Wedding Gifts – The Goods

Gift Guides

13 Lovable Wedding Gifts for Uncommon Couples

August 8, 2018

Finding a good wedding gift ain’t easy, especially if you’re looking to live a little and—gasp!—go off registry. Lucky for you, we’ve got plenty of goods that freshly minted husbands and wives will appreciate, from sweet, cheerful mugs to custom artwork. Check out 13 of our favorites below.

1. Mugs for the couple that caffeinates together.

Handmade in California, these adorable mugs hold up to 21 ounces of coffee. (That’s a lot.) They’re also sold individually, so it’s easy to nab pairs for couples of all kinds.

Open-Minded Couple Mugs – $48 Buy Now »

2. Hand-painted platters that toast happy endings.

Suzanne Pollack’s sweet, sentimental design celebrates a love that’s written in the stars, whether it’s between brides, grooms, or both.

Happily Ever After Platter – $84 Buy Now »

3. A custom-made vase crafted from a champagne bottle.

They’ll be popping champagne all night. What better way to remember their big day?

Personalized Champagne Wedding Vase – $75 Buy Now »

Gift Guides

Video: Wedding Gifts Worth Going Off Registry For

July 31, 2018

1. Vase Bookends

Vase Bookends – $40 Buy Now »

Gift Guides

Everything Wedding : A Guide for Gifts from “Yes” to “I Do”

September 12, 2015

The question was popped, the ring is on, and happily ever after is underway. Sure, you really only truly need each other, but if you’re doing the whole fairytale wedding thing, you’ll need some gifts along the way. Whether you’re planning a traditional ceremony and reception or throwing a shingdig that breaks the “rules” in all the best ways, you’ll find something for everyone helping you celebrate and some gems for your own registry here on our Everything Wedding list!

Know just what you’re looking for? Jump to gifts for your reception, registry, bridesmaids, groomsmen, groom, bride, flower girl, ring bearer, or parents.

A Splendid Affair
You want your wedding day to be a day like no other, and you know getting the little details just right can make a big difference. These special accessories for your special day add that extra dash of magic to your reception.

Instead of tucking a book full of names away after your big day, why not display art made by everyone who celebrated with you? | Thumbprint Alternative Guestbook – Ash Tree

You + Your Partner = Married! Now that’s something to toast! | Etched Champagne Flutes – Set of 2

Fill this vase with your favorite flowers for a centerpiece that has your name all over it. (Or at least your initials.) | Faux Boix Vase

This keepsake Happily Ever After Cake Cutter and Server is the perfect reminder of the day you were able to have your cake and eat it too.

Getting that little couple on the top tier to look just like you and your love is a piece of cake, thanks to this DIY Wedding Cake Topper Kit.

One for the Registry
There are few times in your life when it’s totally acceptable to tell your friends and family exactly what to get you. Add these gifts to your registry and spend less time after the honeymoon returning duplicate blenders.

“The Start of Something” by David Fleck is a great way to start your art collection together.

You may be hot for each other, but that doesn’t mean it won’t get chilly in your home from time to time. | Personalized Tree Throw

Whether your honeymoon will be your first trip together or you’ve already traveled the world as a twosome, the Personalized Wedding & Anniversary Pushpin Map is a great way to map your many adventures.

Entertaining as couple doesn’t mean that friends will have to come to you. | Travel Mini Bar

You may be done with dessert for a while after some serious wedding cake intake, but these bowls will have your back when you’re ready to bake. | Nesting Stoneware Mixing Bowls – Set of 3

The many meals you’re about to enjoy together will be even more magical served on pieces from the Birch Porcelain Dishware Collection.

You two have a natural attraction to one another and your relationship is built on a sturdy foundation. The Double Tiered Teak Root Serving Platter features two trays made from natural teak and a sturdy iron stand. Coincidence?

