One of my readers asked me to share my top 10 favorite wedding gifts. I took a walk around our two-bedroom rental home and snapped some pictures of the items we use most often. Here they are! I would love to hear your favorite wedding gifts (or your favorite household items in general).
1. My Dresser
Definitely my favorite gift, as it comes from Mr. Handsome. He refinished it a couple weeks before our wedding and gave it to me as a surprise.
2. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker
I don’t think this one needs an explanation. It’s super easy to use and makes delicious ice cream in 30-40 minutes. We make the same flavor every time (dark chocolate) but someday I hope to get creative. Mr. Handsome absolutely loves ice cream, so this is his favorite wedding gift.
3. Noritake Colorwave Rim Place Settings (Color: Ice)
When I went to Bed Bath and Beyond to register, the lady behind the counter convinced me to
request these plates. “They can go in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer, and oven,” she explained. “That means you can leave your husband home alone, and he won’t ruin your plates!” I found that comment slightly offensive, but after looking at all the other place settings they had to offer, I decided to go with her recommendation.
4. Ceramic Pots and Pans
These things are great, mostly because they’re easy to wash and don’t give you Teflon poisoning. LOL. I have three pans and three pots of various brands, but my favorites are Zwilling and
GreenLife.
5. Ramekins
I always thought that ramekins were useless, but boy was I wrong. I have eight (four from Noritake and four from Corningware) and I use them every single day.
6. KitchenAid Toaster Oven
Growing up, my family did not own a regular toaster. We did all our toasting, and some baking/cooking, in our toaster oven. (Ours was big enough to fit an entire pizza.) When I told Mr. Handsome this, he thought it was crazy. But during our first year of marriage, he began to see the light (haha) and has come to enjoy our toaster oven. He especially likes it for reheating homemade pizza. On the flipside, we also registered for a regular toaster, and I have come to realize how useful that can be for toasting bread.
7. Pyrex and Corningware Containers
Perfect for storing leftovers and a great way to avoid using tons of plastic Ziploc bags.
8. Mason Jars
Some of these are wedding gifts, and some are not, but they are all equally as wonderful. I use them to store white (non-bleached) flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, white sugar, pasta, cornmeal, popcorn seeds, and rice. Not only are they practical, but they also make for excellent decorations.
9. Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler
This is Mr. Handsome’s second favorite wedding gift. I think that’s because he associates it with bacon and eggs, one of his favorite meals. I usually prefer using my ceramic pans because they are easier to clean, but this griddler does come in handy sometimes.
10. Picnic Time Picnic Basket
I didn’t register for this, but I was thrilled to receive it. It has everything you could possibly need (and then some) for a picnic for two. We’ve only used it once, but it sure is cute.
I would have to say that my filming equipment are my favorite household items. Which include my Laptop for editing my movies, my Thomas Wooden Railway items that I film; sadly, my video camera died out a few months ago.
Thanks Ellie for keeping all of us fans updated.
Blessing all the way from Ecuador!
My favorite household items would be my toaster oven,Microwave oven.
I love making toast and cheese in my toaster oven.
Where I come from, people are usually already living together when they get married, or are living on their own. So we already have everything from furniture, to appliances, or pots and pans. Here, most of the wedding gifts are gift cards or money, which is always useful. And making a register is not very well perceived, actually. We let people decide what they want to offer, and give them suggestions only if they ask. I like to see how different our cultures are even though we are not that far away.
When my husband and I got married, we had been living together for 7 years, and we had pretty much everything we wanted in terms of cookware and stuff like that. But we did receive a FoodSaver, and I absolutely love it. I use it almost every week since that day haha! My husband keep saying our house is vacuum sealed! Haha! I recommend it to everyone who likes to freeze meat or homemade meals. It keeps food fresh so much longer! No more wasted food!
Josée from Quebec.
I wrap my meat in plastic wrap then put it in freezer bags and it keeps fresh for along time.
I use to do that too. But I have to say the vacuum sealing does make a big difference. And you use a lot less plastic, wich is better for the environment.
Josée
Those vacuum sealers don't voluntarily pull a vacuum. You need to use electricity, which has to be generated. The sealers and bags are made in China. You know what environmental controls can be like there. The machines had to be shipped & trucked to you. The reusable bags are plastic. So you're still making an environmental impact of some sort. There's no way around it – being human and living on this planet makes an impact, no matter what you do. It's nearly impossible to say if anything like this in our daily lives is "better" for the environment than another thing. So Anon 12:59, don't feel bad for using what works best for you. Maybe you don't try to store your frozen meat for as long as other people, either.
I call the number on the box and the lady took my to wrap the meat in plastic first then put in freezer bags. She told me the vacuum bags are not safe to use.
