If you’re on the invite list for a wedding (or several) this summer, you likely have a few decisions to make. What to wear, how to get there, whether you need a hotel — and of course, what to give the bride and groom. This last task is made much easier by the invention of the wedding registry, where you can see what items the couple chose and put on their wish list. However, a registry still requires that you scan a long list of household, kitchen and decorative items and select what you would like to purchase and give.
While many of the items found on a registry are useful, there is plenty of evidence out there that tells us that some are not. It’s easy to get distracted by the shiny espresso machine with all the bells and whistles and completely forget that you only have one saucepan between you. So whether you’re a guest eager to please the happy couple or a couple deciding what to choose for your registry, these ideas are bound to be used and cherished again and again:
Set of knives:
A good quality set of cooking and steak knives (preferably including a knife sharpener) are practically invaluable in the kitchen. If the set comes with a butcher block or wall magnet to store the knives, even better. Most couples will include knives on their registry, and it’s a safe bet for a gift they will use nearly every day. (If you want to follow knife-gifting tradition, though, give a penny with it, for good luck.)
Flatware:
Another item sure to be used every day in a new couple’s household, flatware is an ideal item for a registry because it can be split up into sets. One guest looking to spend a considerable amount could purchase the entire collection, or it could be divided up and gifted by those on a smaller budget.
Storage containers:
This one is a broad category and can be applied to the kitchen, living room, bathroom and other areas of the house. Trendy kitchen items that leave a fun shape in your toast may seem fun now, but a practical storage container that will keep the house tidy and maybe even help avoid a few meaningless arguments will have long-term benefits. Consider quality glass dishes with rubber tops or a brushed steel wall attachment for storing plastic bags. Magazine baskets or flour and sugar airtight containers are another useful idea.
Bar and entertaining accessories:
Once a couple gets hitched, the expectation grows that they will host holiday and summer get-togethers in the near future. Make sure they’re prepared to entertain with the right accessories, such as cocktail shakers, pitchers and punch bowls and a nice set of wine and pilsner glasses.
Bedding:
You can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep. A set of sheets can be both practical and luxurious (in general, the higher the thread count, the longer they will last and better they will feel). Don’t forget to account for a change of seasons — if the couple lives in an area with cold winters, then flannel sheets or soft, warm throw blankets are sure to be appreciated.
Cleaning supplies:
So it’s not the most romantic gift, but a high-powered vacuum cleaner or even a gift certificate for a cleaning service can go a long way towards creating a happy home. This theme will especially be appreciated by couples with pets.
Honeymoon experiences:
If you just can’t get excited about giving the couple-to-be a household item, ask if there is an option to contribute to their honeymoon fund. This is becoming a popular option for newlyweds, and there are plenty of ways to do it. Some simply ask for donations towards the honeymoon fund, and others offer the option to gift an “experience” during their trip, such as a couples’ massage, romantic dinner or parasailing.
When you attend a wedding of close friends or family, you’re probably spending a considerable amount of money to honor their special day. If you take a little time to think about the gift you’re giving, whether it’s an item that will be used daily or that they will remember forever, it will make your investment that much more meaningful.
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Money Smart Gifts to Buy on a Wedding Registry originally appeared on usnews.com
