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Wedding Gifts Your Friends and Family Will Actually Have Fun Giving—A Guide

Ollie Rozdarz, Co-Founder of Hitchd
Ollie from Hitchd
Aug 19, 20249 min read

Ah, the wedding registry. It’s the ultimate wish list for couples ready to start their new lives together. But let’s be real for a moment—how many dish towels and bath mats does one couple need? Instead of traditional items that might collect dust, why not give your guests the chance to contribute to experiences that will create lasting memories? Picture it: your best friend lighting up at the thought of funding your first adventure as a married couple or your aunt thrilled to contribute to a romantic dinner on your honeymoon.

You can register for unforgettable experiences that your guests will love giving and you’ll love receiving by adding these five gift types to your wedding registry

Transformative Travel Funds

Why Guests Will Love Giving It

Travel funds are more than just a gift—they’re an investment in your happiness and adventure. Imagine the joy your guests will feel knowing they’re helping you explore new places and create lifelong memories. Instead of a generic gift, they’re giving you the excitement of travel, the thrill of discovery, and the comfort of a well-planned journey. It’s personal, meaningful, and infinitely more fun than buying another kitchen appliance.

Ideas for Transformative Travel Funds

Honeymoon Contributions

Let’s start with the big one: your honeymoon. This isn’t just any trip; it’s the first adventure you’ll embark on as a married couple. Whether it’s a tropical beach getaway, a cozy cabin in the mountains, or an exotic exploration of ancient cities, your honeymoon sets the stage for your future travels together. Guests can contribute to flights, accommodations, or specific activities like snorkeling, hiking, or a romantic sunset cruise. Each contribution brings you closer to that dream vacation and gives your guests a direct role in your happiness.

Future Travel Plans

Who says the fun has to end with the honeymoon? Set up funds for future travel plans and let your guests help you tick off those bucket list destinations. Whether it’s a European tour, a road trip across the country, or a cultural immersion in Asia, future travel funds allow your loved ones to invest in your ongoing adventures. They’ll love knowing their gift is fueling your wanderlust and creating more stories to share.

Specific Travel Experiences

For a more personalized touch, add specific travel experiences to your registry. How about a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley, a guided city tour of Paris, or a romantic dinner cruise in the Caribbean? These tangible experiences make it easy for guests to see exactly what they’re gifting you. It’s more exciting than giving cash and allows them to imagine you enjoying their gift. Plus, you’ll have unique stories to share with them when you return.

honeymoon gifts

Unique Adventure Activities

Why Guests Will Love Giving It

Adventure activities turn the traditional gift-giving experience on its head. Instead of wrapping up another kitchen gadget, your guests get to give you the gift of adrenaline, excitement, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. They’ll love the idea of contributing to an adventure that you’ll remember forever. It’s a gift that goes beyond material value and taps into the essence of life’s most exhilarating experiences.

Ideas for Unique Adventure Activities

Skydiving

For the thrill-seekers, skydiving is the ultimate adventure. Imagine the rush of jumping out of a plane and free-falling before the parachute opens. It’s an experience that’s both terrifying and exhilarating. Your guests will get a kick out of knowing they’re contributing to such an intense and memorable event. Plus, it’s a great story to tell at family gatherings for years to come.

Scuba Diving

Dive into the deep blue sea and explore the underwater world with a scuba diving adventure. This experience offers the chance to see marine life up close, swim through coral reefs, and discover a whole new world beneath the waves. For guests, the joy comes from knowing they’re giving you an experience that’s both beautiful and unique. Whether it’s your first dive or you’re seasoned pros, scuba diving is an unforgettable adventure.

Safari

A wildlife safari is a bucket list adventure that offers awe and wonder. Imagine watching elephants roam the savannah, lions lounging in the shade, and zebras grazing in the distance. Your guests will love contributing to an experience that’s both adventurous and educational. Safaris provide the perfect blend of excitement and serenity, making them a fantastic addition to any wedding registry.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar above stunning landscapes and take in breathtaking views with a hot air balloon ride. This romantic and peaceful adventure is perfect for creating unforgettable memories. Your guests will enjoy the idea of giving you a gift that’s both serene and spectacular. Floating through the sky, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to reflect on your journey together.

Relaxing Retreats and Wellness

Why Guests Will Love Giving It

Wellness gifts are the ultimate in thoughtful giving. They focus on relaxation and rejuvenation, ensuring you have the time and space to unwind and de-stress. Your guests will love knowing they’re giving you the gift of well-being and tranquility. It’s a heartfelt way to show they care about your happiness and health.

Ideas for Relaxing Retreats and Wellness

Spa Day

A day at the spa is the perfect way to unwind after the wedding chaos. Think massages, facials, and luxurious treatments that leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. Your guests will feel great knowing they’re giving you the gift of relaxation. Plus, it’s a fun and pampering experience that you’ll both enjoy.

Yoga Retreat

For the health-conscious couple, a yoga retreat offers relaxation, fitness, and spiritual growth. Imagine spending a week in a beautiful location, practicing yoga, meditating, and connecting with nature. Your guests will love contributing to an experience that promotes wellness and inner peace. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, providing you with tools and practices you can use long after the retreat is over.

Hot Springs Visit

Soak in the therapeutic waters of a natural hot spring. It’s a peaceful and rejuvenating experience that offers both relaxation and health benefits. Your guests will enjoy knowing they’re giving you the chance to unwind and soak away the stress. Whether it’s a local hot spring or a destination spa, this gift is all about relaxation and renewal.

