The Strategist’s Nonobvious Wedding Gift Guide

An entire bed is a lot to ask for (or gift), butthis mattress topper that we adoreis the next best choice. (And if you want to go ahead and put a mattress on there, we will not judge.Here are our favorites.)

In our big roundup of thebest linen sheets, Strategist writer Tembe Denton-Hurst said these Belgian linen sheets “have this automatically lived-in look, soft and rumpled and ultraluxurious.” There are plenty of color options to choose from, too, like forest green, terra-cotta, and peacock blue.

We found that these more affordable linen sheets from West Elm held their own against some of the fancier ones. The set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, making it nice and substantial.

The gift of twofluffy down pillowswill make any couple’s bed feel more like one at a fancy hotel. Alex Savy, the founder of sleep-product review website SleepingOcean, describes Brooklinen’s down pillow as a “fairly affordable option that does not sacrifice quality for the price tag.” It comes in three densities, including plush, mid-plush, and firm. Whichever you choose, Savy says they are “nicely made, with neat stitching and a 100 percent cotton cover that uses a sateen weave and feels heavenly soft and silky to the touch.”

A non-fusty coverlet, recommended by writer–slash–creative consultantHarling Ross, who put it on her own registry. “I’m just as big a fan of the brand’s home stuff, and in warmer months, this seems like a really practical alternative to a heaviercomforter,” she says.

The natural hemp fabric on one side of this reversibleduvetfeels so soft to the skin that interior designerElizabeth Gillrecommends it for those who like to sleep naked.Those who prefer a crisp cotton can use the other side or flip back and forth.

One of our favoritecooling weighted blankets, theBearaby Tree Napper “allows a lot of air to get through, making you feel less trapped in your body heat,” according to Logan Foley, managing editor atSleep Foundation. The open-loop-weave design distributes weight evenly over the body so it feels soothing and not suffocating.

These large,lightweight towelsare quick-drying as well as soft and cozy. According to Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson, “They actually dried me off quicker than my old towels and didn’t get wet and soggy in the process. Apparently the secret is the towel’s loose weave, which promotes air circulation.”

If you’re looking for something a little simpler, as big fans ofParachute’s bedding and linens, we can vouch for the quality of these towels, too.

These bath salts — a mix of CBD with relaxing epsom salt, Himalayan pink salt, and essential oils — are stylistKara Welch’s “absolute fave.” We also like that the packaging looks classy and doesn’t scream CBD.

Strategist editorAlexis Swerdloffowns thisbamboo bath matand much prefers it to her formerly soggy cloth one. “No longer must I step on a sad and flattened terry-cloth bath mat,” she says, “and my bathroom suddenly feels like a spa.”

Matchingbathrobesmake a nice gift. These plush ones from luxury linens brand Frette come recommended by Dinah Cooke, who directs social media for the Joanna Vargas spa. “I’m absolutely in love with mine. It’s luxurious yet simple,” she says. “I wear it after taking a long bath or while I’m sheet-masking.”

Strategist writer Emma Wartzman considers thisolive oilfrom Wonder Valley her personal favorite.She describes the flavor as “distinct but not particularly overpowering” and likes to use it “over a delicate piece of fish or a pile of roasted veggies.”

Hands down, no question, this is thechef’s knife to get. We talked to more than two dozen experts and even tested some ourselves: It’s the best.

Experts have told us to forgo the standard cheese knife set and instead buya universal cheese knife, like this stainless-steel version from Swissmar.

They likely already registered for aLodge cast iron panorLe Creuset Dutch ovenwhich are bothfineforbaking bread. But Mia Leimkuhler, manager of audience engagement at the Strategist, tells us this is the best option for flavorful loaves with crisp crusts.

We predicted this bright blue sheet pan (made from aluminized steel and reinforced with steel rods to prevent warping) fromstart-up cookwarebrand Great Jones wouldbe a hit,and sure enough it became an instantStrategist reader favorite.

This John Boos cutting board has been recommended not once, but twice, by brides in our Steal My Registry column. “Cutting boardsare one of those things that people kind of overlook,” says chefEden Grinshpan Nivron, “and a solid, really thick, good-quality cutting board that can really manage your food prep is something everyone needs to have.” Herman Miller designer editorKelsey Keith, who got the board in a maple finish, adds, “We got the 24-by-18-inch; it’s nice to have a huge surface for whatever chopping needs arise.”

