shop 33 of the top wedding registry gifts

I’m recently engaged and, despite the fact that I review products for a living, I haven’t started creating my wedding registry — yet. I’ve got other things to do, like planning a wedding. But, that doesn’t mean I haven’t started thinking up the types of things my fiancé and I would add — maybe the OXO salad spinner or a Dyson vacuum (one can dream).

With help from other recently engaged or married NBC Select staffers, I compiled the perfect wedding registry, which includes a mix of categories and price points — everything you’ll need as you enter the next chapter of your relationship. And, to settle this once and for all, please buy wedding gifts for the couple from their registry.

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How we picked the best wedding registry gifts

The type of wedding registry you build is completely based on your needs. If you are stuck or unclear about what you’ll want for your home, kitchen or travel plans, we have you covered. We also included highly rated picks, staff favorites, expert recommendations and NBC Select award winners. 

Home 

The Citizenry Mara Organic Waffle Robe

This 100% organic cotton style was an NBC Select staff favorite because it’s perfect for simply lounging around the house, which is a perfect gift for you and your partner. You can wear it during lazy Sunday while you chill around your house in marital bliss.  “The soft waffle weave fabric is super lightweight, so I never feel hot when I wear it right out of the shower, which is my usual problem with robes,” says Mili Godio, NBC Select updates editor. The waffle robe was also an NBC Select Bed and Bath awards winner where it won the top spot for best robe. 

Brooklinen Organic Ribbed Robe

What we like

• Relaxed fit
• Turkish cotton
• Absorbent

According to NBC Select’s associate reporter Bianca Alvarez, the ribbed bathrobe is also a winner. “It is plush, dried me quickly and was easy to wash — I could go on and on about it,” says Alvarez. The robe has a relaxed fit, wide sleeves and is made of Turkish cotton. This robe is a great addition to your registry if you want something more heavyweight than the lightweight waffle robe above. It also has two side-seam pockets to stash your phone, tissues or anything else you want to keep with you.

Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

What we like

• Compact design
• Easy to clean
• Great for pets

I’ve used this portable carpet cleaner to remove stains from my carpet. After a quick scrub and using a spray-and-suction mechanism, I instantly saw the mess disappear. I’m obsessed with keeping a clean carpet, and what better way to stock up on high-end cleaning devices than your wedding registry? It also comes with several attachments, including a stain trapper for pet messes and a self-cleaning hose to rinse it after each use. Godio says, “It visibly removes stains in seconds. It’s amazing to see the difference in color after using it, especially when I clean my carpet.”

Octagon Portable Desk Lamp

What we like

• Unique design
• Four brightness levels
• Wireless

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your work-from-home desk setup or you want a convenient light to hang around the house, you can pick up this Octagon portable lamp. A wedding registry doesn’t have to focus solely on practical items. You can find unique products that suit your taste or will spruce you and your loved one’s home. It has four brightness levels, a battery that can last up to 48 hours,w and a wireless rechargeable battery.

HAY PC Portable Lamp

What we like

• Portable
• Three brightness levels
• Touch control

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

I have been a fan of this HAY portable lamp for about three years. It has a clean and minimalistic design and comes in eight color combinations. You can swap between three brightness levels by tapping the bottom touch panel. In my experience, the battery lasts about 10 hours, and it has a scratch—and water-resistant matte finish.

Saatva Natural Latex Pillow

What we like

• Good for neck pain
• Multiple height options
• Plush feel

The Saatva Latex pillow is made with a plush filling that provides proper head and neck support and a removable machine-washable fill layer. A good pillow is easy to overlook in the grand scheme of your sleeping habits. If you have back pain you tend to blame your mattress, use your registry to spruce up your sleep routine. The standard pillow is five inches tall, ideal for back or stomach sleepers, and the high-loft pillow is between six and seven inches, perfect for side sleepers, according to the brand.

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

What we like

• Good for very hot sleeper
• Lightweight

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

Use your wedding registry as a time to elevate your sleepwear. The Cozy Earth sheets are made from 100% viscose from bamboo fabric and fit regular and deep pocket mattresses up to 20 inches. They also are a favorite of Dr. Shelby Harris, Director of Sleep Health at sleep product review site Sleepopolis. Godio also praised the sheet’s cooling abilities and lightweight feel.

