Engagement Gifts That Are $50 and Under

By Gabriella Rello
June 06, 2016
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Treat the bride and groom to a congratulatory gift without breaking the bank.

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Learn More About the Etiquette of Engagement Parties

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 couple in question has 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.

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Chocolate for Two

Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Help the couple celebrate this exciting time in their lives with a tin of candies that tells them to do just that.

Darcy Miller x Louis Sherry "Celebrate Everything" 12-Piece Chocolate Tin, $40, bloomingdales.com

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Wax Seal Kit

Courtesy of Written Word Calligraphy
Gorgeous Wedding Invitations with Wax Seals

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.

Written Word Calligraphy Monogram Wax Seal Set, $45, writtenwordcalligraphy.com

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A Special Cookbook

Courtesy of Amazon

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.

Martha Stewart's Newlywed Kitchen, $27, amazon.com

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Personalized Cheese Board

Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

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 barbeque.

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

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Lucky Wedding Planning Book

Courtesy of Amazon

Every couple wants a little extra luck on their wedding day. With this new 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.

"Lucky in Love: Traditions, Customs & Rituals to Personalize Your Wedding," $11.72, amazon.com

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Love Letter Candle

Courtesy of Kestan

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.

Kestan Love Letter Candle, $20, kestan.co

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Wireless Speakers

Courtesy of West Elm
6 Tips for Choosing the Perfect First Dance Song

Choosing their first dance song just got a whole lot easier (and chicer) thanks to these cool wireless speakers.

West Elm Photive Sphere Wireless Speakers, $49, westelm.com

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Wedding Planning Book

Bryan Gardner

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

Martha Stewart Weddings: Ideas & Inspiration, $54, barnesandnoble.com

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Espresso Maker

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Those late nights spent pouring over 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.

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

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Match Striker

Courtesy of Jenni Kayne

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

Jenni Kayne Ceramic Match Striker, $35, jennikayne.com

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Mini Fondue Set

Courtesy of Le Creuset
Low-Key Date Night Ideas Every Couple Should Try

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

Le Creuset Petite Heart Cocotte Fondue, $50, lecreuset.com

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Custom Return Address Stamp

Courtesy of Flourish Design Co.
9 Tips for Writing Thank-You Notes for Wedding Gifts

Help make writing thank-you notes and mailing wedding invitations a little easier by gifting the couple a personalized return address stamp, complete with their soon-to-be shared last name.

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

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Modern Planter

Courtesy of World Market

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

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

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Wine Cooler

Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

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

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

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Personalized Stationery

Courtesy of Minted

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

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

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Food Subscription

Courtesy of Marley Spoon

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

Martha & Marley Spoon Meal Subscription, starting at $48, marleyspoon.com.

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Festive Candy

Courtesy of Sugarfina

These delicious candies nod to the couple's future union.

Sugarfina "Bling Rings" Candy, $10, sugarfina.com

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Cocktail Gift Set

Courtesy of Shaker & Spoon

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.

Shaker & Spoon Subscription Box, starting at $40, shakerandspoon.com

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Cool Stationery

Courtesy of Pantone

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!

Pantone Postcards Set, $19.95, chroniclebooks.com

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Love Spray

Courtesy of Matter & Home

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?

Matter & Home "Love" Spray, $37, matterandhome.com

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Unique Diffuser

Courtesy of Voluspa

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

Voluspa "Prosecco Rose" Diffuser, $34, bloomingdales.com

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On-Theme Ring Dish

Courtesy of Kate Spade New York

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

Kate Spade "Take the Cake" Ring Dish, $30, katespade.com

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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Courtesy of Harry & David

Who can say no to this beloved treat? The sweet lettering only makes them more irresistible.

Harry & David "Congrats" Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, $54.99, harryanddavid.com

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Wine Gift Box

Courtesy of Harry & David

This box is stocked and reusable, too, so that they can carry bottles in it for years to come.

Harry & David "Celebration" Wine Box, $49.99, harryanddavid.com

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Instagram Photo Book

Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

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

Artifact Uprising Softcover Photo Book, starting at $15, artifactuprising.com

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Picnic Basket For Two

Courtesy of World Market

Give them the gift of an adorable date idea.

World Market "Summer Weekend Willow" Picnic Basket for Two, $24.98, worldmarket.com

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Box of Chocolate Truffles

Courtesy of Compartés

These upgraded truffles feature fashionable and unexpected designs.

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

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By Gabriella Rello