You’re both interesting people with colorful personalities–a match made in heaven. If you happen to also enjoy wine, the Multicolor Ombre Stemless Wine Glass Set just might be your match made in Merlot.

Beauties for Bridesmaids
They’ve been there for you through the awkward years, the life changing moments, and everything in between. Let’s face it – there’s no one else you would rather have by your side during this special milestone than your best friends. Though there are no words to express how much their friendship means, these mementos will say it all. We’ve gathered our favorite gifts to show your bridesmaids how important they are in your life, no matter what happens.

Even if you can’t talk as often as you like, you can still remind your best friend that she’s beautiful every day.| You Are Beautiful Cursive Wood

Now she can have her cake and wear it, too. (Yes, there’s Wedding Cake whipped Shea Crème involved!) | Farm Fresh Spa Experience Tin

Your wishes were her commands. Thank your bridesmaid with a jewelry holder that won’t let anything unravel under pressure. | Jewelry In A Bottle

Now that all the hard work is done, it’s time to get spirited away in style! | Porcelain Flask

As they say, new friends are silver and old friends are gold. | Precious Dipped Lace Heart Necklace

Great Gifts for Groomsmen
These guys have stood by you through thick and thin. Now, they’re standing with you while you make it official. Show them you’re happy to have them at your side with one of these thank you gifts.

Your best man may have a bushy beard, but he’ll still look his best for your big day thanks to the Beard Pack.

Your groomsmen proved they could handle their booze at your bachelor party. Fair enough, but the On The Rocks Set says you’re up for slowly sipping whiskey over taking rounds of shots next time you drink together.

You’re tying the knot with your someone special, but your not about to forget to have suds with your buds. Fill the Wooden Beer Caddy with a 6-pack of your groomsmen’s favorite brewskies to show you’re still up for grabbing a cold one anytime.

Cufflinks are a traditional groomsman gift. These cufflinks put a twist on that tradition, while getting the best of bottle caps that don’t twist-off. | Stainless Steel Bottle Opener Cufflinks

Your groomsmen helped you prepare for this moment. Help them be prepared for anything. (In style!) |Titanium Multi-Tool Collar Stays

Groomin’
Your guy is certainly something special, so getting him a special present to celebrate the day the two of you say “I do” is on your pre-wedding to-do list. Tell your groom you’re all in by going all out with one of these gifts.

Give him one Silver Type Key Cufflink with your initial and one with his to celebrate the new chapter you’re about to write together.

It’s hard to believe that your relationship could ever be any more perfect, but like whiskey, love gets even better as it ages. | Personalized Whiskey Barrel

This Tree Ring Pen is the perfect way to say, “You put a ring on it. I’m ready to put down roots so we can grow together.”

Your groom will be well groomed on your wedding day, thanks to the Deluxe Shave Set.

Make Your Bride Blush
Sometimes you still can’t believe she’s actually going to be your bride, but then you pinch yourself, realize it’s really happening, and get back to planning your future together. The first step? Finding the perfect gift to give your new wife as you enter matrimonial bliss.

Carving your initials in a tree is romantic, but having your initials carved in a Personalized Birch Cuff is more environmentally friendly. (And it’s much easier for her to wear this bracelet than tote a tree down the aisle with her.)

You only get one wedding day, but you’ll celebrate many special occasions together. Show her you’re looking forward to celebrating year after year with this Personalized Anniversary Journal.

The Latitude/Longitude Pendant can serve as a pretty reminder of the place you met, where you got engaged, or even the exact location where you’re about to share your first kiss as a married couple. Now that’s where it’s at!

She’s about to spend a long day in a fancy dress. Give her something comfortable to change into when the festivities are over that she can also relax in for many cozy nights at home together to come. | Floral Batik Kimono Robe

You’re ready to spend the rest of your life pampering her. Start with the Spa in A Bag.

Hey, Kids!
Specializing in ring delivery and flower petal dispersion, these kiddos played an important part in your wedding. Whether as a “thank-you” or a bribe for good behavior, it’s always a good idea to make sure the kids are happy when so much is on the line.