Shark Wandvac WV200 Series Handheld Vacuum

What we like

• Lightweight
• Cordless
• Good suction power

The Shark Wandvac weighs only 1.4 pounds and has a charging base and two attachments. According to the brand, there’s a multi-surface pet tool that can clean pet hair, delicate fabrics and furniture, and a duster crevice tool to reach tight spaces. The LED indicator also lets you know how much battery life is remaining. The vacuum also has a simple one-touch emptying bin.

Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum

What we like

• Good suction power
• Lightweight

The Dyson V11 is a favorite stick vacuum among our experts and NBC Select staff. I would add it to my registry solely because Dyson cleaning products are beloved among the NBC Select staff. Godio says that she enjoys the Dyson’s V11 vacuums thanks to its compact design, specifically designed for small apartments. It’s a lightweight vacuum weighing just over 6 pounds. It has a run time of up to 60 minutes on a single charge and the remaining time is displayed on the vacuum’s LCD screen. It comes with various useful attachments, including a crevice tool, a dusting brush and a ​​mini-motorized tool for removing pet hair.

Kitchen 

OXO salad spinner

I mentioned the OXO salad spinner above because I really do love it. I’ve owned it for about four or five years now and it has become a kitchen essential. One of my biggest salad pet peeves is when your greens feel overly drenched after a quick wash; this OXO spinner completely removes that issue. One minor drawback is that it’s quite large so be prepared for it to take up some kitchen space.

Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ 

What we like

• Ease of use
• Quick brew
• Compact design

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

The Veruto Pop allows you to brew five hot or iced coffee sizes ranging from 1.35 to 12 ounces. If you and your partner enjoy coffee without all the labor-intensive pour-overs and milk-frothing techniques, add this convenient device to your registry. It has a compact design, so it won’t take up too much kitchen counter real estate. There’s a removable water tank for easy access, Bluetooth connectivity and most importantly a 30-second heat-up time, so you can press a button and have coffee ready in under a minute.

Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker

Some people prefer brewing a cup using non-electric options. The Chemex has always been a solid choice for making pour-over coffee especially if you and your partner are meticulous about your coffee routine. I would add this to my list and use it as a chance to upgrade from my old Bodum pour-over glass coffee maker. The brand suggests buying its special filters, which are 20 to 30% thicker than the standard kind, according to Chemex. The wood collar and leather tie are insulated handles and can be removed when putting the carafe in the dishwasher for easy clean-up.

Ember Mug2

What we like

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Easy to clean

The Ember Mug2 is a heated mug that keeps beverages warm throughout the day. If you enjoy spending time inside during the colder parts of the year with your partner, this mug is a no-brainer. Using the Ember app, you can set an exact drinking temperature between 120 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The built-in battery lasts about 80 minutes, or you can keep the mug on the charging coaster to maintain the beverage’s temperature for longer, according to the brand. I’ve owned the Ember Mug for about two years and it’s earned a permanent spot on my desk.

Breville Milk Cafe Milk Frother

What we like

• Cold stir setting
• Warms milk

If you’re attempting to create a well-rounded coffee area in your kitchen, you’ll need a milk frother to make some of your favorite drinks. Rodriguez says this milk frother lives on her counter space because she uses it daily. The milk frother warms the milk so you can set your desired temperature or use the cold stir setting if you want frothy milk without the heat. The appliance comes with two stirring attachments, one for lattes and one for cappuccinos, which can be stored magnetically on the back of the machine. 

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle

What we like

• Custom brew settings
• Temperature control

Fellow is known for its high-end coffee-related products. According to the brand, the electric kettle has custom brew settings, precise temperature control, and more. You can also pick a preset temperature for various coffee brewing styles and types of tea. You can even select how long your water stays hot. 

Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup Micom Rice Cooker

What we like

• Easy to use
• Multiple cook functions

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

In our guide to the best rice cookers, our experts recommended the Japanese brand Zojirushi. Yuki Gomi, owner of Yuki’s Kitchen and author of “Sushi at Home,” and Yoko Lamn, a certified fermentation expert and founder of food blog Hakko, suggested this specific 5.5-cup model they’ve used for years. “It isn’t too expensive and has all the functions I need” including fast cooking, an option for brown rice and a steaming function, said Lamn. If you love rice as much as I love rice, then you realize how much a good rice cooker can change your life.

Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill

What we like

• Many cooking styles
• Comes with baking components
• Preheats quickly

“Imagine an air fryer, toaster oven and grill pan all morphed together to form one versatile kitchen appliance — this is the Cuisinart air fryer,” says NBC Select editor Cory Fernandez. “It cooks the same foods that you’d cook in an air fryer, like roasted vegetables or grilled cheese sandwiches, but it’s also equipped to cook some baked goods like cookies.” The Cuisinart also has multiple trays including a grill pan and baking tray. 

