29 Wedding Gifts Couples Received in the 1970s
A 1970s wedding shower or registry produced a predictable mountain of kitchen gear, linens, and decorative objects. Couples set up households with whatever relatives and friends decided a new home needed.
Many of these gifts reflected a decade of new appliances, bold colors, and a growing love of entertaining. Here are the items that filled the gift tables.
The Crock-Pot
Rival introduced the Crock-Pot in 1971, a ceramic slow cooker that let cooks leave a meal simmering all day. It arrived in avocado green, harvest gold, and other earthy colors. Newlyweds got more than one.
The Fondue Set
Fondue parties were a fixture of the decade, with a pot of melted cheese or hot oil at the center of the table. Sets came with long forks and color-coded handles. The burner fuel needed to be handled with care.
The Corelle Dinnerware
Corning introduced Corelle in 1970, a lightweight, thin dinnerware made of laminated glass. It was marketed as chip-resistant and became a common wedding gift. The patterns featured flowers and earth tones.
The Corning Ware Casserole
Corning Ware, with its white ceramic body and cornflower blue pattern, went from freezer to oven to table. Casserole dishes in several sizes were common gifts. The cornflower design became a symbol of the era.
The Pyrex Mixing Bowls
A nesting set of Pyrex mixing bowls came in primary colors or patterned designs. They were practical and long lasting. Many are still in use, and some are collectors’ items.
The Electric Knife
An electric carving knife promised perfect slices of turkey and ham. It plugged in and hummed through the roast. Most spent the rest of the year in the cabinet.
The Electric Can Opener
A countertop electric can opener was a mark of kitchen modernity. It clamped onto a can and turned it with a motor. Some models also sharpened knives.
The Mr. Coffee Machine
Mr. Coffee introduced its drip coffee maker in 1972, and the machine replaced the percolator in many kitchens. It brewed a pot at the press of a button. The gift fit easily into any budget.
The Percolator
Electric percolators, in stainless steel or chrome, were still given as gifts early in the decade. They pushed hot water up a tube and over the grounds. The glass top let people watch the coffee bubble.
The Cuisinart Food Processor
Carl Sontheimer introduced the Cuisinart in the United States in 1973. It chopped, sliced, and shredded in seconds. A couple who received one had a leg up on any recipe.
The Hand Mixer
An electric hand mixer, with two beaters and a speed dial, made baking easier. It stored in a drawer and was always ready for whipped cream. Models came in harvest gold and almond.
The Stand Mixer
A heavier stand mixer, with a bowl and dough hook, was a showpiece gift. It occupied counter space for decades. Brides who received one often kept it for life.
The Blender
Blenders with glass pitchers and push-button controls were popular gifts. They were used for milkshakes, soups, and cocktails. The hum of one could be heard throughout the house.
The Wok
Stir-fry cooking was a growing interest, and a wok with a wooden handle became a common gift. Electric versions were available too. Some couples used them once and then stored them in the garage.
The Fine China Set
Formal china was a traditional wedding gift, usually in a floral or gold-rimmed pattern. A service for eight or twelve was kept in a cabinet for holidays. Guests were expected to use it carefully.
The Crystal Stemware
Crystal wine glasses and goblets were displayed behind glass. Lenox and Waterford were among the best-known names. They were washed by hand and rarely trusted to the dishwasher.
The Sterling or Silver-Plate Flatware
Silverware sets came in lined wooden chests with a hinged lid. The pieces required polishing. Many families passed them on to the next generation.
The Candlesticks
A pair of brass or silver candlesticks decorated the dining table. Tapered candles in matching colors completed the look. Some were rarely lit.
The Punch Bowl Set
A punch bowl with a ladle and a set of cups was expected at showers and parties. It was kept in a cabinet and brought out for special occasions. Few guests actually drank the punch.
The Cocktail Set
A shaker, a strainer, and a set of glasses on a tray signaled a couple that entertained. Bar carts became fashionable too. The cocktail recipe book was an unspoken extra.
The Hibachi Grill
Small cast-iron hibachi grills were popular for backyard cooking. They were portable and cheap. A couple could cook dinner on a patio with a bag of charcoal.
The Dutch Oven
A heavy enameled cast-iron pot, such as one from Le Creuset, was an enduring gift. It was perfect for stews and roasts. Its bright colors made it a kitchen centerpiece.
The Copper-Bottomed Cookware
Stainless steel pots with copper bottoms hung from pot racks. They were durable and heated evenly. The copper required polishing to stay shiny.
The Macrame Wall Hanging
Knotted wall hangings and plant holders were fashionable gifts for a bohemian look. They hung in windows and corners. The jute cords collected dust.
The Polaroid SX-70 Camera
Polaroid introduced the SX-70 in 1972, a folding instant camera that produced a print within minutes. It was an expensive gift, reserved for generous relatives. Couples used it to capture the first year of marriage.
The Electric Blanket
A queen-size electric blanket with dual controls kept both sides of the bed warm. It was a thoughtful gift for couples in cold climates. The cord was a known tripping hazard.
The Set of Towels and Sheets
Linens in bold patterns and bright colors were practical gifts. Couples received towels in orange, brown, and avocado green. The sheets were often a polyester blend.
The Clock Radio
A digital or flip clock radio was set on the nightstand. It woke the couple with a buzz or a song. Some had a snooze bar large enough to find in the dark.
The Joy of Cooking
Thewas a common gift, with recipes for everything from soup to roast. Irma Rombauer’s volume had been in American kitchens for decades by then. A newlywed’s copy usually ended up stained with butter.
The Gift Table as a Time Capsule
Looking at the pile of gifts, a 1970s couple could see their future household laid out in boxes. The items reflected expectations about cooking, entertaining, and domestic life. Each gift was a small vote of confidence in the marriage.
Many of these objects remain in use, handed down or found in thrift stores. Others have gone out of style, though the colors and shapes carry a certain charm. A kitchen full of avocado green still says a great deal about the decade.
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