Blue-Chip Items

In a city of bantam apartments, where long workdays lead to unfussy domestic routines (takeout, again?), the temptation to over-register must be resisted. Below, a dozen items that won’t end up returned, in unopened boxes gathering dust in your parents basement, or even worse, stowed under your bed.

La Pavoni Espresso Maker
Broadway Panhandler
65 E. 8th St. (212-966-3434)
A compact Italian coffee press ideal for limited counter space. It pours eight cups, making Sunday mornings perkier than ever (chrome $619.95; brass $989.95).

John Robshaw Sheets
John Derian Dry Goods
10 E. 2nd St. (212-677-8407)
Splurge on exquisitely tactile sets, for you and your partner and for future houseguests. These are hand-stitched by artisans in India. (Twin $106; Queen $143; King $150. Price is per sheet. Flat & fitted sheets sold separately.)

La Forge de Laguiole Knife Set
La Cafetière
160 Ninth Ave. (646-486-0667)
With exotic-wood handles and extra-sharp, slender blades, these French knives are considered collectibles by some foodies. ($660 for a set of six)

Saint Louis Cut-Crystal
Michael C. Fina
545 Fifth Ave. (212-557-2500)
Stemware like this is more safely stored rightside up. And because each is a handmade masterpiece, no two are exactly the same (wine glass $320; flute $175).

Sterling-Silver Flatware
Tiffany & Company
727 Fifth Ave. (212-755-8000)
These future heirlooms don’t have to match your china. Register for twelve five-piece settings and host Thanksgiving as newlyweds. ($510 per set)

Globe-Trotter Luggage
Moss
150 Greene St. (212-204-7100)
Queen Elizabeth II used this luggage for her honeymoon. In bright red, it’ll never go astray in baggage claim (suitcase $1,265; suitcase with wheels $1,450; slim attaché $580).

Whiskey Decanter and Glasses
Christofle
680 Madison Ave. (212-308-9390)
It’s your mother’s taste in crystal, but the pleasure of pouring a nice Scotch is never lost on him (decanter $380; glass $53).

Jasper Conran China
Bloomingdale’s
1000 Third Ave. (212-705-2000)
Fine-bone china is durable, despite its dainty appearance. Register for the norm: a dozen five-piece place settings. ($25-$375)

Wine Decanter and Tumblers
Williams-Sonoma
10 Columbus Circle (212-823-9750)
Registering for the “O” line by oenophile-favorite Riedel, makers of technically excellent glassware, is trendy but wise (decanter $175; set of two tumblers $20).

Miele Vacuum
Gracious Home
1992 Broadway (212-231-7800)
This powerful cleaning machine is so quiet you can vacuum at 3 a.m. And like most things German-engineered, it’s built to last. ($475)

Calphalon Tri-Ply Cookware
Crate & Barrel
611 Broadway (212-780-0004)
The brushed-copper exterior suits both classic and modern tastes, and it’s chef-approved (copper makes for precision cooking). ($120)

Droplets Towels
Waterworks
225 E. 57th St. (212-371-9266)
Since bath linens are used every day, choose a set made of high-quality, absorbent cotton, with a simple pattern, for longevity (bath sheet $128; towel $72; hand towel $30; washcloth $15).

Blue-Chip Items