This is not your grandma’s wedding registry

By Kim von Keller

Wedding registries have changed tremendously since Marshall Fields instituted the shopping service in Chicago nearly a century ago. Gone are the days when crystal, sterling silver, and fine china were the only items on a couple’s wish list. The modern bride and groom may choose to entertain more informally. They may desire gifts that reflect a shared interest, such as cooking or gardening. They may even prefer gifts that will make their home run more efficiently or economically.

Below, you’ll read couples’ comments on their favorite items from their wedding registries. Prices range from less than $20 to $400. As you build your own wedding registry, be sure to include modest items as well as more extravagant ones so that your guests have plenty of choices.

NINJA FOODI 6-IN-1 10-QT. XL 2-BASKET AIR FRYER WITH SMART COOK SYSTEM

“One of our favorite gifts is our air fryer. This one is big enough to cook an entire chicken in.” ninjakitchen.com , $249

GOOGLE NEST LEARNING THERMOSTAT

“The Nest thermostat lowers our heating and cooling bills, which we love. During the day, when no one is home, it adjusts our HVAC to energy-saving temperatures, but by the time we get home from work, the temperature is exactly how we like it, summer or winter.” store.google.com , $249

LODGE SEASONED CAST IRON 5 PIECE SET

“If you weren’t lucky enough to have skillets from LODGE Cast Iron handed down to you, you’ll be handing these down to YOUR children one day.” lodgecastiron.com , $105.95

OUR TABLE 10-PIECE GLASS BOWL SET

“Our favorite gifts were things for our kitchen. We love cooking together, so it’s also where we requested the most. One of the go-to gifts we get for friends (because we love them ourselves) is this set of glass nesting mixing bowls.” bedbathandbeyond.com , $25

BEAUTIFUL PICTURE FRAMES

“These may not seem like the most exciting gifts, but we have really appreciated being able to put the photos from our engagement and our wedding in beautiful frames to display around our home.” potterybarn.com , prices vary

SPIEGELAU IPA GLASSES

“My husband is much more of a beer drinker than a wine drinker, so he has really enjoyed having these special beer glasses.” crateandbarrell.com , $10.95/ea

OXO GARLIC PRESS

“Sometimes, it’s the little gifts that make the biggest impact. We use this almost every day, and it makes cooking prep so much easier.” amazon.com , $17.69

SHARK PRO LIGHTWEIGHT CORDLESS STICK VACUUM WITH POWERFINS AND SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL

“Getting a new cordless vacuum cleaner made us feel so grown up. Our old ones were leftovers from college days. A cordless vac is so much easier to use around the house.” target.com , $399

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