We got a number of things that were not on our registry some of which, I’m not gonna lie, weren’t good. But there were a few pleasant surprises. Among them — the Cuisinart Griddler which was a shower gift from my MIL.
I went on-line to find some more pictures of the Griddler in action and came across this video on a NBC news clip. See the video here if you’d like.
Photo from Linens ’n Things.
The Griddler has two different plates — one set flat seen above, and the others that make grill marks, seen in the photos we took below.
We made a grilled veggie panini with goat cheese for dinner earlier this week and it was really good. We simply marinated the vegetables in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and then grilled them on the Griddler. We grilled some ciabatta bread, spread soft goat cheese on and then piled on the vegetables. It was nice to have the option to grill even with our limited counter space! I think we’ll get quite a bit of use out of it for sure.
Did you get any unexpected wedding gifts that you really loved?! Please share so those who are still working on their registries can jump on the bandwagon!
My parents have this and LOVE it. It was one of the first things we registered for ;o)
My MIL and GIL bought me two nightgowns from Anthropologie. I would’ve never bought them for myself so it was nice to get as a gift.
My cousin bought us a big crock pot. One of those ones with the cool stoneware insert. The first comment I made was “this wasn’t on the registry” Silly me! I’m glad she got it for us…it’s been a life saver at potlucks.
We LOVE our griddler!
Our favorite thing to make is pesto, mozzarella and spinach panini! SO EASY:
Buy those little frozen basil cubes from Trader Joe’s, microwave them for 20 seconds, add salt and pepper, spread mix on inside of bread (both pieces), pile on fresh mozzarella and spinach, lightly spray outside of bread (both pieces) with olive oil, then grill for a few minutes! YUM.
The Griddler looks amazing! We’ve already registered and opted to passed that one by - but you’ve sold me on it. I’m logging in now to add it to our list 
Mmm grilled panini’s!
We love our griddler! We got it for Christmas several years ago. We’re that couple that lived together for so long that there was nothing we really needed. I found stuff I wanted though for the registry, never fear!!
Our best off registry gift was a painting by my husband’s great aunt who is an artist.
Another great one was a lovely cut crystal bowl called an Irish Wedding Bowl - it was both sentimental and has been really handy for big dinners to add a bit of class and as a great bowl for centerpieces.
I want one of those! I want to make paninis!
i had to add it on my registry! thanks for the great find!
We received one off our registry as well - I use my Foreman Grill frequently enough and it’s a PITA to clean. The Cuisinart has removable thingies that look much easier.
BTW-nice bling shot! 
We got two really nice teak outdoor chairs. Totally unexpected but we love ‘em!
We received a four place setting that resembles Chinese food take out. We LOVED it! We don’t necessarily use it all the time, but when we do, it’s so much fun!
a waffle maker!
We kinda talked about registering for the griddler, but I didn’t think we’d use it much so we didn’t. We kinda regretted not getting it. My hubby still asks once in a while if I still want it. My favorite off register item is a framed photograph from my husband’s cousin and her bf. The bf took the photo (he waited hours for the perfect time) and even won an award for it! It’s absolutely breathtaking and really reflects us as a couple. Best of all, it’s just so personal and thoughtful. I cried when I first saw it.
we got this, too, and we LOVE it. it’s so easy to grill fish, veggies, griddle up pancakes, and make quick, healther grilled cheese and paninis thanks to the nonstick.
We actually registered for the griddler and I love it! We haven’t been able to use it too much yet, but an FYI for the other griddler-users out there…When you are using the griddle plates, the lid side will not heat up quite as well as the other side.
We registered for that same griddler and we LOVE it! It’s one of my husband’s favorite small appliances! We use it all the time.
One off-registry item that we tried to return and when we couldn’t (very embarrassing!!!), we decided to give it a try and now we really enjoy using it - a crock pot! It is the best for chili for game day get togethers!
Mrs. Bee — alright. Let me know what you make and how it goes. It’s a great addition to our kitchen.
Nathalee — thanks for the tip. I love pesto so that sounds YUMMY!
Maegan — awesome. Let me know how you like it when you get it.
Some awesome “non-registry” items — the chairs, the beautiful photos…sounds like you all have friends and family who love you and know you quite well!
Miss Onion, NYC/Burlington, VT
Age and Occupation: 26, PR & Marketing and Jazz Singer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Data Analyst
Engagement Date: April 2, 2006
Wedding Date: September 2007
Blogging Since: July 11, 2007
Venue: Restaurant in Burlington
About Me: I didn't think I'd be "that girl," but I am having so much fun planning our wedding (mostly by myself). I'm a PR and Marketing Director for a major jazz festival and camp by day, and by night, a romantic jazz singer and bride-to-be! I hope all my research can help other brides in their planning.
we actually got the same thing off registry as well! how funny.
we haven’t used it yet (sadly 2 1/2 years later), but you’ve inspired me to give it a try.