Understanding that you prefer the glass you use daily in your home is fine. Foisting it on an unsuspecting bride is not. Every year, millions of people purchase alternatives to what’s been registered for by couples. And every year, those items are returned in favor of what they really want. The wedding registry is an industry unto itself for a reason. Brides are telling you want they want.
Don’t just guess when it comes to glassware, dishes, or flatware for the couple. If you can’t afford the items listed, go for something in the same pattern or give a gift card to the store that has it. Allow them to furnish their home the way they want and keep your personal preferences for yourself.
Unless you’re buying for a wine snob, this is the most worthless item you can purchase. Yet, for whatever reason, there are thousands of these sold every year, and they can cost anywhere from $29 to $199. It’s even listed as one of the most popular gifts--don’t be fooled! They’re actually among the most returned.
Everyone already has an electric wine chiller--it’s called a refrigerator. Skip the headache and go for a nice bottle opener instead--or a wine subscription. Chances are they’ll adore you more if they can open the bottle they’ve already chilled.
When shopping for a cooking couple, stick to the basics and leave the absurd to them. No one NEEDS a butter cutter, a hot dog slicer, or water bottle ice cube tray. Chances are, they’ll get re-gifted, probably back to you.
Gift the foodie couple something nice by sticking to the kitchen or baking basics--like a nice rolling pin, olive oil decanter, or cookbook. Unless it’s a kitchen gadget shower--then by all means, introduce the electric breakfast sandwich maker and angry mama microwave cleaner.
Spirituality is deeply personal to most couples, and they’ll want to infuse it into their homes themselves. Avoid purchasing wall crosses or Bibles for the couple unless it's specifically acknowledged on their registry.
These items are as personal as toothbrushes. Leave this gift at the store and consider some nice stationary or a donation to the couple’s favorite charity, where they’re sure to be appreciative of your generosity to a cause near to their hearts.
There comes a time in every couple’s life when they’re inundated by serving trays. Worse yet, they’re an outdated concept that most couples don’t use anymore. Purchasing a silver tray or specialty party item is sure to be returned because they just aren’t used any longer and take up valuable cabinet space.
Instead, go for a piece of their registry-approved dishware or some upscale grill tools that will find themselves often used and appreciated. You can bet they’ll think of you (and maybe invite you) as they grab those steaks off the grill.
Hearts are great for Valentine’s Day. Where they’re not great is in a couple’s new home. Restrain yourself from giving a heart-shaped cutting board, coasters, or any other heart-shaped abomination that masquerades as a wedding gift.
If you must give an anything-shaped gift, think about their native state as a cutting board or unique map for hanging. Perhaps they have a special city--there are amazing gifts to be curated from cities like New Orleans, Savannah, or Chicago. Think of something along those lines and leave the heart-shaped candy dish for the kids.
Let the happy couple outfit their bedrooms as they’ve chosen. Don’t presume to understand their choice of décor by giving off-brand, off-color sheets or towels. Trust me when I say that a lot of thought went into the registry.
A great gift for the new couple could be some fancy, paper hand towels for their bath or a nice oil diffuser with essential oils. Allow them to turn their bath or bedrooms into their own personal oasis.
No couple needs a ton of wine glasses. They take up valuable cabinet space and will likely not match anything they have. The challenge is that they’ll receive them and have little to no idea where to return them to. Check the registry and stick to it for any glassware needs.
If they haven’t registered for it, a simple glass pitcher is always a safe choice. You’ll be surprised how many ways it can be used--for sangria, Kool-Aid, or even as a makeshift vase. Furthermore, it’s a classic gift that will be used over and over again.
I can see you chuckling to yourself, but you’d be surprised at how many relationship books are gifted each year at weddings. Is there anyone that needs advice on the perfect relationship less than a newly married couple?
Instead, think about gifting a cool coffee table book that both can relate to. Maybe they’re into French cuisine or French Polynesia. Chances are you can find a cool book of beautiful pictures that will be much more appreciated than a book of advice.
Yes, the couple registered for really expensive knives or linens. Just because you can’t afford the gift doesn’t mean that you should buy cheaper versions of the items. They won’t be appreciated, and worse, they will likely think less of you for gifting them.
Again, the happy couple will appreciate your restraint and thoughtfulness with a gift certificate for a meal out when they return or a donation to a charity on their behalf. There’s no such thing as too-small donation for their favorite organization.
You may LOVE a beach-themed house, but the lucky couple may not. This is where you leave the decorating to the couple. Leave the pig cookie jar and weird Scandinavian fish vase at the store.
Instead of purchasing random home décor that you find funny, think about a gift certificate at a home goods store that has a little of everything or Amazon--the wonder of the shopping world. You’ll ensure you get their taste right every single time.
