (Neiman Marcus, $125)
16. Something to remember their special night (for both)
Screenshot the night your parents or in-laws said their I-do's by getting them The Night Sky, a star constellation. It'll bring a sentimental and mystic ambiance to their home.
(The Night Sky, $60)
17. A charcuterie board (for both)
There's nothing like a great charcuterie board (and we mean both the board and what's on it). Personalize a staple home accesory with your parents'/in-laws' last name or initial. Plus, it'll pair lovely with the wine we mentioned. We recommend adding a personalized touch with a company like 28 Collective, which can monogram your board.
(28 Collective, $60)
18. A mindful and meditation headband (for both)
Between the checks, the planning, and sleepless nights, there's bound to be some needed time to meditate. As a gift for the parents who've been through the trenches with you, try giving them a meditation headband that calculates heart beats, moments of rest, and mental clarity. We recommend the Muse 2.
(Muse, $249)
19. A matching yoga mat set (for both)
For the parents who are go-getters and looking to relax and unwind after wedding planning, try investing in some matching, quality yoga mats. For an added bonus, get some sessions for them at a local yoga studio.
(Corc Yoga, $175 each)
20. An all-inclusive trip (for both)
For the parents who have gone extremely above and beyond their wedding help duties, try gifting them a trip of their own. An all-inclusive trip is a great gift, as it covers the additional cost of food and drinks, so you're sure to leave your parents in great hands without paying out of their own pockets.
(We recommend The Hotel Paradisus in Los Cabos Mexico. With swim up pools, amazing cusine, and private conceirge, it'll be like they're going on a honeymoon.)
21. A cruise (for both)
Another great trip outlet to gift your parents after all their help with your wedding is a cruise. Cruises are a great way to incorporate an all-inclusive feel with the security of a controlled space (for parents looking to explore other countries, but still want to feel the comforts of a familiar place). Plus, the optional excursions are a great way to experience a visited location.
(We recommend Celebrity's new ship, The Edge, with the ship's wide variety of iteneraries (globally) and elevated design, it knocks the idea of a traditional cruise ship.)
22. Passport holders (for both)
If you're booking a nice cruise or all-inclusive trip for your parents outside the country, or if they're just parents that like to travel on their own, try gifting them matching or complimentary passport holders. Make sure the cases are not only of high-quality, but include extra pockets to include cash, cards, and potential visa documents. We recommend Coach Leatherware Passport Holders.
(Coach, $57+)
23. Matching jewelry (for mom)
Whether it's between a mother and daughter, or mother-daughter-grandmother, there's something truly special about sharing a piece of matching jewelry with the ones you love most. From nacklaces, to bracelets, to pendants, there's many options to choose from that serve as a constant reminder of sentimental love. We recommend The Affinity Bracelet Collection from Idaliabaudo.
(Idaliabaudo, $129)
24. Personalized handkerchiefs (for dad)
On the big day, why not gift your father or father-in-law with a customized handkerchief? With the wide variety of options, customization can mean anything from a monogram, a date, to even a detailed note. We recommend CanyonEmbroidery.
(Etsy, cost varies)
25. A robe (for mom)
Along with providing a vanity kit or bridal makeup, top off the day with a matching robe for the mother of the bride or groom. The moments getting ready are just as important and special as the event itself. Additionally, these matching robes make for some wonderful pictures. We recommend a robe from The Knot Shop.
(The Knot, $40)
26. A customized shirt (for mom)
If robes aren't your (or your mother/in-laws') scene, try getting them customized shirts. Not only will they wear their shirt with pride, but being the mother of the bride or groom, you'll know they'll recieve special service on the big day. We recommend the Tees from Show Me Your MuMu.
(Show Me Your MuMu, $70)
27. A romantic dinner out (for both)
It's easy to overlook the simple joys, like going out to dinner. With the cost of eating out, more and more couples are for-going date night and staying in. Give your parents or in-laws a wonderful night out by gifting them a night out at their favorite (fancy) restaurant as a thank you.
(We recommend searching Yelp and Zagat for the top restaurants in a desired city or location.)
28. Event tickets (for both)
Just like going to nice restaurants, spending date night out, whether going to a show, concert, or sports game, can get pricey. To let your parents and in-laws know how special they are, gift them tickets to an exciting show, or seats to their favorite game with their favorite team (maybe throw in some matching shirts!).
(We recommend checking out TicketMaster for all the upcoming events in their area.)
29. A spa day (for both)
If there was ever a time to relax, its after a wedding. While you may be thinking the couple are deserving, it may be wise to consider the parents too. As they were there every step of the way, it's only natural that they're in some deep need of TLC. Treat them to a spa day to let them know you're appriciative of all they've done for you.
(We recommend buying a giftcard for SpaFinder, this way your parents can find the best spa options near them.)
30. A family tree (for both)
As you join two families together, how special would it be to showcase the linage for everyone to see? Try gifting a family tree so your parents can be reminded of where they came from, and where their family is going. We recommend a personalized and engraved family tree from Love Is A Rose.
(Love Is A Rose, $129.95)
Elizabeth Blasi is a New Yorker. A lifestyle & travel writer, who is often seen with a suitcase in hand, jetsetting to her next location. But as a true Digital Nomad, her love of writing and romance novels means her laptop is always beside her.
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