Eleven years ago, I put together a blog post for a DIY Perfect Pairs Bridal Shower Gift Idea. It was a surprise hit when I posted it back in 2013, and I recently got a reader email asking a question about the project, which had me revisiting those old photos. I still love the idea and think it’s a great option for 2024 brides and beyond, but the photos and tags were in desperate need of a makeover. Keep scrolling for my “Perfect Pairs” gift idea, plus a new free download for the tags and customizable name card, too!

The concept is pretty simple, of course. You’ll want to look for bridal shower gifts that go together in a perfect pair inspired by the happy couple. Think: oil and vinegar bottles, salt and pepper shakers, paper and pen (I included “Thank you” cards since brides/grooms have a lot of people to thank during this season in their lives), knife and cutting board, candle and flame (i.e. a cute box of matches or a nice candle lighter), a pair of gloves, and a frame and print (get one of their engagement photos printed for the frame!). I don’t happen to have an engaged couple to shop for, so I themed my gift basket to John and me. We were celebrating our twelfth wedding anniversary when I snapped the photos for today’s blog post, so it was fun to pretend we were newlyweds again!

Sure, there are other obvious pairings in the world, like peanut butter and jelly, but that duo didn’t seem super “bridal” to me. You’ll want to look for things that a couple can actually use in their new home/life together. Although, that said, maybe a gourmet PB and J jar set from a local small grocery store could be cute, plus a homemade loaf of bread as a bonus!

I also love the idea of including things like a fork and spoon, but going for a set of large salad utensils rather than a full set of everyday forks and spoons, and a chip and dip bowl. Get creative and customize things to your friend who’s getting married. To finish off the gift, buy a nice tote or basket that the couple can use when organizing their newlywed home. Don’t forget that you can hop back to my old post from 2013 if you want more ideas.

Instead of making my updated 2024 tags in Photoshop, I decided to use Canva. I use that site for all of my graphic design projects nowadays, and I thought it would make things easier for all of you who want to try this project out for yourselves. Just click here, create a free Canva account if you don’t already have one, make a copy of the design, and you should be able to customize the tags and couple’s names/initials so it’s extra easy to recreate this gift idea in your own home.

Just retype your tags however you’d like, and then print them out. I printed mine onto cream-colored cardstock to give the tags a bit of weight and presence. Next I cut the tags out using scissors. I kind of liked the look of the black circle border on the tag, so I cut just a tiny bit beyond the border so it would remain on the tag design.

To finish things off, use a hole punch to pop little holes in the tops of your tags, and then push some kind of string or ribbon through the holes so you can tie the tags to their corresponding gifts. I ended up using clear fishing line because that was one of the only things small enough to fit through the holes I had punched with my hole puncher, and also because I knew that the clear string wouldn’t distract or take away from the color-coordinated gifts I had so carefully chosen. As an alternative, you can attach the tags to the paired gifts using Scotch tape, like I did in my 2013 post.

Place the gifts inside a basket along with paper fluff, tie your customized couple name card to the outside, and then you’re done! I really do like to respect a person’s gift registry list when they take the time to make one, but there’s also something to be said for a little more spontaneity, like this “Perfect Pairs” gift basket. Maybe you can use some of the items that they have on their registration to fill the bulk of the basket, and then include some less expensive options, like the set of nice pens and cards, to round things out. This gift is totally customizable and really allows you to think outside the box. Have fun with it!

What kinds of “Perfect Pairs” ideas did you come up with while reading this post? Did I leave anything out that you would have thrown in? The possibilities are kind of endless, and I love the idea of sneaking in a couple of bonus gifts that match the pairs, like a little packet of flower seeds with the “Pair of Gloves.” Let me know how you would customize this idea, and tell me about the couples you know who are getting hitched this year! I love talking about weddings, so do tell. Oh, and if you’re curious about our own nuptials, feel free to click back to our 2012 wedding story here.

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