Every couple goes a bit crazy with their wedding registry, but sometimes you end up doing more harm than good. Sure, that paper lantern chandelier is nice, but guess what? Turns out that bad boy is a bitch to dust once it’s been hanging in your new home for 8 months.
So instead of stocking your registry with fine wine glasses you’ll be too paranoid to use and cheese knives you’ll only use to scrape gunk off the side of your counter, check out our list of 10 practical but amazing options you’ll want and actually use.
1. Photo Frames
As you build your home together, you’re bound to want to display your memories – especially ones from your wedding day. Get ahead of the game and save yourself endless trips to the store by adding frames to your wedding registry. You can choose sets or a wider selection for a more varied and eclectic look.
Gallery Perfect 7 Piece Frame Set (Kohl’s, $50)
2. Food Processor
No joke, a food processor is hands down one of the most useful kitchen gadgets a couple can use. Forget chopping, dicing and slicing by hand. Instead, just send everything through a high-end food processor and you’ll save time, energy and possibly your fingertips.
Elemental 13 Cup Food Processor with Dicing (Cuisinart, $199)
3. Quality Sheets
It can be easy to get caught up in gadgets and decor, but don’t overlook the value of quality creature comforts. Some people laugh at the thought of ‘high end sheets’ but I’m here to tell you – there’s a world of difference when it comes to sheets. Add some high-end sheets to your list and you’ll suddenly realize what all the fuss is about. Check out materials, weaves and thread count info to find something that suits your comfort level. If you’re worried about allergens and odor (we’re talking to you, pet owners!) check out the Cariloha Resort Bamboo Sheets which have been rated one of the best for sensitive sleepers.
Cariloha Resort Bamboo Sheets (Amazon, $239)
4. Real Life Dishes
Sure, fancy china and serving dishes are commonly found on wedding registries, but what about your day to day dish needs? Forgo stocking up on dishes you don’t actually plan on using and add something you’ll love every single day. Don’t worry, though, daily dishes doesn’t mean boring. check out this cute pattern for a dynamic stoneware set over at JC Penney.
Elama Uptown Loft Dinnerware Set (JC Penney, $65)
5. A Good Vacuum
Sounds like a snooze fest of a gift idea but, truth be told, most people vacuum close to every day. So why not make your home comfortable, clean and snag yourself a high-quality vacuum? Opinions differ on what works best for which home, but it’s hard to go wrong if you pick a time-tested brand like Dyson.
Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Upright Vacuum (Target, $400)
6. Board and Party Games
Add an extra dimension to your wedding registry by including items you can use with the people who buy them. Include fun, multi-player board games and other party games. Choose games that will stretch your imagination and even push you and your friends outside your comfort zones. Best of all, you can include an invitation for a party night with your thank you card!
7. Good Cookware
The couple that cooks together, stays together. Okay, maybe that’s not a legit proverb, but it should be. Whether you cook as a team or one of you just loves having an audience, high quality cookware makes the job and the ensuing clean up much easier. Add a collection of quality cookware to your registry and you’ll be all set for plenty of entertaining.
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Triple Ply Stainless Steel Set (Amazon, $250)
8. KitchenAid Stand Mixer
There’s a reason KitchenAid mixers have been around for generations. Simply put, it’s the best stand mixer available but the price tag often means it isn’t something people are willing to purchase for themselves. Even if you only bake once a year, having a KitchenAid stand mixer is still a worthy investment. Besides, with equipment like this, you may transform from a once in a while baker to Betty Crocker.
The classic KitchenAid Bowl Stand Mixer (KitchenAid, $360)
9. Roomba
The wedding is done, the honeymoon is over and it’s back to real life … or is it? Keep the vacation feeling alive by leaving at least some of the cleaning duties to a robot. Add a Roomba (or other mechanical vacuum) and you’ll be able to spend less time cleaning and more time snuggled up on the couch.
iRobot Roomba Vacuum (Home Depot, $250)
10. Basic Homeowner’s Tool Kit
Getting married often means moving for couples. Either one person moves into the other’s already established home or you set out looking for a place together. If that’s the case, definitely add a basic toolkit to your wedding registry. A simple, but comprehensive, kit like this one from Stanley will have you covered and save you plenty of headaches down the road.
Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner’s Tool Kit (Amazon, $43)
