If you're reading this, you're probably getting ready to attend at least one wedding in the coming months. And you're probably not just shopping for a wedding guest outfit and wondering about seating arrangements; there's also the age-old dilemma of what present to pick out for the happy couple.
Your mind may jump immediately to home and kitchen goods — and that's a great place to start, says Matt Graham, a gifting expert and co-founder of gifting company Shadow Breeze, located in Kaysville, Utah. Perhaps the newlyweds are in their 20s, just moving into their first home together, and they may have more of a pressing need for those essentials.
But, Graham adds, "with the average age of marriage in the USA now about 30 years old, many couples already have most of the items that used to be considered the basics for wedding gifts, like flatware [and] cookware."
In those cases, he advises checking the couple's wedding registry (if they have one) so you can get an idea of the types of items they'd like to receive.
Newlywed-approved gifts | Best expert-approved wedding gifts | Best home and kitchen gifts | Best lifestyle and experience gifts | What to look for | How we chose | Meet our experts
Best wedding gifts, according to newlyweds
Lenox Blue Bay 2-Piece Creamer & Sugar Bowl Set
For a unique gift alternative to dining sets, Shop TODAY branded commerce editor and newlywed Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil recommends this creamer and sugar bowl set, one of her favorite wedding gifts.
The porcelain pieces have a timeless, elegant design, with thoughtful details like the scalloped cup rim and rustic stripe and leaf prints. Plus, they're versatile: In addition to using them for tea, one reviewer says they bought two sets — one for dessert use and another for gravies.
Schott Zwiesel Modo White Wine Glasses
Audience development manager Halle Gesicki had these wine glasses on her wedding registry. They're the perfect white wine glasses to have in your cabinets when you're ready to have a dinner party and entertain guests. They are dishwasher-safe and made with chip- and scratch-resistant glass.
Crock-Pot 8-Quart Slow Cooker
Recent newlyweds Oralia Lainez and Jakub Tutka filled their wedding registry with what they call “household luxuries,” like this Crock-Pot slow cooker. “These are things we’d like and would use but aren’t necessities,” Lainez says.
A slow cooker is a low-effort way to make a hearty meal. Just set the timer — for up to 20 hours! — and do anything else you need while the machine does all the work. It even keeps food warm when the timer goes off.
Emilie Henry Pizza Stone
"Believe it or not, this is one of the best gifts I've received so far," former NBC News shopping editor and newlywed Morgan Greenwald tells us. "My [partner] and I regularly make our own pizzas, and this stone has allowed us to actually shape them into circles. The stone itself is easy to clean and relatively lightweight."
Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer
Air fryers are a kitchen must-have. Anything from cookies to steak can be made in an air fryer with ease and little to no mess. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in minutes, and with dishwasher-safe parts, cleaning up is just as easy as cooking.
"If I could pick my favorite kitchen appliance, it would probably be this. Not only does it make cooking so much easier and faster, but it’s a healthier way of making all the fried foods that I love," Gesicki says.
Stilosa Espresso Machine by Delonghi
We already knew that Cocchi Zabloudil is a coffee lover, and specifically a Delonghi fan, so it’s not surprising she also shared this pick as one of her favorites.
There’s plenty to love for the espresso-loving couple. It’s got an elegant design (reminiscent of an Italian cafe) that’ll look great on their countertop, as well as a 15-bar pump, built-in milk frother, stainless steel boiler and two filters, so they can make either a single or double espresso and channel their inner barista.
Wine Enthusiast 6-Bottle Countertop Wine Refrigerator
When the party is over and the glasses are away, it's time to preserve the leftover wine. Gesicki has seen the Ivation 12-bottle wine refrigerator (which rings up at around $200) across many friend's registries and decided to add it to her own.
But for a more affordable wine fridge with a smaller footprint, and one that will still show off the bride and groom's favorite vino, we recommend Wine Enthusiast's six-bottle option. It uses energy-efficient cooling technology and boasts removable metal racks and an LED touchscreen display so they'll be able to easily see and control the internal temperature.
Bonus: Its sleek and compact frame makes it equally at home on the countertop and under their bar cart.
West Elm Silky Tencel Sheet Set
This 320-thread count sheet set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two pillowcases for full-size beds and larger.