John Boos Maple Cutting Board

What we like

• Recessed finger drips
• Gentle on knives

Something to note

• Must hand wash
• Heavy weight

If you’ve been neglecting your cutting board, there’s a good chance you’ve also neglected your knives. If you think it’s time for a kitchen tools overhaul, a wedding registry is a good time to pick up items that you might overlook like this rectangular, reversible wooden cutting board from John Boos. According to Jessie Riley, a food safety instructor and an adjunct professor in the Department of Hospitality Management of New York City College of Technology, it will last a long time. It has recessed finger grips in the sides to make it easier to lift, though, at 21 pounds, it is not light. Made of end-grain maple, it’s also gentle on knife blades, according to Riley.

Tekla Kitchen Towel

Tekla is a high-end, incredible Danish home and sleepwear brand. My first interaction with the brand occurred during a trip to Denmark with my fiance. We walked around the store for about half an hour looking over fabrics before scooping up two pairs of pajama pants. This kitchen towel is 100% linen and comes in five colors. 

Wüsthof Gourmet Chef’s Knife, 8-Inch

Some products are worth splurging on and a kitchen knife is one of them. Replace that old set that’s been wasting away in your kitchen and place this Wüsthof’s versatile high-carbon steel chef’s knife on your wedding registry. It’s a workhorse with a sturdy, 8-inch blade, according to Dennis Prescott, co-host of “Restaurants on the Edge” and author of “Eat Delicious: 125 Recipes for Your Daily Dose of Awesome.” The Wüsthof may seem pricey, but Prescott says the brand is known for their high-quality knives. “The German craftsmanship is excellent. It will last you forever,” says Prescott.

Tech

Ninja blender

What we like

• Affordable
• Easy to clean
• Five auto settings

Something to note

• Can’t blend hot liquids

I believe making a good smoothie (or margarita) is one of life’s simplest joys, so I would immediately place a blender on my wedding registry. This Ninja Blender was recommended by two experts, Rebecca Miller Ffrench, author of “The Ultimate Blender Cookbook,” and Bev Shaffer, a former corporate chef for Vitamix. The Ninja brand is relatively affordable and reliable. This blender has five automatic settings and a pulse button, though it only has one manual speed. According to the brand, it cannot blend hot liquids. Remove the blade assembly from the jar and place all the parts in the dishwasher for cleaning.

Sonos Arc

What we like

• Powerful multi-direction audio
• Smart connectivity
• Dolby Atmos support

Something to note

• Not as bassy as a subwoofer

The Sonos Arc offers three front-facing drivers and two that fire upwards to add three dimensions to your television’s sound. If you and your partner have neglected good audio and keep using subtitles during TV show binges, use your registry as a time to pick up a good soundbar like this option from Sonos. Whether you’re watching an action movie or a classic movie score, you’ll have Dolby Atmos and Sonos’ incredible audio fidelity. Other soundbars may have the same number of channels, but they won’t all hit quite as hard as the Sonos Arc. 

Roku Streambar

What we like

• Soundbar plus streaming device
• Affordable price

Something to note

• Not the most impressive sound

If you prefer something more affordable, the Roku Streambar is a device that combines a Roku streaming player and a soundbar. It’s a great fix for people tired of swapping remotes and fumbling around with cables in their home entertainment setup. The Roku Streambar also replaces your television’s interface with a user-friendly and customizable Roku TV platform.

Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-WW Bluetooth Turntab

What we like

• Ease of use
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Automatic operation

This Audio-Technica turntable has the added convenience of Bluetooth connectivity. That means you can have a record set up with wireless speakers. You can connect the turntable to your soundbar, headphones, portable Bluetooth speaker or simply use a wired connection. You can also take advantage of the automatic operations on the front panel, which allows you to start, stop and lift the tonearms. The only downside of the automatic buttons is a lack of more fluid manual control.

Tivoli Model One Bluetooth Radio

What we like

• Unique design
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Radio

I’m always going to gravitate towards a great speaker that has tactile buttons and knobs. There is something innately rewarding about a well-built machine that functions well. According to the brand, the Tivoli Model One is encased in a solid wooden cabinet and features a fully functioning AM/FM radio and Bluetooth connectivity. There’s an auxiliary input and record and headphone outputs to connect a wired record player. If you think your home has a more rustic outdoors leaning decor this is a good option if you’re not overly impressed with the more sleek Bluetooth speakers that many other brands make.