Meditation Classes

Learn the art of mindfulness and meditation together. This gift can provide lifelong benefits and help you both stay centered and calm. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind giving you the gift of mental clarity and peace. It’s an experience that enriches your lives and helps you navigate the stresses of daily life with ease.

retreats

Culinary Experiences

Why Guests Will Love Giving It

Food brings people together, and culinary experiences are a delightful way to celebrate your love. These gifts are perfect for foodie couples who enjoy cooking and dining together. Your guests will have fun giving a gift that they know you’ll savor, both literally and figuratively.

Ideas for Culinary Experiences

Cooking Classes

Learn to cook new dishes from professional chefs. Whether it’s pasta-making in Italy or sushi-rolling in Japan, these classes are both fun and educational. Your guests will love knowing they’re giving you a gift that enhances your culinary skills and provides a deliciously good time. Plus, you’ll have the chance to create and enjoy meals together, making it a truly shared experience.

Wine Tasting Tours

Visit vineyards and taste exquisite wines. It’s a romantic and sophisticated experience that lets you explore the world of wine together. Your guests will enjoy giving a gift that’s both refined and enjoyable. Imagine strolling through vineyards, learning about winemaking, and sampling the best wines—it’s a wonderful way to celebrate your new life together.

Gourmet Dining

Enjoy a multi-course gourmet dinner at a top restaurant. This gift allows you to indulge in fine dining without any of the stress. Your guests will feel great knowing they’re giving you an evening of culinary delight. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden gems, gourmet dining experiences offer unforgettable meals that you’ll cherish.

Food Festivals

Attend a food festival where you can sample a variety of cuisines and delicacies. It’s a feast for the senses and a great way to explore new flavors. Your guests will love giving a gift that’s vibrant and exciting. Food festivals are all about discovering new tastes, meeting chefs, and enjoying a lively atmosphere—perfect for food-loving couples.

food and drinks

Arts and Culture Experiences

Why Guests Will Love Giving It

Arts and culture experiences offer intellectual and emotional enrichment. These gifts are perfect for couples who appreciate the finer things in life. Your guests will love giving a gift that expands your horizons and enriches your lives.

Ideas for Arts and Culture Experiences

Theater Tickets

Enjoy a night out watching a play or a musical. It’s a sophisticated and entertaining way to spend time together. Your guests will appreciate the chance to give you an evening of cultural enrichment and enjoyment. From Broadway shows to local theater productions, this gift brings the magic of live performance into your life.

Museum Memberships

Gain unlimited access to your favorite museums. This gift provides cultural enrichment and endless opportunities for learning. Your guests will love giving a gift that allows you to explore art, history, and science at your leisure. Museum memberships are perfect for couples who enjoy spending weekends immersed in culture.

Art Classes

Discover your creative side with art classes. Whether it’s painting, pottery, or photography, these classes are a fun way to bond and create something beautiful. Your guests will enjoy giving a gift that fosters creativity and expression. Art classes offer a unique way to learn new skills and spend quality time together.

Concert Tickets

Attend a live concert of your favorite band or artist. Music has the power to create lasting memories and shared experiences. Your guests will love giving a gift that brings joy and excitement. Whether it’s a classical symphony, a rock concert, or a jazz performance, live music is a gift that resonates deeply.

art and tours

Conclusion

Choosing the right wedding gifts can be a delightful experience for both you and your guests. By opting for experiences over traditional items, you’re not only creating memories but also adding a personal touch to your celebrations. Hitchd makes it easy to set up a wedding registry that reflects your interests and passions, turning your special day into a series of unforgettable adventures. Sign up for Hitchd today and start planning a wedding registry that’s as unique as your love story.

FAQs

  1. How do we communicate our preference for experience-based gifts to our guests? When sending out your invitations, include a note explaining your unique registry. Highlight the benefits of contributing to experiences and how it aligns with your lifestyle. Provide clear instructions on how they can contribute through Hitchd.
  2. What if some guests prefer giving traditional gifts? It’s always a good idea to include a few traditional items on your registry for guests who might prefer that option. To accommodate this, use our honeymoon fund template that allows you to create any gift from scratch. This flexibility ensures that all your guests can contribute in a way that feels meaningful to them, while you can still emphasize that your primary focus is on experiences and explain why these gifts hold special significance for you.
  3. How can we ensure the experiences are high-quality?To ensure that the experiences on your registry are top-notch, consider selecting from our extensive list of high-quality gift templates. If you would like to create a gift from scratch, you can choose an engaging image or video loop from our extensive image and video library.
  4. How do we handle contributions from guests who are not tech-savvy? Ensure your registry accommodates everyone by offering multiple payment methods, making it easy for all guests to contribute. If any guests need assistance, Hitchd’s support team is ready to help them navigate the process. Unlike other platforms that try to do everything, Hitchd is specifically designed to provide the smoothest and most user-friendly gifting experience.
  5. What are some unique ways to thank our guests for their contributions? Start by configuring an auto-thank you message on Hitchd that guests will receive immediately after contributing, making your appreciation feel personal from the start. After your wedding, you can send a personalized thank you email or physical card directly from Hitchd. There’s no need to keep track of who gifted what—everything can be managed effortlessly through the contributions section within your Hitchd registry. For contributions to specific experiences, consider sharing photos or stories from those adventures to make your gratitude even more tangible.

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