A Complete Guide to Various Types of Gifts for Parents: From Classics to Trends!

A Complete Lineup of Parent Presentation Gifts!

At the end of the reception, there is a touching scene where the bride and groom present a commemorative gift to the father and a bouquet of flowers directly to the mother.

There are plenty of options for gifts, whether you prefer something practical and useful or something decorative that serves as a keepsake.

The average budget is around 10,000 to 30,000 yen per gift (20,000 to 60,000 yen combined for both families).

In this article, we will cover all types of parent presentation items.

We will introduce popular and classic items in order. Choosing a commemorative gift for parents from this list will surely be safe and reassuring ♩

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 1 - Triplet Clock

Triplet clocks are a classic parent presentation item. They are made from a single piece of wood, so the three clocks (one for the bride and groom and one for each set of parents) will have a continuous wood grain pattern when placed together.

It symbolizes that even when apart, everyone is still connected and moving through time together.

Many brides and grooms choose to engrave their names, wedding date, and a thank-you message for their parents when ordering triplet clocks.

It creates a unique clock that is one of a kind!

Some couples select simple, easy-to-use designs so that the clock will blend well with their home decor.

While classic square designs with messages are lovely, if you prioritize aesthetics, a stylish design that complements the room's atmosphere may be better ♩

A log-style triplet clock is also quite unique!

➡ Check out the list of triplet clocks here＊

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 2 - Bouquet

A bouquet for presentation, given together with the commemorative gift!

Bouquets are typically handed to mothers, so the rule of thumb is to choose bright colors that your mother might like.

However, if your mom has traveled a long distance, carrying fresh flowers home can be a bit difficult.

In such cases, many opt for preserved flowers as a substitute these days.

Still, presenting a large bouquet is a beautifully vibrant and emotional moment.

Considering flower meanings and having a florist create a bouquet is the best! ♡

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 3 - Weight Rice

Weight rice (weight rice) in proportion to the birth weight of the bride and groom is also a classic gift for parents.

It allows parents to reflect on the moment they held their child, feeling the weight then and now, and think, "Ah, this is how much they weighed when they were born, and here they are now, so beautifully getting married... They've grown up so much." It's an item that holds more significance than it appears.

It also symbolizes the combining of the newlywed couple and the gift of new rice.

Weight rice is typically wrapped in a towel or furoshiki, with a photo of them as a baby attached, giving it a "baby-like" wrapping style.

Some couples choose to prepare it themselves by measuring out the rice, while others prefer to order from a shop.

On the accompanying message card, it's nice to write details such as the number of days they have been alive, their birth weight, and their feelings of gratitude.

If attaching a baby photo is too embarrassing, a simple wrapping with a towel tied with a ribbon still looks stylish.

If you're having a Japanese-style wedding, using a traditional rice bale is recommended.

➡ Check out the list of weight rice items here＊

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 4 - Weight Doll

Another item focused on "birth weight" is the weight doll (weight bear).

It’s a stuffed animal that weighs the same as the birth weight.

While teddy bears are the most common design, many brides prefer stuffed animals that they cherished in their childhood or something similar.

It's common to have the birth date, birth weight, name, and wedding anniversary embroidered on the doll's foot.

➡ Check out the list of weight bears here＊

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 5 - Parenting Appreciation Certificate

Parenting appreciation certificates are items that express gratitude for having raised you, similar to an award certificate.

You can present it along with a photo, including the number of days since your birth until the wedding day, along with a message, all in a frame or photo holder.

Pairing old photos with current ones creates a more emotional response!

@misa1007.wedding

It doesn’t have to be in a frame ♩ This one is a parenting appreciation certificate inserted into an acrylic frame.

Alternatively, you can have just the photos in an acrylic frame, writing directly with a white pen for a personal touch!

A box-type design adds a sense of elegance.

An adorable parenting appreciation certificate can also be inserted with pressed flowers.

There are endless arrangements if you reference designs from wedding certificates and reception signage—it’s so much fun!

➡ Check out the list of parenting appreciation certificates here＊

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 6 - Flower Box

Next is the flower box.

Many choose to DIY or order from florists or handmade artisans; it’s a popular item.

Select flowers in colors or types that your parents love!

The popular design for a two-panel flower box is to include flowers on one side and a parenting appreciation certificate on the other.

Whether filling it with small flowers or using larger blooms like gerberas, both can be beautiful!

There are also flower boxes that include a “Thank You” message on the lid.

It would create excitement when opened! ♩

If you're buying one, Nikolai Bergmann's flower boxes are definitely popular.

Hibiya Kadan's message flower boxes are also stylish and celebratory ♡

➡ Check out the flower box article here＊

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 7 - Swag Board

Swag boards, featuring bouquets attached like welcome boards, are stylish and popular parent presentation gifts.

The color of the board and the flowers can change the atmosphere, making for a lovely interior in the home!

On the board, the order for the message typically follows: Thank You → Number of days since birth → Since birth date → Thoughts for parents → Names and wedding anniversary.

Using an acrylic frame is also modern and lovely ♩

Alternatively, you can opt for a wreath instead of a swag!

The circular shape of the wreath symbolizes "eternity," conveying that no matter what, you will always be their child even after marriage.

➡ Check out the list of swag boards here＊

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 8 - Portrait Board

Offering a portrait board with a warm illustration of the parents is also a classic gift.