"Admittedly, I've never really splurged on sheets, even though I know I should," Greenwald says. "These West Elm sheets were one of the first things I added to my registry because not only do they have a silk-like texture, but the Tencel Lyocell fabric is also designed to keep you cool."
Calphalon Self-Sharpening 15-Piece Knife Block Set
“I’m handy enough around the kitchen, but I don’t know the first thing about sharpening knives,” says Greenwald.
“When I came across this knife block set with built-in ceramic sharpeners, I immediately added it to my registry and made it a must-have. It looks super sleek on my kitchen counter, and so far all of the knives have stayed perfectly sharp!”
Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker
This dual-purpose Keurig coffee maker brews six 12-ounce single-serve mugs of coffee or a whole carafe. It can also be programmed to make a carafe up to 24 hours in advance, so each day can start with the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
“The only thing my fiancé added [to our registry] was the Keurig because he wants that the most,” Lainez says.
KitchenAid Gourmet Pasta Press Attachment
"One of my favorite [wedding] gifts is the KitchenAid Stand Mixer," says one of the newlyweds we spoke with. And, honestly, who doesn't want a KitchenAid mixer?
But a mixer can be used for more than just baking. With KitchenAid's pasta press attachment, all it takes is the quick change of a disc to make six different pastas. It also has a built-in wire cutter so you can customize the exact length of pasta to your liking.
"I already had a KitchenAid mixer before I got engaged, so I thought I could use my wedding registry to get some accessories I might not otherwise buy — like the pasta press," says Greenwald.
All-Clad's d3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 5-Piece Cookware Set
For a splurge pick that'll look gorgeous in their kitchen and will last them for years to come, foodie Cocchi Zabloudil recommends renowned cookware brand All-Clad's D3 Tri-Ply Cookware Set. A super-conductive aluminum core is bonded to two layers of durable (and easy to clean!) stainless steel, and the handles are riveted and comfortable to hold.
Le Creuset Dutch Oven
"Cooking for my fiancé is a daily stress because the man is literally always hungry," says Gesicki. "I love this bestselling Dutch oven because it is durable and will help make extra servings for leftovers. Not to mention, I don’t think I’ve ever seen prettier cookware."
Best expert-recommended wedding gifts
CB2 Marta Coolers
Elena Besser previously stopped by the 3rd Hour of TODAY and recommended these glasses for their chic, ultra-thin appearance and low price point — a pack of six for under $18, or $2.95 each!
Available in clear and patterned styles, these cups are classy enough for couples to throw a dinner party with. When it's all over, you can put them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Material Kitchen the reBoard
Besser is a fan of Material’s reBoard cutting boards because of their quality — and she’s also a fan of the founders, who are Northwestern alumni. The reBoard comes in five different colors: Sand, Coral, Tide, Deep and To Pó-Po, With Love. It also comes with a cute mini version if counter space is a concern (and it doesn’t hurt that it’s $10 cheaper).
The cutting boards are sustainable; they’re made completely from recycled kitchen plastic scraps and renewable sugar cane, according to the brand. Besser recommends placing a damp kitchen towel under the board if it slides during use.
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Kingwood 20-Piece Flatware Set
To accompany the glassware, Besser recommended flatware with a lustrous finish and hefty weight. This 20-piece set from tried-and-true premium silverware brand Zwilling J.A. Henckels is vouched for by over 150 reviewers who have bestowed it an average rating of 4.9 stars — and it's now available on Sur la Table for almost half off.
Complete with a set of five tablespoons, teaspoons, salad forks, dinner spoons, dinner forks, dessert forks and table knives, this silverware allows newlyweds to serve a three-course meal from the comfort of their home.
KitchenAid Electric Kettle
Besser knows many people often overlook the merits of a quality electric kettle. Whether newlyweds want to make a quick cup of tea, whip up some pourover coffee or boil water quickly, Besser highly recommends them.
We like this electric one by stand mixer brand KitchenAid because it has the best of both words: the cozy aesthetic and familiar silhouette of a stovetop kettle and the accessibility and efficiency of an electric one.
We also adore the sleek, stainless steel finish, which adds a touch of modern to its classic shape, but you can also get it in four other colors.
Material Kitchen The Trio of Knives
Personally, I've long been singing Material's praises: I use my Coral reBoard all the time (at the expense of my five other chopping boards), and I also swear by the brand's Trio of Knives if you have the extra cash to spare.
