What is the best wedding gift you have given or recieved?

Somewhat niche, but I gave my wife a hand-engraved jewelry box made out of 100 year reclaimed wood. She doesn't have a ton of jewelry but she loved it!

Board games and card games are always a great gift. Someone gave us the classics (Monopoly, Yahtzee, Clue) for our wedding and we still have them.

Two things for me:
1. Our Zojurushi rice cooker and a new full set of luggage. We've had the rice cooker for almost 10 years now and it's gotten so much usage. Not to mention the brand itself is well known for making great rice.
2. The luggage got a ton of use over the years as we traveled together and had our first child. It's one of those things we didn't have when we were dating and appreciated having when we were married with a child.

My philosophy on wedding gifts when deviating from the registry is to either give something unique and distinctive, ideally something they actually need/want but wouldn't get themselves, or give cash or cash equivalent or both. Most of the gifts they receive will be from the registry - needed, but not necessarily memorable. Those that aren't will have a high likelihood of being returned for cash. There will be bills in that first year. Cash may seem impersonal but it will be appreciated and used and the don't have to go through the trouble of returning a physical gift. A small memorable keepsake like a glassy baby plus cash is a good compromise. But so are experiences - a walk on roll in a play, a couples' massage at the hotel on their honeymoon, a hot air balloon ride, an overnight get away to Victoria. The best physical wedding gift I received was a really nice worm drive circular saw from my best man. Not on the registry obviously, but he knew I wanted it and would keep and use it. Had it 20 years and I thought about him every time I used it.

These are all great suggestions! Eric Lockard - Hi Dad! - I guess I should clarify that I am not necessarily deviating from the registry, but I'm hoping suggestions may help me decide what to get from the registry, or potentially get something not on it. I totalllyyyyy get that deviating from registry might instantly mean a returned gift. Im glad you like your saw. Maybe I should ask mom what her favorite registry gift was haha!

Kelsey Lockard Hi Kel! If you are going to stick with the registry then I would say the more unique and specialized the better. Another china or silverware setting out of 8 or twelve is ho hum. But if they actually asked for that massive turkey serving tray or crystal decanter, then I guess they actually want it and will remember you were the one who gave it to them.

There's a book called The Conscious Bride that is a total lifesaver for brides to be. You'd want to get this for her ASAP ... as a "pre-wedding" gift. It talks about the complex dynamics of weddings (aka: "big feelings"), and their origins, people's [often unrealistic] expectations (including guests), and how the bride can stay grounded such that she really enjoys the day. It's a wonderful book.

This is random, but we got a Cuisinart Griddler from my brother in law. We have been married 15 years now and we used that thing almost 2-3 times a week for 12 years until it crapped out. We purchased a 2nd one because it was indispensable and when this one craps out we will purchase a 3rd! It has been by far the most used wedding present we received and it was not on our registry. We had no idea how much we needed a Griddler! :)

A couple suggestions... Bookends that relate to the personalities/interests of the couple, OR an assortment of Christmas ornaments (if appropriate) that speak to the couple's passions (eg gave my foodie sister miscellaneous hand blown glass ornaments in the shapes of vegetables), OR a collection of unusual spices that they might not buy on their own put into nice jars..