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Editors’ Picks: 18 Unexpected Wedding Registry Gifts You Shouldn't Overlook

These unique gifts are just as important as standard pots and linens.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, Our Place Dream Cooker, Kobo Clara Colour eReader

Design by Mehroz Kapadia

Creating your registry is the only wedding-related task that is (by girl math standards, anyway) largely free. You can online shop for coveted products you’ve been dying to get your hands on and that you’ll actually receive—without spending a dime. When curating this list, many couples tend to focus on conventional kitchen appliances, like pots and pans, and must-have home décor, such as bed linens or throw pillows. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with registering for these functional essentials (they will elevate your newlywed home, after all), having a wedding registry is also an opportunity to ask for big-ticket or innovative items you wouldn’t otherwise purchase yourself. And if you and your future spouse already live together in a home that’s stocked with the basics, you might not find a use for a new coffee maker or blender.

Whether you want to supplement the traditional registry picks or forgo them altogether, we’ve assembled a roundup of unexpected wedding registry ideas that our editors recommend you add to your list. Think outside of the box by registering for products you don’t already own, like a state-of-the-art ice maker that produces nugget-shaped cubes. You can also revamp typical appliances with smart-home devices, such as a touch-screen toaster. Another idea? Fill the list with personal items for your leisure and entertainment—noise-cancelling headphones or a pickleball set are a few to consider.

For more ideas, check out our list of 18 unexpected wedding registry picks, according to our editors.

"Whether you've been cohabitating for years or are moving in together for the first time, making it legal is the perfect reason to go ahead and upgrade your sleep space. While many couples add new linens and pillows to their registries, I say go big and register for a brand-new mattress. It's an amazing group gift and something that you'll actually use—we do cumulatively spend years of our lives asleep. Casper's Dream Max mattress is my top pick for couples: Since it's perfect for all sleep styles and helps keep you cool as you sleep, you and your partner can both achieve a great night's rest." — Gabriella Rello Duffy, Senior Editorial Director

"Be honest: How long have you really had your window air conditioner? Chances are, it's been a few years since you've replaced yours and it's probably seen better days. Since these units are the saviors of any apartment dweller's summer, you might want to consider putting a new-and-improved model on your big-day gift wishlist. When you do, think about form as well as function, which is where July comes in. The company was the first to transform a seasonal eyesore into a design moment, thanks to their adjustable and colorful front panels, which you can choose with your existing décor and preferences in mind. As for the machine itself? My husband and I have been cool as cucumbers all summer long." — Sarah Schreiber, Associate Editorial Director

"Sure, noise-cancelling headphones are a pretty unusual registry item for couples to consider, but hear me out (pun intended!): You'll be glad you asked for them—specifically, these Bose headphones—post-wedding. Not only are they the perfect accessory for when you and your partner are traveling (hello, peaceful honeymoon flight!), but they can also provide you with an escape when you need some quiet time after a long and busy day." — Corinne Pierre-Louis, Senior Fashion Editor

"Adding this touch-screen toaster to your collection of kitchen appliances will make preparing breakfast as a married couple a lot more fun—and a lot tastier! Using state-of-the-art smart technology, this device will heat up your morning toast in mere seconds, providing a soft-yet-crispy texture with just one click of a finger. And with its sleek exterior, the toaster will look stunning on your countertop." — Lilly Blomquist, Associate Editor

"When it comes to home décor for your registry, a trash can is most likely the last thing on your list. However, a sleek bin—like the furniture-inspired designs from Brabantia—can be the simple solution to upgrading your newlywed space. The Bo Touch Trash Can offers a beautiful and sustainable solution to waste with its dual compartments, soft-touch opening, and spill-proof design. The best part? The legs, which is ideal for keeping fur babies out of the trash!"  — Araziel Jackson, Social Media Editor

"Baking sheets are a registry favorite, but oven mats are often overlooked. Follow any chef or watch any cooking show host (especially my girl Joanna Gaines!) and you'll notice they seldom bake without lining their pans. It wasn't until I started using them, too, that I realized how big of a difference it makes. Our Place is the perfect place to start; their griddle pan and oven mats are just the right dimensions and come in two different sizes for all of your oven needs." — Samantha Brash, Director of Content Strategy

"This one's for the couples who picked up pickleball and can't stop playing! Registering for these high-performing F2 Sports carbon fiber pickleball paddles and ball sets gets you an upgrade, and it comes as a set that's customizable for each of you. F2 Sports also has an option to make custom paddles as part of the gift or even as wedding favors for guests!" — Giovanna Angulo, Growth Associate Director

"Countertop appliances are registry mainstays, but not everyone needs a new toaster or stand mixer. Something you like don't already have? A nugget ice maker. GE's Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker whips up 1.6 pounds of the best ice per hour—which, if you're not an ice connoisseur, is the perfect amount for a household of two plus friends—and is ideal for chilling everything from your morning cold brew to your evening cocktail." — Gabriella Rello Duffy, Senior Editorial Director

