Wedding gift registries are a relatively new concept. In the 1920s Chicago department store Marshall Field’s introduced the wedding registry, giving newlyweds better control over the gifts they receive. Traditional registries include the makings of a home: kitchen gadgets, linens, crystal glassware, and home furnishings. But what happens when a couple already has a home set up, or isn’t interested in storing 12 sets of fine china? Enter unusual gift registries. These days, there’s a gift registry out there for every couple, it’s simply a matter of knowing what you want your guests to gift.

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FOR THOSE THAT WANT A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

Hybrid registries like Zola allow for complete customization. Couples can register for gifts from numerous stores, cash to help pay for the wedding, honeymoon funds, and even charities. It’s ideal for couples that want just a few more kitchen gadgets, but also want help paying for their honeymoon airfare, and want to pay it forward with a charitable donation.

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The internet lists dozens or alternative and non-traditional registry sites. With a little bit of searching, you can break out of the box of traditional gift registries. Not only will you and your spouse-to-be get stuff you actually will use, but looking through these unusual gift registries will be a breath of fresh air for your guests who’ve bought newlyweds one too many toasters.

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FOR TRAVELERS

There are more and more sites helping couples register for their honeymoon itineraries. Sites like Traveler’s Joy allow couples to list portions of their honeymoon vacation which guests can then purchase. The sites usually take a small percentage or flat processing fee which either the couple or guest can pay for. Many times, the gifts for a “fancy dinner” or “couple’s massage” actually show up as funds that the couple can spend how they wish. Even so, it’s a nicer way of giving money.