The set is made from Japanese stainless steel and high carbon, and it comes with a chef's knife, paring knife and bread knife — the only three I ever really need. They're sharp and durable, and the chef's knife is one of my favorites in terms of weight, aesthetics and handle comfort.
Great Jones the Starting Lineup
When a couple first gets married, Besser admits, most cooking is primarily for each other. She recommends this small, oven-safe and dishwasher friendly cookware collection from cult-favorite Great Jones. It includes a Dutch baby oven, small frying pan and little sheet pan.
Although she recommends this set for new cooks, their colors and appearance will please chefs of all levels who appreciate bright colors in their kitchen.
Best home and kitchen wedding gifts
Carla Hall Sweet Heritage Nesting Ceramic Measuring Bowls
The six-piece ceramic measuring bowl set comes in three vibrant colors and includes capacities from 0.25 to 2 cups. The bowls are also safe for the fridge, freezer, microwave and dishwasher (and heat-safe up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit!). And did we mention they nest for those newlyweds looking to save on kitchen storage space?
Custom Neon Wedding Sign
Frankie Norman Designs Custom Couple Portrait
If you want to make sure you give them a meaningful gift without breaking the bank, lifestyle and gift-giving expert Lindsay Roberts Schey recommends taking advantage of online marketplaces like Etsy that offer cute, customized gifts from small businesses.
"[It] is a treasure trove of creative and inexpensive gift ideas that show how much the couple means to you," she says, highlighting the above neon wedding sign and custom portrait as some of her favorite examples.
We love the custom portrait in particular because you can add their beloved pet (or pets) for an extra fee — which will probably get you extra brownie points for uniqueness.
ForeverEtchedGiftCo Personalized Cheese Board and Spreader Set
HappyPicnic Wicker Picnic Basket Set for 2
If you’re looking for a unique gift, Graham suggests going for something your recipients probably don’t already own — things like HappyPicnic’s all-inclusive wicker picnic basket set above. It comes with everything they’ll need for park dates, including a waterproof picnic blanket, tableware for two, napkins and wine glasses.
Another example Graham recommends is a charcuterie board the recipients can use for both the above picnic dates and entertaining guests in their home. Schey likes the personalized cheese board set above from Etsy because it offers an extra-meaningful touch that won’t cost you too much.
Mark and Graham Wood and Marble Chip and Dip Set
Associate editor Lauren Witonsky recently gifted this chip and dip set to soon-to-be newlyweds and appreciated the ability to customize it with their new last name on it to add a thoughtful touch.
"There are so many styles of monograms to choose from so every piece feels super personalized and like one of a kind," she says. "Plus, a serving dish is a great option if your recipient isn’t a big drinker — everyone loves snacks!"
Farberware Millennium Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set
For more practical-minded couples for whom function matters more than aesthetics, you can't go wrong with a quality set from trusted home cookware brand Farberware.
This 10-piece set is made from polished stainless steel with an aluminum core, and the pieces are compatible with all cooktops (including induction). They're even oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Scrabble Deluxe Edition
Scrabble holds a special spot in Cocchi Zabloudil's heart, as her husband used it to propose to her. This deluxe edition of the game brings a little healthy competition to game night for the newlyweds as well.
"I appreciate the chic colorways, the built-in turntable and the hidden storage," she says of this elevated version of the classic board game. "It’s a splurge for sure, but would make a great gift for someone who loves the game and may not treat themselves to such an elegant version."
Best lifestyle and experience wedding gifts
Maker Wine On Demand Virtual Wine Tasting
Are the newlyweds budding sommeliers and love learning about wine varietals as a hobby? There are unique ways to tailor your gifts to their taste, Graham says: It can be as simple as wine-tasting tools to something as extravagant as wine-tasting excursions.
If full-on destination wine excursions are beyond your budget, there are plenty of more reasonably priced virtual tastings you can gift the happy couple, like this one from Maker Wine — a woman-owned company that works with small wine producers to make high-end, small-batch varietals more easily accessible. The giftees will learn about tasting notes, food parings and more from Maker’s in-house wine expert and co-founder. What’s more, the tasting pack, which includes a Zinfandel, Rosé of Grenache and Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, are all vegan and come with zero sugar.
