Best wedding gifts 2023, tried and tested

{{#items}} {{#image}} {{#imgUrl}} {{/imgUrl}}{{^imgUrl}} {{/imgUrl}} {{/image}} {{title}} {{#starRating}} {{/starRating}} {{prettyPrice}} Buy now{{#isExternal}} {{/isExternal}} {{/items}} Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts Sign up for our free IndyBest email When it comes to wedding gifts, the choices are endless. From kitchen appliances and tableware sets to bedding and towels , building your wedding gift list is arguably one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. Yet some couples find themselves at a bit of a crossroads – questioning; should we create a wishlist filled with tangible presents or boldly venture into the realm of asking for cold, hard cash to fund a honeymoon? The good news is lots of wedding gift lists now let you add both – so if dinner in Rome features higher on your wishlist than a breadboard, then you can give your guests the option of either making honeymoon donations or gifting sentimental presents. The hardest decision is actually picking gifts that you a) both like and b) will last and stand the test of time. Places such as John Lewis & Partners , The Wedding Shop , The Wedding Present Company and Prezola offer engaged couples an easy, stress-free way to curate bespoke gift lists and supply all the usual big-name bestsellers, including; The White Company, Ooni and Le Creuset, as well as smaller, unique brands, such as Ivyline and Luna Home . ‘We are also seeing couples using their gift lists as an opportunity to make lasting memories, adding stays and experiences from our brand partners like Mr & Mrs Smith, Airbnb , and Virgin Experiences,’ says Rebecca Forsey, customer service manager at Prezola. How we tested We trawled all the biggest department stores, looking mainly at the home and lifestyle sections for joyful, timeless and practical home accessories newlyweds will love, and tested some of our favourites – from picnic blankets to air fryers – at home. We also visited the Wedding Present Company showroom (an inspirational two-storey space laid out like the rooms in a house) in London to find out how couples can create a wedding list they’ll love, and use, forever. And, we spoke to experts within the wedding industry to find out which gifts guests love to give, and the most popular and desired items on wish lists in 2023. The best wedding gifts for 2023 are: Best wedding gift overall – Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer: £169, Very.co.uk Best wedding gift for couples who love to cook – Le Creuset stoneware heritage dishes: £58, Lecreuset.co.uk Best wedding gift for art aficionados – Amuse La Bouche forever and ever teatowel: £34.99, Trouva.com Best wedding gift for couples seeking luxurious comfort – Unisex hooded ribbed hydrocotton robe: £85, Thewhitecompany.com Best wedding gift for beach-loving couples – : £68, Anthropologie.com Best wedding gift for travellers – Away the bigger carry-on: £265, Awaytravel.com Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Already subscribed? We don’t know many people who haven’t been raving about air fryers recently, specifically those from Ninja. Promising a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying, they’ve been touted as a kitchen game-changer, so we were keen to try for ourselves. We tested the dual-zone air fryer by cooking everything from chicken breasts to homemade chips, salmon fillets to crispy broccoli – and we weren’t disappointed. The two drawers give you so much flexibility and allow you to cook two different foods simultaneously, saving both time and effort. Plus, it doesn’t just air fry, it can roast, bake, reheat and dehydrate food, too. Easy to use, it offers a healthier alternative for couples who want to enjoy their favourite fried foods without excessive grease. Continue reading… {{#hasItems}} {{#items}} {{merchant}} {{price}} Buy now {{/items}} {{/hasItems}} These timeless Mr and Mrs mugs from British designer Emma Bridgewater are a classic wedding gift for obvious reasons (and we’ve gifted them to numerous friends on their wedding day in the past). Why? The simple black and white colour scheme means they’ll easily fit into any existing kitchen design and since mugs are everyday items, you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee or tea, while being reminded of your special day each time you use them. Durable materials, dishwasher and microwave safe, we love how these mugs are not just high-quality everyday items but thoughtful too. A memorable wedding gift that should be on everyone’s wish list. Continue reading… {{#hasItems}} {{#items}} {{merchant}} {{price}} Buy now {{/items}} {{/hasItems}} Not just limited to picnic use, this candy pink and white striped blanket, dressed up with insta-worthy boho tassels, is ideal for the beach, camping, the park or even as a cosy indoor throw. Wine and water-resistant, the everything picnic blanket is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, such as grass, sand, or damp surfaces and, thanks to its oversized size (2m x 2m) it’s large enough to accommodate practically your entire bridal party. Easy to fold or roll up into a compact size, it’s super convenient to carry and store and comes with carry handles, a secret zip pocket to store your valuables and four gold pegs for holding it down in the wind. The perfect gift for couples who are partial to a picnic. Continue reading… £145 Partnerinwine.co.uk Buy now Le Creuset cookware is often found on wedding wish lists thanks to its high-quality, long-lasting durable designs that tick the timeless box. Our parents had Le Cresuet sets on their wedding wish list and we’ll undoubtedly be following their lead and including Le Cresuet on ours. It helps that the brand offers a lifetime warranty on its enamelled cast iron cookware – offering peace of mind to couples, knowing that they are investing in cookware that’s going to last. We love this rectangular dish – we’ve used it for roasting meats and vegetables, making lasagnas, gratins, and so much more. Its generous size means it’s ideal for cooking meals for two or small gatherings, while the stylish coastal blue is one of Le Cresuet’s top-selling colours. An incredibly useful gift that couples can pass down through generations. Continue reading… £58 Lecreuset.co.uk Buy now {{#hasItems}} {{#items}} {{merchant}} {{price}} Buy now {{/items}} {{/hasItems}} If you can’t add fancy glassware to your wedding gift list, then when can you? These crystal champagne coupes feel heavy in your hands and immediately elevate