We’ve all received the wedding registry wishlist from friends. In some ways, I think registries are great: I can see whether my friends need sheets or already have a blender. On the other hand, I work for — and am completely obsessed with — Etsy. If I can buy a handmade or vintage gift, why oh why would I get it at the mall?
In this wedding guide, I go the “off-road” approach to wedding gift shopping. In case you don’t think these exact items fit the taste of your newlyweds-to-be, I’ve posted some handy search results links below. These are some of the classic items you might see on the average registry. Go rogue! Go Etsy!
- Dinnerware (First stop, the Handmade Ceramics and Pottery Category, next stop Vintage.)
- Tea towels (Check out this post for some truly inspiring tea towel action. There’s a tea towel renaissance going on right now!)
- Bedding, pillows and linens (There’s Vintage too, if your newlyweds are cool with secondhand sheets.)
- Picture frames (Handmade and Vintage. Try wall decals too.)
- Clocks (Handmade and Vintage)
- Cake stands
- Teapots (There are some amazing handmade teapots in the Ceramics and Pottery Category.)
- Mugs and glasses
- Photo Albums (Handmade or Vintage)
- Vases (Handmade or Vintage)
- Cutting boards
- Strainers
- Rugs (Handmade or Vintage)
- Other kitchen items (Try searching kitchen pots in Vintage!)
If you’re getting married and want to get your family and friends into the Etsy gift-giving state of mind, check out Etsian dorana‘s Ning registry site, MyHandmadeRegistry.com.
Find out how it works. She’s adapted the Etsy Favorites Mini to be used as a custom registry. Very cool, dorana! You can also check out these posts for some other custom registry sites.
Handmade Weddings | Vintage Wedding Items | Weddings and Celebrations Gift Guide
159 comments
Sign in to add your ownzombuki says:
That pillowcase is awesome :3 love the decals too.
3 years ago
smashgirl says:
Can I get married again so I can have my own handmade registry?
3 years ago
VintageinBohemia says:
that pillowcase is so poetic.. it gives me chills! What a great collection!
3 years ago
julieandco says:
I love this idea! My oldest daughter is getting married this fall.....hmmm!! She is already an Etsy-fanatic, so this might work!
3 years ago
DanaLaymon says:
omg i wish i had known about this when i got married last year! what a great idea!
3 years ago
galit says:
Getting married? Need bridal or bridesmaids jewelry? SPECIAL OFFER FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY! THIS WEEKEND ONLY 3/6-3/8 ! Buy any item from my shop and receive any necklace or earrings for 50% off
3 years ago
squareware says:
Hmm, I will definetly look into this option as I'm getting married in july!
3 years ago
craftyfolk says:
I wish I would've done this for my wedding last year:)
3 years ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
Those vintage glasses are too cute! This is a wonderful Idea! There are all kinds of handmade goodies that would be great wedding gifts too,, soaps, blankets, I've gotten fun potholders etc. too!
3 years ago
RachelLovesPeace says:
so cute! my friends are having a wedding tmw! if they new about this they would have had a handmade registry. shoot. great idea! ♥
3 years ago
worksofwhimsy says:
mmmm...Dead Guy Ale...
3 years ago
FancifulForm says:
Hehehehe
3 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
lovely wedding picks! that ring pillow is fabulous! :)
3 years ago
quirkybeauty says:
I'm getting married in 2 months and have my tailor-made registry on mygiftlist.com. Oh how I wish I could post things from Etsy on the registry. I'm going to try it now!
3 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
I would have LOVED to have received handmade gifts from Etsy for my wedding. No better kind of gift to give and receive, in my opinion...
3 years ago
ModishVintage says:
ohhh I heart the wall clock !
3 years ago
BeSomethingNew says:
makes me want to get married again!, to the same guy of cource
3 years ago
PetitOiseau says:
Some of the best presents we received for our recent wedding were purchased on Etsy!
3 years ago
Entwife says:
LOVE the handmade registry idea. Shall we have something like this for any type of registry?
3 years ago
lfinkels says:
Sooo wonderfully informative! I am going to make one of these up asap for my upcoming wedding and will certainly spread the word. Thanks!
3 years ago
IlluminatedPerfume says:
The opening image is really stunning, I LOVE IT! Very cool about the handmade registry.
3 years ago
Waterrose says:
What great ideas! I remember seeing an atomic clock at my aunts house!
3 years ago
littlepancakes says:
I love all of this.
3 years ago
amyrwyatt says:
What stunning bedding, you would so have to take a photo and hang it on the wall.