Eppicotispai 9-Piece Pasta Starter Set
Fresca Italia Pasta Night Gift Crate
Another way to give a wedding gift that's both unique and inexpensive? DIY it, says Schey.
"Head to a stores like HomeGoods and find a practical yet pretty basket or box, and fill [it] with a grouping of themed items they can use together," she explains. "There are some great finds you can put together to make an inexpensive yet thoughtful gift."
For instance, you can buy some gourmet pasta, pasta sauce and olive oil (perhaps from their favorite store), and find gorgeous appetizer plates to go with them to make a cute Italian-themed dinner basket.
"It's all about the presentation and the thought behind [it]," Schey says.
What to consider when shopping for a wedding gift
If you've exhausted your options — for example, if other people have already snagged all the kitchen and cookware items on the couple's wedding registry — our experts offer a few more gift categories you could consider:
Unique home and kitchen gifts
"Consider items that they are unlikely to already have, like a picnic set, a charcuterie board for entertaining guests [or] a wine decanter," like the ones we recommend above, he suggests. You can even get as detailed as, for instance, gifting them a seasonal wreath for their front door.
Gifts based on (shared) hobbies and interests
If you happen to be very close with both the bride and groom, you'll probably have an even better idea of the categories of gifts that'll get them really excited — especially if it's based on a hobby or activity you've done together. "For example: hiking or camping gear, carry-on suitcases, a large beach shade umbrella, something for their four-legged friends if applicable, etc.," Graham explains.
Experience gifts
"Giving experience gifts for weddings is growing in popularity," explains Graham. "Some ideas might include a cooking class or art class for the new couple, a guided tour (perhaps where they will be honeymooning) a wine-tasting excursion, a hotel stay, etc."
Yes, cash gifts are OK
If you're worried that giving cash or a gift card will come off as impersonal, don't — the couple will probably very much appreciate it, Graham says. But what'll make it even better is if you get creative with it. For instance, both Graham and Schey advise pairing the cash gift with another small physical item to make it more meaningful.
Graham suggests adding a "story or theme" to the gift: "For example, [get them] cash along with an umbrella and a note that reads, 'We want to help you start to build your rainy-day fund.' [This] is better than just giving cash in a card or envelope."
Similarly, Schey likes gift pairings that the newlyweds can enjoy together as a couple, "[like] a cutting board with a gift certificate to a meal delivery kit, or wine glasses with [a] 'wine of the month' club," she says.
“Ninety percent of people gave cash for [my] wedding, which was definitely appreciated,” says Cocchi Zabloudil. She adds that some people even get creative with honeymoon funds like Honeyfund — though make sure to read the fine print, as some of them take a portion of the money.
Should I gift money in the form of check or cash?
Our two experts were somewhat split on the best way to gift money, however.
Schey recommends using checks instead of bills if you can: "It's so easy for small envelopes to get lost in the shuffle on wedding day."
Graham, however, says, "Stay away from checks. Too much of a hassle. ... Cash and gift cards are OK, but stick to the suggestions above to make it more memorable and fun."
So we'll leave it up to you to decide depending on your unique circumstances.
Both agree, though, that gift cards, certificates and subscriptions are solid gifting options. "For example, season tickets to the local community theater [or] an Audible subscription along with a book about strong marriage," Graham suggests.
But Schey advises going the gift card route only if the couple lists specific brands they love on the registry — otherwise, it's likely safer to stick with cash.
How we chose the best wedding gifts
To compile our list, we tapped celebrity chef Elena Besser, who previously stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY, as well as two gifting experts: Lindsay Roberts Schey of The Gift Insider and Shadow Breeze’s Matt Graham. They share their favorite home, kitchen and lifestyle essentials to gift or add to a wedding registry.
We also added a few more of Cocchi Zabloudil’s favorite wedding gifts and asked other newlyweds for their top picks to round out our list.
Meet our experts
- Elena Besser is a celebrity chef and TV host based in Brooklyn. In addition to being a personality on various Food Network/Cooking Channel programs, Besser also regularly appears on The TODAY Show, where she offers advice and hacks on how to be resourceful in the kitchen.
- Matt Graham is a gifting expert and the co-founder of professional gifting company Shadow Breeze. He's based in Kaysville, Utah.
- Lindsay Roberts Schey is a lifestyle and gift-giving expert and founder of The Gift Insider, where she's been sharing gifting advice for the past 13 years.
