The Best Wedding Registry Gifts for Past, Present, and Future Brides
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PEOPLE asked real brides what kitchen and home items they regret not adding to their registry, from a classic KitchenAid Stand Mixer to Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets
People / Brian Kopinski
We get it: Decision fatigue is a real thing — especially when it comes to putting together a wedding registry or buying wedding gifts.
Take it from us, though. There's nothing fun about coming home to a pile of wedding gifts only to realize you truly don't have a need for that pricey Chinaware, or that the half a dozen bulky appliances you registered for are more a source of clutter than dinner inspiration.
Spending a little extra time being intentional with what items you buy, future bride or not, can save you the hassle of cumbersome returns and help prevent shopper's remorse later on.
Whether you are kickstarting life with your new spouse or just wanting to invest in some home and kitchen staples, PEOPLE spoke to several brides to find out what items they wish they put on their registry.
Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towels
Frontgate
If you are saving up funds for a lavish vacation, you can stock up on these extra plush resort-quality bath towels to hold you over in the meantime. A favorite of former bride Alida Nugent of Brooklyn, New York (as well as a PEOPLE Tested winner), it comes in 26 shades (including dark burgundy and neutrals galore) and definitely sparks that five-star feel. "If you know, you know," says Nugent. "These are the best towels in the game."
StampMyWorld Modern Return Address Stamp
Etsy
A custom return address stamp is an item PEOPLE Senior Shopping Editor Erika Reals wishes she registered for, and while it may seem unexpected on a wedding gift registry, it's great for giving your future invitations and thank you cards a unique flair. There are several modern designs and fonts available for instantly upgrading your outgoing mail.
Kaloh Melamine Outdoor Serveware
West Elm
Fancy kitchen appliances are great and all, but if you plan on your home being a hub for entertainment, serveware is just as important. "I wish we added more serveware and pieces we would use for entertaining and hosting," says Reals.
Made out of lightweight melamine and boasting a modern, semi-matte finish, Kaloh offers a salad bowl, chip and dip bowl, and a tray for DIY cheese boards. Even better: These pieces are suitable for outdoor use — you'll definitely want to whip them out for barbecues.
OXO Steel Salad Spinner
OXO
If salads are in your future, a salad spinner to dry your greens will make a great line item on your registry. This one from Oxo is a recommendation from Reals and prioritizes ease of use above all, as evidenced by the no-slip knob, non-slip base, and built-in brake that immediately stops the spinning. We also love that the multi-use basket doubles as a colander.
Anthropologie Faye Dessert Plate
Anthropologie
You've got your dinnerware set down pat, but we think spicing things up with a whimsical dessert plate is always a good idea for adding that "wow" factor to your meals.
This design from Anthropologie is so charming you'll be excited to pull them out come dessert time, whether you're hosting a formal party or cozying up with your spouse on the couch. "New dessert plates are definitely something I wouldn't buy myself and I think they're so special," says Reals.
Related: The 76 Best Gifts for Women of 2024, Starting at $15
Caraway 16-Piece Cook and Bake Set
Caraway
A quality cookware set is necessary for showing off your culinary skills to your new spouse. Looking for an anything-but-basic bundle? This TikTok-viral option from Caraway is a must for PEOPLE Shopping Editor Kayla Kitts, who uses it daily.
Designed with a nonstick, nontoxic ceramic coating that heats food evenly, the 16-piece set has everything you need to roast, fry, and bake like a world-class chef. It also works on both gas and electric stovetops (so it'll make things easy if you plan on switching homes later on) and looks good while doing it (choose from eight gorgeous shades).
Delta Gift Card
Zola
For the couple who sees more value in jetsetting than a toaster, asking for an airline gift card is a no-brainer. Just ask Jessica Gautier of Clarksville, Tennessee, who has been married for 15 years but still wishes she registered for a honeymoon cash fund.
"We had a very small honeymoon and kept saying we will go on a bigger honeymoon later," she says. "Well, two kids and many moons later we still need to take that tropical beach honeymoon vacation."
Dusen Dusen Oven Mitts
Revolve
Not into the neutral kitchen trend? No problem. These oven mitts from Dusen Dusen add a fun pop of color to your kitchen, something PEOPLE Senior Shopping Editor Erika Reals wishes she thought of while putting together her registry.
