Bridal Shower Gifts Couples Will Actually Use

If your upcoming weekends are packed with weddings, that likely means you have a slew of wedding-related events to attend, as well. If you have several bridal showers on your calendar, choosing a thoughtful gift that speaks to each bride can feel like a challenge. That's why we put together a list of foolproof bridal shower gifts couples are sure to love—and, more importantly, actually use.

Sure, you can (and should!) consult the couple's registry, but know that it's perfectly acceptable to give a present that's not on the couple's gift list. As long as you know the bride well and think your gift will suit her lifestyle and tastes, there's no rule that says you need to shop exclusively off of the wedding registry. Plus, this guide comes in handy when everything that the couple registered for has already been purchased (this list is for you, last-minute bridal shower gift shopper!). Ultimately, though, this list if full of items that resonate with the majority of modern couples.

What kinds of bridal shower gifts rate highly with soon-to-be married couples? Classic glassware, starter dinnerware sets, a Dutch oven, and a super-cool coffee machine are all safe bets. After all, they're wedding registry mainstays. But if you're looking to gift something a bit more exciting, try one of our favorite unique bridal shower presents. Modern vases, colorful cake stands, woven storage baskets, air purifiers, and even a houseplant subscription service will all be well-received. Ready to find the ultimate bridal shower gift for your favorite bride-to-be (and her future husband)? Click through here for some of our favorite ideas.

Nespresso Coffee Maker

Brewing a cup of coffee is a morning essential, which means this bridal shower gift will be used daily.

Shop Now: Nespresso "Vertuo Next" Coffee and Espresso Machine, $154.95, amazon.com.

Newlywed Cookbook

Full of recipes designed specifically to be enjoyed by two people, this cookbook is sure to keep the couple busy in the kitchen during their first year of marriage.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Newlywed Kitchen Cookbook, $26.67, amazon.com.

Dutch Oven

They'll have this classic kitchen item for their entire lives (these cast iron vessels are built to last!). We're a fan of the brand's newest color range, which offers neutral, calming shades, like "Sea Salt" (this beachy aqua!) and "Fig" (a muted burgundy).

Shop Now: Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven in Sea Salt, from $155, lecreuset.com.

Knife Set

Since they'll use knives in the kitchen every day, a high-quality set is a must. The best part about this specific option? You can choose from a variety of knife block shades to reflect the other woodsy tones in their kitchen.

Shop Now: Wüsthof Gourmet 18-Piece Acacia Knife Block Set, $399.95, crateandbarrel.com.

Cozy Quilt

Comfy enough for naps and pretty enough for a couch throw, this quilt lives up to its name: It's made of the finest 100% long-staple Turkish cotton.

Shop Now: Parachute "Cloud Cotton" Quilt, from $219, parachutehome.com.

Fancy Bottle Opener

If they're craft beer lovers, they'll benefit from this sleek brass bottle opener.

Shop Now: FS Objects "Crest 2" Bottle Opener, $48, verishop.com.

Food Subscription

Give the couple the gift of thoughtful meals curated by Martha Stewart, herself; it'll encourage them to make fresh, inspired cuisine together.

Shop Now: Marley Spoon Meal Subscription, from $29.99 per week, marleyspoon.com.

Colorful Glass Cake Stand

These beautiful cake stands make it easy to go off-registry—just match the color (you have seven to choose from!) to the other items on the couple's gift list.

Shop Now: Mosser Glass Cake Stand, from $44, food52.com.

Floor Mirror

We're not sure what we love more about this sleek floor mirror: Its unique domed top or its ultra-sleek brass detailing.

Shop Now: West Elm Metal Framed Arched Floor Mirror, $549, westelm.com.

Place Mats

If they're a beach-loving, boho-chic duo, they'll appreciate this woven options that'll transform her kitchen into an oceanic oasis.

Shop Now: Serena & Lily "Cabo" Woven Placemats in Natural, $48 for set of four, serenaandlily.com.

Wine Glasses

They'll use these while breaking out their wedding wine on their first (and every other!) anniversary—and they'll think of you when they do.

Shop Now: Soho Home "Monico" White Wine Glasses, $65 for six, sohohome.com.

Crystal Vase

A modern take on a classic crystal registry gift, this contemporary vase's fluted opening is true to its name: It's reminiscent of a hibiscus (bonus points if the bride is a fan of the bloom!).

Shop Now: Vietri "Hibiscus" Large Fluted Vase, $140, bloomingdales.com.

Ceramic Vases

This modern vase—which comes in a few shades—brightens up a favorite corner or bookshelf instantly.

Shop Now: Coming Soon "Splash" Vase, $65, comingsoonnewyork.com.

Wine Filter

This revolutionary wine filter removes sulfates—the chemical that intensifies hangovers—from wine, so they can enjoy that second (or third!) glass while binging a favorite Netflix show.