One of our favorite gifts forhome cooks, this Dutch oven (that’s made from carbon steel so it’s lighter than cast iron) can also be found in the kitchen of chefSamin Nosrat, author ofSalt, Fat, Acid, Heatand host of the Netflix show of the same name. She has a vintage yellow version.

Even if they have (or registered for) one of Lodge’s cast-iron pans, a couple would still get a lot of use out of this griddle. Breakfast lovers can use it to make pancakes, bacon, and eggs, while grillers can use it to get those perfect marks on meat when they can’t fire up their outdoor Weber.

Sure, All-Clad is great, but this copper pan from Mauviel is a work of art. It’s the favorite of Vic’s, Rosie’s, and Cookshop chef Marc Meyer, whotold uswhy he loves this pan: “It’s beautifully made, and the handle stays cool, even when using high heat. It’s a pleasure to cook anything in this pan.”

They’ll have no trouble throwing a festive and delicious hot-pot party if they have this dual-sided pot (and follow chef and writerNatasha Li Pickowicz’stips). Guests cook their own proteins and veggies in separate chambers, so the vegetarians’ broth stays separate from that of the meat-eaters.

The stylish Always Pan is another alternative to the All-Clads of the world. It functions as eight different pieces of cookware, so it’s especially great for couples with limited kitchen space.

As for what to do with all that new cookware, they’ll get plenty of ideas from thiscookbookfrom chef Joshua McFadden. Janna Gur, author ofShuk, lovesSix Seasonsfor its “beautiful writing, terrific (and meticulously developed and tested) recipes, mouthwatering photos, lots of veggies and seasonality.”

For the couple with no clue how touseany of their new kitchen gear, a subscription to ameal delivery servicewill help them hone their techniques. Strategist writer Lauren Ro likes that the recipes from Martha Stewart’s meal service, Marley Spoon, “come with step-by-step instructions on a sheet with pictures and are pretty straightforward.”

Sierra Tishgart, a co-founder of cookware brandGreat Jones, loves this leather-bound edition of the classicJoy of Cooking.While “it’s definitely alittlebit more expensive than the regular edition, it’s really beautiful,” she says.

This, the coffee snob’s coffee maker, is loved by not onlyaficionados, buthundreds of reviewers on Amazon.

For a more affordable coffee maker that’s just as striking, there are few (if any)pour-over systemsmore elegant than this Grosche version, which doesn’t require disposable filters, thanks to its mesh metal one.

For those who prefer to press their coffee, here’s a stunning pitcher made from heat-resistant colored glass.

Nobody will not love a beautifulmatte-black electric tea kettle.

If they (or you) are serious tea drinkers, consider the Breville Tea Maker, whichStrategist contributor David Schwartzdubbed “the most artificially intelligent machine a tea enthusiast can buy to brew at home” after researching and trying several top-of-the-line models. It can brew tea at custom temperatures and be set to brew automatically, but Schwartz says “the Breville’s pièce de résistance is a metal-mesh basket that robotically dunks loose leaves in boiled water for the exact steeping time and then removes them, resting above the water’s surface to prevent too-bitter brews or totally weak souse.”

If you’re worried about purchasing another extraneous kitchen appliance to clutter up your couple’s counter with, trust us.We’vewrittenaboutZojirushi rice cookers before, and they really do turn out perfect rice every single time.

Newlyweds can prepare cake, fish, meat, and more with thisCosori appliancethat “does everything you want an air fryer to do,” according to Rebecca Abbott, one of the writers and recipe developers behindAir Frying Foodie.

Sometimes you want to finish a whole bottle; sometimes you don’t. The very bestsommelier-approved systemfor preserving open bottles of wine is the Coravin.

Julie Mulligan, owner and designer of cocktail lounge and restaurantLot 15, recommends this set of Dailyware Bodega glasses from Bormioli Rocco that includes eight double old-fashioned glasses and eight highball glasses. She says the “versatile and low-maintenance but still chic” design makes them suitable for all kinds of home drinking and serving.

[Editor’s note: This 16-piece set is currently out of stock, but you can get a six-piece set of both thedouble old-fashionedandhighball glassesat World Market for $12 and $18, respectively.]

