28 Last-Minute Wedding Shower Gift Ideas When You're in a Pinch
Yes, you do need to bring a gift to a wedding shower. If this is news to you, don't panic! There are plenty of good last-minute bridal or couple's shower gifts to choose from if you know where to look. And lucky for you, we do!
Of course, before learning where to shop, you first need to know what to shop for. Our number one tip? Start by checking out the couple's wedding registry. These are typically created before a bridal or wedding shower to guide guests on what the couple really needs and wants, making it the ultimate resource for choosing a great present—even if you're shopping at the final hour. Use their wishlist to source ideas and check to see if they're registered at any department stores near you so you can shop in-person. If you don't see anything within your budget or given time frame, it's okay to stray off the list. Traditional shower gifts typically include home essentials like serveware, kitchen appliances or bed linens, but, these days, couples also like to receive honeymoon-related items, experiences or gear that plays into their favorite hobbies.
Where To Find Last-Minute Bridal Shower Gifts
Last-minute shopping can be stressful—understandably so! You want to get the couple something they actually want and will use, but you don't have a lot of time to search for the perfect present or wait on standard delivery. Fortunately, many retailers offer express shipping when you're in a pinch, though it's often for an additional charge, which should be factored into your budget. If you're looking for free overnight shipping, Amazon has lots of wedding shower gift ideas available through their Prime membership. Target also has same-day delivery options.
If you're really short on time (as in the shower is today or tomorrow—whoops!), there are great gifting options still available to you. Before you wander aimlessly through the mall, check retailers' websites for buy-online, pick-up in-store options. This way, you'll know what's in stock before ever stepping foot into the store, saving you precious hours browsing fruitlessly. You can also ensure the items are saved for you if you can't get there until later in the day.
Another option is to look for gifts with virtual delivery options like e-gift cards or subscription services. While they may have a bad reputation, these are in no way a cop-out gift idea in our book. Not only are gift cards a foolproof way for couples to get exactly what they really want, but many subscription services offer unique experiences they'd never think to register for themselves (but will absolutely love). If you're worried about showing up empty-handed, come up with a fun presentation for the gift card, like a small box or basket filled with inexpensive, themed accessories.
Now that you know the what and where, let's get shopping! (As we've discussed, there's literally no time to waste.) Below, find our favorite last-minute wedding shower gifts you and the couple will love.
The Best Last-Minute Bridal Shower Gifts
Don't show up empty-handed! From express shipping and in-store pick-up to virtual delivery, these are the best last-minute bridal or wedding shower gift ideas you can buy right now.
1. Spa Gift Card
Not to state the obvious, but wedding planning can be stressful. Help the couple unwind with a trip to the spa. Spafinder digital gift cards are good at thousands of spas and salons around the US, so they can find the location of their R&R dreams. They can even save it to use on their honeymoon for a full wind-down experience after the big day.
2. Washable Picnic Blanket
Does the happy couple love to spend their weekends outside at the beach or a park? Then this unique last-minute wedding shower gift is a practical (but cute) option for them. The outdoor blanket has comfortable cushioning, convenient carrying handles and is water-resistant. They'll be going on romantic picnics every chance they get.
3. Meal Delivery Service
Help them spice things up in the kitchen with a meal subscription service practically made for couples. Blue Apron's Signature plan will send them a weekly box of everything they need to make two servings of two, three or four chef-designed recipes. (Psst, they even have vegetarian options.) They'll love saving time and money amidst the chaos of wedding planning, all thanks to you.
4. Travel Tote
Did you know Nordstrom has same-day and next-day in-store pick-up—or even curbside pick-up so you don't even need to get out of the car? Select your local store, then browse their travel section online for a classic wedding shower gift of luggage. Nordstrom is home to some of our favorite travel brands (think: Monos, CALPAK and Béis), so you'll be able to find dependable honeymoon essentials like a suitcase, packing cubes or shoulder bags even at the last minute. Need specifics? We—along with the rest of the internet—are obsessed with Béis travel tote. This chic canvas bag is made from recycled plastic water bottles and has a roomy interior with multiple straps for easy carrying.
5. Plant Store Gift Card
Are the lovebirds moving into a new home after the wedding? Gift them a classic housewarming gift to celebrate the milestone with a gift card to The Sill. This online plant store has a wide selection of indoor and outdoor plants and planters to spruce up their new living quarters. From easy-care, low-light and pet-friendly options, there's truly something for everyone. The best part? With a digital gift card, they don't have to spend it until they're in the new place, so they're not moving with a plant.