She might not remember the details of your special day, but she’ll always remember the influence you had in her life. Start your journey together with the Personalized M is for Me Book.

If your little flower girl thinks you’re old, imagine how amazed she’ll be by the many dynamics of the earth! Mind blown. | Amazing Earth Puzzle Blocks

Links of love to show that you have lots and lots of love. | Links of Love Necklace

A slam-dunk choice for the mini VIP in your life! | The Mug With A Hoop

Unique Ways to Say Thank You
Watching a son or daughter say their vows can be a bittersweet moment for any parent. Giving a sentimental gift is a way to show your continued appreciation of everything they’ve done to help you get here. Whether as a statement of gratitude for your new in-laws or a reminder to your parents that just because you’re starting your own family doesn’t mean you’re ditching theirs, we’re sure they’ll take well to any of these timeless gifts.

Sometimes, it only takes a few special words to convey the infinite amount of love and appreciation we have for someone. This necklace does just that. | Mother of the World Necklace

Nothing shows your gratitude like a gift that was 80 million years in the making. | Agate Coasters – Set of 4

After your big day, people may forget what was said, but your dad will never forget how he felt when he walked you down the aisle in your wedding gown. Show your appreciation for your pops with this one-of-a-kind keepsake. | Custom Wedding Gown Cufflinks

Like a fine wine, a thoughtful thank you gets better with age. | Family Vintage Wine Box

The ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, and Greeks all held the belief that semiprecious stones like agate possessed the power to protect its owners from evil and danger, and that it also produced delightful dreams, After all of the hard work that went into your special day, eternal protection is the least you can offer. | Druze Serving Platter

Gift Guides

How to Create Your Dream Wedding Registry

May 20, 2013

Not to sound overly girlie or cliché, but getting engaged was absolutely one of the happiest, most blissful moments (weekends) of my life. And sure, now five months later I am entirely wrapped up in comparing caterers and photographers and yes trying on many, many white dresses and making many, many decisions (who knew there were so many decisions to make?). It’s been a total blast. As it turns out, I love planning! Now, that’s not to say I haven’t had my moments – total emotional breakdowns/spazz moments … I am somewhat comforted to know that I have found this to be a shared experience among just about all my engaged/married friends. (This is a highly emotional time, people!) but I am getting better at thinking big picture and turning any moments of stress into excitement. I think by the time our wedding date rolls around, I’ll have this down to a science. Until then: lots of deep breaths, long runs and on certain nights: copious amounts of wine.

Katie’s Uncommon Registry board on Pinterest

As for some of those details – while we are taking some liberties with certain “traditions”, building a registry was one of the most fun projects I have worked on during this flurry of planning – and we approached this in a somewhat traditional sense – all while infusing our personalities into it from bottom to top. I have been to enough weddings in the past 2-3 years to see several approaches to registries, and being in the retail business and overall a product-passionate person, I am at somewhat of an advantage as to knowing what is in the competitive landscape for products. Here are some tips of the trade and from my experience that might be useful for anyone who is just getting started in this:

(1.) SET UP MORE THAN ONE REGISTRY:
We tried a few different approaches, and in the end, we chose to register with four different sites. We wanted to make sure we gathered the best products from the best sources to match our taste and needs, rather than trying to retro-fit into one or two retailers who might not have exactly what we wanted. Not to mention, a lot of traditional retailers don’t carry the really unique, wow items to add personality into your home. I also really love when my friends register at a few different places, so that I can mix and match gifts and price points to give them what feels like a cohesive package of goodies.

