Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
1
a cast-iron skillet
Lodge Lodge Pre-Seasoned Skillet
1
a cast-iron skillet
Lodge Lodge Pre-Seasoned Skillet
Now 42% Off
Credit: AmazonI'm a firm believer that household with a well-used kitchen needs a cast-iron skillet. They go far beyond most other types of cookware: from fridge to stove to oven. They give meats an unbelievably crisp sear. Also, they're designed to last forever. People tend to stray away from cast iron as they think it's too high maintenance, but that couldn't be more untrue. Your cleaning method is a little different, but you'll never have to buy another cast-iron skillet. When it comes to staying on a budget and still get a high-quality piece, Lodge is the way to go.
2
this handy immersion blender
Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender
2
this handy immersion blender
Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender
Credit: AmazonI never though I'd wax poetic about an immersion blender, but this gadget truly changed my life. It's one of the workhorses in my kitchen, used morning, noon, and night. The Smart Stick comes with three attachments: a regular blender with two sharp blades, a whisk, and a mini food processor. If you're unfamiliar with immersion blenders, they make creating silky smooth soups and morning smoothies an absolute breeze. My favorite part of this product, though, is the mini food processor. We use it to chop fruits, mix pesto, make guacamole, and so much more. I have yet to find another immersion blender with this attachment, and that's why the Smart Stick will always be my top pick.
3
high-quality food storage
Rubbermaid Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage
3
high-quality food storage
Rubbermaid Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage
Credit: AmazonWhether you cook often or not, I'd advise anyone and everyone to add these containers to your registry. They're a significant upgrade from the cheap containers you probably have in your cabinet now. They're dishwasher safe with a thick plastic that doesn't break easily. You can also use these for far more than just stashing away leftovers. Do you love those videos of gorgeous fridge organization? These are how you get it. You can use them to store knick-knacks anywhere around the house.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
these food-preserving containers
OXO 10-Piece POP Container Set
4
these food-preserving containers
OXO 10-Piece POP Container Set
Credit: AmazonI'll admit it: I originally added this container set to my registry for aesthetic reasons. Little did I know how much money they'd ultimately save me. The vacuum-seal lids on these containers truly do work. I can leave chips and cereal in them and they'll stay good for weeks. In fact, they work so well that I've bought myself more since initially receiving them as a gift.
5
a cordless vacuum
Tineco Tineco Pure ONE X Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
5
a cordless vacuum
Tineco Tineco Pure ONE X Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Credit: AmazonI know what you're thinking: a great cordless vacuum under $200 just doesn't exist. This one is here to prove you wrong, though. The Tineco Pure ONE X is one of our favorite cordless vacuums not only because it has an incredibly long run time (up to 45 minutes !!!) but also because it senses the cleanliness of your floors and alerts you when they need a little extra love. The feature is equally terrifying and satisfying because who knew your floors were actually that dirty? Trust us, a great vacuum is the key to a successful marriage.
6
a spice rack
DOUBLE 2 C Rotating Spice Rack
6
a spice rack
DOUBLE 2 C Rotating Spice Rack
Credit: AmazonI'm not saying that this exact spice rack is a must-have, but something to corral all your spices is. I went years living with nothing to organize my various containers and never truly knew how mad it was making me until I got one of these. No bottles falling out of the cabinet when I opened it anymore—what a life!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
a smart speaker system
Amazon Amazon Echo
7
a smart speaker system
Amazon Amazon Echo
Credit: AmazonI imagine most people reading this probably have an Amazon Alexa or another type of smart speaker by now, but if you don't—take this as your sign to get one. They really do make life that much easier.
8
a basic drill set
BLACK+DECKER Drill & Home Tool Kit
8
a basic drill set
BLACK+DECKER Drill & Home Tool Kit
Credit: AmazonWhether you own or rent, a drill and tool set is a necessity. Even if you never use tools, the time will come when you'll need them (i.e. assembling furniture), and you'll wish you had this if you don't already. Trust me: a power drill will save your marriage when it comes to putting furniture together.
