17 unusual wedding gifts to buy
Wedding gift lists have been getting a lot of attention recently, not least because some people have been (how can I say this politely?) ‘taking advantage’ of other people’s generosity.
Of course, the couple and their families are generously inviting you and spending money on a slap up party for their friends and family – but there is certainly a polite way to give opportunity for people to give gifts. Gift lists.
Gift lists are a god send if you’re planning a wedding – people can choose as little or as much as they want, and thankfully it’s stuff you want… not tea cosiess or draught excluders in the shape of a sausage dog. And, what’s more, gift lists are evolving too. I have teamed up with the lovely people at ‘Wedding Gift List of the Year’ Prezola to share some of our favourite unusual gifts.
Prezola is pretty smart and not just your run-of-the-mill-list - instead, it lets guests give cash contributions, add to honeymoon funds and get gifts from loads of unusual retailers.
Finally, gifts we give a shirt-tail about.
So, whether you’re deciding where to house your gift list, or simply like to ogle at the wonders of the internet, this is the list is for you.
Groom-to-be Hamish Shephard is the founder of free online wedding planner . His ES column, ‘Groom with a View’, gives fuss-free, practical advice to make wedding planning as enjoyable as it should be.
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Article17 unusual wedding gifts to buy WeddingsUnusual wedding gifts
Unusual wedding gifts
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1/17 1/ Portable Barbecue Light Blue
Lewis & Co Mon Oncle, £298.00
This trendy pastel blue portable BBQ is undoubtedly the coolest way to crank up the heat this summer. It’s stylish disguise as a mini suitcase is sartorial heaven and so easy to use that you’ll want to take it everywhere. -
2/17 2. Rusty Brazier
Cox & Cox Garden, £80
Keep the romantic flame alight with this sleek brazier. As the evenings get a little shorter, then coy up outside with your loved one. -
3/17 3. PLAYBAR Wireless Speaker
Sonos, £45
If I hadn’t just got married, this would be the first thing on my gift list. In fact, if anyone wants to buy me it now – just for being a great guy – then I would be very happy to accept it! Sonos have great their sleekest sound bar yet… the sound quality is so good, you might want to open it at the after party! -
4/17 4. Turntable
Crosley Cruiser, £74.99
Retro is back in, and this turntable is (cue Austin Powers voice) ‘Groovy Baby’! The in-laws will love getting together to listen to old records and it will look seriously stylish whilst they do it. -
5/17 5. 'Bottoms Up' Wine Rack
Culinary Concepts, £39.95
Chances are that your friends and family drunk your reception dry. But if they didn’t then popping three bottles of bubbly on your brand new rack and drinking them to celebrate married life sounds like a pretty great way to get things started! -
6/17 6. Personalised Heart Map
Bombus, £92
Whether you want to remember a destination wedding or the trip of a lifetime for your honeymoon, this is a pretty neat way to do it. -
7/17 7. Festoon starter kit
Cox and Cox Lights, £45
No romantic love nest is complete with a little mood lighting. These classic outdoor bulbs are perfect for any sized outside space and can create the ideal atmosphere whether you’re entertaining or keeping yourselves to yourselves. -
8/17 8. Icon Bowie Print
Bold & Noble, £35
A God amongst men, and a great way to commemorate your 2016 wedding. Or even 2017, 18, 19… I am not sure anybody needs an excuse to get an amazing Bowie print. -
9/17 9. Trivial Pursuit Master Edition
£39.99
Fine, this might seem like a cop out Christmas present from a boring relative, but the reality is that no home is complete without a game of Trivial Pursuit. In fact, I think if your marriage can last as long as this present in your cupboard you’re doing very well. -
10/17 10. The Smart Waffle
Sage, £169.99
Avocado and toast was fine for a while… but surely there has to be something a little more manly out there? Introducing, the Smart Waffle. This is a serious piece of breakfast kit that’s great fun to use and will get you the easiest brownie points for breakfast in bed you’ve ever received. -
11/17 11. Retro Barber Board
Rose & Grey, £95
Married life brings with it the introduction of something rather unnerving… To do lists. Whether it’s grabbing more milk or picking up a christening present, it’s unavoidable. But what’s more fun than you and your new partner leaving lists on this retro barber board? -
12/17 12. Tongue spoon rest
Jonathan Adler, £38
Making a cuppa has never been so trendy. Stirring in the milk always raises the challenging question – now where to put the spoon. Question no more, dear friends! Pop it on the giant tongue for later. -
13/17 13. Water coasters
Coasters are not usually the most manly of gift items on a wedding list, but these ‘Manhole Cover’ coasters bring a touch of masculinity to your mug-mantelpiece protection.
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14/17 14. Turquoise parrot corkscrew
Alessi
This is a simple gift that will make you smile. Oh, and it opens wine and beer – also very very good. In fact, arguably essential. -
15/17 15. Garden Skittles Set
Laura Ashley, £42
Garden games are always fun, but you don’t even need a garden with this skittle set. Word of warning though, move your ‘valuable’ gifts away if choosing to play this in the kitchen… Aunt Gladys will not appreciate a boisterous ball hurtling through her hand made ‘love vase’. -
16/17 16. Aeroskull speaker
Jarre Technologies, £449
Skulls are not traditionally the most romantic wedding gift, but this bling-tastic Bluetooth speaker is so cool that nobody cares. Actually, Grannies care… get a sibling to divert her attention with a duvet set. -
17/17 17. Peacock Lollipop holder
Jonathan Adler, £98
Whilst I don’t really understand this, it doesn’t stop me from loving it. It’s also perfect for get-togethers with friends with young kids! (I mean; nobody could eat that many lollipops alone could they?!)
Our Groom with a View Hamish Shephard on why you should go off-piste when it comes to wedding presents