This Is What Wedding Gifts Look Like Around The World

1. Cash or monetary gifts

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Starting off with a gift that's commonly given all over the world - cash! I mean, you can't go far wrong with this gift, everybody needs money. Regardless of the culture, weddings are usually pretty costly! Giving monetary gifts helps the bride and groom out, however they choose to spend it. They can put it towards the wedding expenses, or towards the honeymoon.

2. Kitchen appliances

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Popular in the United States, Canada, and Europe, kitchen appliances are sometimes given as wedding gifts. So, if you're stuck with what to buy somebody for their upcoming wedding, head down to target to check out their kitchen and dining range! These gifts include toasters, kettles and more. It originated from the idea that a couple move in together after the marriage.

3. Fine china dinnerware

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You guessed it, fine china is usually given in - China! Many other Asian countries will give the gift of dinnerware at weddings, too. But, we're not just talking about regular plates and cutlery. They're usually embellished, personalized and made out of expensive, delicate pot. This might include a set of teapot and tea cups or dinner plates and bowls.

4. Silverware or cutlery sets

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On the contrary, Europe and North America like to give silverware or cutlery sets instead! Rather than the fine china pot, these gifts tend to be sturdy and strong silverware. Again, they can sometimes be embellished and are more commonly personalized with messages. Examples are the wedding date, the bride and groom's names, or a message from the sender.

5. Bedding and linens

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New bedding and linen is commonly given in India and other South Asian countries. It's believed that a new bed represents a new beginning for the couple. So, by gifting bedding and linen, the guest is wishing the bride and groom all the best in their life together. In some parts of Asia, giving practical, useful gifts such as this is also seen as a sign of respect.

6. Gift cards or vouchers

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Unsurprisingly, gift cards as wedding gifts are most popular in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. I can't deny that we do love a gift card. Whilst some people may argue that they seem like an unthoughtful cop-out, I beg to differ! The newly weds can choose to spend the voucher on a gift of their choice, meaning that they're more likely to want and use it!

7. Artwork or paintings

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In Italy, France, and Spain, you'll find that artwork and paintings are frequently given as presents to the bride and groom at their wedding. These countries have their history and culture built on art, so it's no surprise that this tradition has been continued throughout the years. These gifts are seen as thoughtful and are believed to celebrate the couples love and commitment for each other.

8. Personalized items

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Personalized items are always a great option. They are thoughtful and more meaningful than a lot of other gifts. So, it's clear why personalized items have become popular in various countries all over the world! People are now personalizing everything, from bottle openers to mugs to lawn mowers! An everyday gift seems so much better when it has your name etched into it.

9. Jewelry and watches

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Usually, jewelry and watches are gifted to newly weds in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. These gifts are long lasting and of course, they're valuable! They can act as a family heirloom, which can be passed down to future children and generations to come. Because they last so long, it sends a message to the couple that they're wished a long and happy marriage.

10. Home decor items

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It turns out that everybody seems to love home decor, as these kind of gifts are popular in many countries worldwide. First of all, they're highly practical as they help the couple to set up their home together and can be used every day. But also, it's a way of welcoming the couple into their new life and home together, helping make their space feel special.

11. Honeymoon travel packages

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Honeymoon travel packages can of course be a super expensive gift, depending on the destination. So, this kind of present is usually given by very close family. Most commonly, honeymoon packages are gifted to couples in the United States and Europe. So, if you're planning on getting hitched soon, start dropping hints about your dream destination now!

12. Handcrafted or artisanal gifts

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Mostly, these gifts are popular in countries with rich artisan traditions. For example, India, Mexico, and Morocco. In India in particular, this is seen as a way of showing the couples societal status. Handcrafted or artisanal gifts are unique, personal, and often made from high quality, expensive materials. Plus, they're a great way of supporting local businesses.

13. Traditional clothing or garments

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Traditional clothing or garments are most commonly given in countries with strong cultural attire, such as Japan, India, and Nigeria. They celebrate the couple's culture and heritage, giving this gift is a way of respecting and appreciating that culture. Traditional clothing can also be stunning and elegant, making it a precious, valuable gift to give.

14. Electronics and gadgets

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Popular in many developed countries globally, a lot of people are now giving electronics and gadgets as wedding gifts to the bride and groom. These days, almost everybody uses electronics and gadgets! Therefore, these gifts are super practical and appreciated by the couple. Examples may be a new TV sound system for their home, or a new tablet to help stay in touch.

15. Cookware and bakeware

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Usually, the United States and Europe are the countries where they will most frequently gift a couple cookware and bakeware at their wedding. Most of the time, these are given to couples who enjoy to cook or bake. So, the gift is a way of showing that they've been thoughtful. It helps the newly weds to celebrate their new life together, symbolising home, family and shared interests.

