MAZEL TOV! You’re engaged. Or, you know someone who recently got engaged over the winter holidays, one of the most popular times of the year for proposals.
The next step for couples, post engagement and social media posting, is usually building a registry. (Followed by the much more arduous process of figuring out how to actually fit all of the amazing presents into your tiny DC apartment.) But, if you want to include a few Judaica items on your registry and have no idea where to start, I’m here to help!
After getting engaged last summer, I found it impossible to find a good resource for Judaica registry items. Everything I found seemed kitschy, cheap, or just plain ugly. So I did the work for you, and found some of the best Jewish registry ideas for you and your spouse-to-be. So, without further ado, I present to you, Your Jewish Registry Guide!
Bloomingdales: for the couple who wants everything in one place
Bloomingdales carries literally everything your household could ever dream of. Plus, they display most of their Judaica items in-store. This means, you can go in person to check them out, feel them, and imagine them in your home before you register for them — a huge plus. Bloomingdales carries a large variety of beautiful menorahs, seder plates, mezuzahs, and kiddush cups – sometimes, even in matching sets. #RegistryWin
Jonathan Adler: for the funky and modern couple
Lucky for us DC-ites, Jonathan Adler has storefront in the middle of Georgetown. So, you and your fiance can experience a more fun, intimate registry-creation afternoon than you can get at any department store. This awesome store carries funky furnishings and unique Jewish pieces that you can check out, before rewarding yourself with a Georgetown Cupcake.
Target: for the no-frills couple
Con – the only Jewish items that Target carries are menorahs. Pro – they are seriously the most affordable, and adorable, menorahs around. If you’re registering at Target anyway (which, you definitely should), this could be the perfect add-on item to complete your home decor.
Etsy: for the artsy and creative couple
Rejoice! You can now add handmade items to your wedding registry thanks to the wonderment that is Etsy. Try Etsy’s StudioArmadillo shop to find modern kiddush cups and beautiful shabbat candlesticks, or check out the EnnyMosaic shop, where you can make a mezuzah out of your wedding glass shards.
Etsy has two options for engaged couples seeking unique, homemade items for their registry: 1) Create an Etsy-specific registry or 2) Pick an item or two from Etsy, and add it to your wedding registry with companies like Zola, MyRegistry, and Amazon.
The Jewish Museum: for the couple who wants ALL the best Judaica
If you’re looking to go beyond the Jewish basics, think honey dipper, challah board, or tzedakah box, look no further than The Jewish Museum. This online museum shop has an extraordinary collection of tasteful, modern items for your Jewish home. Bonus: they also have their own registry option and an actual brick and mortar shop in New York City.
Bed Bath and Beyond: for the couple who values simplicity
Bed Bath and Beyond is everyone’s go-to place for wedding registries because of its seemingly endless selection of household items, reasonable prices, and amazing return policies. While it’s hard to find their Judaica stocked in-store, they do have a wide selection of Jewish items online that you may not find elsewhere. Check out this Nambe challah board or this modern Reed & Barton seder plate.
Wishing you lots of luck on your registry-hunting, or wedding-gift buying, adventures ahead! May the sales be ever in your favor.
About the Author: Daniela Murch is a part of our “Gather the Bloggers” cohort of talented writers who share their thoughts and insights about DC Jewish life with you. Daniela grew up between the DC suburbs and Leeds, England, before landing in the District permanently in 2009, where she has lived ever since. As a “tourist of Judaism” she loves exploring different Jewish practices and cultures, both locally and abroad. She works as a lawyer by day, sings in a semi-professional a cappella group by night, and enjoys traveling and exploring the local music and food scenes with her new husband, Jeremy.
