When it comes to wedding gifts, shopping from a couple's registry or giving cash is always a safe bet. But the most memorable wedding gifts are the ones they didn't realize they needed or wanted, yet can't imagine doing without. Non-perishable specialty food gifts are an unconventional wedding gift option, but one that many couples will cherish. After all, they'll get lots of placesettings, but what will they serve on that new set of good china? Choose thoughtfully, consider the couple's tastes and passions, and you'll be setting the newlyweds up to enjoy many beautiful meals together. What could be sweeter than that?
1. For the Newbie Cooks
Image Courtesy of Penzeys Spices
Building up a spice collection can be expensive, and inexperienced cooks may not know where to start. For a young couple just starting out, a gift crate from Penzeys Spices can be a very welcome gift. Take a peek at the couple's registry — prefilled spice racks often contain stale spices, so if they've asked for one, odds are good they could use a little help in the kitchen. The Wedding Gift Crate is a nice basic starter set, with herbs, spices, and seasoning blends. I like the decorative Two Hearts Gift Crate for its wider range of flavors, and more sophisticated spices, like saffron and fleur de sel. Both crates come with a peppermill, salt shaker, and wedding charms. Price: $154.79, Two Hearts Crate; $119.95, Wedding Gift Crate.
2. For the Foodie Couple
Image Courtesy of Zingerman's, © Ryan Stiner
Zingerman's Kitchen Starter Kit features an inspired range of non-perishables, from staples like Italian olive oil, Tellicherry peppercorns, and coffee to little luxuries like Vecchia Dispensa’s aged balsamic vinegar and Spanish tuna. The kit also includes surpising finds like Koeze's excellent Cream-Nut natural peanut butter, and John Cope's dried sweet corn. Long after the happy couple has polished off their romantic supper of Italian pasta topped with Il Mongetto’s exceptional sauce, they'll pore over their autographed copy of Zingerman's Guide to Good Eating, and reminisce about what a fantastic gift you gave them. Price: $160.
3. For the Entertainers
If you know a couple that loves to entertain, Bella Cucina's Artichoke Antipasti Gift Hamper will help stock their pantry with the perfect savories for an impromtu cocktail or dinner party. The hamper contains beautifully packaged Piccolo olives with a small serving bowl and cherry wood spoon, a jar of artichoke pesto, dipping crackers, and dried cherry and almond biscotti. If you'd like to round out the gift, consider adding the Pomodoro Pizza Sauce and Tradizionale Pizza and Focaccia Mix set, so they can make a whole meal from your gift. Price: $90, Antipasti Gift Hamper; $25, Pizza Sauce and Pizza/Focaccia Mix set.
4. For the Gluten Free or Vegan Couple
Image Courtesy of The Shop Agora, © Pete Saloutos
It's unusual to find a truly gourmet gift that caters to those with special dietary considerations. Especially unique is The Shop Agora's Gluten Free Vegan Gift Basket, which contains a gorgeous selection of Mediterranean specialty delights that would thrill any food lover. There are corn and rice pastas to pair with Italian extra virgin olive oil, golden tomato puree, chickpeas in olive oil, and kale pesto. Artisanal tomato vinegar and Greek dried oregano would make a wonderful vinaigrette. There's salt and saffron for seasoning, and Marcona almonds, figs, and salted chocolate for dessert. For smaller gift budgets, The Shop Agora offers a similarly lovely Gluten Free Vegan Care Package. Price: $165, Gift Basket; $110, Care Package.
5. When Price Is No Object
© Flickr User Mariana Iurman
Yes, it's undeniably extravagant. But for grandparents, parents, and other over-the-top gift givers, Dean & Deluca Essential Pantry Gift may be just the ticket. This unparalled selection of pantry essentials and gourmet indulgences will help stock your favorite newlyweds' larder, and set them on course for culinary bliss. There are nuts, spices, teas, coffees, mustards, oils, vinegars, pasta sauces, and grissini — just what they'll need to enjoy lots of homemade meals together. Price: $500/18 item selection of gourmet foods in a willow basket.