Beyond The Registry: Creative Wedding Gift Ideas

When you’re picking out a gift for your best friend’s wedding, it can be hard to know where to start. Do they want a traditional registry with dishes, silverware and appliances? 

Or do they prefer something more unique, like a customized map of their favorite vacation spot or a framed photograph of the two of them together? We’ve compiled some creative options that are sure to please any bride and groom on their big day.

WEDDING GIFT IDEAS: Unique Ideas for all Budgets!
Takeaways
Consider the couple’s interests and unique personality when choosing a wedding gift.
Aim for a gift that is both practical and heartfelt.
Personalized items can make a world of difference in showing appreciation.
Look beyond the registry for unique and creative gift ideas.
Cash or gift cards can be suitable wedding gifts depending on the couple’s needs and preferences.
Avoid overly personal or inappropriate gifts, as well as duplicate items or those not on the registry.

Customized Wedding Map

Have you ever looked at a map and noticed that the sites on it don’t seem to be in the right places? Well, sometimes they aren’t. If you’re looking for a unique wedding gift idea, consider making your own custom map.

This could include:

  • A map of your hometown or city
  • A map of the venue where they’ll get married
  • A map of where all their guests are coming from
  • A map of their honeymoon destination (bonus points if you include pictures!)

When it comes to weddings, personalized gifts can make a world of difference in showing your appreciation and creating a lasting memory. Explore our collection of personalized wedding gifts to find the perfect present for the happy couple.

Decorative Wall Hanging

A wall hanging is a piece of art that hangs on a wall. Usually, wall hangings are made from wood or metal, but you can also find them made out of other materials. They come in all shapes and sizes, from large art pieces to small accoutrements for your home décor.

Wall hangings can be valuable for people because they can add color to a room or help give the room an overall theme. 

For example, if you want your living room to have an Asian feel then consider hanging up some Chinese fans as wall decorations; this will instantly make the room seem more exotic and inviting!

Whether it’s for yourself or someone else–or even both–a decorative handcrafted gift will be appreciated by anyone who receives it!

Best Decorative Wall Hangings for Your Home

ProductBrandDescription
Macrame Wall HangingMkonoThis handmade macrame wall hanging features a unique geometric design and adds a bohemian touch to any room.
Metal Geometric Wall ArtUmbraThis modern wall art piece is made of metal wire and adds a sleek and elegant touch to any space.
Floral DreamcatcherFRIEETThis dreamcatcher-inspired wall hanging features a beautiful floral design and brings a touch of nature to your home decor.
Wooden Wall ArtDeco 79This set of wooden wall art pieces features intricate designs and adds a rustic charm to any room.
Woven TapestrySunm BoutiqueThis woven tapestry features eye-catching patterns and colors, and can be used as a wall hanging, bedspread, or tablecloth.

Framed Photo of the Couple

The framed photo of the couple is a great option for anyone who wants to give a gift that isn’t too personal, but still represents their love. 

You can have it professionally framed in any color and size, or DIY it yourself with some simple wood frames you find at your local craft store.

Another idea is to find a photo from when you first met your partner, or one that encapsulates what makes them special—a favorite outfit, favorite pet, whatever!

If you’re feeling extra creative and want to go all out on this gift idea (or if your significant other is into photography), try taking pictures together as part of an ongoing project. 

This will make for beautiful shots where both people are posing naturally instead of stiffly in front of the camera as they do at weddings or family reunions.

If you’re unsure what to give a couple that already has everything, look no further. Our list of wedding gift ideas for the couple who has everything is packed with unique and creative options that will surprise and delight.

Home-Brewing Kit

A home-brewing kit is the perfect gift for a couple that likes to drink beer. You can choose the style of beer you want to brew, then buy ingredients and equipment separately. 

This is an especially good choice if your friend or loved one has plenty of room in their home for bottles, because some kits come with only enough ingredients for one batch. With many kits available at local homebrew shops and online retailers like Amazon, finding a home-brewing kit is as easy as doing a quick search on your phone!