It’s a wedding. It’s a time of joy for the couple. Do not, under any circumstances, gift baby items. It doesn’t matter that you found the perfect item for this couple--purchase it and put it away for future use. No couple wants a baby’s first album or baby first spoon. That has its own time and place.
If you’re looking for something unique, think about a silver pie server with their wedding date engraved. You can bet they’ll appreciate that every time they have dessert--and leave the baby gifts for the baby.
It’s hard enough for brides to wade through the vast assortment of unwanted wedding gifts they receive. Throw in a ceramic pumpkin or blue Christmas tree, and you’ve taken that stress to a whole new level. They aren’t thinking of holiday décor just yet, and now they’ll be insecure that they didn’t.
Instead, offer up a holiday experience--like a visit to the pumpkin patch during the right season or maybe a fall/seasonal photography package. They’ll love you for thinking ahead for them without burdening them with garish gifts.
It’s every bride’s worst nightmare--they open 40 or so picture frames and discover that absolutely none of them match. Picture frames are as personal as the pictures themselves.
If it's photography you must give, then get them a fun digital camera or Polaroid. Or find out what it costs to purchase some of their wedding photography and offer a gift to help offset that cost. When they’re staring at a beloved pose from their wedding in the frame of their choosing that you helped procure, they’ll be very thankful.
Art is the most subjective gift you can give. What is beauty to one person can be distasteful or disgraceful to someone else. Even worse, a couple looking to create their home together may not appreciate a custom work of art if it doesn’t fit their style--and they won’t be able to return it at all.
Instead of art, turn them onto your favorite artists or purchase it in a format that they can use or re-gift--like cards or stationery. You can even gift tickets to an art museum or an art experience for them to share, like a pottery class. Whatever you do, leave yourself out of the equation.
What is a half gift anyway? It’s when you give the saltshaker but not the pepper mill or a solo wine glass/shot glass. Why? Because no one needs a half-set of something. What would you do with only one candlestick? Nothing because it's off balance and looks absurd. These items aren't what most couples need.
Look for items that are in sets – like a round of shot glasses or a pair of candlesticks. That fireplace poker won’t do them any good if there’s no mini-shovel or little broom to go with it. Anything that's supposed to come in a set, get them the set, or just ditch the whole idea altogether (unless they specifically ask for it on their registry).
Another big no-no is to purchase a gift that can only be used by the bride or groom. Gifting one of the grooming products (like a fancy hand mirror) or robe is unacceptable unless your gifting that personally in addition to a proper gift. It's just awkward to open a gift for one person!
Look for sets that incorporate both bride and groom – a fun set of matching robes or an AirBNB certificate that they can both enjoy when they need to sneak away. A personalized cutting board or a bartending mixology set will be much appreciated by both sides of the relationship.
It doesn’t matter if they love candles or a specific scent - do not give them bath products for their wedding - especially if you’re trying to pawn off Aunt Sally’s gift from last year. They’ll immediately discard and probably think you’re weird, too. You really don't want to be "that person."
Instead, focus on a couples’ experience. Some popular gifts could be certificates for couples' massage or pedicures. Find something that they can do together like cooking lessons or dance lessons and let them enjoy themselves and experience something new together. It's a gift for both of them while providing that pampering experience you want to give!
Chances are they’ve just spent a fortune on flowers. On top of that, they'll also have to figure out how to get rid of all the flowers after the wedding. The last thing they need is another bundle of flowers, especially fresh ones. The same goes for a silk arrangement - people are picky about their décor.
Some people don't like silk flowers at all, so it may be best to let them handle their home décor. If they love plants and the earth, donate a tree or to a local public garden in their honor instead. It’s a gift that they can visit and fondly remember you and your thoughtfulness.
Animals are not gifts. Animals are a commitment; one that a new couple may not be ready for or have time for. Furthermore, some pets (like birds) can live 15+ years. A couple doesn’t need the strain of caring for a pet on top of a new marriage. That's for them to decide.
Giving a gift to the local animal shelter or a zoo in their honor hits the spot perfectly, especially if they’re nuts about animals. You can even donate items in lieu of money and have the shelter notify them that a donation has been made in their honor. Local shelters are always happy to take well-worn blankets, towels, and animal food.
Yes, we’ve heard all the jokes about the old ball and chain or the ‘boss’ of the couple. Gifting a gag item is unacceptable. While it can be funny, you’ve likely wasted your money to have it thrown away. If you must, give it at the bachelor or bachelorette party instead.
Something that won’t go to waste is an awesome portable Bluetooth speaker for a couple that loves music. Or think about a double hammock for your outdoorsy couple who loves to hike and commune with nature. They’re sure to think of you fondly as they listen to their favorite jams underneath the stars.