"Most couples play it safe when they register for bedding—the way I see it, why register for the same linen set that everyone has when this is your opportunity to pick (and get gifted!) something more fun that you might not purchase yourself? That's why I love this cherry red, scalloped set from Garnet Hill; put the duvet cover, percale sheets, and accompanying pillowcases on your radar. Best of all, all three items can be personalized with your new married initials. That's about as special, chic, and unexpected as it gets." — Sarah Schreiber, Associate Editorial Director

"If backyard barbecues and beach trips are in your newlywed future, add this chic cooler from Corkcicle to your registry. Perfect for entertaining crowds or spending all day outdoors, this apparatus holds 32 cans that will stay cold for days. The exterior is both beautiful and functional: The sleek, shiny appearance will catch everyone’s eye, and the padded grip makes it easy to transport. It even has a built-in bottle opener and cutting board inside!" — Lilly Blomquist, Associate Editor

"After a stressful planning journey, all-night partying, and jet-setting for your honeymoon, there's nothing you and your new spouse will probably want more than rest. Enter: Puffy's Royal Hybrid Mattress—an award-winning mattress with 10 layers of ultra-plush, cool-infused materials that feel like sleeping on a cloud. It comes with a protector, pillows, and a sheet set, so there's no need to add additional linens to your registry. Once you finally settle down, you and your partner will be grateful that you can cuddle up as newlyweds for a good night's sleep on a brand-new bed." — Araziel Jackson, Social Media Editor

"Unique to many other e-readers on the market, the Kobo Clara Colour has the ability to show annotations and book covers in color! This is a great gift to take on your honeymoon and beyond. They also provide a variety of cases that fit snug, don't add much weight, and make it easier to put to sleep and preserve battery." — Giovanna Angulo, Growth Associate Director

"If there's one thing wedding planning has likely taught you, it's likely that there just aren't enough hours in the day sometimes. The Our Place Dream Cooker makes preparing a meal a breeze. Use it as a slow cooker on the days you're at the office or rely on the pressure cooking settings when you need to get dinner on the table fast. As an added bonus, it's arguably the cutest countertop appliance on the market right now." — Gabriella Rello Duffy, Senior Editorial Director

"The sheer look is in style in both wedding fashion and your shower! I've admired Quiet Town's whimsical, color-forward shower curtains since the brand came to market in 2017—and I'm particularly excited about their newest release, which marks their very first printed pattern design for their signature sun shower curtains. They'll add a little something different to your bathroom—and bring a little something unexpected to your registry." — Sarah Schreiber, Associate Editorial Director

"While a luggage set is a common wedding registry item, you can add an unexpected touch to your Away suitcase by personalizing it with your newlywed initials. I am a firm believer that new luggage is a must-have on your registry for all of your newlywed travels—whether it's your honeymoon or a friend's destination wedding." — Araziel Jackson, Social Media Editor

"The Breville Bambino Plus espresso machine is a great alternative to the traditional coffee maker gift. If you're a couple who loves a coffee shop latte, this machine gives you all of the taste without any added effort. Even as an espresso machine novice, the hands-free milk frothing feature makes a perfect latte every time! It's an easy-to-follow machine and will make delicious espresso for years to come." — Giovanna Angulo, Growth Associate Director

"Every registry needs a big-ticket item, especially with the increasing popularity of wedding group gifts. Why not make that splurge something that you'll lounge on each and every day? The way I see it, you have two options: a mattress or a couch. My colleagues have you covered on mattress recommendations, but I have one on the sofa front: If you're going to register for a couch, you need to know about Interior Define. They have a myriad of collections to speak to any design sensibility, but they really shine in the custom fabric department. You'll have your pick of mess-free (take note, pet parents!), intensely durable fabrics, from velvet and chenille to knits, in dozens of colors when you design your made-to-order piece, which has several depth and length configurations—and you can customize the legs, too. It's a no-brainer addition to your well-appointed first home or shared apartment, in my opinion." — Sarah Schreiber, Associate Editorial Director

"Schoolhouse has been one of my go-to brands for years (former home editor over here!), since they design truly timeless essentials that you'll love now and on your 50th wedding anniversary. I just can't stop thinking about their Owen table series. The glossy, colorful pieces come in a variety of heights and styles, but I'm drawn to the cocktail iteration as a fun coffee table alternative (which would work well in a smaller space or apartment). It gets better: You can craft your entire home gift list at Schoolhouse, which boasts its own registry service. It makes adding items from this tastemaker-beloved brand to a shareable present list so seamless." — Sarah Schreiber, Associate Editorial Director

"If you and your partner are furnishing a new home post-nuptials, why not ask for a practical gift, like this stunning mini desk from West Elm? In my opinion, it's a better option than fine china or any other item you likely won't use on a daily (or even monthly) basis." - Corinne Pierre-Louis, Senior Fashion Editor

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