I reuse the freezer bags over again tell I can't use them anymore.
I have frozen meat in my freezer since last year and it still looks good.
Is bringing up Bates available on Netflix?
Did you read the question Anonymous this isn't the Bates.
It's not on Netflix, but you can buy it on Amazon and iTunes. )
Ellie
You should post your favorite baby names and reasons why you like them.
Why should she have to do that? She is not pregnant. Why is everybody pushing for Ellie to get pregnant so soon?
What, you're not entered in the Great Ellie Baby Race betting pool? We all have placed our bets and are just chomping at the bit to see who wins the jackpot for guessing the arrival date the closest! Kind of like Superbowl betting, but without the point spread. Go, Ellie, go!!
In other words, Mr. or Ms. 7:13 Anon, it's none of our business, but thanks for once again asking.
You guys and gals are very rude by doing a baby pool. If I was Ellie I would fell very annoyed at you guys for doing at. I hope she tells you to close the baby pool down.
Maybe she won't tell us when she is pregnant after what you did.
At some point, I would like to do a post on baby names, but I will probably wait until I'm pregnant. 🙂
Ellie
Yeah, let's not forget that even if Ellie shares her life here she still deserves her privacy. Sometimes I find some questions or comments really intrusive.
Not married, but hands down my favorite household item would be my crockpot! I got it when I started grad school this past fall and I am so glad I did. 🙂
Your ice cream maker sounds amazing!
Crockpot is awesome! I agree with you!
Yes! Crockpots sure are wonderful!
Ellie
I hate Crockpots I don't like meat soft. I like to cooking my meat in the oven the old fashion way it's better that way.
There was a house 2 weeks a go that caught fire and they found out what cause the fire it was from a Crockpot being left on why the were at work.
This was a brand new house.
Careful….friends & family may be reading this blog & wondering why they didn't make Top 10. You're taking your chances!
My husband and I didn't have a wedding registry and we asked for no wedding gifts because we had each lived alone and already had everything we needed. We still don't have matching sets of anything, but that doesn't matter.
My favorite kitchen item is my Magic Bullet blender. I use it to make smoothies every day. It's the easiest (and tastiest) way to eat lots of fruits and veggies. My kids love the smoothies too, and they have no idea how healthy they are. I also could not live without a crockpot! I could not imagine feeding my family of four without it.
I have something similar to a Magic Bullet, and I agree that it is a great blender for making smoothies!
Ellie
Good morning Ellie!
My husband and I met when we were much older so needless to say, we already had many items and furnishings and asked only for their attendance rather than wedding gifts. However, I do have several items I absolutely love. My first is my Kitchen Aid mixer. I love to bake and it never lets me down. My mom had a Kitchen Aid mixer and she kept it for over 30 years! (Until she decided to upgrade).
My second item is my Magic Bullet. I love fresh smoothies. I found a delicious vanilla bean protein powder and I usually mix it with a handful of frozen strawberries, a splash of water, a splash of almond milk, a handful of ice cubes, sweetener of choice, and blend it up! It tastes heavenly.
My third item is my veggie peeler! Unfortunately I have accidentaly thrown them away with veggie shavings or they have fallen into the disposal. The ones in the super markets don't peel very well so when I go to thrift stores, I always look for the older ones that have very good blades on them.
My fourth item is my mandolin. I also love to cook (generally creating in the kitchen just makes me happy) and the mandolin comes in very handy. It's great for slicing most any vegetable or fruit. You just have to be careful not to slice your skin. They do come with a security holder but I usually don't use it. My bad 🙁
I could probably go on but I think those are my four favorites. I had to laugh when you mentioned ramikens. I love to collect them because they are so cute!
Oh! And most importantly, above all the other items, I should have mentioned my air pop popcorn maker. I cannot live without them. Don't tell anyone, ssshhhh but I have been known to purchase a back up just in case the first one goes bad. I also keep my kernels in the freezer because I feel they stay fresher longer. Not that they have a chance to stale…….
And my sweet Ellie, may I say how much I enjoy your blog and so glad to hear your wrists are better. I'd love to return the favor so please let me know some other recipes you are in making. Beef? Chicken? Pork?
I just bought a mandolin! I love it even though I'm always slightly terrified of cutting the tips of my fingers off with it, haha
When I read the word mandolin, I first thought of the musical instrument. LOL. But what you're referring to sounds like a handy little item.
I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoy my blog! Feel free to share recipes with myself and the other readers. We enjoy beef, chicken, and pork. 🙂
Ellie
I thought of the musical instrument too!!