Top Home-Brewing Kits for Crafting Your Own Beer

ProductBrandDescription
Starter KitNorthern BrewerThis all-in-one starter kit includes all the necessary equipment for brewing your first batch of beer, along with step-by-step instructions.
Deluxe KitBrooklyn Brew ShopThis deluxe kit features a variety of brewing equipment and high-quality ingredients, allowing for more customization and experimentation in the brewing process.
Brew Share Enjoy KitMidwest SuppliesThis kit includes a selection of popular beer recipes, as well as all the necessary equipment and ingredients for making up to 5 gallons of beer.
One-Gallon KitMr. BeerThis compact kit is perfect for beginners or those with limited space, and includes everything needed to brew a one-gallon batch of beer.
Complete KitHomebrewers OutpostThis comprehensive kit includes equipment for brewing and bottling beer, as well as detailed instructions and a recipe book for creating a variety of beer styles.

Mr. and Mrs. Pillowcases

Pillowcases are a quick, affordable and practical gift that you can easily personalize with your names and wedding date. 

They’re also great for any couple who likes to spend their time in bed! You can purchase pillowcases online or at a local craft store, but keep in mind that you may need to order them early if they’re not available locally.

You can use this gift as part of a bigger set of registries or even as an anniversary gift—it’s guaranteed not to break the bank!

Want to give a wedding gift that stands out from the crowd? Our guide on beyond the registry creative wedding gift ideas features out-of-the-box suggestions that will make a lasting impression on both the couple and their guests.

Nice Bedding Set

A nice bedding set can be a great gift for newlyweds, as they will need to buy everything from kitchen utensils to bed sheets. 

It’s a great idea since it gives them something they actually need, rather than something they don’t have time or money for right now.

There are many different types of bedding sets available: department stores such as Macy’s and Kohl’s carry them; online retailers like Amazon sell them; even discount stores like TJ Maxx occasionally carry them too! 

Some bridal shops even sell custom-made pillowcases with the couple’s monogram on them – how cute is that?

Depending on how much you want to spend, you can either opt for an affordable set or splurge on an extravagant one (like these $4K Egyptian cotton ones). 

Either way, these items are sure to give your loved ones some peaceful sleep every night after their wedding day festivities have ended

Best Bedding Sets for a Comfortable Night’s Sleep

ProductBrandDescription
Percale Sheet SetParachuteMade from 100% long-staple cotton, this percale sheet set is durable, breathable, and gets softer with every wash.
Linen Sheet SetBrooklinenThis luxurious linen sheet set is highly breathable and moisture-wicking, making it ideal for hot sleepers.
Comforter SetBuffyThis eco-friendly set features a fluffy cloud-like comforter made from recycled plastic bottles, as well as soft and silky eucalyptus sheets.
Duvet Cover SetCrane & CanopyThis duvet cover set features a stylish and modern design, and includes a soft and fluffy duvet insert for a cozy night’s sleep.
Organic Cotton Sheet SetBoll & BranchMade from certified organic cotton, this sheet set is silky-soft and gentle on the skin, and also hypoallergenic and chemical-free.

Personalized Wine Bottle Labels

We’ll start with a classic: custom wine bottle labels. With these, you can design and customize your own label on the bottles of your choice. 

They fit most standard sized bottles (wine, beer, liquor, olive oil) and are easy to apply. You can even choose from a large selection of fonts and colors in order to make it feel more personal!

Choosing a wedding gift that strikes the right balance between practical and heartfelt can be challenging. Simplify your search with our gift guide for the happy couple, complete with thoughtful and unique presents for any budget.

Potted Succulents or Flowers

Succulents are a great option for those who are new to gardening. They’re easy to grow, and they require very little maintenance. In fact, succulents are one of the only plants that don’t need much water at all!

If you’re looking for something that’s low-maintenance and will do well indoors or outdoors (or both), succulents might just be the plant for you. 

