Top Ten Registry Must-Haves (and a new way to get them)

We regularly hear our clients say they're not interested in setting up a traditional wedding registry with Crate and Barrel or Target because they already live together or just have all the standard homegoods they need. So i'm often asked for alternatives to the typical registry. If you're going on a honeymoon then a honeymoon registry is a brilliant idea (and i'll blog more about that soon) but i've also been thinking about how nice it would be for couples to be able to register for things they really want. I've also been thinking about how helpful it would be for couples to be able to think outside the box so their wedding guests could gift them with fun newlywed items or activites that they'd really enjoy. After all, you're only a newlywed once so why not forego the napkin holder and have a bit of fun together instead?

So I searched the web and found A Great Affair. This idea is brilliant! Couples can make a list of the items they really want and then register for them all in one place.

And now that i'm going on 4 years of wedded bliss, I feel like i've learned a few things about how to spend time quality time as newlyweds and what items and activites are great foundations for a happy marriage. So here is my list of 10 Must-Have Registry Items.

1. Sentimental Gifts which can be saved for special milestones - a bottle of champagne to pop on your 10 year anniversary, baby shoes (in a neutral color) to keep for your first baby, a beautiful keychain for  keys to your first house.

2. Cooking lessons - make sure all your meals as husband and wife are delicious, spend some quality time in aprons, and meet fellow newlyweds. Learn to make a favorite like Sushi or Italian or satisfy your sweet tooth with a baking class. It'll guarantee your house is the place to be for Thanksgiving dinner :)

3. Games - Board Games are an American pasttime for newlyweds and their friends. Or if you're looking for something more interactive, how about a Nintendo Wii system?

4. Tickets to a Favorite Venue or Show - Is your favorite performer coming to the Staples Center? Looking forward to an upcoming exhibit at LACMA? Ask for tickets and savor the memories forever.

5. Big Ticket Electronics - Invest in a new family computer or buy a nice camera for all the pictures you'll take during your new and exciting lives as Mr. and Mrs. Guests can team up to make these purchases so the high dollar price tag doesn't make them out-of-reach.

6. Couple's Activites - Tickets and supplies for some of your favorite couple's activities are always great. Ask for golf lessons or tennis rackets and make sure you stay in shape and have fun doing it.

7. A Pet - What better way to get started than with a special addition to your new family? A puppy, kitten, or even a guinea pig would be a great way to bond as a couple and maybe even practice for future parenting together. Supplies like leashes, toys, and obedience lessons are also helpful.

8. Movies - Who doesn't love curling up on the couch with a good movie? Spend quality nights in with a subscription to Netflix. I recommend signing up for the 2 discs at a time plan so you can each maintain seperate ques and take turns picking films.

9. An Annual Passport to a Favorite Place - Disneyland, Sea World, Hollywood Bowl, the Zoo. Pick your favorite and go. It will be your go-to venue for special date nights.

10. Outdoor Sports - Love high action activites? Celebrate the great outdoors and bond as adventurers by getting involved in activities like surfing, hiking, kayaking, or ATVing. Tell your guests you'll send them pictures from the road.