Wedding Gifts for Every Couple

There was a time when wedding gifts were geared toward young newlyweds setting up their very first homes from scratch. Back then, traditional choices like fine china and crockery made perfect sense. But times have changed, and it’s the rare couple today who has never lived independently—so while useful household essentials are still de rigueur, it’s also fun to look beyond the average registry item for something a little more personal and memorable.

Here are a few of our favorite gift ideas for every kind of couple:

For the Chefs (or the Culinarily Challenged)

Meal kits, like Plated and HelloFresh, which deliver pre-portioned ingredients and recipes, are not only time-savers for busy newlyweds, they’re also a great bonding experience, enabling couples to cook and discover new flavors together.

For the Traditionalists

While they’ve probably already registered for their dream china and glassware, they’ll appreciate tasteful extras for mixing and matching with their finer pieces or embellishing their tablescapes. A few ideas: chic patterned plates, gold-rimmed champagne coupes, a striking set of chargers or even those antique candlesticks that caught your eye at the flea market.

For the Aesthetes  A beautiful serving dish to bring out for special meals. A fabulous decanter for making the most of that fancy bottle of wine. A cake stand that comes out for every birthday and celebration. All couples should have a few of these singular pieces in their homes, ones they’ll use and keep forever, and that will eventually become heirlooms. And if they’ve got a special one already picked out on their registry? Even better!

For the Practical-Minded

While everyone else is gifting counter-hogging blenders and toasters, why not go for a more under-the-radar kitchen essential? Think a shapely wood cutting board that works double duty for both cooking and serving (instant cheese plate!), a stellar chef’s knife that can slice through anything or gorgeous copper measuring cups and spoons.

For the Sentimentalists

A frame is always a great option—after all, they’ll need a way to showcase all those wedding photos. Or, take it to the next level with a photo or momento you know they love already in the frame.  Choose something simple and classic, in a neutral finish, like wood or silver, and without too many embellishments, so the photo can take center stage. If you’d like to add a personal touch, consider getting it engraved.

For the Couple Who Has Everything Of course you didn’t think we’d leave bedding off the list, did you? But it’s true, who doesn’t love a luxurious new set of sheets, especially when they’re high-quality and long lasting. Our Classic Core Sheet Set and Luxe Hardcore Bundle are two budget-friendly options, or if you feel like going all out, check out our All-Season Down Comforter.

For the Romantics

You’re attending the ultimate romantic event, why not commemorate it with a gift that keeps those romantic fires burning? You could go for something tangible, like a tricked-out picnic basket or a beautiful tray (hello, breakfast in bed!) or treat them to an experience they’ll never forget, like a private dinner on the beach on their honeymoon or an indulgent couples massage.

For the Entertainers

Whether they’re social butterflies or simply enjoy throwing the occasional soiree or two, these are our favorite ideas for party lovers: fondue set, s’mores kit, cocktail shaker, pizza stone, Moscow mule mugs, a bar cart.... In other words, gifts they’ll likely never ask for or buy for themselves, but are guaranteed to enjoy for years to come.

So next time you’re you’re running late and the only things left on the registry are either seriously dull or way out of your budget, remember that while going off script can be a bold move, with the right gift, it’s one they’re guaranteed to appreciate.