Turkey's Favorite Engagement Gifts

T'Tis the season for engagements!

I don't know about you all, but it feels like more than half the couples I know were engaged between Christmas and Valentine's Day (is there a stat out there about this, Penguin?). The TV commercials and jewelry stores definitely encourage the behavior, that's for sure.

Anyhow, with all these engagements come great opportunities to shower a new bride (and groom) with love and attention (and presents)! I thought the timing might be right now to share some of the Turkey favorites for engagement gifts. This is a combination of both gifts given and received.

1. Planning Gifts

As a new bride, you're basically a sponge trying to absorb as many ideas as possible. Blogs, Pinterest, magazines, TLC...you name it. I found some of my most helpful gift to be in the planning realm.

A gift for a recently engaged friend - some bridal magazines + subscriptions for 1 year
I had 2 friends gift me magazine subscriptions when I was engaged - love the fun mail!

I recently gave this to a fellow list-loving friend and it's received RAVE reviews
You can find the book here

This was a gift to me from Brother Turkey - HIGHLY recommend (if you want to keep your mind)
Book can be found here

 2. Personalized & Commemorative Gifts


This is where Etsy comes in handy. Here were some of my original finds, but below is my most recent purchase for a friend (especially perfect for those engaged around the holidays).

Engagement ornament
Etsy seller sunshine ceramics

And who doesn't want a place to display a photo of the big day?

Pottery Barn has silver-plated frames that can be personalized

Besides commemoration of your engagement, it's also fun to begin embracing a new monogram, if you're going that route. There are 100s of ideas in this category - towels, glassware, knickknacks, etc.

We received these (nice and heavy) coasters for our engagement
Can be found here

3. Experience Gifts


It seems as though, after the wedding, one of the things couples complain about is the lack of time reserved for "them" during the planning process (more on this topic another time). After hearing this for the 100th time, Mr. Turkey and I decided it might be fun to give an "activity" as an engagement gift.

One of our favorites? A wine class. Because, hey, what's better than a night out together than a night out together...with wine?

In Philadelphia, we can vouch for positive reviews of Tria and Philadelphia Wine School

One of the couples loved their engagement gift so much, they actually gave the same gift to their parents after the wedding. Success!

If you're not into wine, one of our personal favorite gifts came from the same couple mentioned above. It was a cooking class - wine optional. We really enjoyed this night out (and learned that Mr. Turkey CAN cook...if he tries).

Totally posed photo at La Cucina @ Reading Terminal Market

 So brides, tell me, what have been your favorite engagement gifts to give...or to receive?