Gifting something that is perishable is a bad idea, especially if the couple is headed out for their honeymoon immediately. Chances are they will not have opened your gift and stored it properly. If not them, then their coordinators are just trying to get the gift situation delivered. Something like perishables is tough to deal with.
Rejoice if you have foodies as your lucky couple. Giving a Taco Tuesday kit with a festive basket/taco holder or a mortar and pestle is a fantastic idea. Another great, very useful gift is an Instapot or air fryer. You can’t go wrong with mainstream, new appliances that they likely didn’t purchase for themselves.
For the love of all that is holy, do not gift a bottle of Strawberry Hill, Two-Buck Chuck, or cheap bourbon that you know they won’t drink. If you can’t afford a decent bottle of wine, champagne, or spirit, skip the idea altogether. Some people don't even want alcohol as a gift.
Now, if you’ve got a bougie boozy couple, they’ll appreciate some top-shelf brands that they may not normally drink but choose wisely. A nice bottle of tequila or special vodka (like Beluga Gold Line) is meant to be sipped and celebrated. It isn't meant to make a common screwdriver and not for them to share.
It doesn’t matter if the happy couple is workout crazy. Do not, under any circumstances, gift exercise equipment. It borders more on a personal statement about their health status than as a welcome gift, especially small items like weights or a jump rope. It can send a message you don't mean to send.
Look at gifting a massager for those tired muscles or a double foam roller that they can use to relieve stress. Another great idea is gifting a smoothie service like Daily Harvest. They can get their nutritional needs met before their workouts and the service is limited time; so they can decide if they want to continue it.
Most couples include any specialized cleaning supplies they want on their registry, so giving the old-fashioned mop or hand vacuum will likely not be appreciated. No matter how pure your intentions were, it's best to avoid this gift. Skip the Lysol or wipes (post-COVID) and opt for something a little more practical.
A great gift like a certificate for a one-time house cleaning or that swanky robot vacuum would likely be much appreciated. Those little robots are getting much more affordable, have more applications, and they’re super cool just like the Jetsons (Gen Z, you can Google that now). They even have mop-bots at this point!
Nobody wants to be embarrassed by a gift, especially a new couple starting out. Don’t write a check, don’t Venmo them or CashApp them either. It's awful when those forms of payments don’t go through, and then, the couple is charged a fee. Honestly, it's embarrassing all around, so it's best to avoid it.
If you can’t think of another single thing, cash is still king. Just make sure you include it in a tasteful card and slip it to the husband on the sly at the reception. Doing this ensures that they get your thoughtful green gift. Some people even prefer cash over a gift nowadays.
This couple just promised to love, honor, and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. What they didn’t agree to is ownership. That means leave the "his and hers" home merchandise and apparel on the shelves. No one actually uses them and they all end up at the local thrift shop.
Opt instead for something really cool, like a small outdoor firepit, the really neat espresso machine they registered for. Another thing to consider is an Amazon Prime membership. They’ll value your thoughtfulness much more if you don’t label them out of the gate. It also lets them get whatever they forgot to order ASAP.
While the Snuggie is a great personal gift, it's really not made for couples. Likewise, avoid gift snafus with the Everbelt, the Pillow Pad, or any one of 100 different items that have been in infomercials. Skip that aisle at Walgreens or that section on Amazon entirely. It isn't a good look.
If the couple enjoys the outdoors, think about a picnic basket or backpack. If they’re movie buffs, you could spring for a few date nights at the local cinema. If they’re book lovers, consider a donation to a local library or some personalized bookplates. Just think about what they love and run with it!
If you’re gifting something that you really wouldn’t want (no matter what), listen to your inner self and don’t gift it to the couple either. If you don’t want matchy sweatshirts with your spouse, they likely won’t want them either - no matter how cute the salesperson tells you they are. If you can’t see your significant other enjoying a half-used calendar or some souvenirs from a recent trip. Don’t share those either.
The best gifts come from the heart, not from the store. Your friendship and well wishes will outshine material items on this list, especially if you’re a little short on cash or you’ve spent a fortune to attend a destination wedding. A heartfelt note about your joy in their coupling will mean more than any of these horrible, no good, very bad wedding gifts.
At this point, adults should understand what constitutes inappropriate gifts. We're talking gifts that are like a copy of the Kama Sutra or personal ‘adult toys’. It’s flat-out creepy, and you’ll be designated to the furthest realm of Facebook acquaintances that no one wants to talk to (and mostly talks about).
Instead of a ‘dirty’ gift, think about gifting a matching set of luggage or upscale totes. Literally, getting the newly-wed couple anything else on the planet would be a better gift. Even a gift subscription service like Netflix or HBOMax would be a great idea and let them decide how they Netflix and chill.
