We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 25 Best Wedding Gifts for Parents to Thank Them for Their Love and Support

The Best Wedding gifts for parents

Brides / Alli Waataja

If your parents (and your partner’s parents) have been integral to the wedding planning process, giving them a token of your appreciation is only fitting. The best wedding gifts for parents don't need to be elaborate—thoughtfulness goes a long way. Consider items that can be personalized and used on the wedding day, or offer them an experience like a spa coupon or gift card to their favorite restaurant. Presents that fit their interests and hobbies feel tailored just to them, while heirloom gifts like crystal glasses or serving pieces are both practical and memorable.

For expert insight into finding the perfect wedding gifts for parents, we consulted Darcy Jusich and Kate Hayes, gifting experts and co-founders of the Chicago-based boutique Happy Cabbage. “For dads who can’t wait to take their tuxedo shoes off on the dance floor, custom sneakers are great and can be further personalized with embroidery," they tell Brides. For moms, beautiful jewelry or a clutch they can wear to the wedding and beyond is an excellent way to remember the event, say Jusich and Hayes. In addition to experiential gifts, the duo recommends simple gestures like paying for your mother-in-law's wedding day hair and makeup or gifting your father-in-law a bottle of his favorite libation.

To help you give your parents something special, we researched wedding gifts with specific features in mind, including thoughtfulness, personalization options, and uniqueness.

Set your parents up for a celebration with this gorgeous crystal ice bucket from Nude Glassware. We love the modern design, luxe feel, and approachable price. Pair with a bottle of their favorite sparkling wine and corresponding flutes.

Your wedding party, including your parents, will likely be ready to take it very easy after the big day. Help your folks reach the pinnacle of cozy with this 100 percent cashmere throw from Sferra. It comes in eight beautifully understated colors, and the brand offers monogramming for an extra personalized touch. 

This chic porcelain vase was crafted by hand in Verona and features a modern twist on a classic Italian motif. It's a great way to thank your parents for helping you and your spouse start your dolce vita together. Printed in a bold blue design with contrasting red and yellow trim, this vase will be a stunning centerpiece in any room.

If your parents are coffee lovers, they deserve nothing but the best every morning. With this smart espresso maker from Breville, a cappuccino or americano can become an everyday luxury. This machine features all the best bells and whistles and is equipped with a touch screen to select your drink type, a 67-ounce bean hopper, and a milk frother.

This indulgent appetizer kit from Williams Sonoma can be shared with friends or saved for their next date night. The reusable cooler carrying case is stocked with sustainably farmed white sturgeon caviar, crème fraîche, premade blinis, and pretty mother-of-pearl serving spoons.

If Mom or Dad is the family mixologist, this cleverly designed bar set from Alessi is the perfect way to upgrade their bartending tools to be as stylish as they are functional. The five-piece set includes a mixing glass with a pour spout, a jigger set, a double strainer, a mixing spoon, and a stirrer.

A high-gloss tray from the Lacquer company will elevate anything your parents display on it—whether that’s snacks, drinkware, or a display of your wedding photos. This chic spin on a classic serving piece has slightly undulating edges and comes in black or red. 

We love this refined set of playing cards, which comes in a full-grain leather case handmade by German leather workers at F. Hammann. This set will polish the look of any game shelf, is excellent for travel, and is available in five lush colors to match your parents’ style.

Your parents have helped you with wedding planning; now it's your turn to plan a picnic date for them with this adorable vintage-style basket from Food52. Crafted from woven willow, with a washable blue-and-white striped lining and split-lid for easy access to all the goodies, your parents can bring a taste of the French countryside to any park. 

This Art Deco-inspired bowl from Georg Jensen is equally eye-catching as a dining table centerpiece or filled with fruit on the kitchen counter. Handcrafted of mirror-polished stainless, the fluted shape and low profile make it feel modern.

Woven items symbolize the intertwining of two lives in marriage, and these pretty placemats are a gorgeous (and meaningful) way to thank your parents. Sold in sets of four, the mats balance elegance with breezy casualness, so they're perfect for both fancy dinner parties and spontaneous outdoor brunches.

It doesn’t get much finer than Baccarat crystal, and we especially love the modern classic design of this pair of two double old-fashioned tumblers. With a sleek profile and a heavy bottom, these glasses are an heirloom thank-you gift that will last a lifetime.

