40 Great Wedding Registry Items for Small Spaces

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.

April 19, 2019

By: Allison McHale

Space-Conscious Gift Ideas

Setting up a wedding registry can be overwhelming, especially if you live in a small space and don't have square footage or cabinet space for loads of bulky new stuff. Here are 40 essentials that will fit right into your home -- and won't spend years stored in a relative's basement.

Dutch Oven

For registry classics that don’t come in space-friendly sizes, like this Dutch oven from Le Creuset, go big on color and keep it on display to save precious cabinet room.

BUY IT: Amazon, $348

Cutting Boards

These slim and sturdy upright cutting boards from Joseph Joseph are easy to slide in and out and, with four to choose from, you’ll never be without a clean one. They’re color coded and have index-style tabs – raw meat, raw fish, veggies, cooked food – to help prevent cross contamination while cooking.

BUY IT: Amazon, $46

Stand Mixer

Another registry must-have that is anything but compact, the KitchenAid Stand Mixer is something to keep on display, and with more than 12 colors to choose from, that’s easy to do. The 4.5-quart mixing bowl has a sturdy handle that makes it simple to grab and pour, while the included flat beater, dough hook and wire whip covers mixing, kneading and whisking needs.

BUY IT: Amazon, $256

Hand Mixer

This jack-of-all-trades hand mixer from Cuisinart is a cooking game changer. It packs just enough power with a 200-watt motor and can be used to blend, whisk, chop and grind. Plus, the attachments are dishwasher safe.

BUY IT: Amazon, $39

Blender

At just 16”x8”, the Magic Bullet is great for kitchens without a ton of spare storage space. This blender is a high-power, 900-watt machine that blends, grinds, chops and even takes down tough seeds, skins and nuts.

BUY IT: Walmart, $79

Whisk

Save space in your utensils drawer and get this collapsible whisk. When open, it works just like your standard balloon whisk, and can be used for scraping the sides of bowls when collapsed. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe.

BUY IT: Amazon, $8

Air Purifier and Fan

While on the pricier side, this all-in-one cooling and air purifying tower from Dyson checks multiple boxes at once, thereby saving space and the cost of needing multiple units. It’s WiFi enabled and sends notifications about your home’s air quality via an app where you can control the device remotely. It removes 99.9 percent of allergens from the air and has 10 airflow speeds.

BUY IT: Amazon, $435

Grater and Slicer

With a non-slip grip, this compact, multi-tasking grater and slicer is sure to be any home cook’s sidekick, making it easy to organize and store. There are two graters and two slicers – one coarse and one medium for each – and the lid doubles as a measuring cup.

BUY IT: Amazon, $30

Salad Spinner

Collapsible salad spinners tend to get pretty mixed reviews, so opt for this mini version and minimize your cabinet clutter. Despite its size, it still holds five quarts and the large outer bowl can be used separately for serving.

BUY IT: Amazon, $29

Colander

Strainers can really be selfish when it comes to cabinet space. This collapsible colander folds down to 1.5” and holds 4 quarts when open. The material is a BPA-free and FDA-approved food grade silicone.

BUY IT: Amazon, $16

Knife Wall Bar

Lighten the load on your kitchen drawers with a magnetic wall bar that keeps your knives on display and within reach. This one from the Schmidt Brothers is 24” long and offers enough capacity to hold all of your knives.

BUY IT: Crate&Barrel, $60

Pot Rack

This multitasker gets your pots and pans out from the depths of your cabinets and makes everything easily accessible. If the six hooks for hanging aren’t enough, a slatted shelf offers additional storage space.

BUY IT: Crate&Barrel, $140

Plastic Bag Organizer

This organizer is the solution to all of those loose plastic bags stashed under the kitchen sink. It mounts and fits perfectly on the inside of your cabinet door, making it easy to store, grab, pull and go.

BUY IT: Amazon, $15

Knife Set

As a sleek alternative to countertop butcher blocks, this eight-piece knife set is made of high quality carbon stainless steel and comes with a wooden organizer block that fits inside most kitchen drawers. It also comes with an easy-to-use sharpener.

BUY IT: Amazon, $180

Paper Towel Holder

Paper towel rolls are usually countertop space hogs, even when stationed on a stand. This under cabinet holder frees up space, keeps them within reach for easy pulling and is easy to mount.

BUY IT: Amazon, $26

Skinny Hangers

Make your closet space go further with skinny hangers. Felt fabric keeps garments from slipping off and the 360-degree swivel hook makes it easy to keep your closet organized.

BUY IT: Amazon, $40 for 100

Ironing Board

The only thing worse than ironing is having to sacrifice precious space to store your ironing board and supplies. This all-in-one, wall mounted organizer keeps everything neat and tidy with three internal shelves for storing an iron, spray bottle, starch and anything else you might need.

BUY IT: Overstock, $148

Clothes Steamer

As a compact and effective alternative to ironing, this handheld steamer warms up in just 30 seconds and holds enough water to last for 15 minutes of continuous steam. With 1200-watts of power, it combats wrinkles on even the most stubborn fabrics.

BUY IT: Amazon, $40

Mixing Bowls

These versatile, non-skid mixing bowls stack nicely and come in three sizes. The stainless steel interiors don’t hold on to food odors and a plastic exterior protects hands from extreme heat.

BUY IT: Amazon, $60

Vacuum

This trusty, upright vacuum from Dyson is easy to maneuver thanks to its patented ball technology that allows for easy turning and stability. A self-adjusting cleaner head automatically raises and lowers to offer suction across all floor types.

BUY IT: Amazon, $300

Mixing Bowl Set with Measuring Spoons

This colorful nine-piece set comes with just about everything you need for baking at home, including two mixing bowls, a colander, a sieve and measuring cups that range in size from one cup to one tablespoon. The best part is that they nest perfectly into a single stack for easy storage.

