Bath and Bedding

An entire bed is a lot to ask for (or gift), but this mattress topper that we adore is the next best choice. (And if you want to go ahead and put a mattress on there, we will not judge. Here are our favorites.)

These are the luxurious linen sheets that former Strategist writer Lauren Levy tried and loved. They feel expensive, but aren’t prohibitively so.

In addition to Brooklinen, Linoto, which is based in upstate New York, makes some of the best linen around.

Non-fusty quilts are hard to come by. This one, from Joinery, is crafted by a team of six weavers from of São João del Rei, Brazil.

The couple with bold taste will appreciate this bright and cheery comforter that Decorist designer Audrey Margarite says has a “whimsical painterly quality” that’s sure to add a “quick pattern pop” to any bedroom.

One of our favorite weighted blankets to gift, the Baloo is made from breathable cotton so its weight feels soothing, not suffocating.

When we asked 130 tasteful people about their favorite gifts to give, Tabitha Simmons, a fashion stylist and creative director, pointed us to these beautifully packaged soaps from Portuguese brand Claus Porto.

Coyuchi Air Weight Cotton Bath Sheet
These lightweight towels are quick-drying as well as soft and cozy. Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson notes, “They actually dried me off quicker than my old towels and didn’t get wet and soggy in the process. Apparently the secret is the towel’s loose weave, which promotes air circulation.”

If you’re looking for something a little simpler, as big fans of Parachute’s bedding and linens, we can vouch for the quality of these towels, too.

Bambusi Bamboo Bathroom Shower Floor Mat
Strategist editor Alexis Swerdloff owns this bamboo bath mat and much prefers it to her formerly soggy cloth one. “No longer must I step on a sad and flattened terry-cloth bath mat,” she says, “and my bathroom suddenly feels like a spa.”

Matching bathrobes make a nice gift. These plush ones from luxury linens brand Frette come recommended by Dinah Cooke, who directs social media for the Joanna Vargas spa. “I’m absolutely in love with mine. It’s luxurious yet simple,” she says. “I wear it after taking a long bath or while I’m sheet-masking.”
Food and Kitchen

This eye-catching bottle of olive oil will complement all of their shiny new kitchen gear. And it’s not just a pretty package: The Tuscan oil is made from olives harvested only in October (when olives are green and just starting to ripen) for the most potent flavour.

Whether the newlyweds prefer cocktails or mocktails, these bitters (which include citrus, lavender lemon, and wild mountain sage) will add depth and flavors to any drink.

Global G-2 Chef’s Knife 8”
Hands down, no question, this is the chef’s knife to get. We talked to more than two dozen experts and even tested some ourselves: It’s the best.

Experts have told us to forgo the standard cheese knife set and instead buy a universal cheese knife, like this stainless-steel version from Swissmar.

Forget the usual suspects (though if you are going to go with a usual suspect, go with this one), and instead get this copper-plated pepper mill. Writer Juliet Lapidos says it “always attracts attention at dinner parties. Once a guest asked if it was a family heirloom.”

They likely already registered for a Lodge cast iron pan or Le Creuset Dutch oven which are both fine for baking bread, but Mia Leimkuhler, manager of audience engagement at the Strategist, tells us this is the best option for flavorful loaves with crisp crusts.

We predicted this bright blue sheet pan (made from aluminized steel and reinforced with steel rods to prevent warping) from startup cookware brand Great Jones would be a hit, and sure enough it became an instant Strategist reader favorite.

Dansk Kopenstyle Casserole
One of our favorite gifts for home cooks, this Dutch oven (that’s made from carbon steel so it’s lighter than cast iron) can also be found in the kitchen of chef Samin Nosrat, author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat and host of the Netflix show of the same name. She has a vintage yellow version.

Sure, All-Clad is great, but this copper pan from Mauviel is a work of art. It’s the favorite of Vic’s, Rosie’s, and Cookshop chef Marc Meyer, who told us why he loves this pan: “It’s beautifully made, and the handle stays cool, even when using high heat. It’s a pleasure to cook anything in this pan.”

Another alternative to the All-Clads and Cuisinarts of the world is chef-beloved French cookware line Matfer Bourgeat. This pan was recommended to us by John Fraser (Dovetail, Narcissa, Nix).

Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables
As for what to do with all that new cookware, they’ll get plenty of ideas from this cookbook from chef Joshua McFadden. Janna Gur, author of Shuk, loves Six Seasons for its “beautiful writing, terrific (and meticulously developed and tested) recipes, mouthwatering photos, lots of veggies and seasonality.”

