11 Thoughtful Off-Registry Wedding Gift Ideas

Coming up with a gift that’s as meaningful as the couple is to you is no small task. Particularly if it’s one of your closest friends getting married, new sheets or a waffle maker just don’t feel special or unique enough. Alternatively, if it’s a couple that seems to have absolutely everything, or has been together for a long time, buying them a few pricey salad plates (because buying all 12 they have registered for is just too expensive) doesn’t feel so fulfilling either. Trust us, we’ve all been there and it can be a stressful situation. This is where going off-registry is the perfect option. You can get them something that will bring even more joy, but it will also feel thoughtful on your end as the gift giver. 

When you go off-registry for a wedding gift, there are a few paths you can take. You can either focus on hobbies or experiences the couple enjoys together and gift around that, or you consider items that would be on a typical registry and instead of the more generic versions you find in big department stores, seek out more creative takes on the classics. In doing this, you gift them something that is still functional and not just going to add clutter to their home, but also beautiful to look at.

Here, we’ve shared a few of our favorite off-registry gift ideas, with a little help from Katherine Lewin, owner of the Brooklyn-based dinner party essentials shop, Big Night. The thoughtfully curated boutique is one of our favorite destinations for handmade serving pieces and glassware, as well as delicious pantry items from small businesses around the globe.

Meet the Expert

Katherine Lewin is the owner of the Brooklyn-based dinner party essentials shop Big Night.