Tracie Battle, a senior designer at online interior-design serviceHavenly, likes that these sleekdrinking glassesfeature a rounded, weighted base for some heft. The best part? A full set of 16 (eight tall glasses and eight rocks glasses) will cost you less than $50.

Hands down, the finestuniversal wineglasses you can buy. Adored by civilians and sommeliers alike.

Newlyweds looking to broaden their wine horizons will appreciate a subscription to thissommelier-recommendeddelivery service. Each box features at least four bottles of wine grouped by a theme like a specific growing region or grape variety.

In various sizes and shapes, this set ofIPA glassesare made for different kinds of craft beers and seem like just the kind of extravagant nonnecessity a wedding calls for.

Nobody could object tothese delicately speckled dinner platesthat are reminiscent of the stoneware at Two Hands.

These hand-paintedplateslook like the ones you’ll find fromstatus-y ceramic brandHasami, but at a fraction of the cost. They’re designed to stack up like bamboo dumpling steamers, nestling together into a tidy tower.

And here’s some wedding china for quirky artist types, from Italian design hub Seletti.

Heart-shaped spoons fromfancy Italian homeware brandAlessi will make them feel classy even if they’re on the couch eating Half Baked straight from the carton.

This set of “playful yet still refined” flatware from Mepra is a bit more fun than your average bistro set. It’s a favorite of Liza Curtiss, the principal atLe Whitdesign studio, and comes in 19 different color options (some of which include multiple colors like the set shown). The flatware comes in sets as small as service for one and as big as service for 12, so you’re likely to find an option that works for your budget.

Former Strategist senior writer Lauren Levy obsessed over flatware sets for her registry. Although she didn’t ultimately choosethis tortoiseshell cutlery, it was a strong and worthy contender.

For theactivated charcoalaficionado.

If you’ve been to Blue Hill at Stone Barns, you’re probably already familiar with these ceramics by Julie Hadley. They’re so much more original than Heath.

These Mosser Glass mixing bowls are handsome enough to keep out on the counter.

This tablecloth has a very lazy-lunch-in-the-Italian-countryside vibe. Always a good feeling to channel when they’re stuck inside a small apartment.

Someone’s great-aunt might be gifting them fancy cloth napkins, but we bet they’ll be grateful to skip the ironing and whip out these chinoiserie-stylepaper napkinsrecommended by Strategist senior editor Anthony Rotunno.

These, from Sferra, are interior designerDelphine Krakoff’s favoriteplace matsbecause they’re “affordable and come in tons of colors.”

For a picnic-friendly bag, try thisL.L.Beaninsulated tote. It comes recommended byJulie Lindenman, owner of an eponymousevent-planning company, who says it does as good of a job at keeping cold food and drinks cold as a Yeti cooler — but at a fraction of the price.

These sheer slips of fabric turn ugly cord piles into statement décor, and will add a bit of post-wedding whimsy to any couple’s shared space.

A perfumed detergent will make the shared chores that are unfortunately essential to married life a lot more fun — and we can vouch for this one’sclothes-cleaning powers, too.

TheseSwedish dishclothsweaned Strategist contributor Ashlea Halpern off her (not so environmentally friendly) paper towel habit.

Kiyanna Stewart and Jannah Handy, the owner-curators behindBlk Mkt Vintage, put a gift card to paint company Clare on their registry. “She does a really good job at giving a mix of bright tones and some more muted colors,” says Stewart. “This is one of those save-for-later things. We can’t wait to add some of these colors to the culture of the new house,” adds Handy.

While Canyon Coffee founders Ally Walsh and Casey Wojtalewicz recommend this smokeless incense as a greathousewarming gift, we think it makes for a neat wedding gift, too. “Bodha creates the most beautiful smells,” says Walsh. “In addition to the smokeless quality, the packaging alone makes it a perfect gift to give.”

Here’s a truly playful present for couch dwellers with an eye for design. Each fluffy pillow is handmade from zero-waste sheepskin and hypoallergenic fill.

Just a big bright statement blanket, from everyone’s favorite brand Dusen Dusen.

We bet you’ve never seen a cornhole set as delightful as this one. As Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazur (co-founders of the exceptional and unfortunately now-shuttered e-commerce siteOf a Kind) put it, “if now isn’t the time for gussied-upbackyard games, when is?”

Not only will this fan keep you cool indoors, it’s also one of themost stylish modelswe’ve ever seen.