6. Mark & Graham Gift Card
One of our favorite places to buy personalized gifts is Mark & Graham. Nearly everything the online retailer offers can be monogrammed, so it's easy to find a gift unique to your recipients. If you don't have time for standard shipping (or even their 2-day delivery for $26), send the happy couple an e-gift card instead. They can pick out custom serveware, apparel, home decor or games—and that's just scratching the surface of Mark & Graham's offerings. Perhaps they'll find personalized champagne flutes or getting-ready robes to use on their wedding day.
7. Personalized Family Name Sign
We know what you're thinking—there's no way you'll be able to get a personalized wedding shower gift at the last minute. Well, think again! This custom metal sign from Etsy ships in just 24 hours. It boasts the couple's first names and family name along with their wedding year. Choose the size and finish for a custom door hang or unique wall art.
8. Air Fryer
Thank goodness for Prime delivery! If you don't have an Amazon Prime membership, sign-up for a free trial to get free one-day shipping on some of the best wedding shower gifts available, like this Ninja air fryer. This handy appliance uses hot air to cook food instead of oil, making it a healthier (but equally tasty) alternative to deep-frying. Whether the couple loves cooking meals from scratch or finds their dinner inspiration in Trader Joe's frozen food section, they'll get plenty of use out of an air fryer.
9. Champagne Delivery Service
Bubbly and celebrations go hand in hand. While you could swing by the liquor store for a nice bottle of wine, we encourage you to think bigger with a bi-monthly champagne delivery subscription. No need to wonder if they like Bruts or Blancs—The Sip will send a custom email to the recipients on the date and time of your choosing for them to redeem their personalized membership. Then, every other month for six, 12 or 24 months, they'll receive a curated box of champagne, allowing them to toast their engagement right up to their wedding day (or even through their first year of marriage).
10. Airbnb Gift Card
It's becoming more and more common for couples to register for experiences instead of gifts. Lean into that trend with an Airbnb gift card the duo can use on their engagement-moon, honeymoon or just their next big adventure. The digital gift card is emailed to the happy couple, but you can also print it off to slip into a wedding shower card.
11. Stoneware Dinner Set
Shop Target's top kitchen registry picks online, then pick up the gift in-store or schedule same-day delivery to make sure you get it in the nick of time. A tried-and-true option: a dinnerware set. This charming stoneware option from Target's exclusive brand Threshold features a clean white and tan color block design and boasts full settings (that's salad plates, dinner plates, mugs and bowls) for four people.
12. Non-Stick Bakeware Set
If the newlyweds-to-be are avid bakers, make sure their kitchen is fully stocked to accommodate any sweet treat. This set of 10 nonstick bakeware set will have them covered. All boast a heavy-gauge steel core that won't warp and heats evenly. To add a little personalization to this last-minute bridal shower gift from Amazon, include your family's homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe that they've been begging you for for years.
13. Craft Cocktail Subscription
Shopping for a pair of mixologists? Consider gifting them a fun experience to help them make the most of their engagement period. This creative couple shower gift box delivers a specialty craft cocktail kit that includes everything they'll need (besides the liquor) to make artisanal drinks right from the comfort of home. Choose the subscription duration you want to gift, then Shaker & Spoon will send an e-gift card to be redeemed. They even have cute printables to supplement the email so you can hand them something in-person. Who knows, they may even discover their signature drink for the wedding!
14. Glass Frame
Good news! Shopbop offers free one to three-day delivery on nearly all of their goods, and they have a ton of unique home accessories perfect for wedding shower gifts, including this chic glass picture frame. The happy couple will love to have a stylish place to display their wedding photos and this simple photo frame with 3D glass bubbles will make sure they pull all the focus.
15. Glass Candle
Help bring a warm ambiance to the newlyweds' home with a collection of fragrant candles. Not sure where to start? Try this one that comes in a simple, yet beautiful colored glass containers with a subtle tulip shape that'll look sophisticated on any coffee table. Tie little cards to each to tell the couple when to use it, like "Light when you feel stressed out over wedding planning," "Burn when you're dreaming of your tropical honeymoon" or "Save for your first holiday season as a married couple."
16. Stainless Steel Cutlery Set
Yes, it can be considered bad luck to give a knife as a wedding gift. Fortunately, you're shopping for a wedding shower. Ensure the couple has sharp cooking knives with this 15-piece high-carbon stainless steel cutlery set (it also comes with sharpening steel to help keep the set in pristine condition). Even with over 18,000 positive reviews, this popular cutlery set is in stock for expedited shipping through Amazon.
