Ah, the wedding registry. I remember those times… wandering aimlessly through Bed Bath & Beyond and Target with a scan gun and my to-be hubby in tow. I’m sure we annoyed more than one fellow customer with our giddiness and giggles, the beeper going crazy as we scanned nearly everything in sight.

After six years of marriage, it’s clear that we had no concept of what we really needed. We still have products in their boxes in the basement— Crock-Pot Triple Dipper.. wooden salad bowl set.. beer glasses.. Never. Opened.

Today, I’m here to share the things we really needed, and the things that likely aren’t worth it. Read on to save yourself (and your guests) the hassle of sifting through mountains of useless registry paraphernalia.

1. Luggage

   What’s better than some rockin’ new luggage for your honeymoon travels? We’re loving this set from Coolife.

2. Sheet sets

   At no other point in your young marriage or time with kids will you ever want to splurge on really nice sheets. Request them now. Our favorite— these Wamsutta 500-Thread-Count PimaCott Sheet Set. (Pima cotton is the bomb.com!)

3. Large platters for entertaining

   The last thing you want is to plan a dinner party, go out of your way to impress guests with amazing recipes, and not have nice serving pieces. This Emma Serving Platter from Pottery Barn is simple and classy. And while we’re on the topic of entertaining, serving tools are very necessary.

4. Cutting board (or two)

   Never underestimate the need for cutting boards. We have two, and we need more! This OXO Good Grips Cutting and Carving Board is pretty awesome.

5. A nice set of cooking utensils

   Whether you favor black or stainless or some random color a la Rachel Ray, a nice set of matching tools is a must. This 17-piece set from Kitchen-Aid includes all the musts. I must say I do prefer metal measuring cups and spoons, though, as the words on the plastic ones wear off after a couple rounds in the dishwasher. Check these out as an option.

   
   

6. Cast iron skillet

There is no comparison to cast iron. They heat evenly, are economical, are inherently non-stick, and also work as grills. The top brand in the world of cast iron is Lodge. This Lodge pre-seasoned skillet includes an iron cover and is great for those one-skillet meals.

7. Stand mixer

It’s quite possible that if you never bake, you may want to overlook this one. But if you have visions of making sugar cookies with your kids at Christmas time, take a serious look at a stand mixer. You don’t need the biggest or best model, just something with interchangeable attachments. Check out this classic model of the Kitchen-Aid stand mixer. It’s good for whisking, kneading dough, and mixing batters or frostings.

8. Vacuum

It’s time for a big-kid vacuum. One with the features adults care about— a long cord, HEPA filter, ease of maneuverability, pet-hair tools, etc. We love our Dyson. Hefty price tag but worth it.

9. Mixing bowls

You can never have enough prep bowls. Check out these colorful mixing bowls WITH NON-SLIP BOTTOMS. Whaaaaaaat?

10. Flatware

Matching flatware for six to eight people is worth listing on your registry. We like simplicity, so our preference is stainless steel with no embellishments.

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