Engagement Gifts That Are $50 and Under

Someone popped the question, someone said "yes," and now a couple in your life is getting married. If that's not exciting enough as it is, the future Mr. and Mrs. have now invited you to celebrate their good news at an engagement party. While you're likely excited to attend, you may also feel a bit of anxiety. Are gifts required for this event, and, if so, what's an appropriate present?

Typically, future brides and grooms don't expect their guests to buy them anything for their engagement. That being said, most people don't like to show up to a party empty-handed, and a token of congratulations is always appreciated. You don't have to break the bank to show the couple of honor how happy you are for them, though, and this is especially true when you'll soon be shopping for bridal shower and/or wedding gifts, too. In fact, in most cases, you can find the perfect present for $50 or less.

Before you panic, consider the following options, which we've rounded up to inspire you for your own engagement-gift search. In the mix are home goods, edible treats, and even experiences. There are items to help them start planning for their big day, bond before tying the knot, and toast to this new chapter in their lives. Click through to see some of our favorite budget-friendly ideas for engagement-party presents. While we can't speak for your couple, we know that we'd be glad to receive them! And the price tags are sure to leave you smiling.

Help the bride- and groom-to-be get closer in the kitchen by gifting them this cookbook, created by Martha Stewart specifically with newlyweds in mind.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart's Newlywed Kitchen Cookbook, $27, amazon.com.

A marble cheese board is an entertaining staple, and this handcrafted iteration—complete with a gold monogram—is versatile enough to be used for everything from an elegant dinner party to a backyard barbecue.

Shop Now: Williams Sonoma Marble & Brass Monogram Board, $49.95, williamssonoma.com.

Keep their wine chilled and their tables free from water rings with this sleek marble and wood wine cooler.

Shop Now: Crate and Barrel Wood Marble Wine Cooler, $39.95, crateandbarrel.com.

Encourage the couple to keep their connection strong by gifting them this sweet candle, inspired by love letters. With notes of jasmine and gardenia, it smells as good as it looks.

Shop Now: Kestan Love Letter Candle, $30, kestan.co.

Choosing their first dance song just got a whole lot easier (and chicer) thanks to Amazon's echo dot wireless speaker.

Shop Now: Amazon 4th Generation Echo Dot, $49.99, amazon.com.

Those late nights spent rearranging the seating chart will be a whole lot easier with a hot pot of espresso as fuel. Instead of an oversized machine the couple may not have room for in their home, give them a stove top version that does the job just as well.

Shop Now: Grosche "Milano" Nine-Cup Stove Top Espresso Maker, $40, saksfifthavenue.com.

When it comes time to mail their wedding invitations and thank-you notes, they'll reach for this wax seal kit, which makes personalizing any piece of stationery a breeze.

Shop Now: Stamptitude Custom Wax Seal Stamp, $40, stamptitude.com.

Whether they use it for appetizers or dessert, this adorable fondue set will help the couple upgrade their next date night in.

Shop Now: Boska Ceramic Chocolate Fondue Set, $40, food52.com.

Every couple wants a little extra luck on their wedding day. With this book, written by former Martha Stewart Weddings executive editor Eleni N. Gage, as their guide, they'll learn all about auspicious traditions from around the world.

Shop Now: "Lucky in Love: Traditions, Customs & Rituals to Personalize Your Wedding," $11.39, amazon.com.

These delicious candies serve as the perfect small but sweet engagement party gift.

Shop Now: Sugarfina "Cheers" Three-Piece Candy Gift Set, $28, sugarfina.com.

Nothing says "celebrate" quite like wine. Gift the couple three bottles to keep the celebrations flowing.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Wine Bordeaux Reds Trio, $36, marthastewartwine.com.

This small ceramic piece is as pretty as it is functional. Use it to house matches, then strike each on the textured bottom.

Shop Now: Jenni Kayne Ceramic Match Striker, $35, jennikayne.com.

This cool, concrete-inspired planter is both modern and minimal enough to fit with any style of home décor.

Shop Now: World Market Medium Gray Planter with Brass Stand, $34.99, worldmarket.com.

This engagement gift is just the thing for the couple that loves a good ol' cup of Joe. It features a bag of ground coffee from Noble Coyote; a cookie bar from Oven Love Bake Shop; a handcrafted coffee scoop from Rwanda; and a monogrammed small sewn notebook in your choice of color.

Shop Now: Marie Mae "The Coffee Lover" Bundle, $45, mariemae.com.

The couple will think of you every time they reach for a personalized card to pen a thank-you note.

Shop Now: Minted "Minimal Geometric" Stationery, 15 cards for $49, minted.com.

They'll need somewhere to store their new rings, and this dish is there to help.

Shop Now: Honeycomb Studio Ring Dish, $16, westelm.com.

Help them decide on a signature drink with this cool kit. The company packs a box with all of the ingredients necessary to make multiple cocktails. The couple's just responsible for sourcing the alcohol themselves.

Shop Now: Shaker & Spoon Subscription Box, from $40, shakerandspoon.com.

These postcards can be used in a number of different ways: as engagement party thank-you cards, for color palette inspiration courtesy of the Pantone shades, or as an alternative guest book on the big day (attendees can each take one, write their well wishes down, and then turn them over to be mailed to the couple). Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

Shop Now: Pantone Postcards Set, $19.95, chroniclebooks.com.

Writing thank-you notes and mailing wedding invitations is a whole lot easier when the couple has a personalized return address stamp, complete with their soon-to-be shared last name.

Shop Now: Flourish Design Co. Custom Return Address Stamp, $45, etsy.com.

This spray promises to make the space it's used in especially open to love. What better way to get your home ready for a year of wedding planning?

Shop Now: Matter and Home "Love" Spray, $28, matterandhome.com.

This meal subscription service is curated by our very own Martha Stewart. For under $50, you can get the couple three meals each per week for a month, which will surely help them when they're busy planning.

Shop Now: Martha & Marley Spoon Meal Subscription, from $29.99, marleyspoon.com.

Long before she registers for anything, gift her this handmade ceramic bowl that the couple can use for years to come.

Shop Now: Domain by Laura Hodges Studio Black Ceramic Bowl, from $28.99, domainbylaurahodgestudio.com.

Surprise them with a book of snapshots from their relationship crowdsourced from close friends and family.

Shop Now: Artifact Uprising Softcover Photo Book, from $15, artifactuprising.com.

This extensive guide will teach them everything that they need to know about planning their upcoming wedding.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Weddings Ideas and Inspiration Book, $15.88, amazon.com.

Give them the gift of an adorable date idea. This picnic basket will last them plenty of trips to the park. 

Shop Now: Picnic Time Blue and White Stripe Picnic Basket, $50, food52.com.

Instead of a candle, try a diffuser. The effervescent scent of this set is equal parts unique and festive.

Shop Now: Voluspa "Prosecco Rose" Diffuser, $34, bloomingdales.com.

These upgraded truffles feature fashionable and unexpected designs.

Shop Now: Compartés "Jonathan's Signature" Truffles, $49.95, compartes.com.