Post # 1

Member
75 posts
Worker bee
I’ve got a wedding shower this weekend. I RSVP’ed late but I’m okay with that. I hadn’t made up my mind until Monday and its on Sunday.
Anyways, I was looking at the registery at work and well anything good in my price range that I’d want to get was already taken. The Kitchenaide quite a bit over my budget and is still on the list (as well as all the accessories but without a Kitchenaide the accessories aren’t any good).
What there is left on the list in my price range is two cutting boards. I thought I could get them and a couple of good knives that we’re on the list. We have these knives and they retail around $20.00 per piece and know quite a few people who have them. Everyone who has them are very very happy with them. Is that appropriate?
How many people actually buy things not on the list? Any suggestions? I’m planning on spending around $60-80 or so.
For the ladies who’ve already had their weddings or showers, what are your thoughts on items not on your registery?
Tifnicole
Post # 3

Member
14186 posts
Honey Beekeeper
People got me stuff off my registry. A handful of it got returned–ugly towels and picture frames. Anything practical (knife set? HEllooo! love it) I kept.
I still have the fat french chef butter knives in their box. Just don’t get kitscy stuff and you’re ok. I think the cutting board and some knives are always good. I think it’s great. my Future Mother-In-Law got me some knives not on my registry and it’s my new favorite knife!
Post # 4

Member
49 posts
Newbee
If you don’t know the bride too well (or even if you do!), I’d refrain from buying "off the list." A gift card is always, always appreciated! She could put it towards her mixer that she probably really wants 🙂 If that’s too boring for you, you could get the cutting boards so she has something to open, plus a gift card so you hit your spending minimum.
Post # 5

Member
2725 posts
Sugar bee
I agree with ejs-if you are going to go off the registry, then get basics in neutral colors. Knives would be great. My fiance and I have crappy knives and that is the #1 thing on our registry we hope we get. My only other suggestion would be a gift card to the store where the bride and groom are registered so they can pick up stuff they don’t get.
Post # 6

Member
443 posts
Helper bee
I wouldnt mind receiving gifts not on my registry at all. Really I’m hoping people will use the registry as a guide to better understand what we like/want and our style/tastes. From our registry people gathered that we really like kitchen gadgets and I received a bunch that I hadnt even thought of registering for, and they’re awesome! One of my favorites being: http://www.target.com/Chef%E2%80%99n-Vibe-Palm-Peeler-Avocado/dp/B000M5FRQA/sr=1-18/qid=1245250598/ref=sr_1_18/191-5624675-8332501?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=0&index=target&field-browse=1038576&rh=k%3Avegetable%20peeler&page=1
I think the cutting board and a nice knife (maybe a santoku?) would be a great gift. Do you know if your friend likes sushi? An inexpensive sushi mat and "sushi cookbook" would round out the gift really well. Or a neat veggie peeler and soup or stir-fry cookbook.
Hope that helps!
Post # 7

Member
1078 posts
Bumble bee
I would stray away from items not on the registry, unless you are SURE it’s something they want (i.e. they’ve specifically mentioned it to you).
I would say go with a giftcard in the amount you wish to spend. What girl doesn’t enjoy shopping? Plus, maybe she can pair it with another gift card she receives….allowing her to purchase one of the more expensive items off of her registry.
Post # 8

Member
10 posts
Newbee
I usually buy a couple items from the registry, but then jazz it up with something that just about anyone would like, but isn’t found on normal registries. For example, I recently got a bride-to-be the pizza-themed items from her Macy’s registry, and then picked up a pizza cookbook from a local bookstore. It lets me be a little more creative, but stays with my theme (pizza/cooking) and is practical. If I were you, I’d pick up a cutting board or two from the registry and then throw in something that you would love and think they would like (like those great knives you mentioned) or something that could be useful with the cutting boards (like a cheese cutting set or an hors d’oeuvres cookbook, for example). Good luck!