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Gifts for Newlyweds

This can sometimes be tricky nowadays, since a lot of couples are already living together for quite some time before tying the knot. A lot of people are fearful of straying from the bridal registry wish lists because of that. If that is the case, I recommend not waiting until the last minute because items in your price range might all get grabbed by other people by the time you get around to shopping!

If you pay attention to their wish list, you can generally get an idea of any color schemes they are going for. Ask a sales clerk to show you some of the linens that another person already purchased so you can find them something unique that still matches their theme. Believe me, couples LOVE when their family and friends think outside of the box and put extra thought into their gifts.

weddingThe items I am listing here are classic gifts that no sane couple would say no to, and will often impress them compared to what they have put on their bridal registry. Avoid gadgets or appliances that seem like a fad and/or something they might use once and shove in a cupboard and sell in a yard sale years later. You want to get them something they will treasure and want to keep for a lifetime, and they will always think of you when they use it, of course!

I am also listing higher quality items that they probably already registered for, but since you are an avid reader of this blog, you might notice that what they’re asking for won’t last them as long as some of my recommendations, or if they aren’t sure what brand is best for them.

Riedel stemware
Riedel stemware

Riedel Wine Glasses – These glasses are for serious wine drinkers who aren’t clumsy! Riedel glasses are tasting glasses, made from real lead crystal (yes, you can make music on the rims!). They are definitely not dishwasher safe and are very fragile. It’s also good to know what style of wine your newlyweds prefer so you can get a glass that fits what they drink most, since these are tasting glasses and are very specific to the wine. Their stemless “O” series wine glasses are stronger and dishwasher safe, so that might be a fun, but still fancy, alternative. 

Schott Zweisel stemware
Schott Zweisel stemware

Schott Zweisel Wine Glasses – The majority of Schott Zweisel wine glasses being sold in retail stores now are all titanium enforced, but it never hurts to double-check the label. These bad boys are strong! You can bang them together pretty forcibly and they will not break, so these are great for boisterous toasting! Also dishwasher safe and made in Germany. These are a little more expensive than regular wine glasses, but less expensive than Riedel; and the ‘bang’ test really impresses EVERYONE! (*Bonus tip for Oregonians – they make a special Oregon Pinot glass, the only time they’ve ever made a glass specific to a region!!*)

Wine Accoutrements – While we’re talking about wine, let’s look at some wine tools!

Decanter – A glass decanter has different shapes for wine or liquor . A wine decanter will have no lid, as its not used for storage like a liquor one would be. It will have a skinny neck that opens into a wider base, normally.

Wine decanters
Wine decanters
Vinturi wine aerator
Vinturi wine aerator

Aerator – This is a device you can pour your wine through into a decanter to help speed up the aeration process after opening a bottle of wine, versus having to swirl it around in individual glasses to increase the oxygen exposure.

Vinturi – A revolutionary little tool, this is a newer form of a wine aerator that allows you to pour directly through the gadget and into your glass. No downtime! Normally you don’t have to decant white wines, but the Vinturi works so well that they recommend using it on whites, too. If your newlyweds are big into white wine, consider getting the one they created specifically for whites – it’s ever so slightly different!

Screwpull lever wine opener
Screwpull lever wine opener

Lever Wine Opener – A lever-style wine opener is a more expensive, but easier way to get your cork out. The devices are pretty large, but make the task practically effortless. The most well-known brand name for a lever-style wine opener is the Rabbit; the highest quality (with the best warranty and easier-to-find replacement parts) brand name is Screwpull. Screwpull is actually under the Le Creuset umbrella. Most people usually don’t have issues, but some of the less expensive brands (and by that I mean in the $40-50 price range; a lot of these can be over $100) specifically state on the packaging that they are not intended for use on synthetic corks and can break.

Foil Cutter – If the wine opener you are purchasing doesn’t already come with one, this can be a handy little gadget to get past that layer and on to the cork!

Foil cutter
Foil cutter

Wine Charms – Cute little markers for wine glasses so guests can keep track of whose glass is whose.

Wine charms
Wine charms
Vacuvin wine stopper
Vacuvin wine stopper

Wine Stoppers – Decorative stoppers are always a nice touch, but in my personal experience, nothing works to actually stop the wine so you can lay the bottle on its side in a rack. The Vacuvin vacuum sealer pump is very inexpensive and a highly rated ‘must-have’ gadget. You can buy replacement corks (the pump comes with one) for about $5 for a set of two.