Sierra Tishgart, co-founder of cookware brand Great Jones, loves this leather-bound edition of the classic Joy of Cooking. While “it’s definitely a little bit more expensive than the regular edition, it’s really beautiful,” she says.

Technivorm Moccamaster 59162 Drip Coffeemakers, 40 oz, Copper
The coffee snob’s coffee maker, which is loved by not only aficionados, but hundreds of reviewers on Amazon.

There are few pour-over coffee makers more elegant than this Grosche version, which doesn’t require disposable filters, thanks to its mesh metal one.

Fellow Stagg EKG, Electric Pour-Over Kettle
Nobody will not love a beautiful matte-black electric tea kettle.

A slightly more fun, splatterware alternative to the standard Le Creuset kettle.

Sometimes you want to finish a whole bottle; sometimes you don’t. The very best sommelier-approved system for preserving open bottles of wine is the Coravin.

Bormioli Rocco Bodega Tumbler Medium Glasses — 12 Ounce, Set of 12
These tumblers have already been called the best by designers and by us. And on a recent trip to Spain, we noticed that every restaurant had them, too. They’re perfect.

Libbey Polaris 16-Piece Assorted Glassware (Set of 16)
Tracie Battle, a senior designer at online interior-design service Havenly, likes that these sleek drinking glasses feature a rounded, weighted base for some heft. The best part? A full set of 16 (eight tall glasses and eight rocks glasses) will only set you back around $30.

Strategist writer Rio Viera-Newton says this pitcher would also be a lovely vase, so your recipients can break it out for dinner parties and keep it on display when they’re not hosting.

Hands down, the finest universal wine glasses you can buy. Adored by civilians and sommeliers alike.

Spiegelau 3-Piece Craft Beer Tasting Kit
These IPA glasses of various size and shape are made for different kinds of craft beers, which is just the kind of extravagant nonnecessity a wedding calls for.

These mugs will not be to everyone’s taste, but they are to ours.

A slightly more classic matte mug, courtesy of Portland’s Pigeon Toe Ceramics.

Nobody could object to these delicately speckled dinner plates that are reminiscent of the stoneware at Two Hands.

These hand-painted plates look like the ones you’ll find from status-y ceramic brand Hasami, but at a fraction of the cost. They’re designed to stack up like bamboo dumpling steamers, nestling together into a tidy tower.

Alessi Biglove Ice Cream Spoons, Set Of 4
Heart-shaped spoons from fancy Italian homeware brand Alessi will make them feel classy even if they’re on the couch eating Half Baked straight from the carton.

Former Strategist senior writer Lauren Levy not only obsessed over dishes, but flatware sets for her registry, too. Although she didn’t choose these tortoiseshell ones ultimately, they were strong and worthy contenders.

Collo-Alto Flatware, 5-Piece Setting
This is the set that Lauren ultimately went with, which she calls “classic stainless steel, with a bit of an edge.” Seven months later, she still loves them.

For the activated charcoal aficionado.

If you’ve been to Blue Hill at Stone Barns, you’re probably already familiar with these ceramics by Julie Hadley. They’re so much more original than Heath.

These Mosser Glass mixing bowls are handsome enough to keep out on the counter.

For those looking to channel the “1970s Upper West Side apartment” look.

Plus these handsy tongs.

Hand-loomed in Mali, these organic cotton napkins are bold without being overwhelmingly so.

The same can be said of this Italian linen tablecloth from Huddleson.

Caspari Blue-and-White Cocktail Napkins – Pack of 20
Someone’s great-aunt might be gifting them fancy cloth napkins, but we bet they’ll be grateful to skip the ironing and whip out these chinoiserie-style paper napkins recommended by Strategist senior editor Anthony Rotunno.

These, from Sferra, are interior designer Delphine Krakoff’s favorite place mats because they’re “affordable and come in tons of colors.”

The beloved Yeti Hopper cooler (perfect for camping, tailgating, day-at-the-beaching, and afternoon-in-the-parking) will survive nearly anything. And it better, for $200.
Home Furnishings and Accessories

No one wants to think about house cleaning when they’re getting married, but this dustpan (recommended by a Japanese Buddhist monk) brings some elegance to daily chores.

DII Swedish Dishcloths
The same goes for these Swedish dishcloths that weaned Strategist contributor Ashlea Halpern off her (not-so-environmentally-friendly) paper towel habit.