The first place we registered with was the service Knack. We used this to pull in items from sites that did not have their own registry or if there were not enough items on the site to rationalize an entire registry. I had used Knack for friends’ registries and found it exciting to see items aggregated from funky, smaller stores. I liked that it opened up the market for registering outside of traditional retailers, but the checkout process was somewhat laborious to use. (E.g.: to purchase an item, you click into the item page from the main registry page, select “Buy Now” – which then takes you to the separate retailer site to purchase. Once you purchase it through the other retailer (and have to enter in all address information, etc), then you have to click back to Knack to tell the service you purchased it. Not the easiest, I did not check out correctly the first time I used it and I consider myself a pretty tech-savvy person! After imagining some of the less tech-savvy folks in our life trying to use this service, I decided to break out what I could onto separate, more traditional registry sites.

Your wedding registry is an opportunity to show off your style and point to the “wow” items you’re dreaming of.

(2.) ASK FOR HELP!
After building out registries which solved for pots and pans, plates and cups, coffee makers and cookbooks, I thought I had thought of everything. Well, thankfully, I sent our registry links around to my mom, sister-in-law, and my fiancé’s mom. Definitely ask around, while there are tons of wedding planning books and websites, I found getting advice from the people who know us best to be the most helpful. They knew we didn’t need overly ornate plates or silver serving pieces, but they also jumped on the fact that I had missed sheets and towels and silverware.

(3.) MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PARTNER’S SIGN OFF
Building the registry was something I decided to take on and consult with my partner after I was more or less finished. I built out the above described registries, added the links to our wedding website, and before I knew it our family and friends were jumping on items as engagement gifts. (What a lovely surprise!) Luckily, my fiancé and I definitely share a similar taste level and aesthetic so I was not too far off. However, once I saw people starting to buy items, I decided I ought to run the registries by my fiancé. The process of editing was funny, while I tried to pretty much stick to the essentials, I may have tried to slide in a few decorative accents that he quickly and swiftly gave the axe (a handmade bell, Katie, really??). So, make sure you are BOTH on the same page to avoid glares from your one and only after the wedding.

Overall, building a registry is a super fun project; I think this is because it allows you to start picturing what this next phase of our life might look like. Sure, we have lived together for going on 4 years now and have stocked cabinets, but our kitchen is largely a patchwork style collection of cast off odds and ends from our moms’ kitchens (happy to clean out their pantries), plates we picked up from the free shop at a oft-visited dump in New Hampshire, and–most notably–our collection of pots and pans from a particularly successful yard sale day. For two people who love to cook and entertain, curating a collection of items to use on a daily basis was an exciting foray into – dare I say – true adulthood. Because really, I think it’s when you own your first Cuisinart that you can call yourself an adult. But it was during the selection of goods that I realized we could hand pick the items that we would use not only to use to heat up soup on a typical Monday night of netflix-marathon watching, but to make our home with, to serve holiday dinners with our families, and in someway, to define who we are as a couple and how we want to make our home. That being said, I believe our kitchen, and our home will always be a patchwork of odds and ends, but at least now we might have matching tops to all our pots and a functioning coffee maker!

My biggest words of advice: Make it about who you are as a couple. If you never bake, don’t register for bake ware; if you aren’t the formal type, register for some high quality, but funkier versions of things – everyone needs plates to eat off of, you don’t need to go for the super expensive kind if they don’t suit your lifestyle. The rules have changed a lot, embrace the freedom to build your home together and have fun with it. When in doubt, consult your family and friends for help, they will love it!

Get your registry started at UncommonGoods!

Gift Guides

Finding the Perfect Wedding Gift for a Special Couple

June 8, 2012

Someone very important to me is getting married. Weddings are a big deal, and I’m thrilled, but I’m also a bit overwhelmed. Why am I overwhelmed when it isn’t my wedding? Because I’m now tasked with finding the PERFECT wedding gift.

Finding that gift that says it all shouldn’t be that hard, right? After all, I have known the guy his whole life. So before I get into the details of my quest to find that best-wedding-gift-ever gift, here’s a little background info.

