Along with many couples’ 2020 wedding plans, gifts and registries during the coronavirus pandemic may look a little different.
For decades, elaborate tableware sets for large groups and hosting accessories like serving platters were gifting staples. In more recent years, wanderlust couples created honeymoon funds, requesting guests contribute cash for adventures abroad.
But now, while party and gathering numbers are in flux, and international travel plans remain in limbo, many brides and grooms are reorganizing their wish lists to reflect their current lifestyles. In tandem, wedding guests (and invitees who can’t attend in-person) are buying presents for couples that can be enjoyed now, during quarantine.
Thankfully, there are many practical items that facilitate the celebration of matrimony, and align with social-distancing parameters and travel restrictions. Read on for the gifts pros are giving to newlyweds during lockdown.
Nobu Nakaguchi
Mr. Nakaguchi is a founder and chief design officer of Zola, an online wedding planning and registry destination.
Credit…“My wife and I received a Dutch oven as a wedding gift 15 years ago. We’ve used it at least once a week during quarantine cooking for our family of five, slow-cooking pot roasts, deep frying tonkatsu and poaching chicken — and even tried to bake sourdough like everyone else.”
Credit…“Soft towels are so necessary right now because we’re all obsessively washing our hands. I might even gift the hand towels, the Dutch oven with a card, some hand sanitizer and a few other at-home staples.”
Credit…“Instead of wine or champagne, I love gifting elderflower liqueur to newlyweds. The Art Deco-style bottle looks elegant on a bar cart or shelf and it elevates any cocktail. It’s perfect for a romantic toast.”
Credit…“An evening enjoying good conversation is easily ignited with this elegant, oversize candle. It transforms the room with scents of tuberose and leather. With 400 hours of total burn time, it’s perfect for creating a new date night ritual.”
Credit…“We’re all staying home and likely cooking more. The design is pretty, so you can take it right off the stovetop and straight to dinner. It makes everyday cooking at home a joy, and clean up is a breeze. Focus on the fun stuff and forget about arguing over who’s doing the dishes.”
Credit…“Subscriptions have a surprise and delight element that keeps on giving months after the big day. The wines are good and reasonably priced. The couple will have plenty on hand for their small gatherings and the bottles have great, design forward labels that look right at home on their dinner table.”
Winc Subscription Gift Cards; $60/ one month, $100/ two months, $150/ three months
Quincy Brown
Mr. Brown, who goes by his mononym Quincy, is a musician, actor and a founder of Qase, a case for AirPods with Bluetooth tracking capabilities.
Credit…“Every couple has a wedding song but not every couple has the same taste in music. By never losing your AirPods, you always have the chance for a little personal down time.”
Credit…“You survived getting married during Covid. Now survive married life during Covid. Couples will need to clear the air constantly, and this air filter disperses probiotics that consume allergens. I thought it sounded crazy, but I have never slept better.”
