Ask Chris Black: What Are Your 10 Wedding-Registry Essentials?
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If you’re looking for the most powerfulhair dryeror the handiestchef’s knife, those things can be easy enough to find. Other objects of desire are a little more taste-based. What’s the next statuswater bottleorhand wash, for instance? Chris Black (he’s a partner at brand consultancyPublic Announcement) is here to help in the form ofa regular column. If you have a burning question about the next fanny pack or Noah rugby shirt, drop us an email with the subject line “Ask Chris” at strategist@nymag.com.
My fiancé and I are getting married in January, and are starting to work on ourwedding registry. Do you have a top ten when it comes to items that must be included?
Anywedding registryneeds to be both fun and practical. The items should span a wide range of prices and tastes, so there are things that all of your guests will feel compelled to buy. Plenty of necessities, of course, but also a few wild cards that you might never buy for yourself!
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The Nest x Yalesmart lockwill make married life easier, because when you lock yourself out of the apartment after a long day at work, your wife won’t have to leave happy hour with the girls to let you in — she can do it from the gadget’s corresponding app! Crisis averted! I love the future.
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Parachute’s Classic towels are the best you can buy for the price. Nothing says adulthood like having a linen closet full of crisp, clean, white towels — and this Supreme set includes six hand towels, six washcloths, and six bath towels (for $390, Parachute also sells the set with six largerbath sheetsinstead of towels). Your practical sister-in-law would likely love to bless you with it.
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The big-dog three-wick Diptyque Feu De Boiscandlewill have your home smelling nice for months while you force yourself to write an ungodly amount ofthank-you notesfor these gifts.
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I love this simple jug from Hay for its versatility. You can use it to serve water with lemon slices to your guests, or for the weeklyflower arrangementsyou buy because you ignore your new bride to playvideo games. Win/win.
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Every registry must include some truly practical items, so I had to add a few to this list. Steamery’s Cirrus No. 2steameris tiny and powerful; it will allow you leave the house looking like the young, regal, married couple that you are. Wrinkle-free screams happiness.
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Taking care of your partner means concocting a well-made smoothie packed full of fresh produce, superfoods, andprotein powdersafter a tough workout. The Vitamix 7500 is the Rolls Royce ofblenders. Like your love, it will last forever.
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Chilipad Cube Bed Cooling System - Half Queen
I learned about the Chilipad (sick name) from my friend Andy just this past weekend. If you tend to run hot like I do, then you need this contraption. Strap thepadto your side of the bed, and control the temperature (igloo levels preferred, but it ranges from 55–110 degrees fahrenheit) while your wife slumbers away on her side, unbothered. This device could save a marriage.[Editor’s note: Amazon alsosells less expensive, refurbished versions of Chilipad’s Cube 2.0.]
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As busy young newlyweds, you’ll probably be eating a lot of fast-casual takeout (including when you’re watchingSuccessionon the couch). Taking your Sweetgreen out of its ugly (but ecofriendly) packaging and serving it on theseplatesfrom Heath Ceramics will basically transport you and your new wife to Chez Panisse. Bliss! Each Basic Set comes with three pieces, including a main plate, a salad plate, and a side bowl; for $184, you can get afive-piece Full Setthat also includes a smaller café bowl and a mug.
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Okay, this Frank Gehry–designedarmchairis insanely expensive. But look, it’s far less than one of his houses, and you might have a very wealthy, eccentric uncle who wants you to stunt. Sure, you could take the cash, but what fun is that?
Myhusband’s birthdayis coming up and I want to get him some really cozy and cool clothes for around the house —shorts, sweats,T-shirts, and other stuff that I don’t mind looking at, and will make him feel like another brother onSuccession. Would love to know your thoughts at various price points.
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Looking rich while lounging requires particular garments, which of course must be worn with the appropriate attitude and swagger. This garment-dyed Anderson & Sheppard Linen pajama set, for example, is truly beautiful. Put on some black leatherBirkenstockBostons for a quick stroll to pick up matcha lattes. And don’t forget to wave to the neighbors, because you look great.
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I also love a pair of luxury Brooks Brothersboxer shorts. The fit is called slim, but these are pretty roomy by today’s modern standards. They are cotton broadcloth and have a double-button mother-of-pearl waistband closure, which is SO unnecessary and luxurious. Pair them with Sleepy Jones’ Marcel Pajama Shirt, which features a fun, all-over monogram print. (“AOK,” “PBS,” “LOL,” “THC.”) It’s a perfect look for reading theFinancial Times Weekendin a beat-up club chair while someone else makes you anespresso.
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The lounging t-shirt is easy for me, because I literally have hundreds ofT-shirtsin my closet, pantry, and oven to choose from. I only recently added these Supima cotton three packs from Brooks Brothers to my collection, but I already love them. Not too thick, not too thin, just nice and breathable. Ideal for a night on the sofa arguing about what to watch on Netflix.
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Buying a designer sweatsuit seems a bit extreme to me. Instead, go for a classic graysweatshirtfrom Gildan or Champion. They aren’t fussy, just roomy and warm. If your footsies are chilly, some matching gray Pantherella cashmeresockswill do the trick. Happy lounging!
The Strategistis designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