17. Airline Gift Card
Voted as a Knot Registry Award winner, you really can't go wrong with a Delta Air Line gift card as a last-minute bridal shower or couple shower gift. Help the lovebirds go on their dream honeymoon by covering some of the travel cost. Did they already book tickets? They can still use the gift card to pay for a checked bag or upgrade their seats. Pair it with basic travel essentials you can pick up at your local convenience store, like a toiletry bag, small liquid containers and mints.
18. Monthly Coffee Delivery
Coffee machines are classic wedding shower gifts, but if said appliance won't come in time (or the couple already has a french press, espresso machine and cold brew maker), gift them actual coffee instead. This gourmet subscription service from Atlas Coffee delivers whole or ground beans from across the globe right to their door each month. Each box also comes with tasting notes and brewing tips so they can fine-tune their barista skills straight from the comfort of their own home. Send them an e-gift card to redeem the gift, then present it with a pair of coffee mugs and a card at the shower.
19. Food Storage Containers
One of the most common household items a couple forgets to register for is food storage containers. Thankfully, you have them covered. This 50-piece set of containers and lids is made from BPA-free plastic and is microwave, fridge and freezer safe. Best of all, they come with labels and a chalk pen so they can mark their leftovers with the day it was first cooked. It's an organizer's dream set.
20. Curated Date Night Box
Wedding planning is so time-consuming, it can be hard to also plan quality time with your partner. Help the couple out with a DateBox Club subscription. Each month, they'll ship all the supplies required for a special date night activity—like custom artwork or intimate games—plus snacks and candles to set the scene. They even have a wedding-specific shop with packages designed for newlyweds.
21. Video Doorbell
New house, whose this? Even if the soon-be-weds aren't moving, they'll love adding Ring's video doorbell to their home. It lets them see, hear and speak to anyone at their front door from their phone, tablet or computer for increased security and privacy.
22. Waffle Maker and Griddle
Do the lovebirds think breakfast is the best meal of the day? (You'll know if the shower is brunch-themed.) Whether they favor sweet or savory, this breakfast griddle will make every morning a treat. The reversible plates can cook large, fluffy waffles on one side and fry up eggs and bacon on the other. Pair it with a box of waffle mix and maple syrup for a cute touch to the traditional appliance gift.
23. Woven Basket
If we had to guess, the to-be-weds will receive a lot of throws, pillows, towels and sheet sets to furnish their home. There's no denying linens are classic wedding shower presents, but if you want your last-minute gift to stand out, opt for blanket storage instead. This basket is practical and stylish—it's the perfect thing to hold all their throws, decorative pillows and clean towels.
24. DoorDash Gift Card
Of course, then there are those days when no one feels like grocery shopping or cooking and the only answer is takeout. Treat the couple to dinner on you with a DoorDash gift card. They'll likely use this last-minute bridal or couple shower gift right away—like even the night of the party after they finish cleaning up.
25. Round Placemats
Check the registry! Did someone already purchase wedding china for the happy couple? Upgrade their tablescape further with a set of chic, coordinating placemats. We love the nontraditional look of these round chargers with a texture braided design, but you can pick any style you think the to-be-weds would like (and is available for pick-up or same-day delivery at your local Target). The best part about placemats as a bridal or couple shower gift? They're super affordable but still feel luxe.
26. Iridescent Stemless Wine Glasses
Elegant glassware is a classic wedding shower gift, but if you're shopping last minute (and off-registry), choose a more casual set they'll be able to use daily. Stemless wine glasses have an everyday feel for when they're just relaxing together on the couch. These are especially unique and beautiful thanks to the iridescent glass.
27. Pizza Stone
Here's a kitchen tool they won't realize is essential until they use it for themselves. A pizza stone and wooden paddle is an easy and affordable way to make homemade pizza right from the oven. They found their slice of heaven, now they'll be making slices of heaven. Confident they'll get to cooking right away? Pair your gift with pre-made pizza dough, sauce and mozzarella from the grocery store. Just make sure they open this totally clever wedding shower gift right away so the food doesn't spoil.
28. Sephora Gift Card
Does they dream about a shopping spree at Sephora? (Us too!) Make sure the couple-of-honor looks their best at all wedding-related festivities with a gift card to Sephora. They can restock all their cosmetics to ensure a full-glam look. The best part of a digital gift card from Sephora? You can personalize the design with an image for an extra-special touch.