Hatch Restore 2 

What we like

• Highly customizable
• Multifunctional
• Easy-to-use companion app

Something to note

• Requires Wi-Fi connection
• Not portable

Sunrise alarm clocks are naturally better for your circadian rhythm. You and your partner might just wake up more relaxed and comfortable. Sunrise alarms give your body time to react and adjust to leaving the sleep state and entering the wake state, according to Dr. Christopher Winter, a neurologist and sleep specialist. The Hatch Restore 2 has a free companion app for both iOS and Android, through which you can schedule up to 15 individual sunrise alarms along with 13 calming alarm sounds like morning birds and wind chimes. 

Travel

Calpak Luka Duffel

What we like

• Spacious
• Durable
• Easy to clean

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

Traveling can be needlessly stressful, organizing all of your items and packing succinctly is quite frankly a headache. Calpak’s Luka Duffel makes everything a little bit easier, it also happens to be a favorite of Zoe Malin, NBC Select associate updates editor and an NBC Select Travel awards winner. “I love that I can use this bag for trips and in my everyday life as a gym bag. I didn’t find that with the other duffels I tested, so I appreciated this,” says Malin. The bag is also durable, easy to clean and water-resistant making it perfect for a workout bag. “I put my sneakers, a change of clothes, weights, a towel, toiletries and a water bottle inside it to go to yoga after work,” says Malin. 

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

What we like

• Spacious
• Weather-resistant

The Black Hole Duffel from Patagonia was also a Select Travel awards winner thanks to its durability, easy-to-clean exterior and spacious main compartment. The duffel is made from 100% recycled fabrics and has a weather-resistant exterior. Godio praised the durable zippers which she says glide along easily even when fully packed. The one downside is that the bag lacks smaller pockets, so you can store your wallet or keys.

Tile Pro 2-Pack

What we like

• Great for iOS and Android
• Replaceable battery

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

Android or iOS owners can attach these Bluetooth trackers to anything they want, whether its keys, luggage or a bike. Using the Tile app, you can pinpoint the tile’s location from up to 400 feet away. Outside of 400 feet, the app will give a more approximate location on a map using the Tile Network. Like the Apple AirTag, the battery lasts up to a year and is easily replaceable.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

What we like

• Spacious
• Lightweight
• Laundry bag

Away’s The Bigger Carry-On won the Travel award for the best overall hardshell suitcase because it met all our testing criteria. The bag can fit multiple packing cubes for you or your partner and has ample room for clothing, toiletries and shoes. It also comes with a small bag for storing dirty laundry. NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez found it useful during her travel testing. “I loved using this carry-on and was able to pack roughly ten days’ worth of clothes with the help of packing cubes,” she says. 

Apple AirTag

What we like

• Great for iOS devices
• Audio pinging
• Battery life

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

If you’re in the habit of tapping your pockets because you think you might have lost your keys or you happen to be that person who misplaces a gym bag somewhere, then you might want to get your hands on an Apple AirTag, which happens to be an NBC Select favorite. AirTags send out a Bluetooth signal that can be detected by your phone, as well as nearby Apple devices that use the “Find My” network. When you’re near the tracker, you can use its Precision Finding feature, which guides you toward your missing item. It’s also really easy to pick up a pack of four so you can leave them in specific bags while you travel.

LL Bean Boat and Tote

What we like

• Durable
• Zip-closure
• Affordable

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

I have been lugging around a large L.L. Bean Boat and Tote for years whenever I take weekend trips upstate. My partner also has one because it can easily hold three or five days’ worth of outfits and is incredibly sturdy and durable. The bag zips at the top and has shoulder strap handles that can hold up to 500 pounds, according to the brand. It comes in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes and is available in 12 colors.

Yeti Hopper Flip 8 Soft Cooler

What we like

• Lightweight
• Puncture Resistant
• Durable

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

The Yeti Hopper Flip has a rubber-foam insulated body and exterior grid straps to attach hiking gear. Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or like spending time at the beach or lakeside with your partner, this Yeti Cooler is a must. The shell is made from a puncture- and UV-resistant fabric and both the exterior and interior are treated to resist mildew, according to the brand. The wide-mouth opening is leakproof and can fit up to 11 cans, according to Yeti.

Why trust NBC Select?

Jordan Bowman is an editor at NBC Select who writes and edits stories on various topics including tech, fitness, home and more. He has covered major shopping holidays and other events for over five years.