When I got engaged, I initially was so excited to create our registry then when I actually started, I instantly became so overwhelmed. What do I put on there? I’ve only thought of like five things…that’s nothing…I’m totally lost on what I even need. What do people put on these things? Sound anything like you? Read on for a list I wish I had when starting my registry on the top 10 things every couple should include in their registry.
1. Tabletop Essentials
If you’ve been yearning for a sleek dinnerware or glassware set, now’s your time to get them through your registry. My husband and I registered for a new flatware set, pasta bowls, hi-ball glasses, and wine glasses to replace our mix-match and college sets of tabletop essentials. They are all easily some of our favorite items from the registry!
2. Home Décor Accents
Home décor isn’t just limited to those live, laugh, love signs you’ve probably seen a hundred times. When decorating your home, bring your own personality into each room with unique décor accents. Love artwork? Register for a few must-have pieces!
We registered for a ceramic pineapple with a white body and blush leaves and even though I had to persuade my husband to agree to it, he ended up loving it as much as I did. Whether you’re in need of decorative boxes for function and beauty or simply a pineapple for beauty only, don’t be afraid to add a few fun décor items to your registry.
3. Specialty Kitchen Appliances
Whether you could use a rice cooker (which also can cook steel cut oatmeal!) or an air fryer, think of what specialty kitchen appliance would be best utilized in your home. While it’s use might be more limited than a standard oven, if it can do a much better and faster job of cooking a staple food in your home then it deserves a place on your registry!
4. Kitchen Knives and Cutting Board
Before my husband bought a set of Shun knives, I always doubted how useful “fancy knives” would be. Trust me when I say they’ve made our cooking lives a whole lot easier. I recommend Shun or Wusthof knives to pair with a wooden cutting board that’ll last you a lifetime.
5. Cohesive Bath Towels and Bath Rugs
As someone who loves the idea of cohesive design within a home rather than hodgepodge mix-match décor, I was over the moon when we received a full bath towel and bath rug set from my husband’s grandmother for the wedding. Register for a set of bathroom essentials that’s cohesive, whether your set is from the same designer and matches perfectly or the pieces simply complement each other in color and style.
6. Linen Bed Sheet Set
Linen is everywhere these days and I have no idea why I’ve yet to purchase a linen jumpsuit. Thankfully, I registered for linen sheets for my own wedding registry and seriously love them. If you think linen doesn’t sound soft, you might change your mind when you learn that linen softens more and more with each wash. They breathe better than almost any other sheet fabric, making them a lifesaver for hot nights. Total win!
7. Garden Tools
If you happen to have a home with a yard, start a vegetable or flower garden with tools you can register for. From gloves and trowels to buckets and raised beds, garden essentials make the perfect gift from a guest with a green thumb. If your guest is local, you can deliver them some of your harvest as an extra special thank you!
8. Cooking Lessons
My husband and I registered for cooking lessons (via a cash fund) so that we would finally be motivated to try one out. The class was one of our first gifts to be purchased and we couldn’t be more excited to attend our first lesson! If you’re not much of a cook, you can try cocktail classes, art classes, or anything else you think your guests would love to gift you for an incredible experience.
9. Honeymoon Activities
If you don’t need many material goods or simply value experiences more than things, register for honeymoon activities. Rather than just having an open cash fund, create a few separate items (i.e. a surfing lesson, drinks for two, exhibit tickets, etc.) that give your guests a much better idea of what they’re gifting you.
10. Pet Essentials
Don’t forget your pets! If you’ve been eyeing a new dog or cat bed or even a new feeding station, you can absolutely add that to your registry. Pets are just as much a part of the home as you are, so feel free to add a couple of home items for your pets.
