You gleefully RSVP’d to an upcoming wedding when you realize that the happy couple isn’t registered for presents anywhere. Sure, you could give them cash, but you like the idea of gifting an actual present. And while you could ask the couple what they want, you may want to simply surprise them with something they didn’t know they needed. In sum, you need a universal-but-still-thoughtful gift to get a couple with no registry. If you’re as stumped as we would be, worry not — we asked wedding planners for their suggestions.
“I always think about gifts that people would love but wouldn’t necessarily splurge on for themselves,” Andrea Petrucci, wedding and event planner and owner of Lovehaus events in Philadelphia, told HuffPost.
While she goes into more detail below, Petrucci recommends things like luxury sheets, good thick towels or in-person adventures like cooking classes, wine tastings or dance lessons.
“These experiences are not only fun and educational but also help the couple create lasting memories and keep the spark alive by trying something new together,” Petrucci said. “It’s a fantastic way to remind them to keep dating and spending quality time together, long after the wedding festivities are over.”
If you’re heading to a wedding and don’t know what to bring, Petrucci and others break down their favorite well-received presents.
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For something classic but still special, we love these gorgeous vintage-inspired coupes made by Estelle Colored Glass, a Black-owned luxury glassware brand. Really, everything from the brand is drool-worthy and would make for a great addition to a newlyweds' home. If your spouses-to-be don't really drink, their highball glasses just make for cute water cups.
The coupes come in sets of six and in six colors at Nordstrom, or you can get a pair on the brand's website.
We also love Parachute here at HuffPost, and recommend it frequently in gift guides and editor's picks. It's a woman-founded brand that launched in 2014, making high-quality bedding, linens and general home decor that's super chic while still versatile enough to fit in all home styles. We love their linen sheets (pictured), that come in seven colors from twin to California king. We also enjoy their percale selection, though you really can't go wrong with their cotton or sateen options either. Even if you don't know a couple's tastes exactly, it's always nice to have an extra set of sheets around.
We selected these handsome Brooklinen super-plush bath towels made in Turkey from 100% Turkish cotton. They come in sets of two in a bunch colors and are quick-drying while still being cozy. Again, even if you're unclear on the couple's exact color choice, quality towels can always be used in a guest room or to stock a linen closet. If you know the couple enjoys sunny days at the beach, pool or lake, the brand also has a great selection of fun beach towels.
"This isn't just a practical kitchen item; it's also a piece of art that adds a personal touch to their home decor," Petrucci said. "It’s a subtle yet meaningful reminder of their special day that they can proudly display in their kitchen or dining area."
This piece comes in a light wood maple and dark wood walnut option.
We love literally everything from Our Place, a woman- and AAPI immigrant-owned kitchen brand that makes incredibly versatile and good-looking cookware, like this cast iron Dutch oven that comes in six great colors. We also love anything from the late Anthony Bourdain — like his "Appetites" cookbook, written for home chefs.
We can attest there are a ton of amazing artists on Etsy, many of whom can frame the portrait for you or allow you to digitally download the file so you can then print and frame it yourself.
We like gifting things like Airbnb or Stubhub gift cards, so people can choose when and how they want to make the most of your gift, whether it's through a sporting event, concert, staycation or weekend getaway to a totally unique adobe like this geometric home in upstate New York.