3 years ago
moderncard says:
Oooohhhh, I like the handmade registry site idea. I'm waiting to hear back to see if I've been approved.
3 years ago
misohappi says:
Hand picked & beautiful!
3 years ago
EmmaGordonLondon says:
Those Mayagrafik pillowcases are such a nice idea - so sweet!
3 years ago
MyDearest says:
don't forget cute handmade cards and tags for those awesome handmade gifts!!!
3 years ago
BluCille says:
I really need a tiered dessert stand.
3 years ago
uncharted says:
I love the red vintage mugs!
3 years ago
PlutosGiftShop says:
Love the set of blue bowls, very nice!
3 years ago
paintingpam says:
Great Idea!! I make handmade paper wedding invitation paper which can be folders!! Customized with flowers or any color paper or fabric.
3 years ago
bhangtiez says:
like the beer glasses, way 2 re-use...i sell a headpiece i made 4 my own wedding...
3 years ago
WanderlustBling says:
I love the ring pillow. I wish I had known of such an option when I got married!
3 years ago
odiliafu says:
The ring pillow is cute!!!
3 years ago
OceanGrrl says:
THANKS for the link, I have been looking for something like this fore months!!!
3 years ago
KellesKitchen says:
My fiance and I already live together and have pretty much everything we NEED to live. We are planning to request that people chip in to buy us handmade pottery for our place settings and other handmade items for our home. I can't wait!!
3 years ago
dorana says:
Vanessa! thank you SO much for your wonderful feature of our handmade registry website! we're THRILLED to be able to offer our great community a place to share their HANDMADE FAVORITES with their friends and family! thank you again for allowing us to be a part of this amazing WEDDING GUIDE SERIES! siempre - dorana http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com/
3 years ago
BELLACOSAART says:
great write up congrats dorana I am proud to be a member of the http://handmaderegistry.com
3 years ago
HouseofSixCats says:
How fantastic, HUGE CONGRATS!!!
3 years ago
GlistenDesigns says:
Congrats Dorana. Such a fantastic achievement for you! Thanks for featuring me in your registry! It means alot! The more people that buy handmade the better! xox Tina
3 years ago
nullalux says:
Thanks for featuring MyHandmadeRegistry.com! It's a great site. ~Emily http://etsysteamteam.com/ http://nullalux.etsy.com/
3 years ago
cleobelle says:
Congratulations Dorana! What a great article!
3 years ago
soapsrus says:
Wonderful article and goodies!! http://www.soapsrus.etsy.com
3 years ago
TwirledTreasures says:
I'm so honored that Dorana is featuring my quilled jewelry on her site MyHandmadeRegistry.com under the category "My $5000 Handmade Wedding." This is such a great idea, and I'm so happy to be a part of it! Thanks Dorana! Debbie www.TwirledTreasures.etsy.com
3 years ago
mykonos says:
great gifts for weddings!!
3 years ago
PrincessAllure says:
What a great article!!! I hope it inspires some really great gift giving!
3 years ago
SissyPretties says:
Thanks Dorana for including my hand stamped wedding penny necklace in the "My $5000 Handmade Wedding" category of MyHandmadeRegistry.com. My custom hand stamped sterling jewelry make wonderful gifts for the bride or the bridal party!
3 years ago
lostmykitty says:
Great collection! So glad to be part of such a great group!
3 years ago
PenguinwareBoutique says:
Thanks Dorana for creating such a neat place!
3 years ago
Funkifolkart says:
Love it! I'm so happy to be a part of a wonderful unique site. www.funkifolkart.etsy.com
3 years ago
H20works says:
Everyone should have a wishlist for handmade items! Go make one on www.myhandmaderegistry.com
3 years ago
FeltLunchbox says:
Thank you for adding my felt coasters to your handmade wedding registry. I have them in all different colors and can do custom orders. Again, thank you for adding my coasters I feel very honored right now!
3 years ago
amorevivo says:
This coverage is just so wonderful, giving brides and wedding gift-givers above and beyond the usual, outside-the-box for weddings of today! Love myhandmaderegistry.com and the my5kwedding group there!!
3 years ago
Nickileigh says:
Congrats Dorana! You worked so very hard on this ;) A proud member of the http://handmaderegistry.com
3 years ago
nikid says:
Yeah! Great job Dorana!!! I am a proud member of the handmade registry and 5k wedding group myself and I am very proud!! Thank you Vanessa and Etsy!!! http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com
3 years ago
ourfrontyard says:
Wedding gifts that will be remembered. Not just another toaster. Thanks so much, more opened avenues.
