‘Tis officially the season for gift-giving. For us, it’s 31 days of gift giving; for a month, we’ll be providing gift ideas for everyone on your list—from your hard-to-please parents to your ‘90s-loving BFF and even your spoiled pet. Filled with creative picks that got our pulses racing, our Unwrapped holiday gift guides will make Christmas shopping a breeze this holiday season.
As of last week, chances are your feed has been filled with news of engagements and photos of diamond rings and happy couples. It's officially proposal season, that time of the year between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day when couples are actively putting a ring on it. If one (or more like several) of your friends/family members has just made an announcement, you will want to be prepared to gift an appropriate Christmas present which can serve the dual-function of also being an engagement-obligatory gift. (Unless you are generous/not broke, and then, you will probably gift two separate presents because you are good like that.)
As someone who has spent a few years working in weddings, a word of advice: Do not go for the "Does This Ring Make Me Look Engaged" mug (yes, it does; it also makes the recipient look obnoxious) or anything bearing the "Mr. & Mrs." signage. It's basic and, in some instances, even tacky; plus, the couple will get plenty of those gifts. Instead, opt for a gift that the couple will inherently need or use, maybe without even realizing, come this exciting year.
Ahead, 13 engagement gifts that every newly spoken-for individual will love.
Inslee By Design, 2017 Classic Calendar, $58, available at Inslee By Design.
Make it easy for the bride-to-be to countdown to the big day with this whimsical calendar from Inslee By Design featuring prints you will want to hang up after the year is over.
Houghton, "Hopeless Romantic" Tee, $95, available at Houghton.
Earn the MVP of Gift-Giving title by getting the bride an item from the coolest bridal apparel destination there is, Houghton. Last month, the ever-fashionable brand debuted an extraordinarily empowering collection of wedding wear and a line of merch from the "Not Your Baby" collection. While we would blow all our winter savings on every piece from the line, we are partial to the "Hopeless Romantic" Pullover, "Not Your Baby" Tee, and "Fuck Boy" Hoodie.
Boxfox, Personalized Boxes, from $35, available at Boxfox.
Assemble a gift as unique as your relationship with stunningly personalized boxes from Boxfox. Select a pre-packed box with the most thoughtfully curated selection of offerings or build your own personal box from scratch for both partners. Afterward, secretly hope that you will get you one in return when asked to be a bridesmaid.
Beau & Stella, Stars Aligned Necklace, $62, available at Beau & Stella.
It was in the stars for the couple; commemorate that union with this gold- or silver-plated necklace featuring two constellations, representing their signs of the zodiac, hanging side by side.
JINsoon, Pearl Collection Set, $42, available at JINsoon.
There will be a lot of attention paid to the bride-to-be's left hand. Make it easy for her to keep her manicure intact with JINsoon's pearl collection, inspired by one of the most coveted gems in the world and its iridescent luminosity. Taking inspiration from gold, black, and white pearls, the three shimmering shades will be an opulent complement to her new bauble.
CB2, Arrow Ring Holder, $9.95, available at CB2.
Speaking of the ring, the bride-to-be will want to have a place to leave it in when she's sleeping, showering, or cleaning. Gift her a ring holder or a dish that she will love seeing every day. We're obsessed with this Southwestern-inspired one.
Paper Source, 2017 Luxe Page-A-Day Planner, $37.46, available at Paper Source.
The next six to 18 months will be a whirlwind for the bride-to-be; make it easy for her to stay on top of all her to-dos and planning with this pretty planner. Featuring a gold foil accent, the marble book is divided by monthly snapshots and weekly pages to keep her uber organized.
Sugarfina, Cheers 3-Piece Bento Box $28, available at Sugarfina.
Chances are the couple has been drinking plenty of Champagne since the engagement with plenty more to come. Give the two a break from all the drinking while satisfying their sweet tooth with Sugarfina's collection of Champagne-inspired candies.
Jeff Davis, Personalized LP Record, $150, available at UncommonGoods.
Most couples have songs that are meaningful to their relationship; if not, they will have some when they pick their ceremony music and first, mother-father, and son-mother dances. This LP record, featuring five songs of choice, will not only make for a meaningful memento but also for a neat piece of artwork.
Allbirds, Wool Runners in Tui Tan, $95, available at Allbirds.
Even if the bride is not looking to join the bridal boot camp craze, between the planning, she will be on her feet a lot. Surprise her with the comfiest sneakers ever made from the softest superfine merino wool. With limited-edition colors changing every season, she will love not seeing everyone else in the same pair, unless that someone is her significant other.
LuMee Two, iPhone 6 Case, $59.95, available at LuMee.
There will be a lot of people who will want to take a photo with the happy couple and post on social media to publicly congratulate them. (The purpose of virtually congratulating the couple after doing so in-person escapes me but to each their own, and what do I know, anyway?) Help them avoid having dark grainy photos popping up on the internet with this second-generation selfie-perfecting case. Now thinner and available in either matte or glossy finish, the case comes in black, gold, rose, and white.
BHLDN, Bride's Travel Bag Set, $60, available at BHLDN.
While this may appear a tad too bridal for our aesthetic, between the bachelorette party, venue scouting, and the honeymoon, the couple will probably be traveling a good amount in the next year, and this handy set will be of more use than you can imagine. Holding six breathable cotton bags illustrated with their contents (shoes, makeup, jewelry, lingerie...), it's perfect for couples who may need a little organization come this hectic and overwhelming time.
Voluspa, Corta Maison Candle, $30, available at Voluspa.
Both partners will love the intoxicating smell of the French Bourbon Vanilla Beans that inhibits this 1920s-inspired container with a lid. Plus, with stress at an all-time high during wedding planning, this candle will provide a moment of Zen for the couple.
Check out more of our Unwrapped gift guides here.
