The engagement season is such a unique period of time. It’s the almost-but-not-yet of starting a life with your best friend. It’s also a span of relentless planning, decisions, counseling, and processing all that’s to come—the good, the hard, and simply… the different. 

I’ll never forget the gifts we received as we prepared for marriage. There’s something so thoughtful about receiving a gift in that fleeting season. Those acts of generosity and “I see you” truly make a lasting impression. 

One of the most popular blog posts I shared in 2025 was Our Most Used Wedding Gifts: Advice for Brides-to-Be. I thought I’d follow up with the prequel, outlining what came before the registry and wedding gift bonanza.

Below are some of the most meaningful things we got before we became Mr. and Mrs. Mason, and I hope they inspire you to get a little something for your engaged gals. Or to grab one for yourself if you want to mark the special occasion with your fiance—that would be ultra-sweet this holiday season! 

What are other favorites you’ve received or given? Reply in the comments to add to my inspo list! xo

Holiday Memory Book 
This is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s a blank book with pages to keep record of your holiday memories—where you spent the holiday, who was there, what you ate, what you did, silly moments or jokes you want to remember, etc. This is our third year filling it out, and it’s already so sweet to see two years of Thanksgivings + Christmases documented. 10/10 recommend giving them a way to chronicle their lives together with this book. 

Two Monogrammed Mugs
My best friend showed up with two of these mugs at our engagement party, and I will never forget it. The thoughtfulness here runs a few layers deep. Not only did this gesture incorporate my future last initial, but the act of getting two mugs was so endearing. It hinted at us sharing a cup of coffee together as the Masons. I made us coffee in these mugs literally the day after we got married—I couldn’t wait to use them! Also, my bestie and I both love Anthropologie, and she knew I’d been wanting some version of them. 

I’ve since gifted various mugs to engaged friends and family since then, and the response mirrors what I felt. There’s nothing like seeing your future last initial in front of you. 

Monogrammed Cheeseboard
A sweet friend brought a beautiful marble cheeseboard with a gold M in the corner wrapped in cellophane and a beautiful bow. It was simple (and probably under $20) and meant the world. Again, the monogram just means more.

“Engaged” Christmas Ornament
My Granny got Mitch and me a stunning white ornament that says “Engaged 2024” on the front. For those that collect sentimental and signature ornaments, this is a classic moment to help them mark and keep for years to come. I love, love, love ours, and it matches with our white tree. I couldn’t find the exact one she got us, but here are some other cute options.

Ring Dish
Now that they’ve got some new bling, a dainty ring dish is another thoughtful gesture I love. Here are a few options I’ve been thinking about grabbing for some girlfriends. This is a great thing to keep on hand—chances are, someone you know or love will get engaged, and you’ll have a considerate gift on hand when the moment strikes.

Beautiful Picture Frame
Picking up a beautiful picture frame and adding a note in the frame that says [Engagement Photo Goes Here] is another personal and sweet option. Similarly to the ring dish, it’s an easy thing to have on hand when any occasion calls for celebration. 

Lesson learned: Bringing a gift, note, or both to an engagement party means the world. 
Sometimes you can’t understand something until you go through it, and for me, I didn’t understand the divine act of love and generosity shared through these gifts until I got engaged myself. I remember sitting with my coffee the week after Mitch proposed, journaling about how loved I felt from friends and family. Even in that moment, I knew I would remember those gifts and notes forever. And to this day (two years later), I do! 

Thoughtfulness never expires.
This applies for the engagement season, yes, but also for life in general. Just because you can’t be at the engagement (or birthday or celebratory) party doesn’t mean it’s too late to show them you care. I can promise you they will be delighted with any form of thoughtfulness from you at any time. It’s never too late.

These gifts aren’t about the money.
Nothing about these gifts are going to break the bank. You can find great mugs for $6 each at Target (I’ve gifted these a couple times), and a card can be free if you make it at home. It’s not about the price tag, it’s about the support and showering of love.

Shop all links here!

Post Scripts

— Our Most-Used Wedding Gifts: Advice for Brides-to-Be

— Words for wanting to do everything. And not having the time. And how we live with it.

— My full gift guide for engaged gals lives here.

— Gift ideas for wellness gurus, Spirit-filled ladies, fashionistas, homemakers, and creative gals are here. You’ve still got time! Order now before shipping cutoffs pop up. 🙂

— Do you dream of content creation or sharing creative work in the world? I’d love to chat and help you bring those visions to life. The creative life can feel lonely—but it doesn’t have to!

—  What I learned hosting my first baby shower in our new home.