Mr. Kids and I just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary with a trip away, so naturally I’ve been doing a lot of reminiscing. I love to look back every year and think about how things have changed since those early wedding planning days.
There is so much that goes into wedding planning. Some parts are fun, some feel stressful, and some are both — like putting together your wedding registry checklist. It’s exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming when you’re trying to guess what you’ll actually use years from now (and if you’ll still like it).
Seeing as how I love to share products that make home life easier for families, I thought it would be helpful to show you the best wedding registry items we received that we still use today. In the last 15 years, we’ve moved, switched jobs, had three kids, and so much more. But one thing that’s remained the same is how much we still love these wedding gifts (and each other, of course!).
If you’re in the planning stages, these wedding gift ideas will help you figure out what to put on a wedding registry. Or, if you’re already married and looking for new kitchenware, bath towels, and more, just check out my list below.
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Wedding Registry Tips
Let’s get this task checked off your to-do list! If you’ve been wondering what to put on a wedding registry, I’ve got you covered. Before I get into my wedding registry must haves, here are some tips that can help you put together your own list.
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Stock up on basics and fill in the gaps later. Make sure you get dishes and cooking supplies before you register for that ice cream maker. Focusing on the practical items first will make it feel easier, especially if you’re building your home or needing upgrades.
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Think about what you actually use. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and register for items you wouldn’t normally buy yourself. But, do you really need that oyster shucker? Or fancy china?
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Don’t go overboard. Trust me when I say you don't need tons of non-stick pans. Also, a single cast iron skillet will last much longer! The same goes for flatware, drinkware, and linens. Unless you have guests over regularly, a set of 8-12 dishes and glasses, two to three sheet sets per bed, and two towel sets per person should be plenty.
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Consider your space. Bigger appliances and multiple kitchen gadgets can take up a lot of counter space, cabinet space, and drawer space. While you may have the storage space elsewhere, you’re less likely to go downstairs to the basement or your garage and haul it up to your kitchen.
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It’s ok to be sentimental. Is there something that is special to your family that brings you joy when you see it? Or are there certain memories you want to create, like baking holiday treats or hosting family gatherings? If so, go ahead and add those items to your wedding registry.
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Make it easy on yourself. Adding registry items can take longer than you think it will. Start at least 6-8 months out to give yourself plenty of time. Remember, you can always go back and add more! Many wedding planning websites also offer a universal registry so you can choose a variety of gifts and different stores.
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Remember, it’s all about you and your family. Registering for gifts can bring up a mix of emotions. You might find yourself feeling guilty for adding something expensive, asking for honeymoon funds, or putting a fun gift on your registry. Remember, your registry should reflect the both of you as a couple, so go ahead and add what you want!
My Favorite Wedding Gifts
It’s normal to feel unsure about what to put on a wedding registry. But after 15 years of marriage (and 12 years of being a Mom), I can tell you with confidence which gifts have been the absolute best wedding registry items we received.
While I usually like to balance the practical and the fun, our registry leaned toward practical, classic items that I knew we would use regularly. I also focused on quality over quantity with built-to-last items from trusted brands. They may not be the most unique wedding gifts, but they’re the ones that have made our home run smoother and brought us so much joy over the years.
Le Creuset Dutch Oven: This cast iron dutch oven is perfect for slow cooking, keeps food hot, and is easy to clean. I use mine for soups, stews, and chilis — and to bake bread. Yes, it’s pricey — but this is one of those forever items that’s worth it.
Plain White Dishes: I love these plates because you can use them for everyday meals, fancy dinner parties, and holiday gatherings. Just switch out the linens and they work for every season! Also, if you break one, it isn’t expensive to replace.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer: This mixer is probably on every wedding registry checklist — and for good reason! It’s one of those luxury wedding gifts that is also very useful and is built to last. I didn't bake much in my 20s when we were registering, but I use this appliance more than any other ones.
Knife Set: Having high-quality knives can make a huge difference when meal prepping and cooking. This 9-piece set includes everything you need for slicing, dicing, and chopping — and still looks great after all these years.
Stainless Steel Pots: All-Clad is one of the best brands in cookware. This 10-piece set includes two fry pans, a sauce pan, a casserole pot, and a stockpot — basically everything you’ll ever need.
Roasting Pan: You will be hosting Christmas, Thanksgiving, or another holiday at some point. Plus you can use it for other gatherings and regular family dinners, too. I make roast chicken on this pan all the time!
Slow Cooker: I’m so glad I put this slow cooker on my wedding registry checklist! I use it regularly to save time on busy days, for meal prep, and to make delicious meals with plenty of leftovers. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, this is a cheaper crockpot that’s also great!
Cast Iron Skillet: You can opt for an expensive Le Creuset one, but I love my $25 Amazon one! I make all kinds of meals with this skillet, and it’s easy to clean.
