Beyond the Registry: Different Wedding Gift Ideas

I got inspired to write this hub because I enjoy making personalized presents for people. I don't have anything against wedding registries. My husband and I created two registries for our wedding and were grateful that we got lots of gifts from both of them. But if you enjoy making presents and are looking for something new or are tired of picking out yet another appliance from a registry, check this out. I love photos and a wide variety of photo items so this list has a handful of photo related items.

1) One of your favorite cookbooks: One of my favorite wedding presents was the second cookbook linked to the right. If you're pretty serious about cooking, you should own this book. I also like to give the linked Rachael Ray cookbook, which is a little less intimidating for a lot of people. Three of my favorite recipes are in that book, one of which I make at least once a month. I like to mark these recipes when I give the book as a present. If the couple enjoys a specific aspect of cooking (i.e. grilling, baking), consider a cookbook that caters to this specialty.

2) Music mix: I make mix CD's these days, but I couldn't resist including a photo of some of my old mix tapes. Typically I make mixes for people for birthdays or Christmas, but I have made few mixes for couples. I don't give this as a sole wedding gift, especially for good friends, but it's a fun item to include in a larger package. Make sure to include a play list with it. Even though CD's are much less frequently used than they used to be, people can still rip mix CD music and transfer it to their MP3 players.

3) Gift card/certificate for a local restaurant: My husband and I appreciate gift cards as Christmas or birthday presents for any restaurants. I think that giving a local restaurant gift certificate for a wedding present is a little more personal than a gift card that you can purchase at Wal-Mart. I linked one of our favorite restaurants in the Iowa City area that we got a gift certificate for on one of our wedding anniversaries. This is a wonderful gift for couples who are moving or have just moved to a new area and thus, are looking for new restaurants.

4) Coasters of friends, family, or local places: I made cork board photo coasters, which were very well received, for family Christmas presents in 2010. I made use of existing digital photos in my personal collection for my coasters, but there are numerous ways to customize your coasters. If you were friends with the couple in high school or college, create a set of coasters of events or activities that you were involved in together. If the couple is family, create a set of family photo coasters. Does the couple have a favorite city or vacation destination spot? Create a set of coasters with photos from this place. The possibilities are endless.

5) Blank or filled scrapbook: If the couple enjoys crafty projects, a blank personalized scrapbook can be a wonderful gift. If they would not be thrilled with this prospect, you can make the entire book yourself or simply finish a personalized book that you have ordered. I have linked one of my favorite Etsy scrapbook shops on the right. If you're having trouble locating enough photos of the couple, recruit friends or family members to supply photos. Also consider giving a couple a blank scrapbook for their honeymoon photos.

6) Personalized photo frame or photo gift: The shop above also has wonderful frames, but I linked to another shop for this idea so you'll have one more option. There is no limit to the possibilities for this gift. Again, consider the couple's preferences and styles when designing a photo item.

7) Special interest gift: If the couple isn't into cooking but loves camping, don't feel like you need to get them a new set of pans. Consider options that will fit their interests. If they've had their eyes on a more expensive item for a while, see if others will go in on the gift.

8) Something fun: Practical gifts are awesome wedding presents, but fun gifts can be just as meaningful and may get used just as much if not more. Are you more likely to use a waffle maker or a DVD set of a new favorite show? I have absolutely nothing against waffle makers and do use mine occasionally, but we watch our favorite DVD sets all the time.

9) Personalized name item: My husband and I got a crocheted, framed last name piece for our wedding from one of our grandparents. While lots of personalized name items in a home can be tacky, a few that are tastefully done can be perfect. Consider color themes in their home or color themes and general styles in their registries when you purchase a framed piece like the one linked to the right so that it will fit into their decor.

10) Wedding or love print (with or without personalization): We received a couple personalized prints for our wedding with love or wedding quotes or other personalized details. This is a wonderful gift for a couple who has just purchased their first home and is looking for a few prints to put up on the walls. If you don't want a personalized print, there are many other wedding and love prints out there. Both of the prints that we have do not need frames, which significantly reduces the cost.