Beau (soon-to-be groom), Cassie (me), and Luke (baby brother) sometime in the late ’80s
When I was almost 3 years old, my life changed–big time. I went from being an only child to the proud owner of my very own little brother. Luckily, since I’d only been on the planet a few short years, I hadn’t gotten too used too cozy in that only child role.

Growing up with a brother not much younger than me was great. We went to the same school, share friends, have similar interests, and–on account of the whole same parents thing–can really relate to each other. Somewhere along the way, we even got another little bro to share.

Fast-forward 20-something years. Now I have a husband my own and my brother, Beau, has a smart, charismatic, funny fiance. This wedding gift has to show Beau how much I care, that I’m happy for him, and that I can’t wait for Bobbi to be a part of our family.

Beau and Bobbi
First I made a list of things they like, in hopes of getting gifting inspiration. They both love fishing (they’re actually having a fishing-themed wedding) and other outdoor sports. They also both love cooking. Beau loves history and archaeology and he works for the railroad. Bobbi works in financial management and she loves crafting and DIY projects.

Vases for the candy buffet (fill with Swedish Fish, gummy worms, and Goldfish crackers) / Inspiration for the theme / Card basket and photo for the gift table/ Cattails for the centerpieces. Photos by Bobbi Dahnke
Starting with their professions, I thought Beau might like the Railroad Date Nail Cufflinks, and I could pair them with a necklace for Bobbi, like the Cymbal of Love Pendant or the Links of Love necklace.

Next, there’s Bobbi’s specialty. I could just give them a wad of cash with a nice card and a joke about how she’s in charge of the money. But, on second thought, while they might enjoy the dough, it’s probably not right for this special occasion.They do both like cooking, so something like the Artisanal Bamboo Salt Chest, an Elevate Carousel Utensil Set, or a Recipe Box and Card Kit, while not extremely personal, would be much-used by my brother and sister-in-law.

If I really wanted to focus on “personal” I could make them something myself. I would love to put together a scrapbook, create a quilt (if I knew how to quilt, of course), or paint their portrait (again with the “if I could do that sort of thing” thing). Unfortunately, me creating a beautiful handmade gift probably isn’t going to happen.

The next best thing is finding a lovely handmade gift handmade by someone else, but expressing what I want to say. Something that really says, “Welcome to the family.” A Wedding Wishes Vase is a great choice, because it’s a way for me to share how I feel about the happy couple and let others do the same. I also love the Personalized Tree Anniversary Plate and the tree fits nicely with their outdoorsy wedding theme. Another of my custom favorites is the Personalized Photo Wall Art. Since she’s choosing to change her last name, it would be a fun way to say “Now you’re a part of team Tweten.”

So, which of these wonderful gifts did I decide is perfect for my brother and his beautiful bride-to-be? I can’t say, because the wedding hasn’t happened yet (and because, to be honest, there’s a wee possibility that I haven’t decided). All stressing aside, though, I know they will love the gift no matter which product I choose, because it’s coming from me. (Not in a weird “I’m so great they’ll love anything I pick” way, but in the way that you hang indecipherable drawings from children on the fridge because they were made with love.)

I’m looking forward to celebrating their special day with them, wearing a fancy bridesmaid’s dress, and–like I watched my little brother grow up–watching two people in love grow old together.

Design

Noteworthy Design: Wedding Wishes

June 8, 2012

Picking a personal wedding gift is tricky. It has to be sentimental, but not too cheesy. Functional, but with more appeal than the stereotypical kitchen appliance. And, of course, it should be something the couple will cherish for years to come. Our community agrees, David Voorhees’ Personalized Wedding Wishes Vase has it all.

Time and skill go into creating each of these wheel-formed, hand-decorated pieces, but using the finished product is actually quite simple. Each vase comes with a wedding poem (written by Voorhees) and blank sheets for writing your own wedding wishes.

