The Wedding Gifts I Wish I'd Asked For

Useful Presents for the Bride to Be

By Nancy Lichtenstein, published Apr 28, 2008
Published Content: 28  Total Views: 37,610  Favorited By: 38 CPs
Rating: 4.7 of 5
Yesterday I went to my first bridal shower since my own thirteen years ago, and it got me thinking about the wedding gifts I wish I'd asked for back then. When I got married I was in my mid-20s and still living with my parents; I had never cooked a meal on my own, let alone managed a household. Registering was fun but I ended up with lots of beautiful stuff that stayed in boxes in the attic for years. Meanwhile, I spent lots of money on the things I learned I actually needed.

If I had it to do over, what would I register for now? My bridal registry list would be heavy on practical items, and light on things like the lead crystal Tiffany emerald-cut paperweight I got to match my engagement ring. Here are some of the practical items I wish I'd asked for.

A Crock-Pot slow cooker is the first item on my list of wedding gifts I wish I'd asked for. When I first got married I worked in the city; planning for dinner wouldn't start until I was getting off the bus at 6:30 at night. My life got so much easier when I realized that with a Crock-Pot, I could spend five minutes on food prep in the morning and come home to a fully-cooked dinner and an apartment that smelled great. Crock-Pot also makes a series of cookbooks intended for use with their slow cookers that are a great addition to any registry list.

You can't always plan ahead well enough to have dinner ready beforehand, though, so you need an option for last-minute dinners as well. This is why I also wish I'd asked for a Calphalon wok as a wedding gift. On those nights when you don't have anything planned for dinner and your husband calls and says he's coming home early, a wok is a lifesaver. Just chop up whatever protein and vegetables you have on hand and dinner can be ready in five minutes or less.

The Wedding Gifts I Wish I'd Asked For

The only thing this Tiffany paperweight is good for is braining intruders.

Credit: Nancy R. Lichtenstein

Copyright: Nancy R. Lichtenstein

Takeaways
  • A Crock-Pot slow cooker is a bride's best friend.
  • Most women don't bother to iron these days, so an Ewave garment steamer can really come in handy.
  • The Basic Elements Ultra Laundry Station can also help carry groceries if you live in a high-rise.
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
 
 
I had to look you up when I saw your fabulous first name... and now I'm glad I did. Who knew you'd be such a good writer? Love your ideas... all very practical, with a good rationale for each one.

Posted on 07/13/2008 at 10:07:26 PM

 
These are some very useful gift ideas! :-)

Posted on 05/04/2008 at 9:05:46 AM

 
You are so right about the steamer. We don't use an iron at all now.

Posted on 05/01/2008 at 9:05:48 PM

 
These things are just plain useful whether you're getting married or not. Anyone with kids getting ready for college should read this, too. Great job!

Posted on 04/30/2008 at 8:04:25 AM

 
Good article--one of my favorite wedding gifts is all the utensils--potato masher etc. :) Sheri

Posted on 04/29/2008 at 3:04:56 AM

 
LOL, love this! It should be useful for those about to get married too!

Posted on 04/28/2008 at 11:04:00 AM

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