I would get them something they registered for. I never understood why people bought shit for my wife and I that we didn't register for. The reason we registered for things we wanted was to avoid getting the ugly ass items that others pick out.
QFT. Seriously, don't go off the registry. 99% of what people get off the registry is crap that the couple doesn't want and probably 90% of it can't be returned. If he is wealthy enough where cash/gift cards aren't an option, get something from the registry.
Literally everything my wife and I got that wasn't on our registry was either returned, sold on ebay, sold at garage sale, given to our parents, re-gifted (amazingly something we received was on a friends' registry and was like $150), thrown out or is still in its box b/c it was engraved and we couldn't otherwise sell it or give it away.
I would get them something they registered for. I never understood why people bought shit for my wife and I that we didn't register for. The reason we registered for things we wanted was to avoid getting the ugly ass items that others pick out.
I guess it depends how good of friends you are...I would be insulted if my close friends got me something that wasn't personal.
If you are buying a gift for a good friend put time and thought into it and they'll never be disappointed.
If you guys aren't close buy him a f'n toaster of the registry.