The couple can use the vase instead of a traditional guest book, or place it near the guest book table. As guests enter the reception, they are asked to write their very own special messages to the couple and drop them into the vase for the newlyweds to read on their first anniversary. Since the bottom of the vase is perforated, the artwork doesn’t have to be destroyed for the messages to be enjoyed a year later.

Our buyers loved the handmade vase the moment they laid eyes on it, but wanted a little “relationship advice” before making the commitment to carrying this uncommon good. Our voters agreed that the custom creation is certainly something special.

“This is a really great idea, beautiful and made in the USA,” Christie told us.

Renee agreed, “I think it sounds like a great idea, and gives lots of warm thoughts on the 1st anniversary…”

“I love the idea of opening this on the couple’s first anniversary! The perforated bottom is fabulous, since I would hate to wreck the vessel otherwise,” said Alli.

Now Voorhee’s design is an UncommonGood, and it’s receiving fantastic reviews from those celebrating the marriages of loved ones in their lives.

“This was the perfect answer for a wedding gift for a couple who were older, found love again, had two households to contend with and needed no more appliances or other like items,” explained Judy the aunt from Long Beach, CA. “Family and friends were able to write notes they will open in a year. What a nice way to wish a new happy couple on their way.”

Mary from Ashville, NC also shared a 5-star review: “This is my absolute favorite wedding gift to give! It is a beautifully hand thrown vase that has a personalized message on one side with a floral design hand painted on the other side. At the reception, guests are encouraged to write a personal hand written message to the couple on paper and put it into the Wedding Wish Vase. Then, a year later, on the couples first wedding anniversary, they open the vase and read all the messages the guests wrote to them on their wedding night! How awesome!! This is such a lovely, unique, personalized, meaningful wedding gift.”

We’re proud to see such wonderful feedback coming in for such a clever and beautiful handmade piece. We’re looking forward to feedback from happy couples as they open their Wedding Wishes Vases to read warm messages and words of wisdom in years to come!

The Uncommon Life

Say What?

August 12, 2011

Finding the perfect gift at UncommonGoods is a snap. But what about writing that card?

We’re here to help you find those words.

If you’re not sure what to say in the bride-to-be’s card, you either:

A. Love her too much for words,
B. Don’t know her well enough to personalize the card, or
C. Can’t stand the witch and don’t even know how you got invited to this stupid party in the first place.

Regardless of your answer, the rule to remember is:

Share your feelings.

Because if you can’t do it in a card, where can you?

But don’t forget – bridal showers are for tea cups, croissants and high-pitched laughter. So talk about your emotions, but do it the way an uptight person would.

Try one of these notes:

Your mother told me to keep my mouth shut. So I’m keeping my mouth shut. Good luck with your wedding.

I love you so much. Even though you don’t see the irony in wearing white.

Thanks for inviting me to your shower. It’s nice to finally see you again.

You picked a good one. I love your fiance. He’s truly been there for me in ways you never could.

Congratulations on finally losing the weight!

But if you’re bold and feel like being completely honest, the best thing you can do is shut up.
And let poignant words of the wise do the talking:

“Love isn’t something you find. Love is something that finds you.”
Loretta Young

“Love conquers all.”
Virgil

And my personal favorite:

Dear Bride-to-Be:
Plato said, “At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet.”
Which makes you far better suited to write this card than I.
Love,
Nina

Place your memorable card atop an equally memorable gift:


Intercourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook	Bridal Shower Guest Book		Porn for the Bride

Guest post by Nina Mozes

Design

Paper to Silk

August 11, 2011

Finding that perfect gift for a special couple isn’t always an easy task.

We’re happy to provide a little advice and proudly offer our original Anniversary Book as a suggestion for a great wedding or anniversary gift. This hand-bound journal includes pages to help loving couples celebrate years the first twenty years of marriage, and features pages in 5-year increments for each year from 25-50.

You told us that you loved this little journal so much that we needed to take it to the next level. And with your suggestions, we developed a more complete Anniversary Journal featuring pages for each year up to that golden 50th anniversary.

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