Best Wedding Gifts

Wedding gifts are evolving. The registry is still the safest and most appreciated route, but the couples who already live together present a specific challenge: they often already have the basics. In that case, the right move is the premium version of something they use every day. Le Creuset instead of a standard Dutch oven. Staub instead of a generic cast iron pan. Hedley and Bennett instead of a standard apron.

Experiences are increasingly popular as wedding gifts. A cooking class for two from Sur La Table or a local culinary school, a wine tasting at a local winery, or a weekend getaway package all create memories rather than adding to a shelf. These work especially well for couples who are specific about their home aesthetic and hard to buy for.

For the couple who already lives together: premium versions of things they already use every day. A Vitamix blender, a KitchenAid stand mixer in a color they would not have bought themselves, or a Breville espresso machine. These are aspirational purchases people live without for years until someone gives them one.

Monogrammed items work when they are subtle. Embroidered linen napkins, engraved cocktail glasses, or a custom cutting board with the couple's last name and wedding date are all tasteful and personal. Cash and Venmo are more acceptable than ever for weddings. When in doubt, ask what they actually need and give that.