This chic backgammon set from renowned designer Jonathan Adler features a sleek lacquered case with a retro, optical illusion pattern. It will be sure to inspire many game nights to come.

Capture a moment from your wedding (or theirs) in a classic pewter picture frame from Match. The design was inspired by 16th-century Tuscan wood carving and has a refined yet rustic feel. This frame fits a 5-inch by 7-inch photo of your choosing.

Raise a toast to your parents with these stunning crystal Champagne glasses from Orrefors. Sold in a set of two, these flutes have a traditional profile, but the stems are infused with a gold center that sets them apart from the crowd.

These embroidered handkerchiefs are both practical and personal, great for wiping away those (happy!) wedding day tears. With options available for mom and dad, you can choose from preset messages or get creative and write your own for a personal touch. The handkerchiefs are cotton with your choice of straight, scalloped, or lace edges. Even better, they come packaged in a gift box, so you won't have to worry about wrapping them yourself.

This handmade, personalized cutting board is the perfect way to capture that signature recipe your parents or in-laws are known for. Made from high-quality wood, it can be finished in maple, hickory, cherry, maple, or walnut stains. Choose your favorite font or send in a handwritten recipe to be laser-engraved on the surface.

Upload a photo of your parent's home or other significant location, and Minted’s designers will turn it into a beautiful letter-pressed work of art. You can choose the house's size, frame, and printed color and add custom text to the bottom.

This artisanal, small-brand coffee is a surefire gift for any java lover. This set comes with three of their staple coffees, including organic Guatemalan, Tanzania Teaberry, and the Dope Sunrise Blend. Choose between whole and ground beans and consider setting up a subscription for your parents or in-laws so they always have their new favorite brew on hand.

After helping you plan your wedding and celebrating your big day (not to mention raising you!), your parents deserve a vacation. Treat them to an Airbnb Gift Card so they can have a relaxing weekend without the cost of accommodations. They will surely appreciate the gesture and the much-needed R&R.

It might seem simple, but there's just something special about a beautifully framed photo. A part of the exclusive minted + BRIDES Gifts Collection, this personalized frame features a photo of your choice and a personal message. Fill it with a photo of you and your parents from a particular trip, a holiday, or the wedding day.

When in doubt, you can't go wrong with gifting a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. This "Love You a Latte" option is made with white mums, peach roses, and berries that will put a smile on their faces.

What to Look for in Wedding Gifts for Parents

  • A timeless heirloom: Your wedding is a milestone in your life and that of your parents. Consider commemorating it with a gift that will stand the test of time, like high-quality cut crystal, statement serving pieces, or artwork.
  • Something personalized: Simple, custom touches like a monogram or embroidered name can make a standard gift feel more special and unique. When you order a personalized gift, allow a little extra customization time.
  • A practical gift: Your parents may appreciate a gift they can wear or use on the big day. In addition to thoughtful keepsakes, giving your parents a custom box or gift bag filled with treats and drinks can help them throughout the wedding weekend.
  • An experiential gift: Think beyond tangible gifts and give the parents involved an experience, something they can do on their own, as a couple, or with you and your spouse as a family. A gift card to one of their favorite restaurants, a guided outdoor excursion, or a cooking class they can enjoy together are all great options.
FAQ
  • What are some other unique gift ideas for parents?

    After all the hard work of wedding planning, consider offering some activities that will make them feel pampered. “A hot shave the morning of or the day before the wedding is a great activity for Dad, while a nice facial or massage is the perfect way to thank your mom,” say Jusich and Hayes. For a special moment at the reception, ask the band or DJ to play your parents' and in-laws' first dance from their weddings.

  • What are good gift ideas for in-laws?

    The same ideas apply to parents and in-laws. If you're less familiar with your future in-laws' tastes, hobbies, and interests, ask your fiancé to weigh in (and do the same with your parents).

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of journalism experience covering the beauty and lifestyle space for some of the biggest magazines and websites. She’s also a bride-to-be, currently planning her own wedding (and debating what to get the parents involved). Brides Senior Editor Kate Donovan contributed additional products to this story.

  • Kate Hayes and Darcy Jusich are the co-founders of Happy Cabbage Gifting Studio in Chicago. They've been helping clients find thoughtful and refined gifts for clients for over four years.

Related Stories