The wedding boom is coming, and with that comes wedding gift shopping.
Choosing the perfect wedding present is no easy task. Many couples opt for a registry to help guide guests through the process, but it’s not a foolproof strategy. Items sell out. Traditionalist guests would rather give a longer-lasting item than a set of measuring cups, and grandma may have her heart set on monogrammed linens instead of giving to the honeymoon fund listed on the wedding website.
In fact, the pandemic has shifted the way in which couples approach their wedding registries, putting more focus on home goods and barware than the trendy experiences of recent pre-pandemic years.
Luckily, there are tried-and-true gifts beloved by newlyweds everywhere as well as new items engaged couples are rushing to add to their registries. Here are 13 of the best wedding gifts for 2021.
Roomba: This handy cleaning device topped The Knot’s 2021 registry awards, and with good reason: Who wants to spend time cleaning when a robot can do it for you? Definitely not a newlywed. The latest version of the Roomba comes with Wi-Fi, allowing the user to control preferences via an app and connect it to a Google voice assistant. Suggested retail price: $349
Wine glasses: No matter what type of wine the to-be-weds like to sip, the Zalto universal glass will be a fit. The Austrian glassware company believes you need only one style of glass for all your wine, so Zalto specifically designed the mouth-blown, lead-free crystal glass to maximize the flavors and aromas of all varieties. If Le Bernardin sommelier Aldo Sohm is a fan, we bet the wine-loving newlyweds will be too. SRP: $354
Air purifier: Call it an outcome of the pandemic, but one of the most requested items on registries right now is an air purifier. The Coway Airmega 250 is the brand’s newest model. It’s designed to be more compact but still offers the activated carbon filter and high-performance HEPA filter that captures the vast majority of fine dust. Plus there’s a smart mode that adapts to its surroundings and real-time monitoring. SRP: $399
Custom stationery: Honor the couple’s union with a set of custom stationery designed with their joint last name or both of their names—any way they plan to introduce themselves to the world. For more than 130 years, New York City–based Dempsey and Carroll has produced bespoke, engraved stationery for newlyweds like its popular correspondence card. The pack of 100 note cards comes with a custom engraving plate that the couple can use in the future to print additional cards as well as matching envelopes. SRP: $480
Instant Pot: If there is one kitchen gadget to get the newlyweds started on their culinary journey, it’s the Instant Pot. An all-in-one pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, and more, the Instant Pot Duo Plus offers 15 one-touch programs for whipping up a meal, like a sous vide for meat or fish and a rice setting for perfectly fluffy kernels. SRP: $120
Bar cart: Stock the couple’s bar by literally supplying them with the bar. This swanky cart by Jonathan Adler combines modern sensitivity with classic function—a place to mix up cocktails and pour wine in any corner of the room. Plus it doubles as decorative furniture to spice up any space in more ways than one. SRP: $1,450
Coffee cups: Art lovers and coffee fans alike appreciate Illy’s latest collaboration: a set of cappuccino cups by contemporary artist and activist Ai Weiwei. Known for making strong political statements through his work, Ai Weiwei brings a version of his Colored Vases series to Illy’s iconic cappuccino cups by dipping them in bold hues of industrial paint. They certainly brighten the morning. SRP: $135
Toasting flutes: Toast the happy couple with a pair of crystal Champagne flutes. Baccarat makes some of the best crystal stemware on the planet, and the Harcourt Eve features the brand’s iconic pop of bold color on a traditional clear crystal design. Bonus: Give the engaged duo the set before the big day so they can use the stemware for their official “cheers” as a married pair. SRP: $390
Silver picture frame: What’s more traditional than a classic silver frame? Christofle is a go-to brand when it comes to quality silver products, and this silver-plated frame is no different. Opt for a larger size, like eight inches by 10 inches, so couples can really admire their wedding photos. SRP: $340
Stainless-steel cookware: Receiving a set of All-Clad pots and pans is like getting an instant professional kitchen. The cookware brand’s 10-piece stainless-steel set is one serious must-have on wedding registries. What makes it such a great option is that the aluminum and stainless-steel construction allows for even heat distribution, necessary for monitoring cooking times, and natural stick resistance. They also seem to last forever, which is why you also find these pans in the kitchen of your favorite restaurant. SRP: $699
Tushy bidet: Turn any newlywed’s home into a spa-like experience with one simple device: the Tushy bidet. The brand’s Spa 3.0 version features a temperature-controlled nozzle for warm water, controls to optimize pressure and angle, and an easy-clean shield to keep it looking buff. It’s especially thoughtful for eco-conscious couples, as the Tushy uses far less water per use than it takes to produce one toilet paper roll. SRP: $149
Champagne bucket: Celebrate the newly married couple by popping bottles. Give them this gold-rimmed, hand-blown glass Champagne bucket alongside a bottle of sparkling wine for a truly festive present. When it’s not in use holding bottles of Moët, it makes a statement piece of glassware on the buffet or vase for holding flowers on the dining room table. SRP: $295
KitchenAid stand mixer: Ah, a perennial favorite. You won’t come across many wedding registries without a KitchenAid stand mixer on the list. The Artisan Series five-quart, tilt-head mixer can be used to make all sorts of desserts, but it’s the variety of attachments that make this the most convenient culinary device in the house: pasta press, sausage grinder, vegetable chopper, and more. You’d better hope you’ll also be invited over for fresh pappardelle. SRP: $399