Flatware: These are classic looking and go with every place setting. I spent weeks picking these out, and they’re still my favorite all these years later.
Kitchen Gadgets: I highly recommend having a good-quality garlic press, lemon juicer, or microplane. These might seem small, but they’re the kind of tools you’ll reach for daily.
Spode Christmas Tree Dishes: This one might sound silly, but these are nostalgic to me. My mom and grandma had these dishes and they bring me so much joy. They remind me of happy Christmases growing up, a feeling that I hope to share with my own girls.
Wood Cutting Boards: These last forever with proper care. I prefer wooden ones to plastic — they age beautifully. Plus they’re just as safe, if not safer, to use.
Bath Towels: These are hands down my favorite bath towels. They’re thick, soft, and made from sustainably sourced materials. Plus, you can never have enough towels!
High-Quality Sheets: You spend a third of your life in bed, so make sure you have sheets that you want to climb into bed with. I will say something controversial, though — I am team “no top sheet” (very European of me). So I love bedding that comes as individual pieces instead of in a set.
Luggage: I love wedding gifts that are practical! I’ve traveled a lot with my family over the years, and it helps to have good quality luggage that holds up. For my wedding registry, I added this larger suitcase for us to share and this carry-on. If you don’t fly much, they also come in handy for road trips.
Vacuum: This isn’t a very glamorous wedding gift idea, but it’s SO practical. You’ll use it multiple times a week for years, so it’s important to have a good vacuum that’s efficient, includes the cleaning tools you need, and will hold up over time.
What I Would Not Add to a Wedding Registry
Niche Kitchen Appliances: I used our ice cream maker once. I never rolled out pasta with the KitchenAid pasta attachment. Think really hard about what you will actually use and what will simply gather dust. That bread maker or fondue set rank up there pretty high on “items you should register for but will likely never use.”
Decorative Items: I registered for so many candlesticks, and I NEVER use them. Also, how many vases do you really need? Your style will evolve, so focus on foundational pieces that can flex with your taste.
Anything Trendy: Brightly colored dishes were all the rage in 2010… I can’t tell you how happy I am that I went with something more practical. Timeless may seem boring at the time, but your future self will thank you. Remember chevron everything? Exactly.
Too Much Glassware: How many wine glasses do you really need? Red, white, burgundy, champagne…Unless you are a wine connoisseur, you don’t need 48 wine glasses. Pick one everyday set and one set of stemless wine glasses — done.
“His & Hers” Items: I love a monogram, but do I really need it on everything? Also, if you ever change your mind about these items, you may have a harder time gifting or selling them, which creates more pressure to keep them.
What’s New in Wedding Registries
15 years is a long time, and registries have changed significantly. Back then, everything was china patterns and place settings. Now you can register for anything from travel experiences to smart home gadgets — and honestly, I kind of love it.
These gifts are especially great if your home is already established and you don’t need many physical items. They also feel like more personalized wedding gifts since they can reflect your personality, your interests, and your priorities.
Cash Funds: Honeymoon funds, new house funds, etc.
Smart Home Devices: These were not a thing in 2010!
Subscription Services: ButcherBox, meal kits, or wine or cheese clubs.
Experience Gifts: Cooking classes or date night gift cards.
Q&A: Wedding Registry Gifts
Why do you consider these gifts the best wedding registry items?
These gifts ended up being my favorite because I use them all the time — and they’ve held up well over the last 15 years. As a parent to three kids who also works from home, I can honestly say they make home management easier. And they’ve helped us create a lot of special memories! For example, I use my KitchenAid mixer regularly to bake with my kids.
What tips do you have to make registering for gifts even easier?
Use a wedding planning website to create one universal list and start earlier than you think! You can add ideas slowly over time and add new items whenever you want. Focus on the practical items and everyday essentials first, then move to the fun stuff. You can also visit stores if you want to see certain items in-person to help make your decision.
Should we register for expensive gifts or keep it practical?
I would say that expensive gifts can also be practical! Well-known brands and high-quality items will cost more, but they also tend to be more efficient and last a lot longer. As long as you include a mix of different price points on your registry, you shouldn’t feel guilty about adding a few higher-priced items. And a group of people can always go in on a single gift!
What if we want to include more personalized wedding gifts?
Go for it! Many wedding registry websites allow you to add notes on gifts, so you can include why a certain item would be helpful or meaningful to you. For example, camping gear may not be a typical gift, but it may be important to you if you camp a lot and envision your family going on lots of outdoor adventures. Remember, a registry is all about your needs and interests as a couple.
Are there any wedding gift ideas we should avoid?
Personally, I would not add specialty kitchen appliances or a ton of single-use gadgets, anything super trendy, or home decor. That being said, if you see yourself using a bread maker weekly, then go for it! It helps to think about what you use now, how you live in your space, and what you have room for. Keep in mind that your preferences and tastes may change over time, but timeless pieces and high-quality essentials will never go out of style.