16. Furniture pieces

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The gift of furniture pieces is super popular in many different countries for newlyweds setting up their homes. The present is practical, to be used every single day. It lets the couple know that the gift giver is thinking of them, wishing them well as they build their new life together. Plus, they're often personal gifts, tailored to reflect the couple's style.

17. Experiential gifts

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If you ask me, giving the gift of an experience outweighs the value of many material items! These gifts are popular all over the world, but mostly in urban areas. Some examples of experiential gifts are cooking classes, spa packages or a hot air balloon ride. They give the couple activities to look forward to and enjoy together. These are especially great for the couple that already has everything!

18. Outdoor equipment or camping gear

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These type of gifts are mostly popular in countries that are bursting with outdoor enthusiasts, for example, the United States, Canada, or Australia. They're very personal gifts, as they reflect the couple's individual interests and hobbies. These gifts are a way of helping to celebrate their time together and wishing them well on their new adventure.

19. Books or literature collections

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Books or literature collections are often gifted in countries that have a strong literary culture, such as the United Kingdom or India. Books are known as a product of knowledge and wisdom. So, gifting them symbolises a lifetime of growth together. Plus, if they're avid readers, it can be nice to give the couple a gift that they are passionate about.

20. Musical instruments

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Universally, music is recognised as a language of love. So, it's no surprise that musical instruments are gifted to newly wed couples in some parts of the world to celebrate this! Mostly, these gifts are popular in countries with a strong musical heritage. Some examples are Brazil, Cuba, and India. These instruments can also act as future family heirlooms.

21. Wine or alcohol sets

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A lot of cultures are built on alcohol! Places such as Europe and North America love to drink wine and spirits. Therefore, what better gift to give other than alcohol sets? This gift is traditional, versatile and can be tailored to the couples particular taste. So, it ticks all the boxes! Thoughtful, practical, and most importantly, it symbolises celebration and fun.

22. Subscription services

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Some people are living one step ahead of the rest of us, choosing to gift the couple subscription services! Examples could be meal kits, entertainment streaming or even adopting an exotic animal. These gifts are mostly given in more technologically advanced countries. They're thoughtful and let the couple know that their interests have been listened to.

23. Plants or gardening tools

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Plants or gardening tools are unique and thoughtful. Of course, this is only a good gift if the couple enjoy gardening and actually have a garden! So, they're usually given in countries that share a love for gardening. Some examples are the Netherlands and Japan. Plants and nature represent new beginnings, and it's a way of wishing the couple a lifetime of growth, reminding them that happiness takes love and care.

24. Board games or puzzles

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Some countries, especially where they value leisure and entertainment, will give the gift of board games or puzzles when they attend a wedding. They help the couple to spend some quality, fun time together, which is a great way to help strengthen their bond. Some board games can be tailored to the individuals, specifically addressing their interests.

25. Photography sessions or photo albums

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Photography centred gifts are given all over the world to couples at a wedding. They're a great way of helping the couple capture memories together and to remember their wedding. These gifts can be cherished forever, to look back on and show future children. They can either be photographs of the wedding itself, or a photography session to be enjoyed on another day.

26. Sports equipment or fitness gadgets

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Most popular in countries that have a strong sports culture, some people give sports equipment or fitness gadgets as wedding gifts. Common locations are the United States and Australia. Gifts can be items such as yoga mats, fitness machines or health tracking devices like a fit watch. They're thoughtful as they're relevant to the bride and groom's interests, and they're practical!

27. Antique or vintage pieces

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These kind of gifts are definitely unique and special. They make for a memorable present that will stand out from the crowd, showing that the gift-giver has been thoughtful. The most popular places that they're gifted at weddings are in countries that have an antique rich culture, such as the United Kingdom and Italy. They're a sustainable, long-lasting investment.

28. Pet-related gifts

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Nowadays, pets really are part of the family. Especially in countries such as the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom. For this reason, a lot of people are now choosing to give pet related gifts to newly wed couples at their wedding. What better way to honour a couple than by gifting their fur-babies? Gifts include things such as new pet beds, toys and even personalized clothing.

29. Wellness and self-care products

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After the stress of the big wedding is over, a lot of people need time to unwind and de-stress! This is widely recognised around the world, so it's super common for wellness and self-care products to be gifted at a wedding. Relaxation and pampering gifts are a way of looking out for the bride and groom, wishing them calm and happiness in their journey together.

30. Charitable donations made in the couple's name

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Some people opt for making a charitable donation in the couple's name, as opposed to giving the couple a gift directly. This trend has caught on in various countries worldwide. Charitable donations, especially when used to support causes close to the couple's hearts, can be extremely thoughtful and touching gifts. This can be seen as a sign of respect.