3 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
I'm so excited about this! I'm getting married this summer, and everything I love is from Etsy. Now I know how to set up my own Etsy registry, and although it will take a little work on my part to set up, I can even link to it from my blog. this is fantastic! Thanks to all of you involved in this. Oh, and I love the picks too!
3 years ago
BenalilyDesigns says:
The handmade registry is a super idea. Why didn't anyone think of this sooner? I am going mention this to everyone I know getting married.
3 years ago
withanindiantouch says:
Great job Dorana! A proud member of Handmade Registry!! http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com
3 years ago
SEAMS says:
Brilliant! I'll let my Customers know about it.
3 years ago
pinkshowercurtain says:
Great to hear about that site. I know people that have done an etsy wedding registry via a blog and/or favorites, but this is very cool.
3 years ago
vintagedazzle says:
Myhandmadegiftregistry rocks!
3 years ago
ArtfulBeginnings says:
Geat collection and a wonderful wedding registry idea - congrats!
3 years ago
FairyMaid says:
Thanks for your hard work, Dorana! I'm a happy member of Handmade Registry. http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com
3 years ago
dinkybug says:
What a super idea!! Thanks so much for featuring our custom wine labels :)
3 years ago
yarncoture says:
This is awesome! Dorana did a wonderful job on putting all this together, and I am very honored to be a part of http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com !! Come join us!
3 years ago
lotionbarcafe says:
Thank you for featuring us , we feel privalaged to be apart . It looks awesome.Great Job!!!
3 years ago
valnorthwoods says:
Great job and posting!
3 years ago
bijougirldesigns says:
I wish I were getting married again (to the same person, of course;) Then I would register EVERYTHING handmade!!!!!! Love your picks.
3 years ago
NightSkyJewelry says:
Dorana has done a wonderful job of putting this together and getting Handmade Registry off the ground. I sure love those four aqua colored bowls!
3 years ago
fineartstoneware says:
Dorana, you did such a great job at this! And I love the article! Dorana, I am so happy to be a part of your registry.
3 years ago
WearableByDesign says:
Great job, Dorana!! It's a beautiful thing!! Thanks for including my White Ophelia necklace.
3 years ago
reddhynes says:
Dorana, I'm so happy for you that all your hard work is paying off! Fabulous!
3 years ago
lovesmenot says:
handmade wedding registry!? fantastic idea! lovely picks, too.
3 years ago
fairyloreandmore says:
Thanks for the write up, and thanks to Dorana for working so hard and making her vision into a reality. To those of you who mentioned that you already got married....you can make a registry for any occasion. Put in your favorite items, make your Etsy mini then send your wishlist through my Handmade registry to everyone who would want to buy you a gift for any occasion. OR....now that your married, are you going to have children??? Why not do a handmade registry for your BABY SHOWER as there is a whole section on My Handmade Registry for Baby Showers. Be sure to check it out!!
3 years ago
beyondtherockz says:
What a fabulous concept, and thank you Dorana for including our wedding ring!
3 years ago
AmyJoTatumBridal says:
Beautiful!
3 years ago
LaurieSarahDesigns says:
I am honored to be a part of this wonderful Registry and be included among so many wonderful artists! Thank you Dorana for all the effort you put into this. It was a wonderful idea!!
3 years ago
Simag says:
:::C O N G R A T S Dorana:::: great job on putting all this together!! I am proud to be a member of the http://handmaderegistry.com
3 years ago
TangleWitDesigns says:
Fabulous job Dorana!!! Brilliant idea! I love it! Makes me want to renew vows with my sweetheart so I can register! Will that count?
3 years ago
AwApplesauce says:
This is exactly what I did for a recent wedding. I found something they wanted from a crummy chain store on their registry, then found an infinitely better, handmade version on etsy! They loved it!
3 years ago
naturalezanica says:
Felicidades Dorana! My Handmade Registry is a great site, and much needed.
3 years ago
wildmagic says:
The registry is an awesome site! I had so much fun designing the graphics! Thank to Dorana for setting this up!!!! :)
3 years ago
magikjaz says:
Yay Dorana!!! congrats on being featured like this!! I also am proud to be a member of the http://handmaderegistry.com
3 years ago
yoganoodles says:
Thanks for pointing out that handmade and weddings are the perfect mix! My Namaste' pillowcase (www.yoganoodles.etsy.com) actually began as a wedding gift idea for a friend!
3 years ago
ChocolateBeachFlower says:
i love the ring pellow!!!
3 years ago
LivaRutmane says:
I was just searching for something like this! weddings are so confusing event for me, trying to find perfect gift!
3 years ago
fireetcheddesigns says:
Congratulations Dorana! What a great write up!
