I knew nothing when I was doing our wedding registry. Anything bright, shiny, and expensive caught my eye. Turns out a lot of those things, I’ve not even used. You can learn from my mistakes and register for the items you really need. To my surprise, some of the tools I use most are here under the forgotten category of kitchen linens and miscellaneous.
Don’t worry! You’ll receive some “nicer” things anyway…some people just love to give that kind of gift! And obviously any of these utilitarian things you need that you don’t receive are probably more in the price range where you can “gift” yourself along the way.
Essential tools you need more of
- Oven mitts or hot pads – Personally I need my whole hand covered. Whatever you use, you need several!
- Hand towels and flour sack dish drying towels – Why do I distinguish between the two? Because there’s nothing I hate like finding fuzz from terrycloth hand towels on dishes!!! You need a smooth surface towel for dishes. And in the interest of good health, you need a fresh set each day. Allow them to dry before putting in your hamper.
- Dishcloths or sponges – I love my knitted ones! Again, you need one for each day of the week. I “wash” mine in the dishwasher as that’s probably the hottest water.
- Plastic or glass storage – Plastic is good if you need portable. Glass is more environmentally friendly. Just make sure you get a variety of sizes and stackable if you can! (I write on the side of these pictured with my dry erase marker!)
Only need one but it’s a “must have”
- Apron – Full coverage is the best…maybe one for hubby too if he will be cooking or grilling outdoors. My favorite has one long cord that can be pulled from both ends to make it fit around the neck (like these).
- Spoon rest – Keep on the stovetop or right to the side. When you’re done using with your spoon, clean up the spoon rest, and it’s ready for next time!
- 2c measuring cup – The classic measuring cup your mom and grandmother used. Plastic or glass, your choice.
- 6c measuring cup – This is one of my most used items. I whisk eggs in it, soak cut potatoes in it, and chill broth overnight in it then skim off the fat. The best part is the measuring marks then allow me to know how much is in there! Soup that calls for 4 cups of carrot coins? DONE! Freezing that broth for later? I mark the measurement (after skimming) on the freezer bag so I know how much I have!
- Collapsible colander – The green one pictured with its extendable handles covers my sink side to side. If you need to catch the liquid, put a mixing bowl underneath. Once it’s clean and folded, it slides into the side of a cabinet. I think mine cost $12 at Aldi (not an ad…but I do love my Aldi!).
- Smaller colander or drainer – My little white one is just for small jobs like canned tuna.
- Cutting Board – Just what it sounds like! I prefer a thick one with non-slip “feet.”
- Bag holder – If you’ve ever needed three hands, you’ll love this holder! It holds the bag open, while you put stuff in…brilliant!
- Multi-function timer – Game changer! SO much better to have all in one!
- Microwave plate cover – This saves you from splatters on the inside of the microwave (not pictured)
Ask yourself – “Would I really use these?”
- Pizza stone – I have a big one I don’t use much, and unfortunately it’s kinda hard to store. But if you make a lot of pizza, you may want one.
- Stockpot – Deep enough to hold a whole chicken or a turkey carcass. I really only use mine for making broth.
- Griddle – Electric stand-alone or one to lay over two stovetop burners. I’ve had both and the one for stovetop use is definitely easier to store.
- Sifter and Pastry Sheet – You will only need these if you’re a regular baker.
- Wok – Again electric stand-alone or one for gas stovetop burners. I got an electric one for our wedding as I LOVE Asian foods. I’ve used it a few times over the years but not nearly enough to take up the space it does.
- Trays – For the occasional breakfast in bed or on the couch – we have several!
- Small Pyrex cups (4-8 oz) or prep bowls – Perfect size for pudding or a serving of fruit salad.
- Pint (2c) or 1 cup jars – For overnight oats, spice mixes, prepping or making mayonnaise. Easy to find on sale or simply save from grocery purchases so not really a registry item (but I do use mine!). Just make sure you choose the right size for the job you have in mind.
- Decorative Canisters – For dry ingredients like flour, sugar, etc. Unless you do a lot of baking, keeping these items in their own bags may be sufficient…and will save that precious countertop real estate!
- Ice cube trays – Not for ice, silly, but for juices, sauces, tomato paste, even spinach artichoke dip…anything that will fit in them, then can be popped out after freezing and put in freezer bags. Juices pop out well, but for sauces, rub olive oil around the inside surfaces so they’ll pop out.
- Grill tool set (along with bristled cleaning brush) – A must have IF you have an outdoor grill or access to one.
- Grill baskets or trays – Metal units that keep smaller foods from slipping through the grill rack itself. The baskets snap closed to hold the food in place and then can be flipped…great for veggies or shrimp.
Get these later once you really know your space or
have a house
You might want a few of these once you’re settled but remember all storage items will not work equally well in all cabinets. So, don’t spend a lot of time here until you’re more permanently settled.
- Cabinet dividers or shelving
- Drawer dividers
- Turntables or tiered shelving
- Under cabinet storage
- Cabinet door storage
Linens and miscellaneous wrap-up
If you see something not on any of my lists that you really LOVE, of course add it to your registry! I’m just trying to give you some guidance so you don’t find yourself in my shoes…closets full of wedding gifts you never used that you can’t sell or even give away.
It might be hard to think this way from where you are now, but my KIDS don’t even want my stuff. And there’s no sentimental attachment for them either. Better to have what REALLY works for you…think that way when you purchase a gift for a friend, too, and they’ll love you for it!
Anything here you hadn’t thought about but find really intriguing? OR a question you’d like answered BEFORE you head to that registry appointment? Put it in the comments…I’d love to hear from you!
Check out the rest of the essential tools…