9
fluffy new towels
American Soft Linen Linen Towel Set
9
fluffy new towels
American Soft Linen Linen Towel Set
Now 49% Off
Credit: AmazonAfter using cheap towels for years, getting nice towels was one of my favorite registry gifts. Did I necessarily need them? No, but it made every shower that much better when I could wrap up in a warm, fluffy towel afterwards. If you have an old set like me, consider donating them to your local animal shelter when you get new ones!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
a wet/dry vacuum
lunaglow Wet Dry Vacuum
10
a wet/dry vacuum
lunaglow Wet Dry Vacuum
Credit: AmazonWhen they say little changes make big differences, I'm pretty sure they were talking about corded vs. cordless vacuums. You might be thinking "Does a cord really hinder you that much?" And the answer is yes, it definitely did, but I didn't know it until I invested in one of these. The best part about this model? It doubles as a vacuum and mop, so you can eliminate two household contraptions for just one. You will want to note, though, that this vacuum performs best on bare floors. If you have plenty of rugs or carpeting, then you'll want to buy another vacuum for those.
11
nice everyday dishes
Costa Nova Stoneware Ceramic Dinnerware Set
11
nice everyday dishes
Costa Nova Stoneware Ceramic Dinnerware Set
Credit: AmazonA nice set of dinnerware might be something you don't think you need, but it's something that'll instantly elevate your meals and make the everyday moments special. Even if you live on takeout, it's so much nicer to eat on a nice plate than out of a to-go box. These plates are hefty enough to feel substantial and high-quality without weighing you down going from counter to table.
12
high-quality silverware
Oneida Everyday Flatware
12
high-quality silverware
Oneida Everyday Flatware
Now 15% Off
Credit: AmazonAkin to nice dishware, using high-quality flatware is just a different dining experience. Have you ever felt the difference in weight of a cheap set of flatware vs high-quality? It's drastic, to say the least. Donate your old set and upgrade to these.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
a Dutch oven
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
13
a Dutch oven
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Credit: AmazonIf you cook even the smallest amount, you need some sort of Dutch oven or stock pot. You'll use them endlessly for soups, stews, pastas, and more. When it comes to quality, nothing will last you as long as an enameled cast iron Dutch oven, and Le Creuset is the gold standard. If you're looking for a less-expensive option, opt for this one from Lodge.
14
non-stick pans
American Kitchen Cookware Nonstick 3 Piece Fry Pan Set
14
non-stick pans
American Kitchen Cookware Nonstick 3 Piece Fry Pan Set
Credit: AmazonWhile you'll get more than enough use out of your cast-iron skillet, it's a good idea to have at least one non-stick option in your kitchen. These have an interior non-stick coating so food slides right out while the exterior is stainless steel, which heats more evenly and is far more durable than non-stick coating.
15
nice, lightweight luggage
Amazon Basics Hardside Luggage
15
nice, lightweight luggage
Amazon Basics Hardside Luggage
Credit: AmazonLuggage is something I don't see many couples register for, and it's something I think most regret. Consider it: Most young adults don't have a nice set of luggage that's lightweight yet durable, but you're likely about to embark on a honeymoon that will include some form of travel. Don't start your marriage off fighting with bad luggage.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
non-stick baking sheets
OXO Non-Stick Sheet Pan Set
16
non-stick baking sheets
OXO Non-Stick Sheet Pan Set
Now 20% Off
Credit: AmazonAmidst some more expensive cookware options, a non-stick set of sheet pans should be a budget-friendly gift option for your guests. This set outperforms so many others when it comes to being truly non-stick. Don't let the price fool you—the quality of these is supreme.
17
knife set with sharpener
HENCKELS Kitchen Knife Set with Block
17
knife set with sharpener
HENCKELS Kitchen Knife Set with Block
Now 57% Off
Credit: AmazonA good set of knives is something you don't want to skimp on. Dull knives are actually more dangerous than sharp ones, so having a set that includes a sharpener is paramount. If you're looking for something a little more budget friendly, we also love this set.
18
high-quality sheets
Threadmill Home Linen Luxury Sheets
18
high-quality sheets
Threadmill Home Linen Luxury Sheets
Credit: AmazonIs there anything more refreshing and relaxing than climbing into a bed with clean sheets? Bring that feeling into your new marriage with a set of nice new sheets. You could splurge on these, but buyer beware: top price doesn't always equal top quality in this category. We'd also suggest stocking up on new pillows, a duvet insert and cover, and a blanket or quilt for the warmer months.
Commerce Editor
Hannah Jones is the Commerce Editor for Country Living. Her eye is always on the next up-and-coming products to include in gift guides and she's ready to test everything from dog beds to garden tools for product reviews. When she’s not scoping out the latest and greatest items on the market, you can find her hanging with her two rescue dogs.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below