3 years ago
fineartstoneware says:
Dorana, you did such a great job at this!
3 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
What a great idea! I love that ring pillow!
3 years ago
RawOrganique says:
Hmmm.... Maybe marriage isn't so bad after all!
3 years ago
angelene says:
I'm a proud member of MyHandmadeRegistry!
3 years ago
BGBJewelry says:
This is such a great idea! It really expands our audience and exposure to new people! Thanks Dorana, And a huge thank you for including my earrings in one of your Etsy Minis! http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com/group/my5khandmadewedding/forum/topics/the-jewelry
3 years ago
Imke says:
Hey - this is great. Congrats Dorana and thank you so much for including my fortune cookies. Good luck to all of us! www.imke.etsy.com www.maedchenstyle.com
3 years ago
SerendipityCrafts says:
What a fantastic idea! I know that there are many occasions to make a gift registry but, that doesn't stop me from wanting to get married again :) Thanks Dorana for including our custom ceramic signature platter at www.MyHandmadeRegistry.com! Elizabeth (& Hugh) www.SerendipityCrafts.etsy.com
3 years ago
erinschock says:
Oh my oh my this is amazing...Im getting married in August and am definitley going to register handmade! Woo!
3 years ago
lalala08 says:
omg keep this around so i can use it next year when i get married!!!!!
3 years ago
bellasparty says:
Handmade gifts are the best!
3 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
Awesome idea! I'd do it all over again to have a handmade registry!
3 years ago
Divanni says:
This is such a smart idea!
3 years ago
LushPunk says:
OMG if I were getting married I would totally do this! What a great idea!
3 years ago
breadandroses says:
The Handmade Registry is a marvelous idea! Since this article is promotiing handmade wedding gifts, perhaps the featured items should have been entirely handmade, too, and not include vintage. It's somewhat conflict of interest & contradictory message. (And I have an Etsy vintage shop too: Asundrynotion.).
3 years ago
designsbyericakortz says:
Great article! Thank you Dorana for putting this registry together. I am very honored to be a part of http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com !!
3 years ago
OhFaro says:
Great article! I love working with brides -- and grooms.
3 years ago
NorthwestBridal says:
Thank you Dorana for including my Swarovski rhinestone bouuqet jewels in the "My $5000 handmade wedding" category on www.MyHandmadeRegistry.com . My handmade Bouquet Jewelry stems are the perfect thing to add sparkle to your wedding bouquet! www.NorthwestBridal.etsy.com
3 years ago
MeridianStudio says:
Absolutely brillian as usual Dorana :D This is such a wonderful idea and without a doubt handmade gifts mean so much more as they really do come from the heart :D
3 years ago
bunnyboutique says:
Love that French tapestry. It looks like it been passed on from generation to generation. A real vintage treasure.
3 years ago
kunklebaby says:
Handmade wedding gifts are THE best! I have s few weddings to attend this summer, I've been searching etsy for the perfect presents.
3 years ago
funkeyfinds says:
::passes out:: that two tired milk glass stand is perfect! le sigh.
3 years ago
belladonnabykt says:
Thank you so much Dorana for including my Bella Donna clips on www.MyHandmadeRegistry.com! This is a great write up on your FABULOUS site!! Congratulations!!!
3 years ago
VivaceCrafts says:
I love those pillows!!!
3 years ago
Liyana says:
gorgeous pillow!
3 years ago
Iammie says:
nice stuffs
3 years ago
cottonbirddesigns says:
Great idea!
3 years ago
indulgencecouture says:
Thank you so much for making me a part of this! You must have put so much work into this Dorana - I wouldn't know where to begin getting all this up and running - a big well done on the Registry!!
3 years ago
kimikal says:
Yay, Dorana!! *HUGS*
3 years ago
dorana says:
THANK YOU SO MUCH for what's truly been a MAGICAL weekend;for all the love and support - i am blessed to be a part of this amazing community! remember that you can create your WISH LIST for ANY event - birthdays, anniversary etc. - not just weddings! :o) i couldn't do any of this without our site's fellow admin ulixis.etsy.com! she's an amazing asset to our handmade community! thank you uli! :o) may your day be filled with sunshine and smiles! siempre - dorana http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com/
3 years ago
Tsurfer says:
Great job Dorana :) so glad to be part of your etsy family :)
3 years ago
mariagreene says:
Great job Dorana, and congratulations! Everyone, check out http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com I really enjoy being part of that site. xoxo Maria
3 years ago
beaneandco says:
What a great idea...a wedding registry for Etsy! I wish I could have had something like that when I got married!