We didn't do a registry either, as it seemed a bit presumptuous and would rather have money donated to a charity or a heartfelt small gift. My favorite kitchen item, that we bought ourselves was a rice maker.
Registries were a social faux pas when I was a bride. If guests wanted to give gifts, they either picked something generic yet useful, or else contacted the bride's mother to find out if a certain pattern of china or silver was already in the hope chest. If the bride got 3 toasters, that was her problem. You still wrote 3 thank-you's for 3 toasters, and then you decided what to do with the excess later.
I have a problem with registries these days, with their incredible length and expensive items requested. I also have a problem with printed requests to donate (such as to the honeymoon or for a house) instead of giving a wrapped gift. You should never mention a gift of any sort in an invitation. Even to say "no gifts, please" presumes that you were going to get one. If a guest is confused about what to do, it's their responsibility to contact someone in the bride or groom's family and ask if "so and so" would be OK to give. Old school etiquette is still valid.
I got invited to a baby shower recently that was given by the mother of the expectant mother! Showers are to be given by unrelated friends, members of the bridal party, or co-workers, period. Not family members. This is a bad trend that has started, and no matter how you cut it, it comes across as greedy.
What happened to being socially appropriate and gracious?
I know many people these days are often eager to give a gift that they know the couple will enjoy and not create a headache later on- like getting 3 toasters. Hence the purpose of a registry. What's the point of even getting someone a gift if they'll later have to go through the hassle of returning it? I don't want to get into a big debate about gift-giving customs but rather point out that everyone's idea of what is "socially appropriate" differs, and that customs change and evolve over time. What was appropriate when you were a bride will be different from what is appropriate now.
You and I must be from the same generation. I agree, the wedding registry is in bad taste. HOWEVER, regardless of my age, I will not build positive relationships with young homemakers and fulfill my Titus 2 calling if I am over critical of the trends – even when they are in the poorest of taste and void of Christ-like humility. More important to me is to be able to help young families be strong and successful in the Lord than point out things that are inconsequential for eternity.
Registries are very useful because a good present if a present that is also useful: if the receiver has to take back items it's really just annoying, you're not doing something nice to them.
Taste should be had by the spouses in putting in the registry items of all price ranges, so that people who can't spend a lot will easily find a present that is reasonably priced but also useful.
The basic rule of gift giving is that the "burden" is on the recipient when it comes to figuring out what to do with the gift, to keep it or to (discretely) exchange it. The giver is never to even get a whiff of the idea that they may have created a problem by giving that gift. Tact! A recipient who is "annoyed" with her gifts is not a grateful one in any sense.
Weddings in my area have a shower first, and this is when ppl bring the gifts that you register for and they purchase. On the wedding day, they bring money. A typical gift is between $250-500, with many different factors. A standard wedding costs approximately $30-50K in my state. I know we are a bit crazier with wedding planning than other states. My sisters wedding was close to $100K! I'm going to a shower in 2 was and they are asking for us to donate money to their honeymoon. I really don't like that idea but that's is what she is requesting so I will do it.
I would feel as if I were being held for ransom! Or as if I were invited just to add to their haul. Showers and weddings are not about monetary value. Kids these days are losing sight of what's really important.
I can't believe someone would ask you to give them money for their honeymoon. I would do it.
My mom would say if you can aford to pay for your wedding you can afford to pay for your honeymoon . That's is cheese and disrespectful. I would call the police on then and tell them what they are doing a band get them arrested.
Your not aloud to do that in my state if you do you are in jail or prison for 24 years
@anonymous 12:40
Calling the police seems… Excessively extreme for what is, to some, at most a social faux pas. Asking close friends and family for money for a vacation is hardly illegal. Tacky, yes, but not even remotely illegal.
Obviously it isn't illegal. I would say that in these cases it feels weird, but, if they already have what they need, we all should understand that life is also a very practical matter, it's not just about form and ideals. So, if two people are inviting me to their wedding and party and spending money to create a beautiful moment in which they want to include me, I think it's fair to support them in their new life together.
At the end of the day, guys, life costs money, and if they don't need objects, I feel like it's fair to ask for donations instead.
I guess they don't know a value of the dollar. I agree with Anonymous 12:40.
That dresser is really fabulous! Your husband did a great job!
Thank you! I'll tell him you said that. He will be thrilled.
Ellie
When I was married, many years ago, wedding registries were set-up in fine department stores for the bride (with her mother) to register for fine china, silver (or plate), crystal and linens. Period. You only mentioned your registry if someone should ask. The department store kept your registry on file and would alert you should your china, crystal, etc be discontinued. Often additional items from your silver or crystal would be given on your 5th year anniversary. I don't mind the modern brides new traditions, it certainly helps avoiding receiving 5 crockpots! I do prefer when the bride doesn't bring up where she is registered unless asked. My favorite wedding gifts were an electric skillet, my fine china which I still use this day, and a solar tea jar which was a very modern invention at the time and did not look like the solar tea jars you see today.
