10 Registry Items That Will Save Your Marriage

Hi newlyweds. People will be loathe to tell you this right now, while you’re radiating with that “I-just-got-engaged!” glow, but marriage is hard. Half of all marriages fail – yours could be one of them, and shiny new flatware and stemless wine glasses won’t be able to save it (though the wine will help).

It’s tough love, we know. But we’re only telling you because 1) we don’t want you to end up like Kim Kardashian and 2) you have a unique opportunity to get a few handy tools for easy wedding repair, absolutely free of charge — it’s called the wedding registry. So while you’re loading up your registry with all those trusty home essentials, don’t forget to throw in a few items that will make your married life much easier, and WAY more fun.

1. An Amazon Kindle
Go ahead and re-read those embarrassing editions of the new Sweet Valley High without him ever knowing how immature your really are (and always will be).

2. A Francis Francis Espresso Machine
You won’t be able to afford a morning latte once the wedding debt kicks in (eek!), so might as well get some bang for your guests’ buck with this sexy espresso machine now. Your first fight about money has officially been postponed.

3. A Nintendo Wii
The couple who Mario Karts together stays together. Ask any guy. Sidenote: he’ll be putty in your hands for pretty much all of eternity.

4. A Dwell Studio sofa
Small spaces are instantly now just another excuse for more newlywed cuddling. First fight about needing a bigger apartment, thwarted!

5. Jonathan Adler Ceramic Fox
You’ll find it’s strangely difficult to get into heated arguments with this little bugger in the room. So cute…so unassuming (we’re calling it the “pseudo-baby effect”). Throw him in the registry now while your man’s not paying attention: once you’re married, he’ll never let you sneak $135 ceramic tchotchkes into his space again.

6. Agate Bookends
You’ll be amazed how polished and chic a massive pile of clutter can look when you push it all between a swanky pair of bookends (they’re so pretty, but not SO pretty that he’ll object to them. God, guys can be picky!).

7. An original piece of art
It’s nice to have something to look at that you both like when you both can no longer look at or like each other.

8. Cookbooks
Nothing bonds a couple together like double-teaming America’s favorite short ribs. Sidenote: No more ordering takeout every night. Affair with hot delivery boy, and second fight about overly generous tips, averted!

9. Gift cards
These are like an ace in your back pocket. Having a down week? Retail therapy cures all sins, and it’s cheaper than actual therapy.

10. Board games
A little mystery and peacocking never hurt a marriage. Think of it as the married girl’s flirting: flaunt your stuff and keep each others’ minds sharp, too. What’s sexier?

For more just-engaged tips, check out our list of the 10 Things To Do As Soon As You Get Engaged, and the 10 Things You Should Never Do While Wearing Your Ring.