Your partner knows you love them, but the planning part of the whole thing is the most exciting part (for now). Especially when it comes to setting up that wedding registry. Before you get too click-happy, there are a few things to consider. Read on for those tips, as well as 48 of the best wedding registry ideas from Amazon, Target, Best Buy and more that are must-haves for any newlywed couple.
48 Wedding Registry Items and Ideas to Start Your Newlywed Life
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Can You Add Whatever You Want To Your Wedding Registry?
Keep your list balanced by including a mix of more affordable items and some pricier items for your family members (in case they want to splurge). For reference, guests usually spend anywhere between $50 to $250 on wedding gifts depending on how close they are to the couple. While you're building out your wish list, consider these things:
- What items do we need? Whether it's a new toaster or a set of wine glasses, take stock of the things in your current home (or what you individually own if you live apart right now) to ensure you're checking off the boxes and not doubling up on anything. Don't forget to check for any household items that need an update, because this is a great time to give those a refresh.
- Choose high-quality items. Select items that will last longer. Investment items like a new vacuum or a set of bath linens are going to be used frequently in your home for many years to come, so it's important you go for options with warranties and positive reviews (bonus points if customers have updated them after long term use). On that note, look for reputable brands who are known for product longevity.
- Don't forget to include sentimental choices. Oftentimes family members or close friends want to pay tribute to your nuptials by getting you a commemorative gift that's personalized. If you don't have something like that on your registry, they will go rogue and pick it out themselves. Add a few options (say, a customizable vase or a set of coasters) to avoid having to store or display something that doesn't jive with your taste later on.
Is It Rude To Ask For Money Instead Of Gifts?
In short, heck no. Most wedding sites have options to add honeymoon, newlywed and date night funds, as well as cash donations for experiences like a dinner for two or a snorkeling excursion, just to name a few. If your registry is mainly requests for cash funds with a few physical items sprinkled here and there, you can also preface the registry with a polite, brief note as to why you prefer money. And don’t feel embarrassed; they want to gift you with something you actually want and need.
How Many Items Are On The Average Wedding Registry?
Simple: Double your guest list and add that many gifts to your registry. For example, if you're inviting 150 guests, your registry should have 300 gifting options. Feel free to break this list down and add equal parts to each category (home, travel, etc.) or just add items until you reach the allotted threshold.
What Should You Not Forget On Your Wedding Registry?
We’re glad you asked. Here are 48 items we recommend to our friends (aka you).
1. Our Place The Always Pan
Best Overall
You can braise, boil, steam, sauté and basically everything in between with this pan.
2. Aerogarden Harvest Elite Slim
Best Indoor Garden
Having a garden in your kitchen is so handy for keeping fresh herbs or veggies within reach whenever you need them. This one grows up to six plants (faster than a regular soil garden) and will remind you when they need watering.
3. Artifact Uprising Modern Metal Frames
Best Picture Frame
Pick out your favorite frames so they match your home decor and display your favorite wedding photos in them.
4. Anyday The Everyday Set
Best Kitchen Dishes
Eco-friendly dishes that are microwave and freezer safe are great to have around your house because you'll use them on a daily basis.
5. Uncommon Goods Wedding Keepsake Library
Best Wedding Memorabilia Kit
Store your hubby's dried boutonniere, your engagement ring box, wedding programs and more in this keepsake library. It also comes with boxes for small sentimental objects and folders for paper memorabilia.
6. Winc Wine Subscription
Best Wine Subscription
A well-stocked wine cabinet is a great way to start off newlywed life. Whether you're entertaining or having a date night in, this four-bottle monthly subscription box of vino will help you keep it on hand at all times.
7. Robot Roomba Self-emptying Robot Vacuum
Best Automatic Vacuum
"Alexa, start the Roomba." Yup, it's as easy as that. It has 10x power lifting suction to get crumbs and dust bunnies you didn't even know were there. It also self-empties so you don't have to clean it out after each use.
8. Samsung The Frame Qled Smart Tv
Best TV
When it's turned off it looks like a piece of art hanging from your wall thanks to the picture frame-thin structure of the TV and the screen clarity.
9. Utopia Home Pantry Organizers
Best Pantry Organizers
The best way to keep your pantry in order is to organize everything that's in it using clear organizers so you can easily spot what's in there and what needs to be restocked. No more stacking cans for you.
