Gift Registry

Did you know that, according to a recent study, 40% of all proposals occur between the month of December and February? With a percentage like that, odds are you know someone (or more than one someone) who just recently got engaged and is currently in the midst of wedding planning. You’re probably watching them set up their registry and wondering what the best gifts would be to get them for their engagement party, bridal shower, and bachelorette party, and of course, the wedding itself. While it’s always a safe bet sticking to the registry, you may decide you want to get creative and get the bride and groom a truly unique and thoughtful gift that they won’t receive at their wedding — especially if they’re close friends to you.

Need a little bit of inspiration? Here are five unique wedding gift ideas that the bride and groom won’t have on their wedding registry.

Homemade Quilt

Quilt

If you’re a bit crafty and skilled with a sewing machine, why not make your friends a beautiful homemade quilt. Quilts are fun and easy to make, not to mention a very unique and practical gift for newlyweds who love snuggling together on the couch watching Netflix. You can personalize it with their favorite colors and patterns or create fun fabric squares to represent some of their favorite interests. (Think Leslie Knope’s friendship quilt on Parks and Recreation.) Your newly married friends will be sure to think of you each and every time they curl up under your beautiful homemade quilt.

Anniversary Journal

Are your friends the sentimental type? If so, why not put together an anniversary journal for them to record their lives together? The idea is to find (or create) a beautiful leather or spiral bound book that your newlywed friends can use to record each and every one of their anniversaries together. A nice little journal with lined pages is perfect for those who love to write down detailed thoughts and memories, or you can opt for a bigger, unlined scrapbook, which they can use to pastedown pictures, stickers, and anything else that lets them creatively express their love for each other and their memories throughout the years. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, and they’re sure to treasure it for years and years to come.

His & Hers Shoes

This one may require a bit of detective work on your part, but if your friends are both super into high-quality leather shoes (and you know both of their sizes!), go ahead and splurge on two pairs of shoes — one for him and one for her. Go with the brands they already know and love, with styles you think they’d be most likely to wear. For example, stylish ankle boots are always a good pick for women, and a rugged pair of hiking boots are sure to make the groom very happy. Nervous about getting them the wrong size? You can always spring for a gift card for their favorite footwear brand or retailer instead. Bonus points if you wrap the shoes up with a card that says, “May you always enjoy walking the road of life together.”

High-Quality Travel Bag

Travel Bags

Are the bride and groom big travelers? There are so many great gifts you can get them to make the most of their adventurous spirit, but perhaps one of the most practical is a sturdy, roomy travel bag. If you have the cash, splurge for a big, high-quality bag that’ll hold up well for years and years to come. Make it stylish yet gender neutral, and both of them will love using for long trips and adventurous excursions. Want to go the extra step? Has it monogrammed with their new initials?

Recipe Card Box

Young married couples are always on the lookout for new recipes to try, as well as old homemade favorites that they can make year after year. If your friends enjoy all things culinary, consider putting together a box filled with recipe cards that they can use to record all of their favorite new recipes. Better yet — include a few pre-written cards with some of your dishes that you know they already love. This gift is especially practical for newlyweds looking to expand their recipe collection, and they’re unlikely to receive anything quite as useful or unique from anyone else.

These are just a few of some of the most practical and unique wedding gift ideas that your newly engaged friends won’t have on their registry. While gift cards and registry picks are always appreciated, if you’re looking to go the extra mile and find the perfect gift for the bride and groom, consider these unique and personalized ideas, and you’ll be sure to find them something that they’ll love and cherish forever.