If your couple is truly into wine, there are so many more accouterments you can consider, like wine racks, refrigerators, or journals. The possibility of gadgets is really quite extensive! I’m not going to list them all here, what’s listed above are the basic ‘essentials’.

Bar Accouterments – I suppose I should also mention bar accouterments, too!

Bar tool set
Bar tool set

Classic Bar Tool Set – You can find a plethora of different sets that will include some combination of a cocktail strainer, a double jigger, bottle opener, stirrer, ice tongs, and a citrus slicing knife… You can also consider buying these pieces individually based on what types of beverages your newlyweds like to concoct! Of course there’s this cool Bar10der all-in-one tool to consider, too.

bar10der
bar10der

Cocktail Shaker – Sometimes you can find these with a built-in measuring jigger as part of the lid. Oggi also makes this cool one that comes with a glass (with recipes printed on it!) that has a silicone seal to make drink mixing even easier!

Cocktail shaker
Cocktail shaker
Riedel single malt whiskey glasses
Riedel single malt whiskey glasses

Riedel Single-Malt Whisky/Whiskey Glass – For the serious whiskey drinker in your life, grab a set of these beautiful glasses, which bring out the full flavor of that expensive bottle of liquor he enjoys. Approved by a panel of Scotch whisky experts and master distillers in Scotland!

…or just find some really fun cocktail glasses like these ones that look like ice from Bormioli Rocco or these ones that look like they are toppling over!

Wobbly whiskey glasses
Wobbly whiskey glasses

Whiskey Stones – Milled from a particular type of soapstone found in Vermont, this is a centuries-old Scandinavian way of keeping your liquor cool while avoiding watering down your beverage as normal ice would.

Whiskey stones
Whiskey stones

Alright, moving out of the bar area…

Epicurean cutting boards
Epicurean cutting boards

Epicurean Cutting Board – I cannot say enough good things about these cutting boards. They are wood, but compressed wood, which means they can go in the dishwasher and get washed with soap; and you don’t have to oil it!! They are thin, so very easy to store, too. And made in Seattle, Washington!

Nespresso
Nespresso

Electric Espresso Machine – If you get them the best one (assuming they are connoisseurs), yours will be the one they don’t return. Otherwise, I would file this in the “Don’t Buy” category down below. And by best one, I mean Nespresso. If they aren’t that into coffee, don’t buy them a little espresso machine because they will never use it. And it’s a sure bet that they will be gifted a a couple of Keurig machines, so don’t even bother!

Shun cutlery
Shun cutlery

Quality Chef Knife – Okay, maybe it’s time to grow up and get a really nice everyday knife or two. Read my “Buying Knives” blog to learn what might work best for your friends. Stray from their wish list if it looks like they don’t know what they are asking for – they will be thankful that you did!

Cast iron cookware is popular again!
Cast iron cookware is popular again!

Quality Cookware – If your newlyweds are in search of a nice new set of cookware but aren’t sure what to get, read my “Buying Cookware” blog to get some ideas based off of what type of cooks they are or aim to be! A Le Creuset enameled cast iron oval or round oven will be a treasure they keep and cherish for a lifetime, of course.

Flatware
Flatware

Flatware – Flatware can be a touchy subject, so if they’ve chosen something already, stick with it. If they don’t have a preference, the world is your oyster! 18/10 steel is usually standard but not always, so make sure it is!!

Ceramic Dinnerware – Read my “Ceramic Dinnerware” blog for ideas on what brands to consider!

Le Creuset dinnerware
Le Creuset dinnerware
Chantal Loop kettle
Chantal Loop kettle

Tea Kettle – A really nice, classic-looking teakettle will last them a lifetime and probably live on their stovetop, so it will always remind them of you! I’m partial to a few by Chantal since they are made from the same material as their cookware, which means they also have a lifetime warranty like the cookware does. The Classic model has a timeless look but more importantly, a Hohner harmonica whistle, which just sounds beautiful when the water’s ready! I also like the Loop kettle because the trigger to lift the lid is in the handle.

Chantal Classic kettle
Chantal Classic kettle
Soda Stream
Soda Stream

Soda Stream – This is a fun gift that they probably wouldn’t think to ask for, and it’s not quite made it to the “Don’t Buy” list just yet. I’m sure in another decade that will change, but for now, get them something that’s a fun treat! Make sure to get a sample pack of flavors if you can!

Don’t Buy!

Ice cream maker
Ice cream maker

Ice Cream Maker – most couples get 3-6 of these per wedding. I’m not kidding! Whenever I did bridal registry returns there was always at least one, or else they’d mention they had to return one to a competitor store, haha!

