Gone are the days of getting the happy couple a nice toaster (or, if you're willing to shell out top dollar, a stand mixer). According to a new survey from Realtor.com and Censuswide, the hottest wedding gift these days is cash that the couple can put toward a home — yet couples still feel obligated to register for gifts they don't want.
In the survey, 85% of couples who got married in the last two years said they would have preferred gifts of cash toward a down payment on a home rather than physical gifts at their wedding. And 80% said if they could do it over, they'd do it differently and include an option on their registry to give a cash gift.
But registries are a big part of the problem, according to couples surveyed. Some 82% said traditional registries put pressure on them to ask for traditional gifts, like home furnishings and kitchen items when what they really wanted was cash.
Even amid climbing interest rates, home prices are at record highs. The median home price in the U.S. topped $425,000 in June of this year, according to Redfin data, a 26% increase since 2020. It's no wonder so many young couples are seeking help purchasing homes.
"Over the last few years, homebuyers have been facing a number of challenges, most notably around affordability due to high home prices and mortgage rates," Clare Trapasso, executive news editor at Realtor.com, said in a news release. "We're seeing buyers get creative with how they cobble together the necessary financials, from tapping into down payment assistance programs to asking for help from family and friends.
"Adding a home-buying gift option to a wedding registry is a great way for people to crowdsource these often hard-to-come-by funds. It allows their loved ones to celebrate one of the biggest moments of their lives while helping them to achieve homeownership."
Still, though, there's some resistance to change. In the Realtor.com and Censuswide survey, 70% of people said they'd prefer to give a traditional gift at a wedding they attend. If you need some ideas, the gifts below are among the most traditional, according to The Knot.
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer
For baking fans, there's no better gift than a stand mixer — and Kitchenaid's version has long been the gold standard for quality and longevity.
Sold by Amazon
This French-made cast iron cookware brand is legendary for its quality (and lifetime guarantee — not that you'll need it). This is the kind of cookware that gets passed down for generations.
Sold by Le Creuset
Elegance Crystal White Wine Glass, Set of 2
Crystal glassware is a classic wedding gift because it's just a little bit extravagant. These handmade crystal wine glasses feature classic lines that add sophistication to any table setting.
Sold by The Knot
Willow Drive 12-Piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4
This simple, yet elegant dinnerware set has a delicate eyelet pattern around the rim of each piece. They're pretty enough for a dinner party but dishwasher and microwave-safe so they're convenient for everyday use, too.
Sold by The Knot
Henckels Statement 15-Piece Knife Block Set
These high-quality, razor-sharp knives feature ergonomic handles for fatigue-free cutting. The set includes everything a home cook needs to start their first kitchen.
Sold by Zwilling
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Christina Marfice writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
