gift ideas

Functional gifts they will actually use! And if you’re creating your bridal or wedding gift registry start with these … you won’t be disappointed!

My niece Ashley is getting married, and I had a hard time finding a gift. Not because she didn’t have a gift registry. (She did.) Not because I didn’t have ideas. (I did.) But because I have 25 of my favorite things and it was hard to choose!

Why are these my favorite things? They’re practical and most of them will last years. Frilly gifts are nice, but ones that will be used often will be appreciated more in the long run.

Washclothes

You can never have enough good washclothes!

Cookbook

This has been my go-to cookbook for twenty five years. They recipes are simple, easy to follow and taste great.

Blackout Buddy

There are some wedding gifts you’ll never use, but these won’t be one of them. I like rechargeable flashlights because it’s easy to remember where you plugged them in when you need them.

Picnic Blanket

This is great to have in the car for picnics and outings.

Apron

I love this apron, because it works for him or her!

Lighters

Many people love to give candles for gifts, but lighters are the practical part that’s often forgotten.

Dust Buster

By far one of the handiest tools in the house.

Luxury Towels & Bath Mat

Mix luxury bath towels with a memory foam bath mat, and you’ll feel like a king and queen even if you’re living in a studio apartment! I also love white bath towels because they can be bleached and they don’t fade, so they feel new for a very long time.

Cutting Boards

I still have this cutting board after 25 years of marriage. Love!

Knife Set

If you want to impress the bride and groom, find them a knife set that will last for a decade (at least!). Sharp, well-made knives are a cook’s best friend.

Cozy Blanket

A cozy throw is perfect for movie night!

Bird Feeder

This may seem like an unexpected gift, but it’s the little things of married life that bring joy! … and don’t forget the bird food!

Nesting Bowls

I have mixing bowls that my grandmother got for her wedding over 70 years ago. I love pretty ones that can be used for serving, too.

Oven-Safe Containers

You can never have enough storage containers, and I love that these are oven safe. It’s like giving two gifts in one. You can bake with them and use them for storage.

Pitchers

Glass pitchers are pretty … and I love the ones with lids.

Finally, the most practical gift is great advice. A book might not excite newly weds, but homefully the help will come when they need it.

Wise Words

I wish I had read this book in my first year of marriage, rather than after fifteen years. There are life-changing truths that every young couple needs to know.

For my other favorite resources go here.

What are you favorite wedding or bridal shower ideas. I’d love to hear!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”