The best wedding gifts in the US: 64 thoughtful and fun ideas they’ll actually want

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Whether you’re building your first online registry or a guest staring at someone else’s wish list wondering what on earth to choose, coming up with the perfect wedding gift ideas can feel overwhelming. What makes the perfect present, anyway?

When my husband and I got married in the red rocks of Moab, Utah this past May, we made a slightly controversial choice: no registry. Our guests were flying in from around the world, and we didn’t want to ask for more. But months later, I found myself dreaming of all the things that would’ve made our newlywed life easier – like a really nice set of sheets or a monthly coffee bean delivery.

For this guide to 64 wedding gifts with flair, I’ve drawn on insights from registry platform insiders, event planners, and editors at wedding publications – plus 11 recent (or soon-to-be) newlyweds who’ve been there and done that. It’s also based on my own experience as a longtime reviewer of food and lifestyle products.

I’ve learned that the best gifts don’t all have to be expensive, made of plastic, or even brand new. As you’ll see, there are so many ways to get a favorite couple something thoughtful – and unlikely to be duplicated.

All prices current at the time of publication.


Wedding gift ideas under $50

a box and several playing cards

Where Should We Begin – A Game of Stories

$40 at Esther Perel
$34.99 at Amazon

It’s easy to become consumed by wedding planning. These conversation cards are designed by relationship therapist Esther Perel and are a great way to reconnect after the big day – sparking connection, vulnerability, and the kind of stories you don’t usually tell over dinner.

a green bowl with brown speckles

Everyday bowls

$44 at East Fork
$44 at Urban Natural Home

“These beautiful North Carolina-made bowls come in a rainbow of colors and we truly use them every day,” says Margo Sivin, who married her partner in Hudson, New York last fall. Not only do East Fork dishes stand up to everyday life, the company also donates 1% of sales to grassroots partners such as Rural Organizing and Resilience (ROAR), which supported Hurricane Helene recovery.

Vintage ceramic vases

Varying prices on Etsy

Alexander Rigby’s mom gifted them a striking vintage hanging vase, adorned with what looks like a Mesoamerican-inspired design. “We had tons of dried flowers at our wedding, so it worked really well to display some of the ones we kept,” says Rigby, who married his now-husband in Grove City, Pennsylvania last fall. Etsy is a wedding-gift goldmine.

a small blue speaker

JBL Go 4 speaker

$49.95 at JBL
$49.99 at Best Buy

For the soundtrack to adventures. My husband and I take this little guy everywhere – camping, road trips, and paddleboarding around Utah. It’s waterproof and shockingly loud for the size. A small-but-mighty speaker that always comes through.

a chess board

Keith Haring chess set

$38 at MoMA
$55 at NYHistory Store

Not your typical checkmate. Designed by Keith Haring and produced by Vilac for MoMA, game- and gallery-lovers will appreciate the quirky, energetic figures: barking dogs as pawns, castle-like human forms, and Haring’s signature figures brimming with movement and joy.

a wooden box with a red ribbon

Home Depot gift card

$5-$1,000 at Home Depot
$25-$500 at Amazon

Not the sexiest gift – but eminently useful for light fixtures, bathroom renovations, a compost setup, or anything else a newly nesting couple could want. Ross Yoder, who lives in New York and married in 2023, got one for Christmas and wishes he’d thought to add it to a wedding registry. “It allowed us to mindfully splurge on the sink faucet of our dreams,” he says.

a table with a plate and glasses

Micola seafood side plate

$12.95 at Anthropologie

Cimran Virdi, who lives in Salt Lake City and is getting married this summer, is coveting these colorful sardine plates. They’re dishwasher-safe, hand‑painted with whimsical motifs, and look like something swiped from a seaside café in Greece.

a dark red jar

HigherDOSE Serotonin Soak

$25 at Sephora
$39 at HigherDOSE

For the couple who loves a long, luxurious soak. Though I can’t comment on the brand’s elaborate scientific claims, this blend of Zechstein salt, French green clay, and apple cider vinegar can create a moment of calm amid the whirlwind of logistics.

a basket

King Arthur Brotforms

$29.95 at King Arthur

For couples who dream of crusty sourdough on lazy Sunday mornings, these beautiful baskets make it official. “Employee-owned King Arthur Baking Company is our go-to for all things baking,” says Sivin. “These brotforms, or proofing baskets, felt like a classic and special wedding gift.”

