Wedding Gifts Worth the Wrapping

Out of the Box Wedding Gift Ideas

You know the drill. You’ve got the wedding invitation. You have a link to the couple’s registry. You click, click, click and try to find a wedding gift that feels personal enough to proudly sign your name to. Sometimes there isn’t anything left to chose from.

Not only do you want to find something personal, but thoughtful in terms of the gift’s creation. Who made it? Was the process environmentally friendly? Could you find a gift that gives back? It’s time to think outside of the box, literally.

Enter Uncommon Goods to the rescue. The online marketplace connects makers and their creations with individuals looking for truly special goods. Behind every product is an emerging designer just introducing her work to the world; artisans working collaboratively in a low-income country; or a seasoned artist crafting each of his pieces by hand. The company attempts to minimize its overall environmental impact working with artists to use sustainable or recycled materials whenever possible, choosing environmentally friendlier packing materials, and more. Uncommon Goods also builds relationships with non-profit organizations through Better to Give, a program that allows customers to choose a partner for them to donate $1 to with every order.

Here are my picks for a wedding git that will leave everyone feeling warm and fuzzy:

Customized Map Shower Curtain $150

Does the couple like an adventure? Do they have a fun honeymoon getaway planned? Maybe they just bought a house in Richmond, VA. You can have a map  created depicting a 150 mile radius around your favorite U.S. location on land or sea.

Personalized Mixtape Pillow $48

Got a music lover on your hands? This gift couldn’t be more perfect. This retro indoor/outdoor, double-sided pillow can be etched with any lovers nickname, high school moniker, or other creative semantics.

Personalized Tree Throw $135

Talk about sweet! This tree could dawn the initials of the couple. From picnics to movie nights, it will warm and protect them. It’s also fit for your tree-hugger friends. It’s cotton content (75%) comes from surplus, pre-consumer material collected from apparel and upholstery factories, recycled into new yarn instead of discarded. The weave incorporates 25% acrylic for a little stretch, so you won’t get in a tug of war with your couch-mate for coverage.

Personalized Faux Bois Vase $90

Another tree-themed item makes it to my list because of it’s classic lasting power. You could present this handmade vase to the bride at a shower or engagement party. The couple can also use it to hold flowers after the wedding. This vase could also be filled with spray painted sticks or other faux decorations to be a centerpiece year-round.

Love Grows Here Terrarium $85

This is just downright cute. Proclaim your love every day from a fantasy world created inside this Brooklyn-made terrarium. Miniature world virtuosos Michelle Inciarrano & Katy Maslow fill each glass apothecary jar with textural mosses, river stones, and rich soil, creating a beautiful, easy-care ecosystem. Each moss-filled microcosm is populated by a male or female character in your choice of skin tone who speaks to the heart with a brazen “I love you” sign.

Himalayan Salt Tequila Shot Glasses $45

If you’re friends are known to take a shot or two, I would suggest this dreamy (and tasty) salt shot glass set. Made from Himalayan sea salt, these festive glasses are highlighted by the thinly veiled, translucent appearance of rose quartz. Salt is naturally antibacterial so you don’t have to worry about cleaning mid-fiesta, and the strong salt minerals keep the shot glasses strong through many festive toasts. Sold!

Personalized Whisky Barrel $85-$200

Instead of making a baby, maybe couple would be more interested in making whiskey instead, eh?  This gift is definitely not on the registry, but would become a much-loved item for years to come. And did I mention you can make your own whiskey?! The miniature oak barrel ages spirits to peak flavor, just like those in professional distilleries. Its petite proportions accelerate the aging process, meaning that the recipient’s choice of liquor will hit its prime up to ten times faster.

Check out their collections for men and women for more great gift ideas.

What other gifts do you love to give couples that are out of the ordinary?

What gifts have you received that you can’t get enough of?