In addition to being easy to care for, they’re also quite resilient they can even survive in extreme temperatures. Some of my favorite varieties include:

  • Aloe Vera
  • Jade Plant
  • Snake Plant

Top Potted Succulents and Flowers for a Touch of Greenery

ProductBrandDescription
Snake PlantThe SillThis hardy and low-maintenance plant thrives in low light conditions and can help purify the air in your home.
Bird’s Nest FernCosta FarmsWith its deep green leaves and curly fronds, the bird’s nest fern adds a tropical touch to any space and is easy to care for.
Potted CactusAltman PlantsThese potted cacti come in a variety of shapes and sizes and require minimal watering, making them ideal for busy lifestyles.
String of PearlsBloomscapeThis unique succulent features cascading vines adorned with delicate round leaves, and can thrive in a sunny windowsill or hanging planter.
Peace LilyProFlowersThis elegant flowering plant produces beautiful white blooms and is known for its air-purifying properties, making it a great addition to any room.

Signature Cocktail Recipe Kit

To make sure your guests are properly hydrated, a drink recipe kit makes a great gift. The cocktail recipe can be personalized to include the bride and groom’s names, as well as their wedding date. 

The kit comes with all of the ingredients needed to whip up a batch of signature cocktails (for example, Maker’s Mark Bourbon), plus easy-to-follow instructions on how to make them in advance and serve them at your wedding. Each guest will get his or her own recipe card so they can have fun mixing drinks at home too!

Why we love it: Your guests will know exactly what they’re getting when they pick up this creative gift item it’ll definitely be something they’ll use again and again after the big day is over!

If you’re running out of time and in need of a special last-minute gift, we’ve got you covered. Our article on last-minute wedding gift ideas that will impress offers quick and easy yet thoughtful and creative solutions for any procrastinator.

Terrazzo Ice Bucket

Terrazzo is a type of mosaic that involves mixing different colored materials and then pressing them into a mold. The result is truly unique and creative, making it the perfect wedding gift for any couple. 

Not only will this ice bucket be used for years to come, but it also shows your thoughtfulness in selecting something that will hold up over time.

Wedding Photo Book

A photo book is a great way to preserve memories. You can order it online and have it shipped directly to your home, making it a simple and cost-effective addition to your registry. Your guests can also create their own books on the website if they don’t want one from you.

This gift is perfect for anyone who loves photography or wants something that will last forever! Photo books are easy to make as personal as you want them, so no matter how big of an artistic talent someone has in this department or not at all, there’s something for everyone here!

Conclusion

The wedding gift registry can be a helpful tool, but it’s important to remember that it’s just one option. The most important thing is to give thoughtful gifts that reflect your relationship with the couple and their interests. 

If you don’t know them well enough to buy something off their registry, consider a more personal gift instead.

Further Reading

For more ideas and inspiration on wedding gift ideas, check out the following resources:

The Knot – Wedding Gift Ideas: The Knot is a comprehensive wedding planning website that offers a variety of tips and suggestions for gift-giving at weddings, including unique ideas for both the bride and groom.

The New York Times – Wedding Gift Ideas: The New York Times’ Wirecutter provides a list of curated wedding gift ideas for different types of couples and interests, sorted by budget ranges.

Brides – Best Wedding Gifts: Brides magazine offers its own recommendations for the best wedding gift ideas, including personalized and sentimental options.

FAQs

What are some practical yet creative wedding gift ideas?

Some practical yet creative wedding gift ideas include personalized items such as a custom cutting board, a set of monogrammed towels, or a unique photo album.

How much should I spend on a wedding gift?

There is no set amount for how much a guest should spend on a wedding gift, but it’s recommended that you base your gift on your relationship with the couple, as well as your budget.

How can I make my wedding gift stand out from others?

Making your wedding gift stand out from others can be achieved through personalized items, unique packaging or presentation, or selecting an uncommon or unexpected gift.

Are cash or gift cards suitable wedding gifts?

Cash or gift cards can be suitable wedding gifts, especially if the couple has a specific goal or destination in mind such as a honeymoon fund.

What types of gifts should be avoided for a wedding?

Generally, gifts that are overly personal or inappropriate, such as intimate items or gag gifts, should be avoided for a wedding. Additionally, duplicate gifts or items outside of the couple’s registry may not always be useful or appreciated.