10. Anthropologie Honey I’m Home Doormat
Best Doormat
This sweet doormat is an adorable addition to your newlywed home. We love the bee theme and the fact that it's black so you can't see any dirt or grime left on it from wiping your shoes.
11. Made In The Starter Set
Best Cookware Set
A set of stainless steel cookware is the gift that keeps on giving. Seriously, these pots and pans will last for years. Also, they're easy to clean and the handles won't get hot while you cook.
12. Uncommon Goods Personalized Champagne Wedding Vase
Best Customizable Option
Whether you want to use it to display your dried bouquet or keep fresh flowers in it, this personalized vase offers another way to commemorate your wedding date.
13. Uncommon Goods Recycled Stemless Flutes
Best Champagne Flutes
A cute set of stemless champagne flutes are great to have on hand for celebrations—or if you're just feeling like having a bit of bubbly with breakfast.
14. Zadro Twb Towel Warmer
Best Towel Warmer
Because few things are more comforting than wrapping yourself up in a soft, warmed towel that feels like it just came out of the dryer after showering.
15. Bissell Power Fresh Steam Mop
Best Mop
If you're still getting down on all fours to clean your floors, it's time to upgrade to a mop that will clean even better than you can. This one has different attachments for all kinds of messes and is compatible with hardwood floors, too.
16. Ring Alarm System
Best Alarm System
Protect your home with an advanced alarm system, so you can keep tabs on every area of your house. It is compatible with your phone and Alexa so you can be alerted to any suspicious activity.
17. Brooklinen Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle
Best Sheets
Upgrading your sheets to a more luxurious, high-quality brand will make you so excited to slip into bed at the end of each day.
18. Parachute Fouta Supreme Towel Bundle
Best Bathroom Linens
Like the bedding, upgrading your old bath towels and wash cloths will do wonders for your linen closet—and your post-bath, lie-in-bed ritual.
19. Noritake Dinnerware Set
Best Dinnerware
Picking out China patterns may have fallen out of style, but that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade your dishes to something better than your mismatched melamine-meets-chipped-hand-me-down set.
20. Kitchenaid Mixer
Best Baking Item
If you spend a lot of time baking, there is no shame in asking for what a lot of bakers consider their holy-grail kitchen appliance.
21. Away The Medium Luggage
Best Luggage
You know what really starts a honeymoon off right? Luggage that holds everything you need, won’t pop open as you’re going through TSA and glides easily through the airport. This delivers on all fronts—and will last you for years afterward.
22. Levoit Air Purifier
Best Air Purifier
There are always some home items we want that never seem to leave our wish list, and this is one of them. This affordable air purifier is only $100 and has nearly 45,000 five-star reviews.
23. Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Stick
Best Vacuum
If you’ve been dying to have the Lamborghini of vacuums for your home, there’s no harm in sneaking it into your registry. Maybe Aunt Linda is feeling extra generous for your wedding.
24. Crate & Barrel Camille Long Stem Wine Glasses
Best Wine Glasses
Whether you like wine glasses for the aesthetic or because you’re a wine aficionado, pick out your favorite style and put them on your registry, because this one is a popular gift. (And if it’s going to be gifted to you, you might as well get a set you like.)
25. Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven
Best Dutch Oven
This cooking staple will have you making stews, cobblers and everything in between. We love the way Dutch ovens retain heat, perfectly sear meat and go from burner to oven without an issue. It’s the workhorse piece you’ll have on hand for decades to come.
26. Personalized Leather Coasters
Best Coasters
You’ll get that giddy newlywed feeling every time you see your initials when you set down your glass. Plus, these are pretty chic.
27. Chefsofi Mortar And Pestle Set
Best Mortar and Pestle Set
Guac just got a whole lot yummier, because smashing up avocados with a fork in a bowl isn’t nearly as fun.
28. Vivohome Entryway Hall Tree
Best Hallway Organizer
Hallway organization is under-appreciated, and this hall tree will help maximize the space you never realized you had in the depths of your hall closet.
29. Fooyoo Food Storage Container Set
Best Food Containers
This 16-piece set will keep all your meal prep needs covered. The airtight lids will keep your food fresh much longer than standard Tupperware.
