My man and I were married young at the tender and barely legal drinking ages of twenty-two and twenty-three. And while we knew we would be a very mobile couple with plans to move clear across the country within a year of the wedding, we still felt some pressure to follow the tradition of racking up all kinds of kitchen and home decor goodies on a “must have” wish list for guests to tote along in shimmery wrapping to our big day.
Now coming up on our six-year anniversary and having lived in three states and a South American country during that short period of time, we see that this traditional gift registry idea may be a better idea for some than others. My parents and sister sure enjoyed the use of the less travel-friendly gifts and for that, I am glad someone gets use out of our wok and fine crystal. But in the hopes of advising other young couples from making a similar mistake, may I offer this suggestion—traditional is not necessary or always the best idea.
Couples nowadays are doing less traditional ceremonies and even untraditional attire, but I add that they should feel free to extend that non-traditionalism into what’s best for their “wish list” needs, such as a money tree for your housing, grad school or honeymoon fund, and let us not be afraid of the impersonally dubbed gift card. Now some gifts will be items you never would have thought to ask for and become surprising necessities and many gifts are the kinds of gifts that will stand the tests of time and travel. For tips on those must-haves (if you don’t already), I’ve decided to compile a list of the top twelve gifts we received that have traveled with us many thousands of miles and are still kickin’ strong. Here goes ...
1. Calphalon Pot and Pan Set (Bed, Bath & Beyond)—Six years ... six years of heavy daily use and they’re still looking and working great. Hands down one of the best gifts ever!
2. Tea Kettle (Target)—Great modern and crazy durable design.
3. Oster Waffle Maker (Target)—We still regularly use the recipe booklet that came with it ... it’s all about the “light and fluffy waffles” on a lazy Saturday morning.
4. T-fal Toaster(Target)—Love that the slots are big enough for bagels!
5. J.A. Henckels International Knife Set (Bed, Bath & Beyond)
6. Black Leather Driving Gloves (This was one of those “wouldn’t have asked for it ourselves but we can’t live without them,” gifts so we’re not sure where they came from)—truly, can’t live without them here in a NYC winter!
7. Tool Set (perhaps from Target)—This was also not a requested gift but a very portable one that has seen more action than even the waffle maker with all the little projects that come up from living in such a “historic” apartment complex.
8. Betty Crocker Cookbook (again, unregistered gift)—I now only have room for one cookbook in my kitchenette space and this is the one I chose to take with me. While I do a lot of cooking just off the top of my head or perhaps trying out a recipe I got in a magazine or online, for some things (like a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or my favorite cookies and zucchini bread), this classic cookbook is essential.
9. OXO Kitchen Utencils (Target)—Love the grippy handles ... from the carrot peeler to the can opener, the poultry scissors and mixing spoons. Love ’em all. Love ’em, love ’em, love ’em!
10. Silverware (Target)—Pretty basic but a daily necessity and wouldn’t ya know, travels swell.
11. Leverpull Trigger Wine Opener Set (unregistered item)—But right up there with the Calphalon cookware and driving gloves ... could not, would not want to live without it.
12. Lingerie and Silk Bath Robe (Victoria Secret)—This last one is included a wedding gift to us both, because well, it really is a mutual enjoyed, now isn’t it?