BUY IT: Amazon, $28

Espresso Machine

If at-home espresso is your thing but extra space is not, the Nespresso Essenza Mini is a registry no brainer. It’s the most compact machine the company offers, sized at 12.8”x4.3”x8” and weighs 5 pounds. It also offers two cup sizes to meet your caffeine needs.

BUY IT: Nespresso, $149

Full-Sized Coffee Maker

If you like to go heavy on the Joe, this 1950s-inspired retro coffee maker from SMEG brews up to 10 cups of coffee per pot, stays warm for 60 minutes and is adorable to wake up to each day.

BUY IT: Crate&Barrel, $200

Single-Serve Coffee Maker

If single-serving is your style, this compact coffee maker (just 5” wide!) from Keurig makes a 6-12 ounce cup and uses K-Cup Pods for brewing. A pod storage bin can discreetly stash up to nine pods when not in use.

BUY IT: Amazon, $100

Electric Tea Kettle

This colorful electric tea kettle is made of stainless steel, is BPA free and holds 1.8 quarts of liquid. Double-walled construction allows the exterior to remain cool and an inside that keeps warm. The automatic shut off feature is helpful for forgetful tea lovers who worry about leaving the kettle on.

BUY IT: Amazon, $40

Pots and Pans

Pots and pans are often the culprits behind cabinet pileups. This 10-piece, space-saving set from Calphalon is nonstick with anodized aluminum and comes with flat, tempered glass covers that make storage a whole lot smoother.

BUY IT: Amazon, $440

Slow Cooker

Slow cookers can be huge time savers, but not big space savers. This porcelain-enamel cast iron crockpot is the exception. It doubles as a Dutch oven and can be used on the included cooking base, cooktop or in the oven. With a 1.5 quart capacity, it’s an optimal size for small families, small spaces and party appetizers. The dish is also small enough to fit inside the fridge, meaning you can prep meals well before you plan to cook them.

BUY IT: Amazon, $70

Drying Rack

Odds are, if you’re living in cozy quarters, a laundry room is a thing that dreams are made of. That likely means that come laundry day, your air-dry-only clothes are strewn about your home. The InstaHanger is a wall-mounted system that maximizes space in your closet and can be used to hang clothes while they dry or for everyday organization. Added bonus: It discreetly collapses when not in use.

BUY IT: Amazon, $18

Utensil Organizer

In-drawer flatware organizers are often ineffective and leave us rummaging around. Not to mention, grimy hands all over clean silverware is pretty gross. This clever organizer is different than most because its stacked design means it actually keeps knives separate from forks and spoons.

BUY IT: Amazon, $10

Dinnerware Set

Something you don’t consider when registering for dinnerware? How it will store in your kitchen cabinets. Ornate designs with elaborate shapes and lips can take up unnecessary space, which is why sleek, flat designs – like this one from Williams Sonoma – are a great idea. An added bonus: flat edges mean it’s less likely to chip in the dishwasher.

BUY IT: Williams Sonoma, $3-$40 for a basic set of 4 dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and mugs

Tray Table

Hosting family and friends in small spaces can be tricky, which is why this collapsible tray table will be a smart addition to your registry. It can double as a bar or a snack table, and, when not in use, the tray can be used to stash remote controls or hold drinks.

BUY IT: CB2, $80

Decanter

Barware is always a fun registry addition, though often a bit impractical when it comes to saving space. This elegantly-designed decanter holds a full bottle of wine, but stores nicely thanks to its long, thin silhouette.

BUY IT: Wayfair, $79

Hamper

Even when empty, hampers seem to linger around the house as constant reminders of chores that need to get done, which is why we love this collapsible laundry basket. It weighs less than 5 pounds and stores flat when not in use. Out of sight, out of mind!

BUY IT: Amazon, $46

Floor Lamp

Discreetly tuck the foot of this floor lamp beneath your sofa to maximize on floor space. The base measures just over 12 in diameter and stands at 78” from floor. The lamp is available in both nickel and brass to suit your home decor.

BUY IT: Target, $100

Wine Glass Holder

Wine and champagne glasses are precarious occupants inside kitchen cupboards that are just waiting to be knocked over. A smart storage alternative for them is this under cabinet organizer that creates extra space in an otherwise unused area of your kitchen.

BUY IT: West Elm, $20

Trash Can

It’s funny how a nice trash bin can feel like such a splurge when it comes to creating a registry. Simplehuman has so many good options to choose from, but this one is their slimmest. Despite its narrow shape, it still holds 12 gallons of trash and even comes in four stainless steel finishes – pretty fancy for a trash can.

BUY IT: Amazon, $100

Everyday Glassware

Sturdy and stackable, these tumblers are the perfect size for a water glass but can serve double duty for juice in the morning, or wine in the evening. Available in a highball and double old fashioned, both hold 12 ounces.

BUY IT: West Elm, $30 for set of 6

Plant Hanger

Constructed with a sturdy handwoven jute, this cozy macramé plant hanger can hold a 7.5” pot. It’s a fun alternative for putting plants on display that saves precious counter space.

BUY IT: Anthropologie, $58

Toaster Oven

Some toaster ovens warm and toast, but this one from Breville is an all-in-one that offers eight cooking functions: bagel, toast, bake, broil, pizza, roast, cookies and reheat. It can fit up to four pieces of toast, an 11” pizza and will take up minimal counter space.

BUY IT: Amazon, $150

Wall Mirror

There’s no simpler way to open up a small space than with a large mirror. IKEA’s Stockholm mirror has a shelf along the bottom lip that can hold keys, sunglasses, wallets and even a phone, making it a great addition to the entryway.

BUY IT: IKEA, $129