They really do. I know they're not shiny and gadgety but if you're like me and have no idea how to boil water a cookbook can be the perfect addition to your kitchen.
Some traditionally home stores, like Williams-Sonoma, have a variety of cookbooks that you can add to your registry. Guests looking to put a gift package together may even buy a cookbook and a tool or gadget you can use with it like a grilling book with a grilling kit or a baking book with measuring spoons.
You may also want to add a recipe card box or book to your registry and ask your mom, his and grandmothers to share their favorite recipes with you. Sharing family recipes also makes a great shower activity. Simply ask guests to bring their favorite recipe with them and have pretty recipe cards for them to write it on and the bridesmaids can present the recipes to the bride at the shower.