15 Wedding Registry Ideas That Aren't "Things" But Experiences Instead

Especially if you already live together and don't need home essentials, check out this list of inspiring registry alternatives.

By: Jen Glantz

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Registry Experiences You'll Never Forget

One of the most exciting moments of your wedding adventure is getting to sit down with your fiance and decide what to put on your registry. Figuring out the items on your gift list is a whirlwind of a process. You may start by adding must-have essentials for your home — like new sheets and kitchenware — but you might want to get a little creative after that. If you’re looking to add gifts that are not things, but experiences that you’ll remember for quite a while, here are 15 thrilling registry ideas for you and your partner.

Staycations

Even after the honeymoon comes and goes, you and your partner deserve a getaway. Add a staycation fund (or a giftcard to a travel or hotel website) that you can use for a quick weekend vacation in your own city. Getting out of the house and staying at a local resort or hotel can be a simple and relaxing gift that goes a long way.

A Spa Pack

When life gets stressful, having a couples massage gift certificate in your back pocket is a win-win for your relationship. Add this to your registry so you and your partner can de-stress with a massage or facial at a spa you adore.

Investing in a New Hobby

Perhaps there’s a hobby you and your partner have always wanted to try out together (example: learning guitar, gardening, home renovation). Add those items or professional lessons as a gift on your registry so your friends and family can help you get started on that new adventure together.

A Honeymoon Fund

It’s quite common for couples to have one or more items on their registry that relate to their honeymoon. You can ask people to contribute to your airfare, hotel stays, or even the activities you'll do while you’re on your trip.

Cooking Lessons

Want to get better at cooking up exciting meals for date night or just a random weeknight? Put different types of cooking classes on your registry. You might get more out of this than a new set of pots and pans!

Museum Membership

If there are any local museums you and your partner enjoy strolling through on weekends, but you don’t go often because they’re pricey, consider putting the memberships as a gift on your registry. These memberships will allow you and your partner to go more often and explore the fun exhibits right in your backyard.

Learn a New Language

Perhaps you and your partner can take a class to learn the language of the country you'll be visiting during your honeymoon. Find a course or online class that helps you learn that new language and add it on your registry as something a guest can gift you.

Down Payment on a House

While a down payment fund might not seem like an experience, the art of buying and setting up your first home is an adventure you’ll never forget. If you’re eager to buy a house, consider a down payment fund as the main gift on your registry.

Art Class

If you’re looking to design and decorate your new home together, consider adding art classes to your registry. That way, you can make or sculpt new artwork and pieces for your home! What better way to have a memorable experience than to look at the treasures you and your partner made every single day?

Wine Tasting

Ever dreamed of becoming a wine connoisseur? Find a wine tasting venue nearby and add a gift certificate for a class and tasting on your registry. Not only will it be a delicious event, but you'll also learn a skill you can carry with you for years to come.

City Food Tour

For the ultimate food lovers out there, consider putting a tour of your favorite cuisine on your registry — whether it’s for your city or a city you plan to travel to soon. Perhaps it’s a pizza tour around New York City or Chicago, or cheesesteak tour around Philadelphia!

Skydiving or Bungee Jumping

Feeling extra adventurous? Cross off a bucket list item, like skydiving or bungee jumping, by putting that activity on your registry for you and your partner to conquer in tandem.

Hot Air Balloon

Heading to a new city in the next year or on your honeymoon? See if they offer any local hot air balloon rides. It’s a gorgeous and unique way of seeing the sights and can make for a great gift.

Kayaking Weekend Trip

Love water and want to get away for the weekend? Consider adding a kayaking weekend trip to your registry. It’s an outdoorsy adventure for your first year of marriage.

An Experience Fund

Want to get away and do something different, but you’re not sure what that is yet? Create an experience fund for your wedding so you and your partner can plan a special adventure later on when the wedding is over.

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