Engagement celebrations are evolving. In 2025, couples are seeking gifts that feel more personal, practical, and reflective of their lifestyles. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter presents like picture frames or monogrammed towels. Today’s couples crave originality and thoughtfulness. As a gift expert, I’ve curated this list of engagement gifts that stand out from the traditional fare. Whether you’re shopping for lifelong friends or newly introduced partners, these ideas will leave a lasting impression.
9 Top Engagement Gifts That Are Non Traditional in 2025
1. A Customized Star Map
Mark the moment with celestial romance
Instead of yet another champagne flute set, surprise the couple with a personalized star map. This unique piece of wall art shows the exact alignment of the stars on the night of their engagement. It’s highly sentimental and visually stunning. You can add the date, time, and location for an extra-special touch. These maps become timeless decor and conversation pieces in their home.
2. Adventure Scrapbook Journal
For couples who love to travel and explore
This gift encourages couples to document their adventures together—from weekend getaways to once-in-a-lifetime travels. Look for scrapbooks with prompts like “Our first road trip” or “Our favorite food adventure.” Some journals include checklists and memory pockets. It’s a deeply personal gift that grows over time. Perfect for wanderlust-driven pairs and storytelling lovers.
3. Subscription to a Virtual Cooking Class
Learning together is the new luxury
Instead of handing over another household item, consider gifting an experience—like a cooking class subscription. With countless online platforms, couples can learn new cuisines from chefs around the world. It’s romantic, educational, and fun. Plus, it brings them closer as they experiment in the kitchen. You can even pair it with a custom apron set for a thoughtful bundle.
4. Personalized Vinyl Record
Turn memories into music
If the couple shares a love for music, a customized vinyl record is a showstopper. You can engrave the disc with their names and fill it with their favorite songs or even spoken-word memories. The result is a retro-chic keepsake they’ll treasure. It can double as home decor or play during their wedding. This non-traditional gift is incredibly sentimental and creative.
5. Private Stargazing Night with Telescope Kit
Romance under the stars
Gift them an unforgettable night under the stars. Include a beginner-friendly telescope, a blanket, and a guidebook to constellations. This idea appeals to couples who enjoy quiet moments and natural beauty. You can personalize the telescope or include coordinates from their engagement night. It turns an ordinary evening into a magical memory.
6. His & Hers Signature Scent Experience
Create custom fragrances as unique as their love
Skip the traditional gift sets and introduce the couple to a private fragrance lab or online perfume-building experience. These kits let them craft personalized scents based on their preferences. It’s not only luxurious but also symbolic—two unique fragrances that complement each other. Some brands even engrave the bottles with names or dates.
7. Personalized Adventure Bucket List Box
Help them plan a life full of memories
This box is more than just a container—it holds prompts, date ideas, and tokens for future adventures. Couples draw a card to inspire their next experience. Some versions are customizable with photos or personal messages. It’s interactive, meaningful, and helps keep the romance alive long after the proposal.
8. Digital Time Capsule
Capture the now for their future selves
This innovative idea lets the couple upload photos, videos, and letters into a secure cloud-based capsule, scheduled to open on a future date—perhaps their first anniversary or 10-year mark. It’s a beautiful way to reflect on their journey together. Include a physical token like a USB keepsake or QR code to access it. This modern heirloom is ideal for tech-savvy couples.
9. Artisan Home Bar Starter Set
Craft their signature cocktail at home
Upgrade their at-home date nights with a bespoke cocktail kit. Choose a handcrafted bar set with unique elements like copper tools, infused bitters, or a cocktail recipe book. Add personalized glasses or coasters to complete the set. It’s a stylish and useful engagement gift—perfect for entertaining or relaxing evenings. This gift blends function with flair, a hallmark of best engagement gifts in 2025.
Why Non-Traditional Engagement Gifts Matter
Show that you really know the couple
Non-traditional gifts move beyond the expected. They show effort, thought, and a deeper connection to the couple’s personality. As trends shift toward more personalized and experience-based gifting, these unique ideas gain lasting significance. When you give something that aligns with who they are or what they love to do, it becomes more than a gift—it becomes part of their story.
Conclusion
In 2025, giving engagement gifts ideas that are unconventional yet meaningful is the way forward. These nine ideas step away from the traditional and lean into what matters most: shared experiences, creativity, and emotional connection. Whether it’s a stargazing night or a vinyl keepsake, the right gift is the one that mirrors their journey. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box—because love itself rarely fits in one.
