Weddings seem to be the perfect time for gifts – both to give and to receive. Often, the to-be-wed couple is showered with gifts. And, many times, the couple gives presents to the people they love as a way to say thanks for the significant roles those people have played in their lives.
Sometimes, gift giving from either said can be tricky (and we mean gifts other than those that can be found on the registry). The bride may have everything, the groom may want nothing. And, every wedding party member in between has a style and taste all his or her own. So, in light of all this craziness, here are some ideas to get your gift giving ideas flowing.
For the Couple:
Luggage – While some couples register for a nice set of luggage, not everyone does. If you’re looking for a gift for a couple that loves to travel or is about to take a fancy honeymoon, this might just be the perfect idea.
Art – I’m a personal fan, but that’s not the case for everyone. If you have a couple that loves art, or is moving into a new place (or redecorating an old one), a nice piece of expressive art could give them a new focal point for the living room or if nothing else, give them a little reminder as to how much you love them every time they look at it. If you go this route, you may want to check out the couple’s new place before making a purchase, or at least get a good feel for their style.
Hobby Items - Is your couple into hiking? Maybe camping, cooking, or water sports? Giving a present that the couple can enjoy together while spending time together is always a plus.
For the Groom:
Work Items - Is the groom you’re shopping for a workaholic? Or maybe he just loves his job! Work-related items like briefcases or super nice pens are great to give and to receive.
Outdoor or Sports Items – Is your groom a nature nut? Sports nut? If you’re a groomsmen or other guy friend of the groom’s, giving a gift that says “hey, you may be married but we can still chill” is always nice – things like camping equipment, fishing gear, or anything else you and your group of guys enjoy together.
For the Bride:
Work Items – If your bride is into her gig, work-related items might be a great option. A laptop case or briefcase, a nice frame or two for her desk, a nice pen or set of stationary…the list goes on. Office supplies are just too much fun, aren’t they?
Hobby Items – If the bride you’re shopping for is into crafts, get her something related to her favorite (knitting, scrapbooking, sewing, etc). Is she the outdoorsy type? Maybe she would enjoy some new gear. You know her better than we do, so go with what you think she would love the most!
For the Groomsmen:
*See “For the Groom”. The ideas are too-easily applied here.
For the Bridesmaids:
I have to say, these are my favorites. Bridesmaids are so fun to shop for because you can go in just about any direction! (Here, we’ll assume you don’t have a sky’s-the-limit budget.)
Unique Jewelry - Unique or not, jewelry is always the perfect gift. 
The great thing about it when it comes to bridesmaids is that you can get something different for each woman but stick to a specific price range (there are just SO many options available). I recently heard about The Leakey Collection that has some great pieces for a bridesmaid with eclectic taste!
Pampering Gifts – Your ‘maids do a lot for you. Help them take a load off by giving them a little somethin’ somethin’ to help them relax and destress. A massage, mani/pedi, or even a little basket of goodies (filled with things like bath bombs and sea salts, lotions, candles, etc.). Who doesn’t need and want a little pampering now and then?
Donations - If one of your girls is a die-hard WWF supporter or a Greenpeace member, make a donation in her name. Or perhaps she’s crazy about babies or animals. If the organization’s purpose is something she is passionate about, it may mean more to her than a little something she can wear or use.
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