12 Traditional Wedding Gifts Couples Still Love Today
Updated: May 02, 2023Old-school needn't mean outdated! The newlyweds will welcome these traditional wedding gifts and cherish them for years to come.
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When it comes to wedding gifts, there are a few schools of thought. Some folks don’t sweat it and simply write a check. Others adhere to the registry ideas. And few others stick with more traditional wedding gifts—like flatware and linens.
But in today’s wedding world, amid so many unique wedding gifts, do traditional wedding gifts still have a place? Well, we say yes, so long as they’re modernized and stylish. And that’s just what these picks are! Trust us when we say, the happy couple will adore any of these sophisticated, time-honored presents.
Ruffle Dinnerware Set
Inspired by the standard china set that’s not so necessary in this day and age, opt for something more informal but equally beautiful. This understated ruffle dinnerware is perfect for the couple that prefers casual tapas parties to seated dinner soirees. The 16-piece white ceramic set stuns on any tablescape.
Champagne Flute Set
If you’re shopping for a couple that really enjoys the finer things, this set of Polish-made crystal champagne flutes is a special once-in-a-lifetime gift. The pair, with octagonal bases and simple detailing, is sophisticated and not as stuffy as some other glasses for sale.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer
A KitchenAid stand mixer is a splurge, albeit a long-lasting one that they’ll savor forever. (Psst! It’s one of our Test Kitchen’s must-haves.) This two-tone model boasts a more organic silhouette than its counterparts as well as a hammered copper bowl. It’s as special as the couple itself!
Cashmere Sheets
This traditional wedding gift isn’t going anywhere—and neither is the couple once they climb under these luxurious sheets! The heavenly set is 5% cashmere and comes in four sizes and six colors. Trust us: They’ll appreciate the good night’s sleep now that the stress of wedding planning is said and done.
Punch Bowl Set
Punch might seem like a thing of the past, but this stunning punch bowl set manages to bring the retro party drink into the 21st century. The bowl itself can hold about 1-1/2 gallons of liquid, and it’s accompanied by a ladle and four colored cups. Whether you present it as a wedding or engagement gift, the newly wedded hosts will relish showing it off at all their future shindigs.
Crystal Vase
Crystal vases are one of those enduring traditional wedding gifts—and for a good reason. After all, when someone brings gorgeous flowers home, they need a display that’s just as pretty. The woven design of this glass vase is subtle yet sets it apart from other picks. Filled with a bouquet, this also makes a great anniversary gift!
Dutch Oven
As is tradition, this is your opportunity to help the couple stock their kitchen with the best products on the market. A Caraway Dutch oven is a gorgeous, modestly priced staple that will get infinite use on their stovetop. The ceramic, nonstick stunner comes in eight colors and has more than 41,000 rave reviews (including one from a Taste of Home staffer!).
Espresso Machine
Any caffeinated couple is sure to own a tried-and-true coffeemaker already, but they’re likely in need of a high-quality espresso maker. The Breville Bambino is our staff’s favorite (read our full review), and it’s sure to be the couple’s, too. It has a remarkably small blueprint, but the espresso that is serves up is big-time tasty. The machine is available on Amazon, which is one of our favorite registry sites.
Knife Block & Set
Talk about a culinary keepsake! Nice knives are an investment that many young couples have yet to make. Our Test Kitchen’s preferred brand, Wüsthof, offers a set of 10 knives, including a block, pair of shears, honing steel, paring knife, serrated knife and more. Discover more registry-worthy picks from Amazon!
Scrabble Deluxe Edition
If you’d like to think outside the kitchen with your purchase, games for entertaining are another traditional wedding gift. This deluxe Scrabble board brings the fun—and the class! The pretty muted colors, dark wooden exterior and slick lazy Susan turntable make it a more-than-worthy wedding gift.
Monogrammed Towels
Time for them to ditch the snagged, mismatched towels! A customized towel set is a traditional wedding gift that never goes out of style. Available in three neutral colors (white, light gray and oatmeal) to match any decor as well as four sizes, the towels can be stitched with a minimalist last initial.
Luggage Set
Marriage means a lifetime of adventures—both domestic and foreign! Assist them in their jetsetting with a build-your-own luggage bundle. Choose either a 2- or 3-piece set, then customize the colors and sizes. The hard-sided beauties boast a TSA-approved lock, 360 degree wheels and a handy weight indicator.
Additional research contributed by Taste of Home Editor, Lisa Kaminski, and writer Mackenzie Schieck
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