"I feel like you're expected to just register for neutral kitchen appliances and home essentials on your registry, but I'm not a neutral type of gal," she admits. "I wish I had registered for more colorful oven mitts that I wouldn't necessarily ever buy myself."
Baggu Puffy Picnic Blanket
Baggu
Marissa Hilder of Queensland, Australia wishes she registered for more vacation-friendly items, like this roll-up picnic blanket that comes in several fun prints. Bring it along on a romantic getaway to the beach with your beau or use it as a picnic blanket on a park date with your pets.
Lettuce Grow Farmstand Nook
Lettuce Grow
Leaning into your “plant mom” era? This indoor- and outdoor-friendly hydroponic stand lets you grow your very own fresh fruits and vegetables at home, perfect for those looking to eat a little healthier, cut back on grocery costs, or reduce food waste. The self-watering, self-fertilizing system is ideal for all harvesters, novices included. Plus, it just looks like a piece of art, are we right?
Breville Bit More Long Slot Toaster
Williams Sonoma
A toaster is a classic when it comes to wedding registries, but for Reals, this one from Breville redefines the category. Why? Aside from the standard "bagel" and "frozen" features, Reals loves the "a bit more" feature that allows for complete control over toasting. It also has long slots big enough for sourdough — perfect for serving up for Sunday brunch with the in-laws.
Zwilling Fresh and Save
Walmart
Whether you and your new spouse are meal prep aficionados or you like to cook extra to ensure leftovers, Reals says this storage bundle from Zwilling is a useful way to minimize food waste and keep things organized. Unlike other food storage systems, this relies on a vacuum for sealing up bags and containers, and keeps food up to five times fresher, per the brand.
Estelle Colored Wine Stemware
Estelle Colored Glass
"When I registered, I mostly selected items that would have a lot of utility for my home, but I wish I had selected more items that bring joy, like this happy and colorful Estelle stemware set," says Carly of Winston Salem, North Carolina. The six-piece set will add a little fun to at-home date nights and is sure to be a conversation starter at your next dinner party. It also comes in a fall-friendly assortment.
Aesop Resurrection Duet
Bloomingdale's
If you view your wedding registry as a shoppable wishlist of luxe items you'd never buy yourself, then this hand and soap lotion set may be a welcomed addition.
Aside from smelling good (think herbaceous rosemary and citrusy mandarin), it instantly elevates the home, says Kelsey Mina of Jersey City, New Jersey. "Now that we’re entertaining as newlyweds, these are the things I think of!" she says.
Framebridge Florence Frame
Framebridge
It's exciting getting your wedding photos months down the line, but knowing you already have a frame to put them in takes out any guesswork. Both Stinson and Mina say they wish they had put Framebridge on their registries for putting their favorite memories out on display.
Consider adding a specific frame that matches your home (or a gift card) to your registry — you'll appreciate being able to swiftly relive your big day once those photos come in.
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
Cozy Earth
Read Full Review: My Husband Gets Night Sweats and I’m Always Shivering, and Oprah’s Favorite Bed Sheets Work for Us Both
For something that gets used every day, registering for a quality sheet set like this one from Cozy Earth, which Kitts owns and loves, makes things a lot more homey.
"Getting married is the perfect time to retire those cheap, pilled sheets that are probably from college," she says. “I love these Cozy Earth bamboo sheets because they’re soft and temperature-regulating — perfect for those with varying sleep styles.”
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Qt. 10-Speed Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Amazon
Generally speaking, there's always that one person (a parent, relative, or friend) who's willing to splurge on that big-ticket item for your wedding, so why not make it worth their money registering for a multi-functional item you know you'll get use out of?
"If there’s one thing I regret not registering for, it's this coveted stand mixer from KitchenAid. There are so many beautiful colors to choose from, including limited-edition hues, that I know it would look gorgeous on my kitchen countertops," says Kitts.
Not a baker? This do-it-all workhorse has a plethora of attachments you can purchase, from pasta makers to food grinders, to up your game in your new kitchen.