Warm drawings hold a different charm than realistic photos.

If you turn it into a portrait board, having an artist create illustrations of the entire family is likely to bring even more joy!

It’s a wonderful item that reflects family bonds.

If your family has pets, getting a portrait board of that dog or cat could also be a lovely idea.

This bride had illustrations made of her now-deceased dog alongside the dog she currently owns.

For parents who love animals, this will be a delightful gift!

➡ Check out the list of portrait boards here＊

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 9 - Birth Year Wine

For parents who enjoy alcohol!

Presenting a wine from the year the bride and groom were born is also a good recommendation.

There are surprisingly few food and drink items that evoke the passage of time, so being able to have a drink while reminiscing about the years spent together is wonderful!

The fact that wine doesn't have an expiration date is an added bonus.

Some stores offer the opportunity to engrave names and dates right on the bottle itself or create custom labels, giving it a luxurious and special touch.

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 10 - Tableware and Glassware

Next is the classic gift of tableware and glassware.

They are practical for everyday use, but be mindful that heavier items may be difficult to transport for those coming from afar!

Here are champagne glasses.

Pairing them with the birth year wine mentioned above would make a great gift!

Teacups and mugs are also recommended.

Look for designs that are easy to use but not commonly found in their home.

The Le Soufflé cup from In The Mood comes with a personalized wooden box, adding popularity! ♡

Many newlyweds also explore pottery to create heartfelt, handmade plates as parent presentation gifts.

When handmade, adding names and dates enhances the originality of the piece!

There are also plates featuring illustrations of the parents.

They can be used for serving food or displayed as decor—it’s a two-in-one gift! ♩

@15wd_0121

The bear-shaped mug from Yu Kobo, which was previously popular on marry, allows for creative adjustments to the outline and expressions.

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 11 - Experience Gifts

Next up are experience gifts.

Travel vouchers, hot spring gifts, dinner tickets, etc., allowing parents to visit a destination they’ve expressed interest in are also quite popular!

Before the wedding, asking, "Are there any places you want to visit nowadays?" will help ensure the perfect gift.

Travel gifts vary by company, but they can often include photos, so using a family photo would be wonderful.

➡ Check out the list of experience gifts＊

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 12 - Couple’s Chopsticks

"By the way, both of you have been using the same chopsticks for so long," or "The chopsticks from home have seen better days…" If these thoughts occur, using couple’s chopsticks as parent presentation gifts is also a great idea.

You want to gift good chopsticks that they wouldn't normally buy for themselves.

Pairing them with a beautiful chopstick rest is also a nice idea.

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 13 - Name-In-Poem

A name-in-poem item uses the recipient's name to create a one-of-a-kind poem.

You can choose to use just the parents’ names, your own name they came up with, or mix everyone's names.

If you order from a name-in-poem shop, they'll create an emotional poem for you.

(Of course, it's also wonderful to try to create one on your own!)

At the reception, it might even be possible to have the poem read aloud before the presentation! ♩

➡ Check out the list of name-in-poem items here＊

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 14 - Album

Simply gifting an album is also recommended! ♡

Photos from babyhood, childhood, school years, and adulthood...

Creating a rich album filled with a timeline of photos with comments makes for a gift that holds historical and sentimental value beyond any other gift.

However, an album alone might feel a bit lonely, so it would be best to present it along with other items.

➡ Check out the list of photo albums here＊

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Types of Commemorative Items: Item 15 - Turesuhi Guardian Box

Are you familiar with the Turesuhi Guardian?

The "Turesuhi Guardian" from Tokyo's Nogizaka Shrine is a talisman wishing that the couple will continue to live harmoniously together as they accumulate years after marriage.

It can be presented beautifully by decorating it inside a box with mizuhiki or flowers.

Often, talismans go unused when gifted...!

So, a Turesuhi Guardian box that can be displayed in the home will be very well received.

This gift also tests the decorating skills of the presenter! ♡

➡ Check out the list of Turesuhi Guardian items here＊

[Parent Presentation Gifts] Other Recommended Items to Pick Up ♩

There are plenty of recommended items for parent presentation gifts that don’t fit into distinct categories either.

①

This "Connection Board" from “Word Gift” allows for illustrations of the parents and includes a message of gratitude with their names.

②

Sapporo Beer’s Photo Beer allows for a personalized label beer bottle with your own photo.

There are 7 varieties of frames in collaboration with marry, perfect for beer-loving dads!

➡ Check out the official page of Photo Beer＊

③

Dried flower decorations that can be displayed in the home will also be well-received!

④

An item that combines clock, message, and flower box from Falbe is also wonderful.

Each time they check the time, it revives beautiful memories of the wedding! ♡

⑤

Even classic flower arrangements that feature pets add a special sense of affection!

⑥

Many parents still use large calendars at home to keep track of all family activities.

For such parents, creating a calendar using family and pet photos is also recommended!

⑦

Handy items like iPads for video calls or smart speakers can also be good parent presentation gifts.

You want your parents to have a comfortable life.

What Will You Choose for the Parent Presentation Gift?

I have introduced all types of items that are commonly selected as parent presentation gifts.

Consider what you would like to give and what would make your parents happy... While taking into account various elements, choose the best item!

May you find a wonderful parent presentation gift! ♩

@mark_dona_