a green card

Framebridge gift card

$25–$1,000 at Framebridge

Emily Forrest, recent newlywed and head of communications at Zola, an online wedding planning platform, used a registry cash fund to custom-frame one of her favorite wedding photos through Framebridge, an online service that makes it easy to turn meaningful moments into wall-worthy art. “It now hangs beautifully in our bedroom,” she says.

a red and blue mat

HAY door mat

$50 at MoMA Design Store
$46.70 at Finnish Design Shop

It might sound too utilitarian, but this doormat from HAY is genuinely joyful. Made from durable jute and wool with bold colorblocking and contrast edging, it turns an everyday object into a subtle design flex. It’s sturdy enough for snowy boots and chic enough for apartment entryways.


BODHA smokeless incense

$40 at BODHA
$40 at Free People

Each stick burns for 25 minutes without smoke, offering scents like Ground (cedar, hinoki, frankincense) and Calm (lavender, clary sage, rosewood). I love receiving incense. It’s a reminder to unwind with my husband after our long workdays.

a small unwrapped chocolate next to two wrapped ones

Venchi Chocoviar Pistachio

$15 at Venchi
$42 at Amazon

I used to treat myself to these little pistachio-filled Venchi chocolates every time I passed Eataly in New York, and they still feel like an indulgence. Creamy, crunchy, just the right amount of sweet – they make a regular Wednesday on the couch with my husband feel like a treat.

a card that says pressed floral

Pressed Floral digital gift card$50-$600 at Pressed Floral

“This would be a nice way to memorialize the wedding flowers I’m spending a lot on,” says Virdi, who’s still in the planning phase. A Pressed Floral gift card lets the couple turn their bouquets into lasting art or keepsake jewelry.

a book cover that says table for two with a black and red illustration of a meal on a table

Table for Two by Bre Graham$13.55 at Amazon
$23.24 at Bookshop.org

A love letter to cooking. Full of intimate, unfussy recipes meant for slow mornings, date nights, and everything in between – this cookbook is romantic without being saccharine and makes you want to light a candle for no reason.

Custom illustration

Varying prices on Etsy

One of Rigby’s friends surprised them with a custom portrait by artist Dan Poharyskyi. Centered on a scene inspired by their engagement photo, the artwork also weaves in their favorite Pittsburgh spots, a playful likeness of their Portuguese water dog, Copper, and a sweet depiction of their home. Think about places, pets, or moments that matter most to your friends when commissioning illustrations – it’s the kind of personal touch that makes a gift truly unforgettable.

Wedding gift ideas under $100

a silver pot

Sonya 5L Electric Dual-Sided Hot Pot$68.99 at Amazon
$58.95 at Walmart

Ben Grund, who’s getting married in Brooklyn this September, grew up celebrating Chinese New Year with hot pot – a communal meal where a bubbling pot of broth sits at the center of the table and everyone cooks thin slices of meat, seafood, and vegetables right at the table. “Some of my siblings have one, but we don’t own one yet,” he says. This electric version is perfect for cozy dinners or festive feasts where everyone cooks together right at the table.

a thick red hardcover book

An iconic Italian cookbook filled with over 2,000 recipes. “What’s more fun for two people who like cooking than flipping through the pages and picking out new recipes to try together?” says Amanda Knuppel, who lives in Los Angeles and married her now-husband last spring.

a silver pan

Misen 10-Inch stainless steel frying pan

$99 at Misen
$99.99 at Amazon

“That set of trendy pans in your registry is going to be toast in the next two years,” says Yoder. Instead, fry eggs on this professional-grade skillet for decades. It offers excellent heat retention and longevity – without the chemical coating that comes with many nonstick alternatives.

a collection of letters and envelopes

12-month History By Mail subscription$78 at Uncommon Goods
$78 for one year at History by Mail

For the pair who’d rather nerd out on revolutionary war love letters than binge reality TV, this subscription sends fascinating historical documents (and the stories behind them) right to their mailbox. Nothing says new love like spending an evening with Albert Einstein or the suffragettes.

three striped towels of varying sizes

Dusen Dusen multicolor house stripe towel set$60 at SSENSE

Made in Portugal, these ultra-plush cotton towels bring a bold pop of color to everyday life. The three-piece set includes two hand towels and a washcloth, all finished with Dusen Dusen’s signature playful stripes. Ali Bonar, who lives in Cleveland and is marrying in Italy this summer, loves them for creating more “magic in the mundane”.