30. Ullo Wine Purifier
Best Wine Purifier
File this under Unexpected Yet Awesome: The Üllo can be placed in the freezer to ensure a cool drink (even if you just came home with a new bottle). Oh, and when you pour wine into the device over your glass, it removes artificial sulfites and impurities (AKA the stuff that gives you a headache) and aerates it.
31. J.k. Adams Cutting Board
Best Cutting Board
This cutting board doubles beautifully as a charcuterie board. The handle makes it easy to carry, whether you’re prepping for game night with friends or a romantic date night with your new spouse.
32. Cooking Classes
You and your partner can take cooking classes as a date night or a way to increase the quality of your Sunday dinners together.
33. Henckels Alcea Stainless Steel Flatware Set
Best Flatware
Register for your favorite flatware so you can get rid of the ones you’ve been using since college. You deserve it.
34. Original Casper Pillow
Best Pillow
Choose your loft and size when you register, so you and your partner can sleep soundly. Just make sure you register for two, so you’re not fighting over who gets “the good pillow.”
35. Staub Skillet
Best Cast Iron Skillet
If you haven’t tried searing your steak on a high-quality cast iron skillet, you need to. With the proper care, these skillets can last much longer than traditional pots and pans.
36. Couples Coffee Mug Set
Best Novelty Coffee Mugs
There’s nothing like ringing in your nuptials with an adorable set of coffee mugs to sip your morning caffeine with your other half.
37. West Elm Fluted Planters
Best Planters
If you’re a plant mom or dad, you can never have enough planters. Throw some neutral-toned ones on your registry; that way when you switch up your décor, the planters still match nicely.
38. Ninja Hot & Iced Coffee Maker
Best Coffee Maker
While your current pot probably gets the job done, there’s no reason why you can’t upgrade to a machine that gives you both iced and hot coffee. Coffee makers are common wedding gifts, so you may as well register for the best.
39. Revolution Instaglo Toaster
Best Toaster
This popular gift will toast your bread, English muffins or whatever you need to exactly the crispness you desire. The high-tech touch screen allows you to select your preference to reach the perfect temperature.
40. Caphalon Self-sharpening Knife Block
Best Knife Block
Getting a set of durable and high-quality knives is the gift that keeps on giving, because they will last you years before they need replaced. (Plus, you’ll find you enjoy cooking that much more when you aren’t fighting to slice through a tomato.)
41. Libbey Glassware Set
Best Glassware
This 24-piece set includes 12 tall and 12 short glasses for your beverages, so you can get rid of all that messy hodgepodge of cups taking up your entire cabinet.
42. Lomao Sherpa Fleece Blanket
Best Blanket
This is a great option for a more affordable gift. A stylish throw is not only cute for adding some texture to your couch or accent chair, but a super comfy one will make Netflix-bingeing together all the more enjoyable.
43. Modway Mesh Back Office Chair
Best Office Chair
If you have a home office, you need a chair that supports you so you don’t end up with back problems. This one has an adjustable base and comfy armrests.
44. H. Versailtex Linen Curtains
Best Curtains
Curtains are an easy way to make a room look polished and pulled together. These ones have more than 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
45. See Spring 12-pack Shoe Organizer
Best Shoe Organizer
The limit to how much you can organize your home does not exist. These stackable shoe boxes will make getting in and out of your closet much easier.
46. Amazon Basics Dog Bed
Dog Bed
A gift for your dog is 100 percent a gift for you. Your pup will love this cozy bed and it comes in small, medium, large and extra-large, so you can order the right size for your pooch.
47. Amazon Echo Dot
Best Amazon Item
Because you don’t have a regular house; you have a cool house. And you’ll never realize how much you enjoy being able to stream music, find out the day’s weather, turn on the TV and find out who holds the Guinness Record for longest fingernails (or whatever odd question pops in your head) until you own an Echo Dot.
48. Sr Sun Rise Rainfall Shower Head
Best Shower Head
This may seem a bit high maintenance, but hear us out: The SR Sun Rise Rainfall Shower Head has nearly 4,000 five-star reviews and is one of the best designs we’ve ever tried. If you’re looking to recreate a resort-style experience at home, this is it.