Waffle Maker – see “Ice Cream Maker”

Waffle maker
Waffle maker
Keurig
Keurig

…and like I mentioned above, pretty much any single-use “fad” appliance is probably just going to sit in a cupboard unused. Unless you know they want it!!

Keurig – I already explained this above, if they are a coffee connoisseur, impress them with a Nespresso machine. Otherwise, forget about coffee and look for something else!

Gifts for Grads

This list can be for both high school or college graduates; things that they will need in a future dorm or apartment, especially good for cooking for one person. My brother also mentioned these would all make good gifts for someone going into the military. After they graduate from boot camp, they move into barracks that have small kitchen setups with nothing in them!
Electric Water Kettle – A great item for heating water safely in a small space. Good for making ramen noodles or tea/cocoa/coffee.
My favorite, the Bodum cordless
electric kettle. Comes in 2 sizes!
Ways to Make Coffee – Read my Coffee Maker Basics blog to learn more about what type of coffee brewing system works best for your graduate!
Aeropress – This little guy is consistently hailed as making the best cup of coffee using regular coffee grounds. A lot of people used it at my last office with the grounds the office provided to make a slightly stronger cup. Brews right into the mug by adding hot water, and the filters come in packs of 350 so they last a really long time!
Aeropress
French Press – There are other brands, but Bodum is the most well-known. They make a variety of presses, from the classic glass, to stainless steel, thermal, and travel. Can also be used to brew hot tea, but you cannot brew both in the same vessel as the coffee taste will remain in the mesh filter. These can also be utilized to make cold press coffee.
Bodum glass French press
Single Cup Brewer – The most popular single cup brewer is Keurig, but there are many other brands by the usual suspects. Make coffee one mug at a time, sometimes taking special pods and other times allowing you to use your own coffee grounds, or both!
Keurig single-cup brew system
Electric Espresso – These can get tricky because the inexpensive ones usually don’t produce an authentic cup of espresso. Luckily, most American coffee drinkers don’t know the difference, so base your purchase off of whether you’re buying for a connoisseur or not! Nespresso makes the smallest footprint models at a lower price than larger household models that produce as good a cup, but it’s still a tad spendy, so this might be more for the college grad and a cheaper one for your high school grad!
Nespresso electric espresso machine
Travel Mug – Most coffee shops take a few cents off the price of your drink if you bring your own cup. Or just to bring their homemade coffee to class with them. Either way, save them some cash and keep their coffee warm!
Contigo travel mugs have become one of the
most popular brands – easy to sip from and seal tight!
Inexpensive Dinnerware and Flatware – A couple of plates, bowls, forks and spoons will be very helpful to have in a dorm room. I recommend cheap and plastic or melamine! Walmart, Target, dollar stores, etc. to find these for low prices.
Plastic dinnerware!
For someone graduating college, getting them their first real set of dinnerware would be a great next step. Read my ceramic dinnerware blog for ideas on what brands to consider!
Small pot and frypan – If this is going to be their first time cooking, I would recommend something really inexpensive and nonstick. Nonstick for at least the frypan – it’s a little harder to burn/stick things in a pot than a frypan based on what is normally cooked in both.
A small frypan and a small saucepan are all you need!
Shopping for someone who knows their way around the kitchen a little? Consider Cuisinart or Calphalon’s less expensive lines. Feel free to check my Buying Cookware blog for more in-depth information on how to choose what’s best for your cook!
For someone graduating college, it might be time for their first nice set of cookware! Consider the Cuisinart Multi-Clad Pro as a very solid set that will last them forever.
Round it out with a set of cooking utensils. Cheap plastic ones from the dollar store should work well for our college-bound and military group; maybe spend a little more on some nicer ones for our college grads.
Plastic cooking utensils
Don’t overlook the importance of a can opener!
Microwave – An essential tool for the single person!
Microwave!
Microwave Cooking Acoutrements – Nordic Ware is made in America and they produce the best microwave-safe dishes and cooking items! Your will have a hard time NOT finding something useful for dorm/single-person microwave cooking, and I find their products in every type of store as they are a very popular brand name.
Nordic Ware microwave egg cooker
Electric Countertop Grill – These may or may not be allowed in dorms. Another essential cooking tool for the single person! Can make grilled sandwiches or use as a small grill to cook meat, fish and veggies.
Cuisinart Griddler
Soda Stream – Not a necessity, but a fun gift that will save them a little money.
Soda Stream home soda maker

Soda Stream

Soda Stream is the #1 soda manufacturer in the world. Seriously! They are made in Israel, so Europeans have been hip to these for decades, leaving Coke and Pepsi at #2 and #3. It’s a pretty simple concept; a machine that makes regular tap water fizzy using a carbon dioxide canister. You fill the bottle with water, connect it to the machine, push a button, and twenty seconds later you have carbonated water with no mess. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to make it more or less fizzy.