a glass decanter

Viski Reserve European crystal wine decanter$56.24 at Nordstrom
$23.99 at Amazon

This elegant, lead‑free crystal decanter not only looks stunning – it gives wine room to breathe, unlocking richer aromas and smoother flavors. The decanter holds a full bottle (up to 65oz) and the thick crystal feels durable enough for regular use yet refined enough for dinner parties.

and orange backpack

Camelbak Hydration Pack$75 at Camelbak
$44.72 at Amazon

I hiked across Japan with one of these babies, and it never let me down. Durable and lightweight, it’s ideal for the adventurous couple who’d always rather be on a trail.

a collage with a cup of coffee bags and postcards

Atlas Coffee Club subscription$55-$189 at Atlas Coffee Club

My husband and I can’t agree on what’s the correct shade of coffee, but we can agree on it being an essential part of our morning routine. Meaning: this is my dream wedding gift. Each month, Atlas Coffee sends beans from a new country, along with tasting notes and a postcard from the region. It’s guaranteed to turn sleepy mornings into mini adventures.

four circles with geometric patterns

Jonathan Adler Versailles coaster set

$85 at Jonathan Adler
$59.99 at Amazon

Equal parts functional and fabulous. “We didn’t really need anything home supply-wise, so it was fun to add artful pieces that spoke to our style,” says Caitlin Corcoran, who got married in New York City last fall. “Bold, bright, and a great keepsake – they’re always out on our coffee table for daily enjoyment.”

Vintage cast iron cookware

Varying prices on Etsy

Cast iron only gets better with age, so why not let someone else do the hard work of seasoning it? Etsy is full of gorgeous old skillets and Dutch ovens that are virtually nonstick and ready to go. It’s the kind of forever piece the couple can use for Sunday pancakes now – and pass down decades from today.

a wooden bowl

Crate & Barrel Carson 12-inch acacia wood salad serving bowl

$59.95 at Crate and Barrel

Made from grained acacia wood, this serving bowl brings homey style to even the most last-minute dinner party. “This gorgeous bowl is now a staple in my home,” says Forrest. “It instantly elevates any bowl of mixed greens – even if you just poured them out of a plastic container and didn’t tell your guests.”

a white and gold frame

Addison Ross white enamel and gold frame

$62 at Addison Ross
$62 at Amazon

A classic frame might not scream “exciting gift”, but it becomes deeply meaningful once the wedding photos come in. As Knuppel puts it: “This was a sleeper that seemed like a boring choice at first but proved to be one of the more satisfying gifts when all the dust settled.”

a silver knife with a black handle

Milk Street Nakiri knife by Christopher Kimball

$69.95 at Milk Street Store
$49.95 at Amazon

Now this is a knife. Inspired by Japanese vegetable knives, the thin, ultra-sharp blade makes quick work of everything from sweet potatoes to fresh herbs, while the well-shaped handle ensures comfort during long prep sessions.

orange and pink rectangular cannisters

The Pantry Refresh

$63 at Diaspora Co

My favorite spice company, hands down. Diaspora Co partners with small farms across South Asia to source single-origin spices that are so fresh they’ll ruin grocery store jars forever. Every spice is pesticide-free, regeneratively grown, and never irradiated, and the farmers are paid fair wages. This bundle comes with their six best-sellers, such as peppery turmeric and earthy coriander.

fire in a small pit on a nice outdoor patio

Nature Spring round steel outdoor fire pit$99.95 at Target
$80.93 at Lowe’s

There’s something instantly festive about a fire pit – whether you’re toasting marshmallows, gathering friends, or just stargazing in your backyard. “I was skeptical when my husband added this to the list because it’s not a typical registry item, but it was a game-changer and he was right,” says Knuppel. “This is the thing that finally got us throwing barbecues.”

Wedding gift ideas under $200

a variety of fruits

Miami Fruit variety box

$127 at Miami Fruit
$129.95 at GoldBelly

Packed with tropical gems you won’t see at the local supermarket, Miami Fruit’s curated boxes are a fun way to bring a little wanderlust into the kitchen. Each delivery is stuffed with sun-drenched tropical delicacies, such as velvety cherimoya, tangy starfruit, and guavas that taste like vacation.

a black and white checkered kettle

MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check tea kettle

$169.95 at MacKenzie-Childs
$169.95 at Williams Sonoma

Made from heavy-gauge enameled steel and hand-painted in a black-and-white check pattern with a bronzed rim and sculptural knob. Bonar says she’s excited to use it “for French press coffee or nightly tea”. (Note: not compatible with induction stoves.)