whatever you’re drinking – whether it’s a £9 bottle of prosecco from Sainsbury’s or Moet champagne. Taking inspiration from Little House Mayfair, this set of four champagne flutes has been handcrafted in Slovenia and feature intricate diamond patterns on the lower half and bottom of each glass. So say goodbye to drinking fizz in a wine glass ever again, and add these special coupes to your wedding wish list so you’ll always have dedicated glassware for toasting and celebrating special moments in your life. Continue reading… If you haven’t noticed, cabbage serving bowls are everywhere at the moment. Bordallo Pinheiro’s playful Portuguese pottery is available from the likes of John Lewis and Harrods, but M&S has created its own (cheaper) spin on the cabbage serving bowl, with a glossy finish and a life-like leafy design and scalloped edges. Ideal for adding a pop of colour kitchen or dining area, use it as a crisp bowl by day or serve small salads when entertaining in the evenings (its uniqueness is always a talking point – and it’s sure to be the envy of all your guests). A registry must-have that promises to bring joy and style to your home for years to come. Continue reading… £12.50 Marksandspencer.com Buy now This little gem isn’t your run-of-the-mill kitchen essential; it’s quirky, pretty and practical, too. Adorned with a delightful ‘forever and ever’ print, this Amuse La Bouche tea towel acts as a daily reminder of the promises you’ve made on your Big Day. Boasting top-notch absorbency, use it as a tea towel to wipe down your champagne flutes, or, do what we’ve done, and get it framed. Yes, you read that correctly. Thanks to its premium quality, it looks great as a piece of art, too. So, whether you choose to use it in the kitchen or on your gallery wall, this tea towel can be a keepsake of your special day, spreading love “forever and ever.” Continue reading… For those looking for a budget-friendly alternative to Le Creuset, let us introduce you to Our Place – and, in particular, the cast iron perfect pot. This all-in-one pot can braise, stew, sear, roast and even bake. We’ve tested it at home and made everything from hearty stews to tender roasts, and it didn’t disappoint. Made with high-quality cast iron, ensuring even heat distribution and long-lasting durability, it’s available in a range of chic colours (including lavender) so it’ll elevate your kitchen aesthetics and double as a beautiful serving piece for the table for years to come. Continue reading… £150 Fromourplace.co.uk Buy now Oh so stylish! This Jali Water Carafe from OYOY Living Design is a showstopper on any table. Whether it’s holding refreshing lemonade during summer brunches or serving water during intimate dinners, it’s sure to add a contemporary edge to your home, thanks to its sleek and minimalist design. The Jali series is handmade, making every single piece unique. Perfect for use at breakfast, lunch or dinner, we loved testing this jug when friends came over for a barbecue. A practical but meaningful item to add to your wish list to enhance your dinner table. Continue reading… £46.50 Oyoylivingdesign.co.uk Buy now As the mastermind behind some of the most sought-after home accessories on the market, it’s no surprise that Sophie Conran’s designs end up on everyone’s wedding wish list thanks to their timeless appeal and impeccable craftsmanship. Made from hard-wearing stoneware, the Floret Serving Bowl in dove grey is perfect for serving salads, pasta dishes, or even using as a fruit bowl – the ultimate piece to elevate your dining room (and it’s dishwasher, microwave and freezer-safe, too). From romantic date nights to hosting intimate dinner parties, could this bowl be your secret weapon to impressing your guests? Continue reading… Nothing says ‘we’re married’ like a beautiful china set. From intimate dinners for two to hosting your in-laws, this 12-piece speckled stoneware set from Habitat will make any meal feel like a special occasion. Crafted with an organic shape and a beautiful reactive glaze, the Evora set is designed for everyday meals and dinner parties too – since there are enough dinner plates, side plates and bowls for up to four guests. Dishwasher and microwave safe, your registry list just wouldn’t be complete without them. Continue reading… These classic, cosy robes from The White Company are the epitome of luxury meets comfort. Made from 100 per cent cotton, they’re incredibly absorbent, perfect for lounging after a relaxing bath or shower – and since they’re designed to be unisex you can ask for one each. Not only do they feel thick and fluffy, but they also look great and have a super cosy hood which will make you feel like you’re in a five-star spa right in the comfort of your own home. From lazy mornings sipping coffee in bed to cosy nights cuddling up with your husband or wife, they’re the ultimate relaxation attire. Continue reading… £85 Thewhitecompany.com Buy now You heard it here first, towels make for a great wedding gift. But, remember, creating your wedding wish list isn’t necessarily about only asking for things you don’t have, it’s about upgrading the things you do, so you can start your newlywed life together on a high. These hydrocotton towels from The White Company are a bestseller for a reason – ribbed, contemporary, fluffy, luxurious, fast drying and available in multiple sizes (from a face cloth to a jumbo bath sheet), they also come in versatile soft colours that will complement any bathroom. Continue reading… £30 Thewhitecompany.com Buy now If there’s one thing we’re betting most newlyweds don’t own, it’s a super stylish cool bag. We’re obsessed with this showstopper designed by Business & Pleasure Co – available at Anthropologie – which features a chic diamond pattern in a stunning shade of pale green. Generous in size, we tested this bag out on one of the hottest days of the summer, and it didn’t disappoint. With plenty of room to pack all your favourite refreshments (did someone say, rose?) it’s fully insulated, so your drinks and snacks stay chilled. So whether it’s a beach day, a park picnic, or a weekend getaway, this is a summer essential to add to your wish list. Continue reading… £68 Anthropologie.com Buy now When drawing up your wedding wish list, it’s easy to get carried away looking at homeware and forget about your garden. But even if you only have the smallest patio, you can jazz it up with some cute bunting, or cushions. We rate these fun, green, water resistant and durable polyester-filled cushions from Habitat (you don’t nee