Nothing wrong with receiving 5 crock pots. Obviously you don't need all 5, but that means that 5 people took the time to think about you, shop for you, and send or bring a gift. "It's the thought that counts." It's not about "how much did I get" and "how much more can I get." A lot of brides these days forget that.
I think it's a good thst the Bride tell were they are register it's helpful to know what to get them for the wedding.
Thanks for sharing your comment. I find it very interesting to hear how others do things/used to do things.
Ellie
Hi Ellie I love this Blog of yours and your other ones too! I wondered if you have any thrifty living tips to share, those are great! Or organizational tips!
Thank you! I have shared some organizational/thrifty living tips in the past. Most are archived on the pages that are accessible via the tabs below the header. But I will definitely share more in the future. Thanks for the feedback. 🙂
Ellie
It seems quite rude of you to list your favorite gifts. Many people attended your wedding who would have put a lot of thought (and finances) into purchasing your gift. It is in very poor taste for you to make a list of what you liked most.
I agree. Maybe it should have been worded "Kitchenware I Have Used Most in My First Year of Marriage." That doesn't mean that Aunt Sylvia's gift of your great-grandmother's antique china gravy boat isn't appreciated at holidays or big family gatherings, it just isn't used every day. And then you could have included things you bought yourself, not just ones you got as gifts. A separate post about the dresser your husband made for you would have been equally appropriate.
I loved our wedding gifts. Everyone was so generous and it was so exciting to open them. My favourite gifts are a glass Pyrex dish set that I use regularly for baking in, a slow cooker, a set of gorgeous big fluffy bathroom towels and a large serving spoon from a friend who told me you can never have enough if them, she was right 🙂
That's a very wise friend you have. 🙂
Ellie
I really think the lady behind the counter was just trying to be helpful as many men are out working fulltime and might not have the typical 'homemaker' skills of knowing which plates are suitable for freezer/oven/dishwasher etc. In fact, I'm not even sure sometimes and I practically live in my kitchen.
Probably wasn't necessary to get offended or point out that you were offended on this blog, for a staff member to make a light-hearted joke and try to be helpful.
But then again, I'm from Australia and we are pretty easy going here, most people I know would just laugh at the comment even if it's silly and thank the person for their helpful suggestion.
I don't normally disagree with you but may I suggest that in this context, it was just a lighthearted joke?
You're very right. She may not have meant to be condescending. Thanks for your comment. 🙂
Ellie
My personal favorite wedding gift was given to me by my husband a new bible with my new last name on it. Was not planning on doing a registry but my mother in law encouraged us to. When we put it together we tried to be mindful of the prices and did a variety of things. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our family and friends. I do not feel obligated to get a gift from a registry however it can be helpful to use as a guideline for what a couple needs or wants.
That's a wonderful gift! 🙂
Ellie
Hi,
I have picked up several ramekins at garage sales and thrift stores. I usually use them to reheat small amounts of food. How do you use yours??
Thanks
I use them for just about everything. LOL. Ice cream (for portion control), small quantities of cereal, mixing dressings/spices when I'm cooking, individual portions of fruit. The possibilities are endless. 🙂 The best part is that they take up such little space in the dishwasher.
Ellie
I use the ramekins for Pudding, Ketchup to dip my spareribs in because I din't like BBQ sauce. Salad dressing
Would you be willing to post your ice cream recipe? I have a counter top ice cream maker and am in need of easy recipes (for chocolate!)
Hi tigerchick,
I saw your comment several days ago but completely forgot to respond. Sorry about that. Yes, I'll post my ice cream recipe. 🙂 I don't have all the ingredients right now to make it, so I'll have to wait until after my next shopping trip.
Blessings,
Ellie
Aww thanks so much. Did not want you to go to any trouble.
No trouble at all! Mr. Handsome would love a batch of that ice cream, so he will be happy that I have a reason to make it.
Ellie
Does anyone else have a problem with registries in the sense that they let the bride know ahead of time what she's getting? The only element of surprise that's left is who was the one who made that purchase you can see on the online registry. You can even figure out who procrastinated buying a gift til the last minute. Weird.
I was invited to a baby shower this summer, and although I went off-registry (sewed the main gift myself & added other little things), I watched as her registry items got clicked off as the shower date approached. So by the day of the shower, she (and I) knew exactly what was coming. Kind of takes the fun out of unwrapping, when you know what's inside.