While it looks pleasingly analog, this woodenalarm clockby industrial designer Riki Watanabe has a built-in snooze button for late sleepers.

Jigsaw puzzlesare having a moment and this one, featuring a still-life painting by 18th-century painter Jan Frans van Dael, is pretty enough to frame once you’re done.

Or if IRL flowers are more your couple’s speed, here’s a MoMA Design Store vessel that’ll elevate even the drabbest bodega blooms.

In thisexpert-recommended two-person board game, players strategically collect different pieces to create a quilt. Greg May, owner ofThe UncommonsandHex & Company, calls it “the perfect game for couples.”

Tapered candlesticksare also having a moment (even amongminimalists), and Strategist writer Hilary Reid discovered these colorful candles are a top pick among interior designers.

For the couple taking their tablescaping to the next level, these handmade sculptural candles will be conversation-starters they’ll only want to burn on very special occasions — perhaps that first wedding anniversary.

Big furniture pieces are weird to register for. But this Yamazaki Home wall ladder, aStrategist favorite, serves as an alternative to everyone’s dreaded “clothes chair” and seems more appropriate whether you’re giving it or putting it on a registry.

Same with this folding chair, which is meant foroutdoor decks and terraces, but can be used when extra folks come over forVanderpump Rulesviewing parties or for movie-in-the-park outings.

ALucitetray (with chic gold handles) for breakfast-in-bedding.

Show off the scalloped edges of this handwoven wicker tray as a bar-cart or coffee-table accessory.

A splurgy set of fancy matchingumbrellasmakes a fun and useful gift. We tested more than 30 umbrellas and determined this was the best of the bunch. Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo raves, “The Davek Stick umbrella looks and feels like a Bentley or some other fancy but tasteful British thing. Even its nylon sheath has been designed with precision and grace.”

The couple with a record collection will swoon over this vinyl geek-approvedturntable.

ThisUV-light sanitizing boxwill keep their phones germ-free — and charged up. It’s a bit of a weird gift, but germaphobes get married, too.

When you can’t make it to the movies, bring the movies to you with thissoda-can size projector. It even has its own speaker and, with its accompanying app, lets you stream directly from Netflix and Hulu.

The totally amazing, totally unexpected, out-of-left-field gift that changes everything. We talk about this a lot because it isgood for moms,good for dads,good for anyone who has feet.

Newlyweds always nagging each other for back rubs will appreciate this powerful handheld massager that’s beloved by physicaltherapists,professional athletes, and evenRockettes.

Residual wedding stress may contribute to tight muscles,but with thismassager, the happy couple will be relaxed and loose in no time. Former Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson says, “The massaging knobs genuinely feel like hands, kneading aching muscles and working out sore spots.”

Thisallergist-approved air purifieris the cream of the crop, the best at removing allergens, pollutants, and dust from sneeze-inducing air.

AnotherStrategist favorite, this “natural” clock wakes you up with a soft light as opposed to a blaring alarm. We think SAD-inclined couples would particularly appreciate it.

Strictly speaking, nobodyneedsaSonos Playbar, but nobody would be upset about six or seven friends chipping in to buy one to make TV-viewing cinematic.

An analog way to catalogue their first few months of married life, Strategist writer Jordan Bowman says this cute li’l camerarekindled his love of photography.

They can display all their favorite wedding and honeymoon memories with this digital photo frame Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio declared the singlebest thingshe bought in 2021.

Duh. You don’t even need to get two of them — just two brush heads.

Asmart-camera-assisted doorbellfor the added layer of security. They’ll never lose a package or worry about who’s at the door again.

When you’re swept up in newlywed bliss it’s hard to imagine a time when you and your spouse will argue about something as mundane as who’s turn it is to vacuum the floor — but it’ll happen. Plan ahead with thisrobot vacuumthat Corsillo tells us “helped her avoid couples therapy.”

It is not the cheapest vacuum on the market — just thelongest-lastingand best-looking. It will makethem actually want to break it out and use it.

A subscription to MasterClass’sonline courseswould be an unexpected idea for the plugged-in couple who doesn’t need more gadgets. Learning new things together is always good for keeping any relationship strong, and learning them from famous teachers — like Frank Gehry, who hosts a class on architecture, and Thomas Keller, who hosts one on cooking — makes it even more fun, according to people who’ve enrolled.