Are Honeymoon Gifts a Thing? Unpacking the Trend

Type “honeymoon gift” into Google and you’ll see everything from gift baskets to personalized travel pillows, but wait—are honeymoon gifts even a real thing? Most people know about wedding presents and bridal showers, but the idea of giving something just for the honeymoon can sound random if you haven't run into it before. Turns out, this trend is picking up speed, especially as honeymoons get fancier, longer, and full of surprises.

But who actually gives honeymoon gifts? Is it the couple buying treats for each other, or are friends and family expected to send over something sparkly before the plane takes off? This isn’t just an excuse to show off on Instagram—a small, thoughtful present can seriously level up a trip. Some gifts make travel less stressful, others help create memories the couple won’t forget, and a few are just plain fun (think: matching swimsuits or a mini GoPro to catch all those poolside moments).

Before you scroll through endless shopping lists, it helps to know what actually works. The best gifts fit the trip, not just the Pinterest board. It’s about being practical—you want something that’ll get tossed into the suitcase or instantly make the hotel room feel like home, not end up gathering dust at the back of a closet.

• Where Did Honeymoon Gifts Come From?
• Who Actually Buys Honeymoon Gifts?
• Best Honeymoon Gift Ideas (that Get Used)
• How to Give a Thoughtful Honeymoon Gift

Where Did Honeymoon Gifts Come From?

Honeymoon gifts aren’t something your grandparents likely talked about, and that’s because they didn’t really exist in the way we see them now. If you look back, the honeymoon itself became popular in the 19th century—mostly for wealthy couples in Europe. It was all about celebrating the new marriage, usually with a fancy trip right after the wedding. But back then, there were no dedicated gifts for the honeymoon; the focus was mainly on the wedding day itself.

The rise of honeymoon gifts really took off in the last couple of decades, especially as travel culture changed and experiences started getting priority over material stuff. Research from WeddingWire in 2023 showed that about 17% of couples received at least one present especially for their honeymoon—up from less than 10% a decade before.

“Giving a honeymoon gift is all about helping the couple create memories they’ll actually remember—way better than another toaster or picture frame,” says wedding expert Margo O’Dell from The Knot.

So, why the new tradition? It’s partly because modern couples value travel and adventure more. With wedding registries packed with practical items, friends and family started getting creative to make the honeymoon extra special. It also helps that gifting experiences (like spa treatments or snorkeling tours) is now easier than ever with online wishlists and travel apps.

If you’re wondering just how common this trend is, check out these numbers from 2024:

The bottom line? Honeymoon gifts are a new spin on an old tradition, catching on as couples put more focus (and cash) into their first big trip together.

Who Actually Buys Honeymoon Gifts?

If you’re confused about who’s supposed to buy these honeymoon gifts, you’re not alone. The rules aren’t set in stone like they are for wedding presents. Usually, these gifts come from a few different camps—and honestly, it’s all about what feels right for the people involved.

The most common group buying these gifts? The couple themselves. A lot of people treat their honeymoon as an excuse to swap small surprises—think cozy slippers for the flight or cool new sunglasses for pool days. Some even pick out something special to open during the trip, so it’s a tradition they start together.

Family members sometimes get in on the action too, especially parents or siblings. For example, a mom might bundle up a care package with tropical sunscreen and matching beach towels, just to give the new couple a send-off. Close friends who can’t make the wedding, or who want to stand out from the sea of blenders on the registry, might send a bottle of champagne to the resort or book a massage at the hotel spa.

It’s definitely not standard for everyone attending the wedding to chip in. For most, honeymoon gifts are optional, and culturally, not expected in the way that wedding gifts are. Here’s a quick look at who’s most likely—and least likely—to give a honeymoon gift, based on recent surveys from travel booking sites in 2023:

The numbers tell the story: it’s not a mainstay across all weddings, but it’s picking up steam, especially with younger couples who love making a big deal out of every milestone. If you’re thinking about giving something, just ask yourself—would the couple actually use this on their trip, and does it add to their experience? If yes, go for it. If not, don’t stress about it.

Best Honeymoon Gift Ideas (that Get Used)

So what actually goes the distance on a honeymoon? Forget the usual suspects like fancy towels or kitchen gadgets. If you're picking out a honeymoon gift, you want stuff that's practical, travel-friendly, and adds something real to the trip. The best ideas are the ones that see sunlight, sand, or selfies—and maybe all three. Here’s what works (and why):

• Travel Accessories: Universal adapters, luggage trackers, and packing cubes are total game-changers. A 2023 Expedia report found 46% of newlywed travelers mentioned losing or misplacing bags was their top stress. Gear that keeps things organized and charged is pure gold.
• Personalized Travel Gear: Think travel wallets with initials or custom luggage tags. These make it easy to spot your stuff and add a personal touch. Etsy sellers say honeymoon-engraved passport covers and bag tags spiked by 33% last year during wedding season.
• Experiences Over Things: Gift a private tour, couples spa package, or sunset cruise. Airbnb reports that 39% of newlyweds prefer an experience over a physical gift for their honeymoon.
• Instant Cameras or Portable Smartphone Printers: Who doesn’t love capturing candid moments? Fujifilm’s Instax instant cameras and tiny photo printers are all over Instagram honeymoons. They turn snaps into keepsakes on the spot.
• Matching Swimwear or Vacation Shirts: This sounds cheesy, but couples who rock matching outfits report having “way more fun” on social media and actually get freebies at some resorts.
• Portable Bluetooth Speaker: For those lazy beach days or room dance parties. Waterproof speakers mean no worries if the tunes splash by the pool.

You don’t have to spend big. A thoughtful touch like a handwritten list of local food spots or an offline translation app can save a ton of hassle. The point? Honeymoon gifts should feel like a travel buddy—reliable, useful, and totally there for the adventure. Keep it simple, make it personal, and choose something that will actually tag along.

How to Give a Thoughtful Honeymoon Gift

If you want your honeymoon gift to hit the mark, don’t just copy a Pinterest board or grab something last-minute online. The best gifts are always personal, practical, and tied to how the couple actually travels. Here’s what sets thoughtless presents apart from ones that get rave reviews.

First off, timing matters. Ideally, give your gift a week or two before the trip so there’s time to pack it. If you’re shipping straight to their hotel, double-check arrival dates and make sure the hotel is cool with holding packages for guests—they usually are, but always call first.

Pay attention to their destination and style. Headed to Bali? Think lightweight, sun-friendly items or booking a spa experience. Jetting off to Iceland? Packable rain gear and cozy things go further than monogrammed champagne glasses. Here’s a quick breakdown of what works:

• Travel gadgets: Portable chargers, noise-canceling earbuds, or a universal plug adapter are game-changers (especially for international trips).
• Experience gifts: Ditch souvenirs and opt for an activity, like a couples’ massage or a sunset boat ride—most hotels have easy booking for guests.
• Personalized touches: Matching luggage tags or a custom itinerary notebook can make travel feel extra special.
• Photo gear: Instant cameras or a mini tripod help couples snap memories without awkward selfies.

Don’t forget, some of the most popular honeymoon gifts handed out in 2024 were travel organizers, room upgrades, and Airbnb gift cards—practical wins that get used right away.

What really impresses? Writing a quick note on why you picked this gift, or how you hope it’ll make their trip even better. No one remembers the fancy wrapping, but that message sticks. A little extra effort goes way farther than expensive stuff that never gets packed.