Tapered candlesticks are having a moment (even among minimalists), and Strategist writer Hilary Reid discovered these colorful candles are a top pick among interior designers.

For game night with friends or a cozy night in, here’s a modern puzzle that’s worth framing once it’s finished.

Not only is this bowl from Tiffany & Co. surprisingly affordable (at least compared to the jeweler’s other offerings), it’s Judy Collins’ go-to wedding gift: “I’ve given it to people all over the world,” she says. “It’s a beautiful, simple, elegant shape, and inexpensive in terms of glassware.”

A plant that you can order from Amazon that isn’t hideous and won’t wilt in the mail? Yes, it’s true! This one comes with a lovely ceramic planter.

Former Strategist writer Lauren Levy evangelized about this Tom Dixon vase for months, before finally biting the bullet and buying it.

Big furniture pieces are weird to register for, but this Strategist favorite, a Yamazaki Home wall ladder that serves as an alternative to everyone’s dreaded “clothes chair,” feels fine on a registry.

Same with this folding chair, which is meant for outdoor decks and terraces, but can be used when extra folks come over for Vanderpump Rules viewing parties or for movie-in-the-park outings.

Norwood Stacking Stools
Another extra seating solution that we’ve written about before. They also make wonderful plant stands.

A Lucite tray (with chic gold handles) for breakfast-in-bedding.

A splurgy set of fancy matching umbrellas makes a fun and useful gift. We tested more than 30 umbrellas and determined this was the best of the bunch. Strategist writer Liza Corsillo raves, “The Davek Stick umbrella looks and feels like a Bentley or some other fancy but tasteful British thing. Even its nylon sheath has been designed with precision and grace.”


This isn’t exactly a home item, but since you store them in your home, it felt close enough. Besides, Bean boots are a great couples’ gift.
Electronics

Audio-Technica ATLP120X USB Direct Drive Professional USB Turntable
The couple with a record collection will swoon over this vinyl geek-approved turntable.

Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager
The totally amazing, totally unexpected, out-of-left-field gift that changes everything. We talk about this a lot because it is good for moms, good for dads, good for anyone who has feet.

Hyperice Hypervolt Cordless Vibration Massager
Newlyweds always nagging each other for back rubs will appreciate this powerful handheld massager that’s beloved by physical therapists, professional athletes, and even Rockettes.

Here’s a tip — put ten of these smart plugs on your registry, and you’ll be able to transform your home. Turn on the AC before you arrive. Start the slow cooker from work. Leave the lights on when you’re on vacation. The possibilities are endless.

This allergist-approved air purifier is the cream of the crop, the best at removing allergens, pollutants, and dust from sneeze-inducing air.

This “natural” clock (it wakes you up with a soft light as opposed to a blaring alarm) is a Strategist favorite, and good for SAD-inclined couples.

Sonos Playbar
Strictly speaking, nobody needs a Sonos Playbar, but nobody would be upset about six or seven friends chipping in to buy one to make TV-viewing cinematic.

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush
Duh. You don’t even need to get two of them — just two brush heads.

Ring Video Doorbell 2
A smart-camera-assisted doorbell for the added layer of security. They’ll never lose a package or worry about who’s at the door again.

Miele Complete C2
It is not the cheapest vacuum on the market — just the longest-lasting and best-looking. It will make them actually want to break it out and use it.
Travel Accessories

Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket
This frequent-flier-approved rolling suitcase is honeymoon-ready — and sturdy enough to take on years of adventure.

Rimowa Topas Cabin MW 53 Suitcase
Then there are those of us who want elegant, long-lasting luggage that will never go out of style — also useful for the days when they (of course inevitably) fly first.

And here are some sophisticated leather tags so they’ll never lose their luggage.

Baggu Travel Cloud Bag
We are obsessed with this unisex bag, which pretty much works just as the ultimate everyday bag that happens to be big enough for short trips.

Experienced travelers love the Black Hole duffel’s laminated fabric and water-repellent coating that protects it from the elements. It’s also surprisingly roomy. “It fit everything I needed for a nearly two-month trip with room to spare,” says travel writer and photographer Michaela Trimble. “And it barely came back with a scratch.”

You can’t go wrong with a classic L.L.Bean tote bag. It was one of Strategist writer Hilary Reid’s best purchases of the decade, and our columnist Chris Black uses it as a backpack-alternative. A monogrammed set would be an especially good gift.