Whether the happy couple has chosen not to register or creative giving is just more your style, it’s perfectly ok to give a non-registry gift. “A registry is for your convenience and you are not limited to what is on the list,” states manners maven Emily Post. That said, you want something that’ll make the lovebirds go “ooh” (and not “eww.”), so do a little sleuthing before you buy. What’s their taste? Do they need anything special? Which colors will they be using in their new home? Once you’ve narrowed the field, let the shopping begin. Here are a few ideas that made our best-gift list.

Place Settings in a Pot

Everybody eats - so why not wrap settings of stainless flatware in colorful placemats and napkins, tie with ribbon and tuck into a cute ceramic flower pot?

Tea for Two A variety of loose teas including Green Mint, Earl Grey and Meditative Mind, plus a proper pot to put it all in. An absolute must-have for any civilized union.	Eat, Drink & Be Married Who doesn’t love tasty treats? Indulge them with an assortment of coffees, teas, rich chocolates and crunchy nuts, plus a fun set of mugs with spoons to stir things up.
Someone’s in the Kitchen Monkey veggie peelers and hippo chip clips? Whether the newlyweds are full-on foodies or masters of the microwave, whimsical utensils make cooking more fun.	Beyond Chips & Dip Treat the lovebirds to an antipasto starter kit: extra virgin olive oil, flavored tapenades, and a variety of veggie-inspired dishes. With any luck, they’ll invite you over.