Bridal shower gift ideas that aren’t on the registry

The registry covers the kitchen. For a bridal shower, a gift that is about the bride and her story stands out:

A star map of the proposal night
The real sky over the place they got engaged, with both names — a first piece of art for their home. Instant download from $14.99 at myskykept.com. See your sky free →
A recipe book from family and friends
Collect favourites before the shower.
A personalised robe for the wedding morning
Photogenic and practical.
A wedding planning notebook
With pockets for swatches and receipts.
Something for the honeymoon
Travel pouches, a camera, a guidebook.
A first-anniversary letter
To be opened on their first anniversary.

Tip: Personal gifts at a shower get the biggest reaction because everyone sees them opened.

Questions

Often $30–75, usually less than the wedding gift.

Yes — especially if it is personal.