Top 10+ Terrible Wedding Gifts To Stop Buying & 10 To Buy Instead

Quit Buying Gifts They'll Just Throw Away

Weddings are a joyous occasion filled with laughter, love…and a persistent worry about gifts. Your gut may tell you appliances and prank gifts are the way to go, but it's not the 1990s anymore. Today's couples don't always get the same use out of classic items, which is why we’re here to break down the stuff they do want! Let's explore which presents deserve a pass and which deserve your money.

1. His-and-Her Items

This gift has been a long-standing tradition for generations, but we’d like it to stop. His-and-hers items sound good on paper, but in reality, they’re often too tacky to get much use. Do yourself a favor—ditch these for something the couple can truly enjoy. 

2. Baby Gifts

Don’t ever come with a baby gift in tow. You have no idea what the future looks like, or if the couple can even conceive, so this gift doubles as unnecessary and totally inappropriate. It's even creepier if the gift hints that you want them to expand their family!

3. Large Kitchen Items

Keep kitchen whatchamacallits off the list. With so many random gadgets to choose from, something you think is practical could be the complete opposite for the couple. Not only that, but appliances take up tons of space and leave the couple wondering where to put them. Forget about them unless they specifically asked for something. 

4. Off-Registry Stuff

Say it with us: stick to the list. The couple put it together for a reason, so it’s best for everyone if you just grab something off their registry. Even if your gift is well-intended, you’ll know your money is better spent going towards what they actually asked for. 

5. Home Decor

Home decor is up to the occupants. Unless the couple specifically asked for something, steer clear of furniture or funky pieces that only suit your style. Plenty of couples are forced to display gifts they don’t want, and it’s time to end the madness! 

6. Prank Gifts

When it comes down to it, you have no idea how a gag gift will be received. A literal ball and chain or an inappropriate book may be funny in your head, but everyone will suffer if the joke tanks. Stick funny messages in the card, not in the box.

7. Advice Books

Speaking of books, avoid self-help books, too—they give the wrong impression, especially if they’re about marriage. You don't need to turn your back on every book, though! Traditional items like a coffee table book or a collection of their favorites can go a long way. Just make sure they asked for it. 

8. Regifted Items

It's one thing to regift an item you never opened, but it's another to use the happy couple as your dumpster. If you don’t know what to get, turn to the registry. If the couple doesn’t have one, opt for cash. Frankly, even if you forego a gift, it’s far better than regifting what you didn’t want. 

9. Pets

Pets are a colossal responsibility, and it’s one the couple may not want. Gifting surprise animals is a terrible idea to begin with, so dropping that duty on newlyweds isn’t the heartfelt gesture you think it is. Assuming they can't take care of it, they're then left with the heartbreaking decision to rehome it—or the neverending resentment of raising it.

10. Gifts For One

Gifts are for the newlywed couple, and showing up with a gift for one is just bad form. If you’re only close with one partner, save that gift for their birthday and grab something off the registry. At the end of the day, you'll feel better gifting something they can both use. 

What happens if the couple doesn’t have a registry? What if someone already bought the item in your price range? What if you waited until the last minute? Don’t panic! Here are some wedding gifts that never disappoint.

1. Wedding Keepsake Diary

The good times don’t have to end with the wedding. Keepsake diaries allow the couple to store their favorite memories and reflect whenever they want. It’s a simple gift with a lot of meaning, and it also won't break the bank.

2. Luggage Sets

The couple most likely has a honeymoon planned, so help them out with proper luggage. Comb through chic designs and affordable sets to nab the best suitcase. You don’t have to go overboard—well-traveled couples appreciate practicality over price.

3. Custom Artwork

Anything from a custom painting to a personalized star map can capture a couple’s magic. You could have soundwave art of their vows. If they're on the nerdy site, document their story in a comic book! There's no shortage of amazing options, all in different price ranges, so you'll easily find something they can hang over the bed.

4. Luxe Bedding

There’s a big difference between luxe bedding and regular sheets. If you've got some money to burn, treat the couple to a fancy bedsheet set. We know it sounds simple, but nothing says comfort like an eight-million thread count. (Okay, we may have exaggerated that a little.)

5. Personalized Doormat

Personalized doormats are a fuss-free gift that doesn’t eat up space. It's also something sweet and simple you know the couple will use. Brand it with their names or include a funny message that captures their personality; either option guarantees a genuine smile. 

6. Money

When in doubt, whip the wallet out. Money is often seen as an impersonal copout, but it’s one of the most useful things to bestow. You have no idea what your contribution may help with, so that cash gift can stretch further than you think. 

7. Subscription Boxes

Wine, fruit, meal prep, beer, books…the list goes on for subscription boxes! If you know enough about their hobbies, gift the happy couple a box to rip into every month. It doesn’t have to be a full year, but even a few months of goodies is appreciated. 

8. Personalized Toys

Did you know that you can turn yourself into a Funko Pop! figurine? What about custom bobbleheads? Well, it’s true, and it’s a unique gift quirky couples will love! They may cost more than stuff on the shelves, but at least you know no one else can find it. 

9. Bath Towel Set

A good bath towel makes a huge difference, and they're not cheap. Forget about embroidery or matching sets—the best towels offer comfort and long-lasting durability. Hunt for fluffy upgrades that goes beyond the standard stuff; hand towels and face cloths go a long way, too. 

10. Smaller Kitchen Accessories

Kitchen appliances may not be the best idea, but smaller accessories are. Charcuterie boards, knife sets, or a beautiful tablecloth are all useful gifts that don’t fill half the kitchen. With so many options available, you can also control just how much spend.