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Looking for those truly, out-of-the-box wedding gift ideas? We've got you covered!
By Elizabeth Blasi — Written on Oct 17, 2019
No longer does having a wedding registry mean stocking up on fine china or basic kitchen appliances. As people are waiting to get married, and often times living with their partners before tying the knot, the basic essentials of building a home have already been established.
While many couples ask for money (to help pay off the wedding), there can also be fun, creative, and (most importantly) unique wedding gifts to ask for from your guests, to help add to your collection of material goods or even provide experiences.
If you're not sure if your wedding guests can come up with their own gift ideas for you and your new spouse, read on as we dive into 25 of our uniquely-recommended wedding registry items. With sites like ZOLA and Honeyfund, no longer does your registry have to narrow down to particular stores, but instead, personalized selections.
1. A portable pizza oven
Whether you and your partner love making custom pizzas or artisian flatbreads, the oven just doesn't do your culinary skills justice. For those who can't get enough of the 'za, try out your very own personal (and portable) pizza oven. No longer does ordering pizza sound as appetizing as making it at home.
(Try the ROCCBOX by Gozney)
2. Your honeymoon fund
Honeymoons can be pricey! Couples are now opting for a luxurious escape when jet-setting after a wedding. Between the flights, hotels, and wine (lots and lots of wine), those dollar signs can add up.
(Wedding guests can help you put money towards your honeymoon with Honeyfund)
3. Food subscription services
The last thing a couple wants to do after a wedding is worry about cooking. While the food leftovers may last for a little while, the idea of putting together grocery lists and shopping is too much after extensive wedding planning.
Make it easy for yourself and ask for a food subscription service from your wedding guests to take all the guesswork out of cooking.
- For diverse menu options: HelloFresh ($60/week)
- For healthy (and diet approved) menu options: GreenChef ($79/week)
- For top-of-the line, Martha Stewart-approved options: Martha & Marley Spoon ($49.99/week)
4. Or a wine subscription
But, then again, why stop at just a food subscription service when you can have wine as well? Having guests gift you wine is a perfect way to keep your cabinet stocked for those special occasions as a newlywed couple. Additionally, having an assortment of wine on hand always makes for great last minute gifting.
(HelloFresh ($89/month) is now offering monthly wine subscriptions complete with red, white, or mixes cases)
5. Decorative storage containers
A typical wedding registry may have plates, silverware, pots and pans, but with all the fancy kitchen accessories it seems silly to spend money on the items brought out occasionally, and not focus on items on the counter 24/7.
Whether you're storing coffee, sugar, or flour, why not have these items fit into the decor of your home? Storage containers are great for two reasons: they're practical, and (when picking out the right one) can instantly add style to your kitchen.
(Try these muted color and textured designed storage containers from Bomshbee)
6. Cutting edge hygiene care
It would be strange and slightly impossible to ask your wedding guests for dental insurance. But hey, we all need it. The next step after that is to request high-end dental products that leave your smile beautiful and white. Plus, it'll be an item on your wedding registry you actually use everyday (multiple times a day).
(Try the dentist recommended Waterpik Sonic-Fusion)
7. Home entertainment sound system
You're married now, and Netflix and chill might actually be a regular occurring date (and we're jealous). Have date night in peace without constantly asking your partner to repeat a line or two by asking your guests for a sound system.
Putting speakers on your wedding registry may be a unique ask, but it's something every wedding guests can relate to. We all want state of the art sound while watching The Office re-runs.
(Try the Polk Audio Command Sound Bar)
8. Cleaning service for your home
Whether it's packing away all your new wedding registry gifts or deep cleaning the nooks and crannies in your home, now, there's no need to deep clean. Especially if you ask for a cleaning service as part of your gifts.
(Services like Handy will come in and clean your home, while services like Cleanly will do your laundry.)
9. Or an actual home
Many couples are deciding that it's time to buy a house after marriage. Down payments are huge expenses, so it'd make sense to ask your wedding guests to help out.
More than simply asking for cash, let your guests know their monetary gift will go towards building a home for you and your family.
10. Fitness classes
Not only are fitness classes a great way to keep you and your partner in shape and healthy, but it's an excellent date idea. From kickboxing to yoga and everything in between, the options of fitness offers are endless.
(Try Classpass (starting at $39/month) to try a variety of classes)
11. Luxurious silk body robes
What's more romantic than newlyweds lounging in silk robes? A perfect addition to the honeymoon packing list, incorporate a silk robe into your wedding registry for an intimate and useful gift.
(Try one of these beautiful and comfortable Slip Silk Robes)
12. Ready-to-print camera
Every photo (and even video) now-a-days is taken on our phones, and long gone are the days of scrapbooking and photo albums. Bring back this nostalgic feeling by asking for a polaroid camera on your wedding registry. It's a great accessory to bring on your honeymoon or capture your first years of marriage.
For those having a smaller wedding, having a polaroid photo booth at the reception will be a great way to make and create memories that guests can bring home with them.
(Try the Polaroid Mint Instant Print Digital Camera)
13. A video camera
Unless you buy up a significant amount of space on the iCloud, you're limited to the amount of video storage space you can have on your phone. Being capped (in terms of storage) on moments or special events can be stressful. Instead, opt for a video camera to help capture these moments at length.