One-year MasterClass subscription

Starting at $120 per year at MasterClass

From cooking with Thomas Keller to writing with Margaret Atwood, a MasterClass subscription is basically a backstage pass to bettering yourself (aka, the constant work of a marriage). This is the ultimate gift for couples who love learning together – or just want to binge Stanley Tucci talking about pasta on a lazy weekend date night.

green plants in a container with a screen

AeroGarden Harvest Elite

$124.95 at AeroGarden in sage
$56.01 at Amazon in stainless steel

For couples who love the idea of growing tomatoes and fresh herbs but always forget to water them. This little indoor garden basically raises itself – just drop in the seed pods, add water, and let the built-in lights do their thing. It’s like having a tiny farmers’ market on your kitchen counter, year-round.

a foldable chair

Kelty Low loveseat

$129.95 at Amazon
$129.95 at REI

When Moab-based wedding planner Lauren Larson married her partner last year, they opted for a honeymoon fund over a traditional registry. But one friend got it right with this portable two-seater camping chair they now take on every river trip. “It was one of those camping comfort items that we would have never bought for ourselves,” says Larson.

a tall plant in a brownish orange pot

Fiddle leaf fig$149 at The Sill

A classic for a reason. Virdi is eyeing this handsome houseplant, which adds instant character to any room with its big, glossy leaves – and grows right alongside the couple.

four candles in candlesticks

Rena taper cast iron candle holders

$119 at Pottery Barn

These sculptural cast iron taper holders instantly warm up a room. “Quirky candlesticks, or any other styling pieces for a dining tablescape, are a wonderful registry treat,” says Knuppel. “Whenever we sit down with friends or family for dinner at our home, it feels like the person who gave us these is joining the feast.”

a small white camera

Olympus Stylus Epic (Mju-II)

From $150 on eBay

My husband and I shoot a lot of film, and there’s nothing like the surprise of seeing how our memories turn out weeks later. This tiny point-and-shoot camera is always available on secondhand sites such as eBay. And it’s legendary for a reason: pocket-sized, weatherproof, and packs a shockingly sharp lens. Perfect for not overthinking the shot on the honeymoon.

a single-cup coffee maker

Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe coffee and espresso machine

$199.99 at Nespresso
$139.26 at Sur la table

This multitasking machine brews both espresso and coffee with a single touch – and looks sleek doing it. “My husband knows not to speak to me before my Nespresso is done,” says Forrest. “This machine is an absolute must if, like me, you need coffee in your veins the second you wake up. It takes just a few clicks, and the coffee is so good.” (Are coffee pods worse for the environment than filter coffee? Surprisingly, perhaps not.)

a crochet doily that says challah

Susan Alexandra challah cover

$130 at Susan Alexandra
This hand-embroidered cotton challah cover brings personality to the Shabbat table. “I liked this one because it’s fancy without being too stuffy or formal,” says Bonar.

a spiral-shaped vase with flowers

Curly vase

$195 at MoMA Design Store

Whimsical without being twee, this sculptural glass vase makes even a single grocery-store tulip feel like a moment. A nice little reminder for a couple to buy flowers for each other.

a sleek black kettle

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

$199.95 at Fellow
$165 at Amazon

With its sleek gooseneck spout, minimalist silhouette and pinpoint temperature control, this cult-favorite kettle more than earns its reputation. I tried one at a friend’s place recently and was instantly won over – it’s fast, quiet, and surprisingly satisfying to use.

a red and brown bowl

Emile Henry large storage bowl in burgundy

$189.40 at Amazon
$199.95 at Emile Henry
This is one of those classic kitchen gifts that’s secretly genius. Made in France from Burgundy clay, the 4.7-quart ceramic base keeps produce fresh, while the cork lid doubles as a second serving or display bowl.

a rolled up speckled mat

Suga C2G yoga mat

$189 at Suga

For couples that flow together, this yoga mat is dense, grippy, and made from recycled wetsuits – perfect for their shared morning stretches or weekend classes. Plus if you purchase the “cradle to grave” option, the company promises a replacement “if your mat ever wears out”.

a rectangular white pan with a blue design

Great Jones hot dish

$105 at Great Jones

I didn’t expect to fall in love with a casserole dish, but here we are. My mother-in-law got me a Hot Dish for my birthday and it’s sturdy, beautiful, and deceptively versatile – handling everything from baked pasta to crisped-up cobbler. It also feels fancy enough for dinner parties but gets just as much use on a random Tuesday night.

