A registry is just a handy way to avoid getting 10 blenders when you already own one, but I guess the same principle applies.

So I would go off the list but personalize it a bit. Same as if you buy a book for someone and write a message in the cover or a photo album and pre-load a few photos of the two of you having fun. You can get something off the registry and have it engraved. A lot of gifts I've gotten friends over the ears have some quip carved into the sides of them, some inside joke or favorite saying. Though I did nearly give a friend's gal a nervous breakdown once when she couldn't figure out why the teapot I'd gotten them had Type O Negative, Excellent engraved on it and was packed full of drinking straws.

If you can't find anything on the registry that resonates, you can always personalize the packaging of the gift itself or add in a second gift with it that bridges the gap. You by them the stainless steel cookware and include a cookbook which you've written a note in the cover and written up a couple personal recipes to tuck inside or whatever.