(Try the GoPro HERO)
14. A luggage piece big enough for two
Honeymoons are not a time to skimp on packing. From the daily excursions to fancy dinners, a big suitcase is a must.
When two join together in holy matrimony, they might as well join together in one suitcase. Fit everything you need in one large suitcase and only pay one bag fee (just keep it under 50 pounds).
(Try a CALPAK Large Luggage Checked-Luggage Piece)
15. A dog sitter
Married couples are now having pets (like dogs) before having children as a good stepping stone. With this enormous responsibility, the couple might want to go on a peaceful vacation (hello, honeymoon), or may need dog walkers while they're at work.
Add a fund to your wedding registry strictly for your dog and make them a part of the celebration as well.
(Rover Pet-Sitting Services doesn't have gift cards, so put money aside from your registry to spend on your pup)
16. Anti-aging pillowcases
A whole new take on beauty sleep, imagine bedding that actually reduces onset wrinkling and doesn't ruin your curls. For your wedding registry, avoid putting the traditional bedding on your list and opt for the silk sheets.
(Try a Slip Silk Pillowcase)
17. Cooking classes
After spending an arm and a leg on a special wedding day, you may be taking some time away from eating out. However, if you're not a chef in the kitchen, mixing things up and creating great meals can be tricky.
For your registry, ask your wedding guests to help you invest in some cooking classes. Check your city for different cooking classes, as some offer basic knife skills, Italian and French cuisine, or even exotic international food like Thai.
18. Give to a fundraiser or charity
For those couples with hearts of gold, or partners that support an important cause, asking your wedding guests to give to charity is an amazing gift. By setting up a GoFundMe or working directly with a foundation, there are many ways to assure your friends and family are giving to an important cause.
19. A digital picture frame
Where are you going to display all the wonderful wedding photos (and even your engagement photos)? It may only be socially acceptable to print and frame up to ten different images around your home, but there's a loophole around this.
Digital picture frames that go in a loop on hundreds of photos are a great addition to your home and registry.
(Try Nixplay's Digital Picture Frames)
20. Diffuser
Move over scented candles! Diffusers with natural oils are all the rage at the moment. Bringing seasonal or cozy scents into your newlywed home is a great wedding registry item. On top of smelling lovely, some scented candles can even add layers of health benefits (both mental and physical).
(Try Moodo Diffuser)
21. A home or condo remodel
If you are your partner lived together before tying the the knot, you may have a project (or two) that needs repairing in your home. By setting aside funds in your wedding registry, you'll assure your guests that their gifts will help you two build a home you love.
Plus, it's a great way to get your inner Joanna and Chip Gaines persona out in the open.
22. Something written in the stars
Did you know it's now possible to have stars named after you? Or, that it's possible in the celestrial world to collect snapshots that reflect exact moments in time? Regardless of which item you pick to add, bringing in the stars is a great way to celebrate or remember your special wedding day.
(Try The Night Sky for custom star maps)
23. Hiking and outdoor gear
See the stars and night sky in person! If you and your partner are the couple that enjoy adventure, traveling and nights spent camping or days out hiking, consider adding hiking, camping, or travel gear to your registry.
(Aer, $250)
24. A quality piece of art
Now that you're married, it's time to start an art collection. A great way to add value to your home and equity, art is a beautiful commodity. If starting off, remember it's okay to start small, and stick to styles and themes both you and your partner like and agree with.
25. Outdoor BBQ
If you and your partner love to host parties and have friends and family over (and have a steller backyard), it may be time to invest in a BBQ. As these outdoor accessories can be a little pricey, ease up on the burden by requesting a barbeque on your wedding registry.
(Try the Weber Spirit II E-310 Natural Gas Grill)
26. Marble Cheese Board
For couples who enjoy hosting, what better way to toast future celebrations than with a wine and cheese party? A cheese board is a staple you'll use for years to come — even if it's just the two of you!
(Try the Dear Keaton Black Marble Cheese Board)
27. Honeymoon sandals
It sounds like something silly to register for, but you'll be walking a ton on your honeymoon. (Unless you opted for a beach getaway — lucky you!) A pair of walking sandals that won't rub or chafe after many miles is critical to enjoying yourself.
(Try the Oka-B Women's Demi Sandal)
28. A pre or post-wedding facial
Weddings can be stressful and there's very little "me" time. Pamper yourself and hubby (couples facials for two!) with a rejuvenating treatment before or after your big day. No better way to treat yourself, and you'll end up with a glow that can't be faked.
(Try the Rejuvinating Kit from Elina Organics)
29. Honeymoon touring bag
Honeymoon travel gear is key, especially if you're embarking on a more adventurous itinerary. You'll want to have something that can be worn myriad ways: convertible clutch, a belt bag, a crossbody, or a shoulder bag. You'll take it with you everywhere you tour.
(Try the Fourplay from Oliver Thomas)
30. Grooming products for him
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Elizabeth Blasi is a New Yorker. A lifestyle & travel writer, who is often seen with a suitcase in hand, jetsetting to her next location. But as a true Digital Nomad, her love of writing and romance novels means her laptop is always beside her.
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