Best wedding gift ideas over $200

a silver suitcase with wheels

Calpak Ambeur 20-inch Carry-On Spinner

$215 at Zola
$245 at Calpak
Perfect for weekend getaways or honeymoon hauls, this compact carry-on features a durable hard-shell body and 360-degree spinner wheels. “It’s super light, which is perfect for me as I’m a chronic over-packer,” says Forrest. It’s also expandable, in case you “shop too much on vacation and you have to expand it for the way home (guilty)”.

Brooklinen down comforter

$254.15 at Brooklinen
Plush and breathable, this cotton-shelled comforter will make the couple feel as though they’re sleeping in a literal cloud. “For the guests who underwrite it, just know that the newlyweds will think about you every night while they fall into a deep slumber,” says Yoder.

a slender vaccum cleaner

Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty IP3251

$429.99 at Amazon
$429.99 at Shark

Sivin listed a quality handheld vacuum in her registry. “I think my parents still have their vacuum from the 90s,” she says, and she wanted one equally durable. The Guardian’s top pick: the Shark IP3251, which comes with a base station that doubles as a stand and charging dock. The docking station doubles as a receptacle for the vacuum’s contents, leaving it empty and ready for its next use.

a black and white cup and saucer

Sol Y Sombra coffee cup and saucer$480 at Amazon
$480 at Grayson Living
Designed by Christian Lacroix for Portuguese porcelain house Vista Alegre, these coffee cups are as much art as they are drinkware – featuring a butterfly hidden inside the cup. “This is something I typically wouldn’t splurge on in everyday life,” says Corcoran, but “they’ll become a part of a collection that we pass down to future generations”.

a grass green standing mixer

KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer

$379.99 at Amazon
$379.99 at KitchenAid

A design icon with serious utility, this five-quart stand mixer handles everything from bread dough to whipped cream with ease – and looks good doing it. “This was a group gift from a handful of aunties,” says Knuppel. “Despite loving to cook, at age 35 I didn’t have a proper stand mixer. These days, I’m not sure how I lived without it.”

a chain of wooden beads

Bless wooden extension cord

$260 at SSENSE
A gift for the couple who hate clutter. Crafted by Berlin-based design studio Bless, this artful extension cord turns a mundane household object into a centerpiece. White cables are threaded through polished wooden beads for a genius organization hack.

a silver and black coffee machine

Technivorm Moccamaster 53941 KBGV Select

$349 at Amazon
$359.95 at Williams Sonoma
“We make drip coffee every single morning – whoever’s awake first usually starts the pot,” says Firkser. The Moccamaster has long been on their wish list. With a cone-shaped basket that draws out all the complexity of the beans and a hotplate that adjusts to how much you’ve brewed, it’s a splurge-worthy upgrade. The Guardian also recommends it as the best option for drip coffee.

silverware with white handles

Sabre Bistro flatware set (20 pieces)

$479.95 at Williams Sonoma
From $322 at Sabre Paris

This trés chic lineup, made in France, is also durable enough to toss in the dishwasher – and use for decades. “Drinking glasses shatter, plates and bowls chip, but nice-ass cutlery is forever,” says Yoder. For a timeless table setting that won’t need replacing, this is the set to beat.

a turntable and speakers

Crosley C62C turntable with speakers

$214.95 at Amazon

A modern take on a vintage essential, this two-speed turntable comes with built-in speakers and a sleek walnut veneer plinth – a nice pick for couples who have merged their vinyl collections. “We’ve always wanted a record player, but never took the plunge,” says Corcoran. “We added it to the registry and I’m so happy we did.”

a cutting board with a knife and slices of lemon

The Boardsmith Maple End Grain cutting board

$240 at Amazon
$230 at The Boardsmith
Made in Texas from sustainably harvested hardwoods, this cutting board is beautiful, easy on knives and built for a lifetime. “I didn’t ask for this one, but I sure wish I did,” says Yoder. “A well-made cutting board is the ultimate little luxury.”

