We asked Keija Minor, editor in chief at Brides (not to mention our Bridal Fashion Week guru), to give us the scoop on creative wedding gifts that steer, well, outside of the registry box. These picks are spot on (be prepared to say "Why didn't I think of that?!"), and sure to delight the newlyweds. Read on for her gift ideas below!
As a general rule, when invited to a wedding you should give either cash or a gift plucked from the couple's registry. However, if you know the bride and groom super well—like you've seen them in their pajamas or the wife-to-be is your sister—it's OK to go rogue and give a gift so suited to the couple, so amazing, so unique that they'll forget about the juice press they thought they so desperately wanted. Here are 10 killer gifts that they'll truly appreciate.
1. A Wine-Tasting Class: They're married now. It's time to stop picking wine based on the cool label.
2. A Gift Certificate to Laurel & Wolf: If he believes in black lacquer and she's holding on to pink, call in the experts. The online interior-design service Laurel & Wolf will work with a couple to redesign one room or an entire home at an affordable price.
3. Spanish Lessons: Is the couple going to Spain or another foreign country for their honeymoon? Give them a few language lessons in advance of their trip—or after— so they can raise cool bilingual kids.
4. Upcoming Concert Tickets: Because who doesn't want to see Jay Z or Beyoncé perform live? Enough said.
5. Museum Membership For Two: Every couple can use more culture in their lives. In addition to free admission for the year, membership to a local museum usually includes perks like exclusive access to special events and programs.
6. Personal-Chef Service: For either a romantic special occasion or their first dinner party as a married couple, they'll appreciate haute cuisine at home.
7. A Hammock: For the couple whose ideal Sunday is lying in bed, reading the paper, give them a second place to cuddle up.
8. Custom Closets: Unless the bride and groom are Kimye, there's a good chance they don't have enough closets. This will help them organize and use their space more efficiently.
9. Tennis Lessons: Sharing a sport is fun and good for any marriage. Try staying angry with someone when your endorphins are soaring from a great workout.
10. A One-of-a-Kind Experience: Have deep pockets? Help the couple keep the party going long after the honeymoon. Get them VIP tickets to the Super Bowl, charter a yacht so they can party like Leo or arrange for them to visit the set of their favorite TV show. Charitybuzz makes anything possible. And the best part is your purchase will benefit a worthy cause.