7 Engagement Gift Ideas for When You Can’t Be There to Celebrate

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Photographed by Francois Halard, Vogue, May 2014

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Even under ideal conditions, planning and executing a marriage proposal is a stressful ordeal. You want it to be sweet, but not saccharine; meaningful, but not overwrought. Add a global pandemic, nearly four months of quarantine, and continued uncertainty about the months ahead? Suddenly, “ideal conditions” are but a faint, laughably indulgent memory.

But with far-flung vacations canceled, restaurants closed, and surprise celebrations on hold, our current circumstances have in some ways helped alleviate the pressures that typically accompany getting engaged—namely, the performance of it all. Gone are the over-engineered productions of yore, replaced with low key, intimate proposals that prioritize personal touches. For many couples, an otherwise stressful situation has presented a welcome opportunity to reimagine just what, exactly, they want—not only out of their engagement, but from the wedding planning process as we’ve come to know it.

As for the rest of us? If you’re anything like me, engagements have become a thrilling reminder that, despite all evidence to the contrary, time is still moving forward. Sure, the particulars may look different from what we’re used to, but just because you aren’t able to celebrate in person doesn’t mean you can’t raise a glass to the happy couple from afar. In fact, there’s never been a better time to spoil your loved ones, especially those undertaking the increasingly complex process of planning a wedding during the social distancing era.

From loungewear upgrades perfect for sheltering in place to woodsy romantic getaways, the engagement gifts below are designed for couples celebrating in these—you guessed it—unprecedented times.

A (Nearby) Night Away

We’re all craving a vacation. But with borders still closed and many unwilling to risk air travel, those hoping for a romantic, post-engagement escape will have to look a bit closer to home.

Getaway’s collection of eleven tiny houses offer guests a break from the screen-saturated, over-connected crush of everyday life. After months spent cooped up together in quarantine, newly engaged city dwellers will leap at the opportunity to head out of town for a night or two with nature.

Getaway house gift card (1 night away)

An Excuse to Stay In

There’s arguably never been a better time to be an indoor cat. Consider these gifts an added incentive for couples to cozy up, stay inside, and stop the spread in style.

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Brooklinen linen robe

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Parachute brushed cotton venice set

A Gift They’ll Consume Quickly

The best part about getting engaged? The free drinks. But with fewer opportunities to meet up for happy hour, you’ll have to put in a little extra effort to ensure your friends feel properly celebrated.

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El Pepino margarita kit (set of 6 drinks)

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You & Yours Distilling Co. Sunday London Dry Blood Orange Gin & Tonic Cocktail

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Haus aperatif (set of 2)

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Firstleaf wine subscription (box of 6)

A Toast to the Happy Couple

Speaking of celebrating, you might not be the only one sending celebratory beverages their way. These cocktail glasses are perfect for long-distance toasting—Zoom link required.

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Hawkins New York crystalline stemware

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Mamo cocktail glasses

Memories They Haven’t Made Yet

They may not have taken the official photos yet, but chances are your friends will want to document this special time. Give the gift of flexibility with a custom frame or album they can design on their own time.

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Framebridge The Stella 8x10 portrait

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Artifiact Uprising wedding photo album

A New Roommate

Plants are a natural mood booster. They bring people joy, help them relax, and can even reduce stress. Who better to reap these benefits than your newly engaged, likely overwhelmed friends?

Want to go above and beyond? Make it a subscription service.

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The Sill medium plants monthly subscription

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Bouqs deluxe subscription

A Face Lift for Their Living Space

After months cooped up at home, we’re all looking for simple ways to refresh our living space. A set of scented candles or an impeccably crafted quilt like the one below can instantly upgrade homes of any size—without overwhelming them.

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Boy Smells Pride Pack Set-Of-Six Scented Votive Candles

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Feldspar fine china cafetière, mugs, jug and sugar bowl set

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Our Place bundle

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Hay bias quilt