Le Creuset 5-Piece Cookware Set
Le Creuset
Revered for its quality, durability, and longevity, Le Creuset is a household name that oozes luxury. This set comes with a Dutch oven, saucepan, and skillet, all of which are oven-safe.
"I’m sure we all could use some more Le Creuset in our lives," says former bride Irina Gorovaia of Brooklyn, New York. "This set is 'one pot' convenience — being able to go from stove to oven is just unmatched (and not something I would be down to spend so much money on myself)."
Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler
L.L. Bean
"A cooler might seem like a random registry item, but you’ll appreciate having it when weekend road trips and summer gatherings roll around," says Kitts.
This space-saving option from Yeti holds up to 33 cans and most wine bottles, and is perfect for travel adventures as a newly married couple. It'll take up little real estate in the house, garage, or apartment — plus, it comes with a heavy-duty strap that makes it easy to tote no matter your destination.
Cutco Knives
Cutco
"We bought a set of Cutco Knives with wedding money after the wedding and, wow, I’ll never go back!" says Lindsey Flynn of Birmingham, Alabama. What makes these knives so special are their supreme comfort, crack-resistant handles, and impressively sharp edges.
Take a tip from Flynn and register for individual knives (versus a set) to ensure it'll actually get purchased. "Most people won’t spend $800 to $1,000 for a gift, but they could spend $50 to $75 on an individual knife," says Flynn.
Gray Malin Art Print
Gray Malin
"I wish I'd registered for a nice piece of art," says Samantha Stinson of Dallas, Texas, who has been married for nearly three years. "Starting an art collection as newlyweds can be hard, but having someone gift a piece of artwork or a framed photo can give you a jumpstart on your collection in a really special way."
French Home 20-piece Laguiole Flatware Set
Macy's
"It's so extra but I love Laguiole flatware," says Reals. "It just makes me happy and I wish I registered for some." This 20-piece set is durable enough for everyday use and entertaining alike, plus you can choose from blue, green, and ivory.
Fleur De Lis Living Anglo Arendahl Traditional Accent Mirror
Wayfair
Large home pieces can be a tricky registry item, but if you know where you and your partner will live (and have a solid idea of how you'd like to decorate your space), a wall mirror can make outfitting your new home easier later on.
"I found this mirror shortly after we got married and ended up buying it myself," says Mina. “It looks far more expensive than it is and really dressed up our living room. I love the antique feel.”
Fellow Stagg Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Crate & Barrel
Who has time to babysit a stovetop kettle? If you and your spouse are early risers but are prone to busy mornings, Ren of Knoxville, Tennessee recommends this countertop electric kettle, as it lets you quickly heat up water so that you can enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee in a pinch.
Its sleek gooseneck spout ensures a slower pour (read: less risk of splatters), plus it just looks plain pretty. Ren also regrets not having Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System on her registry list, a must for your coffee station if you each enjoy drinking different coffee temperatures.
Duralex Picardie Glass Tumblers
Williams Sonoma
Nugent wishes her registry had this high-quality, uniform set of glassware that can be used for water, cocktails, iced coffee, and more. A mainstay brand for both professional chefs and home cooks, Duralex's tempered glass is nearly three times stronger than regular glass, great if you're looking for a long-term shatter- and chip-resistant set that can grow with you.
Take Our Word for It
Michelle Rostamian is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience in the home and wellness space. She has written for publications such as Byrdie, Real Simple, InStyle, Huffington Post, Allure, Better Homes & Gardens, and more. She's also a former bride and enjoys guiding people with their home purchases.
Meet Our Brides
Kayla Kitts of Atlanta, Georgia, married for 8 years.
Erika Reals of New York, New York, married for 7 months.
Kelsey Mina of Jersey City, New Jersey, married for 5 months.
Lindsey Flynn of Birmingham, Alabama, married for 5.5 years.
Alida Nugent of Brooklyn, New York, married for 5 years.
Jessica Gautier of Clarksville, Tennessee, married for 15 years.
Samantha Stinson of Dallas, Texas, married for 2.5 years.
Carly H. of Winston Salem, North Carolina, married for 2 years.
Marissa Hilder of Queensland, Australia, married for 8 years.
Ren of Knoxville, Tennessee, married for 6 years.
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