Sparkling water has amazing health benefits, so a lot of people buy the Soda Stream just for cheaper fizzy water. That stuff can get expensive! If you want to, you can opt to purchase soda or flavor mixers for the fizzy water. The price tag can seem high, but one bottle goes a long way. They estimate with their soda mixes that it’s about 33 cans of soda per bottle, so not a bad deal! Depending on the flavors, a lot of them don’t contain high fructose corn syrup or aspartame, which can make this a healthy alternative to regular soda drinking. They also sell essences to lightly flavor the water. You can also make your own mixes or buy from a third-party.

 

The main difference between the machines is if they use glass or plastic bottles. If they take glass, they have a different connecting mechanism and they cost a little bit more. Beyond that, the only real difference between the various machines is aesthetics, so a higher price tag generally means it has more metal on it than plastic. However, some of the machines also vary in that they can hold a larger CO2 canister. The regular size is 60L and the larger size is 130L. The 130L machine should be able to take either size, but always double check the instruction manual!

Stores that sell the canisters will sell a brand new canister at full price, but will also usually have an exchange program where you recycle the old canister and get the new one at a reduced cost. You get the reduced cost for exchange no matter which size you are returning, and even if the store doesn’t sell the larger size, they will be able to recycle it for you. The store I worked at didn’t sell the larger machines, but demand for the larger canisters became so high that they started to carry them anyway, so always ask!

Not all retailers that sell Soda Stream machines carry spare CO2 canisters, or even accessories, so check before purchasing. Stores that specialize in kitchen and home goods are generally going to be a better bet to find this service, and you can also find them online at various sites. Soda Stream has a “Where to Buy” link on their page, as well.

The plastic bottles that Soda Stream makes are BPA free and dishwasher safe (so are the glass!). They even make smaller bottles that have a special base so that they fit into a cup holder more easily. It’s also very easy to purchase replacement caps on their website. One benefit I noticed in using their bottles is that the soda seems to stay fizzy longer than a regular bottle of soda purchased from the store. Technically the Soda Stream is environmentally friendly because not only are you saving yourself some money by not buying all those bottles of water or soda, but that means they didn’t have to manufacture that many more bottles, too. You’re not supposed to reuse regular plastic bottles because of BPAs, so this is a great way to be greener.

An example of one family’s saved waste


Some folks will try to cut the price tag a little bit by going for a seltzer maker (soda siphon). The cheapest Soda Stream right now is going to be about $100, and you can get a nice soda siphon for around $70. Isi and Liss are the two most popular brands. These don’t quite fizz the water the way a Soda Stream does, so generally the only people purchasing these are using them in their home bars. They were always returned, so I started asking everyone what they were using it for first! Believe me, we probably sold a couple each year company-wide, then the Soda Stream got popular and all of a sudden we started “selling” more—and returning more! They are a great product if that’s what you want; just don’t buy in lieu of the Soda Stream.

The only issue I’ve ever had with a Soda Stream is that the user isn’t following the instructions properly. You really do need to follow the fill lines, because if it’s too full or vice versa, the machine isn’t going to fizz it properly. If it’s not full enough you’ll never hear the buzzing noise that signals it’s getting fizzy, but it’s actually probably too fizzy now because you’ve been waiting to hear the noise! Soda Stream recommends 3-5 buzzes; if it’s taking a really long time to get to the buzz (and you’re filling the bottle properly) it means your CO2 is getting low or completely out. Don’t let the kids play with the button when it’s not in use—they’re wasting precious CO2! (Husbands are also notorious for doing this—I loved catching grown men playing with the button when they thought nobody was watching!)

Gifting caution – The Soda Stream machines all come with CO2, which cannot be carried on an airplane, so if you are giving or receiving this as a gift when traveling, be prepared to be stopped. Think fast; don’t leave the whole unit behind, simply remove the CO2 canister and you should be able to take the machine with you. It’s probably not a bad idea to see if there is a store that sells the canisters near the person you’re gifting, as well. PS If you did somehow sneak it past security, the CO2 won’t work anyway once you land!