3 years ago
eternalimages says:
Great site. Awesome people on there, very friendly and helpful! Dorana is the best...Congrats!!! ~Jillian :D
3 years ago
DesignOle says:
I am thrilled to be a part of the handmade registry with my handpainted Wedding Cake ornament. What a wonderful idea for couples and their families and friends searching for something 'special'. Handmade is ALWAYS special!!!
3 years ago
desertembroidery says:
Wonderful idea! I LOVE working with brides! It always reminds me of when I got married! Remember....say ot with thread!
3 years ago
ValerieEssentials says:
GREAT!
3 years ago
CARAPAPA says:
I love so much this pillow !!!!!!!!
3 years ago
StickyGraffiti says:
This is a Great idea! I love it!!
3 years ago
CreationsAnew says:
Great ideas for the "not" so run of the mill gift ideas! Robin
3 years ago
laurebelle says:
What an amazing idea!!!!!
3 years ago
1canoe2 says:
I have some great heirloom letterpress RECIPE CARD BOXES in my shop which I think would make a lovely wedding gift!
3 years ago
Breathless says:
I'm o excited to be part of my5KHandmadewedding! This and the registry are a great idea! http://www.Breathless.etsy.com
3 years ago
Tender says:
Hey!!! You are magicians! Definitely....
3 years ago
cpbunch says:
Thanks for featuring the wonderful site that Dorana created and it is indeed an honor to be featured here!! It's such a great idea to have an Etsy Registry list. I'm so glad to be a part of this site and to help carry out Dorana's vision! KUDOS to you girl!!!! http://myhandmaderegistry.ning.com
3 years ago
mmarielle says:
So true!! I made a complete set of dishes - serving, breakfast, lunch, dinner, cups etc. for my niece's wedding. Personally I would have loved those wonderful sheets!
3 years ago
PinkLemonadeBags says:
Great idea and I love the featured items!
3 years ago
norakaren says:
love the ideas,we plan to make a handmade wedding theme for the etsyinspanish team and for our own stores,adorable items
3 years ago
lolos says:
Yes, great idea... Love it!!
3 years ago
SleepingporchStudio says:
My son is getting married this August, this would be so cool! They would love this ,as they like vintage. What a great idea.
3 years ago
urbanheirlooms says:
Such a wonderful idea, this registry! I wish Etsy was around when I got married...
3 years ago
chubbycheeksweaters says:
Very nice!
3 years ago
vivilian says:
awesome~
3 years ago
madebysam says:
Great article!
3 years ago
thaifabshop says:
Wonderful!
3 years ago
jerise says:
Congrats, Dorana! Great article!!! And great idea!!!
2 years ago
thefabricbar says:
great article! where was etsy when i got married???? i think the pillow is my favorite!
2 years ago
madgescott157 says:
Thank you sou so much, it's quite wonderful. I just love those blue bowls
2 years ago
ayatasarim says:
gorgeous:) congrats
2 years ago
beadbeautyboutique says:
Thank you for letting me know! WOW what an awesome idea Dorana and you've done an excellent job on the site as well;) ((((passing it on))))
2 years ago
BizzieLizzie says:
Woot for handmade weddings! LOVE the article and have just discovered my Handmade Registry! What an INCREDIBLE place to check out!! I love it when a future bride contacts me to put together bags for her and the bridesmaids - so festive and fun!
2 years ago
azuredandelion says:
MyHandmadeRegistry.com is a great idea! Ayita
2 years ago
BejeweledArts says:
Thanks dorana. I m proud to be a member of your handmade registry. thanks for having me- http://www.myhandmaderegistry.com/
2 years ago
BejeweledArts says:
Love your article dorana -:) Great Idea.
2 years ago
sunstoneboutique says:
love your article dorana
2 years ago
LillaDolce says:
Wow, thanks so much. I got the message that I was listed here with my blue ice poncho pattern but I am not seeing it with the other items. Still it was great to know it had been. Rebecca
2 years ago
TheInspiredNest says:
Great article. While I was not etsy "registered" when I got married, I did buy my bridal birdcage veil on etsy. It was my very first etsy purchse from a great shop called MarlaJDesigns. I think an etsy wedding registry is an awesome idea!
2 years ago
JessieJewelry says:
THANK YOU VERRY MUCH JESSIEL
2 years ago
mindybanta says:
Wonderful!!!
1 year ago
Jodaycraf says:
Dorana, So lovely.
1 year ago
weddingair says:
Great ideas about wedding gifts. This all are basic Ideas. i will like to suggest few more like personilised wedding gifts. decorative candles, spa vouchers. This all will be great wedding gifts.
174 days ago