How Much Do You Spend on a Bridal Shower Gift?

Bridal showers are a beautiful tradition to celebrate the bride-to-be, but if you’re attending one for the first time or trying to gauge expectations, you might be wondering: how much do you spend on a bridal shower gift? The good news is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—your budget can be flexible depending on your relationship with the bride, the type of gift you’re giving, and your financial comfort.

Do You Need to Bring a Gift to the Bridal Shower?

Yes—it is expected to bring a gift to a bridal shower. The bridal shower itself is a celebration of the bride-to-be and a tradition that helps her gather items for her new home or personal needs as she embarks on married life. The gifts are the central focus of the event, distinguishing it from the wedding reception, where gifts are also traditionally given.

Should I Bring a Gift to the Bridal Shower?

Think of it this way: the shower is designed to "shower" the bride with gifts. Attending without one can feel awkward for both you and the bride, as gift-opening is typically a key part of the festivities. Even a small, thoughtful item is always appreciated over nothing at all.

How Much Do You Spend on a Bridal Shower Gift?

According to a recent survey from The Knot, the national average spending range for bridal shower gifts is between $50 and $100. Of course, this varies depending on the guest's relationship to the bride and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune to give a beautiful, heartfelt gift. 

How Relationship Affects Gift Budget

While the national average provides a starting point, your personal relationship with the bride is the most significant factor in determining how much should you spend on bridal shower gift. The closer you are, the more inclined you might be to spend, but it's always about what you can comfortably afford.

• Close family or best friends: $50 to $100+ (group gifts can go up to $200)

• Casual friends or coworkers: $30 to $60

• Distant relatives or acquaintances: $25 to $40

Bridal Shower Gift Budget

What Type of Gift Should You Buy for a Bridal Shower?

The most straightforward approach is to consult the couple's wedding registry. Registries are designed to guide guests towards items the couple genuinely needs and wants for their new life together. They often include a wide range of price points, making it easier to find something that fits your budget for how much to spend on a bridal shower gift.

Common bridal shower gift categories include:

• Kitchen & Dining: Cookware, bakeware, small appliances (toasters, blenders), dinnerware sets, glassware, serving dishes, personalized cutting boards.

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• Home Goods: Linens (towels, bedding), decorative items, picture frames, candles, throws.

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• Personal Care/Self-Care: Spa baskets, high-end bath products, robes (though be mindful of intimacy levels here).
• Experiences: Gift certificates for a cooking class, a wine tasting, or a spa day (especially if the shower is themed around pampering).
• Honeymoon Fund Contributions: Some couples opt for a honeymoon fund instead of physical gifts.

At Personal House, some of our top-selling bridal shower gifts include personalized cutting boards, custom mugs with wedding dates, and canvas wall art featuring family names—all personalized gifts starting under $40.

Can You Give Cash for a Bridal Shower Gift?

While giving cash is a widely accepted and often preferred gift for the actual wedding, it's generally less common and sometimes considered less traditional for a bridal shower gift. 

However, there are exceptions:

• Honeymoon Fund: If the couple has explicitly set up a "honeymoon fund" or a similar cash registry, then contributing cash or a gift card to this fund is entirely appropriate and encouraged for the bridal shower. This is an explicit invitation for cash contributions.
• Known Preference: If you know for certain that the bride prefers cash or a gift card for household items (e.g., for a specific store like Amazon or Target), then it's acceptable. This is more about practicality than tradition.
• Convenience: For guests who are traveling or prefer not to carry physical gifts, a thoughtful gift card (to a home goods store, for example) can be a practical alternative to cash.

So if you are finding last-minute gifts for bridal shower, cash could be fine. When considering how much to give for wedding shower in cash form, it's generally advisable to still adhere to the budget guidelines based on your relationship with the bride. For instance, if you'd spend $50-$75 on a physical gift, a gift card of that value would be appropriate.

In summary, while cash is a standard wedding gift, a physical or registry-specific gift is typically preferred for a bridal shower. If you opt for cash or a gift card, a nice card to accompany it can add a personal touch. Ultimately, the gesture of celebrating the bride-to-be is what truly matters, regardless of the bridal shower gift amount.