white and gold plates

Vera Wang Wedgwood lace gold dinnerware set

$490 at Macy’s
With delicate detailing, this dinnerware set can zhuzh up a celebration. “I’m not a firm believer in the ‘you must register for wedding china’ lore,” says Forrest. “But my grandmother passed down a set of gold wedding china to me, and it felt really special to register for a set that looked similar to hers that could sit on the same holiday table.”

an oatmeal colored sheet set on a bed

West Elm linen sheet set

$269-$309 at West Elm
Woven from European flax, these linen sheets get softer with every wash. As Kirsten Palladino, co-founder of the online LGBTQ+ magazine Equally Wed, puts it: “If there’s a wedding gift that I’d say everyone uses and appreciates, it’s a set of high-quality sheets in a neutral color or pattern.”

an ironing board

Hold Everything ironing board

$219.95 at Williams Sonoma
Who knew an ironing board could feel… stylish? This minimalist upgrade folds flat for easy storage, wheels effortlessly around the house, and looks good enough to leave out. A surprisingly luxe gift for couples who appreciate a crisp collar.

a small oven on standing legs

Ooni Koda 12 gas pizza oven

$399 at Amazon
$399 at Ooni USA
“Once we’re married, we really have to host some sick pizza nights,” says Virdi. The Ooni Koda is the secret: it runs on propane, heats up in minutes, and cranks out restaurant-level pies with perfectly blistered crusts. Compact and easy to store, it’s the ideal sidekick for a woodsy weekend away.


Experiences

A spa day for the post-honeymoon crash

It’s the part no one warns you about: you get back from your dreamy honeymoon… and immediately feel like collapsing. “An endless pile of thank-you cards to write! Back to work!” says Yoder. A spa day can help.

A cash fund that buys core memories
“As a couple who has lived together for a few years pre-wedding – we really didn’t need more stuff,” says Corcoran. So the couple added a handful of experience-based cash funds to their registry. One of the most memorable? A tea ceremony in Kyoto, where they “learned about the traditional art of making matcha”.

Sewing classes at a local craft store

“We wanted to allow people to give us the gift of experiences that are right in our backyard, so we asked for gift cards for classes at our local craft store, Beetle & Fred, in Beacon,” says Sivin. It’s a sweet way to keep the fun of the wedding going long after the last slice of cake.

Charitable donations

Registry sites like Zola make it easy to steer guests toward good causes. “Our instructions were pretty simple: no presents, just presence,” says Anikah Shaokat, who married her husband in New Orleans earlier this year. “But if they were so inclined, we asked them to donate in our name to a list of organizations.” Many charities are assessed and rated at Charity Navigator. You could also choose a local cause that you know is close to the couple’s heart.


Q&A

What makes a good wedding gift?

“I think the best wedding gift is the one the couple actually asked for,” says Forrest. Meaning, something on a registry, if a couple has one. She loves buying the most practical gift on the list, like a trash can or a steamer: “So many guests worry that everyday items aren’t as meaningful, but to me, the best gift is the one that will be used all the time.”

Bonar, the Cleveland local who’s getting married this July in Italy, puts it simply: “To me, the best registry item is something you want, but wouldn’t get for yourself.” These are the gifts that feel truly special because they represent a little luxury or upgrade the couple might not splurge on otherwise.

How much should I spend on a wedding gift?

This age-old question has plagued me before so many friends’ weddings. And the annoying news? There’s no single right answer. “Find a gift that feels comfortable for your current financial situation,” says Palladino, of Equally Wed. It sounds obvious, but it’s true.

Forrest, who authors Zola’s trend reports, suggests a practical range: “Most guests aim to spend about $100 to $150 on a wedding gift, but that number definitely fluctuates depending on a variety of factors,” like what your relationship is like to the couple, whether you’ve already dished out for a shower, bachelor or bachelorette weekend, and how much you have to spend just to attend the wedding.

Can I go rogue, or must I use the registry?

Short answer: Unless you plan to give cash, which is always welcome, it’s usually best to stick to the script. Forrest learned this lesson personally. “Between my shower and my wedding, I got at least three cheese boards I didn’t register for,” she says. “And I’ve used zero of them, because I had already registered for the one I really wanted.”

If you still want to buy something else, or there’s nothing on the list within your budget, going rogue might make sense. Our list above should help.

Ali Francis is a journalist and recent newlywed with extensive experience reviewing products for publications such as Self, Domino, and Bon Appétit. Her work often explores how what we buy connects to culture and identity. She lives in Salt Lake City, where she’s authoring her forthcoming book, The Curious Lives of Vegetables.

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