Shop Now: Üllo Wine Filter and Decanter, $149.99, ullowine.com.

Luxe Sheet Set

The soon-to-be newlyweds will cozy up to one another every night in these soft, luxurious sheets that they're sure to love.

Shop Now: RiLEY "Percale" Sheet Set, from $99, rileyhome.com.

Drinkware Set

These sleek, simple drinking glasses are perfect for everything from sipping sparkling water to recreating their signature cocktail.

Shop Now: Borosil Simple Glass Tumblers, from $32 for set of six, food52.com.

Mixing Bowls

A kitchen workhorse, a sturdy mixing bowl set will help them create everything from savory dinners to sweet treats.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Non-Skid Mixing Bowls Set, $69, macys.com.

Wedding Planning and Marriage Book

This comprehensive book by Eleni Gage will come to their aid during the wedding planning process and beyond, since it's also full of rituals, traditions, and advice, they can carry into married life.

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

Houseplant Subscription

A house isn't a home until it's full of plants—so, start their collection off with this unique plant subscription service, which includes one easy-to-grow house plant per month (you can even choose the pot color!) delivered straight to their door.

Shop Now: The Sill "Plants for Beginners" Subscription, $42 per month, thesill.com.

Big Storage Basket

There's no one way to use this oversized, woven basket—it's perfect for corralling shoes, blankets, and (someday!) kids' toys.

Shop Now: Garmentory "Indego Africa" Large Raffia Basket, $390, garmentory.com.

Terrazzo Bath Set

This bath set instantly makes a bathroom feel more cohesive. Plus, it strikes the perfect balance between masculine and feminine, so it's likely something they'll both thank you for.

Shop Now: Anthropologie "Fillmore" Bath Collection, from $20, anthropologie.com.

Date Ideas and Camera Set

Ensure monotony evades the couple by gifting them this fun date ideas and camera set. Full of unique and fun challenges, the pair will never run out of fun adventures.

Shop Now: The Adventure Challenge Couples Camera Set, $147.99, theadventurechallenge.com.

Modern Cutting Board

They'll use this hand-crafted, asymmetrical board for everything from serving cheese and fruits to chopping up vegetables during meal prep.

Shop Now: Fort Makers Maple Hexagon Pebble Cutting Board, $95, 1stdibs.com.

Barware Set

Watch them turn into highly-skilled mixologists with this attractive set, which will surely see regular use.

Shop Now: Pottery Barn "Bleecker" Bar Hanging Tools, $69, potterybarn.com.

Air Purifier

There's nothing this futuristic fan doesn't do—it offers maximum cooling power while purifying the air. It'll even generate an air quality report as it runs, which they can see on their smartphones.

Shop Now: Dyson "Pure Cool" Air Purifier, $549, bedbathandbeyond.com.

Stainless Steel Cookware

There's a good chance that they'll be using this stainless steel set on their 20th anniversary—it's that durable.

Shop Now: All-Clad Stainless Steel Seven-Piece Cookware Set, $499.99, bloomingdales.com.

Cookbook Stand

This marble stand works for both old-school cooks and contemporary ones: It holds both physical cookbooks, as well as tablets.

Shop Now: West Elm Marble Cookbook Stand, $30, westelm.com.

Dinnerware Bundle

Just because they didn't include an elaborate china set on their registry list doesn't mean they aren't in need of everyday dinnerware. This comprehensive set, which includes four place settings of everything from plates, bowls, and serving dishes to mugs and flatware, is the ultimate starter set, especially for couples moving into their first homes.

Shop Now: Snowe Home "The Starter Eat Bundle" Dinnerware Set, $480, snowehome.com.

Shower Curtain

There's something so fun and unexpected about these hand-stitched, translucent shower curtains. They come in a variety of hues, so just been sure to ask what their bathroom color palette is before purchasing.

Shop Now: Quiet Town "The Orient Sun Shower" Curtain in Atlantic, $62, quiettownhome.com.

Comforter

Give their marital bed a whole makeover by purchasing a comforter that's so soft, they'll never want to leave.

Shop Now: Buffy "The Cloud" Comforter, from $160, bespokepost.com.

Cappuccino Cups

There's a good chance that these cups will remind them of their first coffee date, which makes them a thoughtful, as well as a functional, bridal shower gift.

Shop Now: Roberto Cavalli "Flowers" Espresso Cup & Saucer, $526.13 for six, amara.com.

Sleek Coffee Machine

They'll skip the Starbucks line with this modern coffee machine in their kitchen arsenal. The best part? It's pretty enough to leave out on the countertop.

Shop Now: Ratio Eight "Cobalt" Coffee Maker and Thermal Carafe, $734.95, williams-sonoma.com.

Decorative Dinnerware

These unique and stylish dinner plates will get tons of use, no matter the couple's décor.

Shop Now: Post 21 "Zulu" Dishes, $80 for four, post21shop.com.