Q: Hey guys!! I find that I often look to you all on things DIY related, but more often than not, on things life related. I would love to hear items in or around your house that you are so glad you own because it helps with the day to day. I really enjoyed reading about how you saved money with Clara (what items you skipped out on or decided to go back and buy) and how you saved money with your wedding. I am getting married next June and it would be super helpful to hear what things my fiance and I should register for (and what we shouldn’t). You guys are my favorite! – Tyne
A: Let’s do this. We thought it would be fun to dig back into our memories from 2007 and remember what we registered for, what still serves us well, what we regretted, and what we wish we’d added. Friends and relatives are often generous and appreciate a clear list, so it’s worth thinking carefully about what you’ll actually use long term. No pressure, right?
Registry choices are very personal. Some people treasure formal china, others prefer to skip it. The important thing is to know how you live now and how you realistically expect to live in the coming years. Registering for a heavy-duty mixer when you don’t cook often probably isn’t the best use of space on your list. Try to avoid picking items based on a romanticized version of your future self—don’t register for the things you think a hypothetical “grown-up” should have if that won’t reflect your actual life.
Think about your daily routines and how you’ll entertain. Whether you’re a casually-minded couple or prefer more formal gatherings, embrace what feels true to you. Most couples evolve slowly rather than changing into completely different people; your tastes will likely remain recognizably yours over time. Choosing classic, timeless pieces helps too—if your style shifts, you won’t end up replacing everything. You can always add personality with inexpensive, easily changed items like patterned napkins or seasonal table accents. Basic white dishes, clear glasses, and simple flatware can be styled in many ways:
We also found it useful to register for items that are attractive enough to be left out on countertops—stainless appliances or an elegant blender, for example. If something looks nice, you won’t hesitate to leave it out for convenience, which makes everyday life easier. Avoid brightly colored, overly trendy pieces that might clash with future decor, and skip cheap items you won’t display. A slightly nicer version that you won’t hide tends to pay off for people who leave things out for weeks at a time.
Below is a curated list of items we registered for and still love, things we regretted, items we intentionally skipped, and a short list of things we later bought and wished we had registered for.
Kitchen Items We Registered For And Still Love:
- Basic silverware set from Crate & Barrel
- White cloth napkins
- Simple white dinnerware that’s durable and versatile
- Good serving bowls and servingware (we use multiple salad/chip bowls and large platters)
- Stainless blender and toaster; we also have a griddle
- A cheerful strainer (ours is bright yellow)
- Chunky wooden cutting boards—two, because we like leaving them out on the counter
- Compact, easy-to-store manual can opener
- Clear peppercorn and sea salt grinders—classic but a bit fancy
- Basic glass pitcher for everyday use
- Stemless wine glasses that double as versatile drinking glasses
House Items We Registered For And Still Love:
- Two Dolce lounge chairs from Target—still used in our guest room
- Two simple glass-based lamps that moved with us between homes
- Organic white bed sheets and four good pillows with pillowcases
- Large leather photo album used for wedding photos
- Fluffy white towels for main and guest bathrooms
- West Elm daybed and West Elm parson’s desk—both gifts that have lasted
Items We Regretted (mostly because we chose lower-quality versions):
- Cheap HEPA-filter vacuum—we later upgraded to a sturdier model
- Inexpensive knife set in a block—those knives didn’t hold up and were replaced
- Small, dainty white mugs that were too tiny for everyday use; we replaced them with larger mugs
- Cordless hand vacuum that failed quickly; we switched to a better model
- Basic pots and pans that scratched easily; we later switched to higher-quality, non-toxic cookware
Items We Passed On (mostly single-use gadgets we figured we wouldn’t use):
- Coffee maker (we’re a tea household)
- KitchenAid mixer (it would probably gather dust)
- Monogrammed towels and robes (we preferred plain white towels)
- Espresso machine, ice cream maker, toaster oven—those specific gadgets didn’t suit our routines
- Rice cooker, panini press, waffle iron, martini glasses, countertop grills—nice to have for some people but unnecessary for us
Things We Bought Later and Wished We’d Registered For:
- Matching set of wooden spoons and spatulas in a caddy next to the stove
- Immersion blender—we use it often enough to justify dedicated storage
- Decorative soap and lotion set for the counter that adds charm
- More specific items as our rooms evolved—colored cloth napkins, personalized mugs, and seasonal glassware
- Sonicare electric toothbrushes, large clear canisters for counter storage, and a durable fruit bowl we love
We probably missed a few things—this was a long time ago—but the list gives a solid sense of what worked, what didn’t, and what we later added. After compiling our own list, we asked friends and family about their top registry picks. The answers confirm that practical, versatile items tend to be the most appreciated. A few highlights from friends’ favorites include white dishes, good towels, dependable knives, classic serving platters, and small everyday appliances that match a household’s routine.
So that’s our roundup: lots of useful registry wins, a handful of regrets, and some things we wish we’d thought to add. What are your favorite registry items? Anything you received that you wish you hadn’t, or anything you later bought and wished you’d registered for? Hindsight is a helpful teacher—use it to tailor your own list to the way you really live.