6 bridal registry gifts that keep on giving

 

Let's talk bridal registry gifts.

Wedding season is approaching. But before the walk down the aisle, there is often a bridal shower. At the time this post is being published, it has been about nine years since I created my bridal registry. 

Let me take the guessing out of which gifts to include on your bridal registry or give as a gift. Let's look at the bridal registry gifts I'm still using years later!

Gift givers, I now speak directly to you (in my best Lord Voldemort voice). Before you buy, here is some unoriginal advice. Money is the universal gift! Gift cards are great, particularly if they're for stores where the couple registered. 

USE THE BRIDAL REGISTRY. A lot of time and effort is put into creating a registry, so anything from it is sure to be a hit. Gifts purchased from the bridal registry come with benefits such as an extended return policy. There is often a discount to purchase any remaining items from a bridal registry once the gift giving slows down. 

Finally, unless they're on the bridal registry, then don't go crazy on personalized items and pass on lingerie. Customized items can't be regifted or returned, and lingerie is very personal - I'm sure the betrothed would prefer to choose their own. 

Now, let's look at the gifts I received off of my bridal registry nearly a decade ago that I continue to use (commissions earned). I will go in order from most to least used, but I use all of these quite often.

1. Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso machine 

Full disclosure, I did NOT receive a Nespresso machine from my bridal registry. We started out with a Keurig and my sister-in-law so generously upgraded us to a Nespresso machine a couple of Christmases ago (commissions earned). 

But let's be honest, any coffee machine is an amazing gift for the coffee lover. We make use of our coffee machine multiple times per day. Check out these gifts for coffee lovers under $20 to accompany the big gift! 

2. Black + Decker countertop toaster oven 

If you're in need of a little miracle, then reheat leftover pizza in a toaster oven (you're welcome). Pizza is a weekly feature on the menu at our house, so we use this quite a bit. You can toast anything in here, and can also cook. 

My mother-in-law makes baked potatoes in hers. I've also made quesadillas. Heating or reheating food in a toaster oven just hits differently compared to a microwave. My husband even prefers freshly delivered pizza to go in the toaster oven a bit for that extra crisp factor.

3. Lodge cast iron skillet 

I love my versatile cast iron skillet. I mostly use mine for preparing proteins, but I'd really like to try out some casseroles and desserts in this thing. 

Oddly enough, caring for my cast iron skillet is a task I actually enjoy. There's just something therapeutic about cleaning it after cooking (without soap!), coating it with oil then drying it in the oven. 

4. Presto griddle  

Whether it's bulk cooking and freezing my daughter's favorite banana pancakes, making breakfast or burgers - I use my griddle often. I love that I can cook a large amount in less time and without dirtying more cookware. 

It's easy to prep with no-stick cooking spray and store in the Camp chef large griddle bag (commissions earned) - this makes the griddle convenient to carry on the go and would be perfect at a campground.

5. Martha Stewart knife block set  

Whether I'm slicing fruit, chopping vegetables, or cutting steak, I'm constantly reaching for my knife block set. The countertop design is very convenient, easy to grab in a pinch, and up safely out of reach of my tall and curious toddler. 

I love that the set comes with a built in sharpener to keep the knives functioning at their best. Not only that, but after all of these years of use, nothing has rusted, become loose or needed sharpened yet!

6. OGHome Handheld Steamer 

I use my handheld steamer at home and abroad quite often for a variety of purposes. Of course, I steam garments, but I also clean surfaces with stuck on muck. 

Since I've had this little gadget, I've rarely had to drag out my iron and ironing board (commissions earned). If I can't steam it, then I don't want it! 

I love that the handheld steamer is discreet, easy to store at home and pack during travel. I even left mine on a cruise ship once, but promptly replaced it!

Summary

When it comes to gift giving, I understand the desire to want to stand out and earn "ooohhhs" and "aaaahhhhhssss" with your unique gift. I'm sorry, but this is not about you! I'm sure the crowd will contain some seasoned members who understand the value of a practical and thoughtful gift! 

Cash and gift cards are always the right size! When in doubt, purchase from the bridal registry. Everyone's lifestyle is different and the gifts they want will reflect what's most important to them. 

This post features gifts I received years ago and continue to use regularly to this day. If you're invited to a bridal shower and you find one or more similar items on the bridal registry, I bet they'll be well loved, too!

What have you been gifted for any occasion that has proven most useful? Share to spread the word to gift givers and those creating bridal registries!

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