Unique Wedding Gift Ideas

Where To Begin

You need a perfect wedding gift idea, and you don't know where to begin. It's always a good idea to check out the bridal [[Wedding Gift Registry|registry] first. Although the unique gift that you're seeking may not be on the list, looking over the gifts wanted list that the bride has selected will give you some idea of her preferences. Do your homework ahead of time, and your gift buying may be a little easier!

It's always a good idea to find out just what the bride and groom like in reference to home decorations, recreations, and hobbies. If you don't know the couple well enough to surmise their likes and dislikes, then ask their close friends and family members for some help.

Where To Look

When you're ready to begin looking, where do you start? If you aren't familiar with some of the more unique gift shops in your area, now is the time to visit! You never know what you might run across as you prowl through aisles of unique items. Don't buy the first thing you see, however. If you plan on visiting several stores, take a small notebook with you to jot down interesting items as well as prices. You can compare your notes, narrow down your choices, and return when you are ready to buy. Don't forget to include the gift receipt with the gift, however, just in case it needs to be returned.

The Internet offers a wide variety of places to shop. Before you take out that credit card, though, be sure the site you use is secure. You'll also need to read the fine print regarding their return and exchange policy. Don't forget to figure in shipping and handling costs as you shop. Check out these Websites for some great ideas:

• Blue Chopsticks
• Wedding Shower Gifts
• Now and Forever
• Red Envelope
• Rosemary Company
• Find Gifts

Unique Wedding Gift Ideas

Once you've gotten at least some idea of the couple's preferences, you can begin searching for that perfect wedding present. Unique wedding gift ideas are not just for those with unlimited budgets. Spend what you can afford and express your warm wishes with gifts that stand out from the same old housewares, picture frames and knick knacks.

While you may have your mind set on finding a gift that is different and unique, your best bet may to be just to start with wedding registry itself. The couple may have registered for something interesting such as a personalized fondue set. If you'd rather leave traditional towels and waffle-makers to the rest of the well-wishers, you have plenty of unique wedding gift options.

• Photo Quilts-Black and white or color photos that are used in the creation of a memory quilt. Photos could include wedding shots, family and friends, and candid shots of the newlyweds. You can also have the wedding guests sign their names to the quilt.
• Signature Platters-Wedding guests can sign their names to a platter or bowl with a special pen. What a great keepsake!
• Personalized Photo Pillows-Photos in color or black and white look great on this personalized pillow!
• Wedding Time Capsule-Buy a kit or create your own. Be sure to include a scrapbook and accessories, beautiful stationary, candles, etc.
• Wedding Cookie Gift Bouquet-This is a yummy and beautiful treat that the couple can enjoy on their wedding night or honeymoon!
• Wedding Gift Baskets- Create or order a delicious wedding gift basket that is filled with all sorts of goodies, such as wine, cheese, crackers, nuts, chocolates, smoked meats, and fruits.
• Spa Gift Baskets-The bride and groom will absolutely love this gift! Fill a beautiful basket with spa accessories, including candles, lotions, bath oils, body scrubs, loofahs, and a gift certificate for two to a local spa.

Personalization Spells Unique

When you think specifically and creatively about the couple, you're bound to come up with a few unique wedding gift ideas. Anything that speaks to their personal interests, lifestyle, hobbies, pursuits, or interests will be unique. Personalization in the form of engraving, monogramming, or otherwise customizing can also add a unique element to an otherwise ordinary gift. Check out this article for more fun and functional personalized wedding gifts.

Flying into Marriage

If you are looking for a way to help the newlyweds create a peaceful, functional, and happy new life together, you may want to consider giving a copy of Marla Cilley's book Sink Reflections. Cilley, also known as the Flylady, provides simple, down-down-to-earth, and even humorous suggestions on how to organize, maintain, and improve virtually every aspect of one's life. Although generally geared towards women, Cilley's suggestions can and have been applied to men as well.

Gifts in the Box

In the inbox, that is. Another challenge for newly married couples may be meal planning and preparation. Leanne Ely, also known as the dinner diva, has come up with a solution for this with the menu mailer, a week's worth of dinner recipes complete with customized shopping list. For a small fee, you can give gift of the menu mailer in a variety of forms, from kosher to vegetarian to [Basics of the Atkins Diet low-carb], to fit any lifestyle for a unique wedding gift the newlyweds will eat up.

Out on the Town

Between careers, friends, extended family, volunteer and community activities, and other hobbies and personal pursuits, today's newlyweds are busier than ever. Giving gift certificates to an event the couple would enjoy, a book of movie ticket certificates, or a restaurant gift certificate is a unique wedding gift idea that will give the couple time to slow down and make time for their relationship. If you are on a tight budget, consider creating a less-expensive date-night gift, such as a movie basket with movie rental certificates, popcorn, and candy. Alternately, you could create your own fine bistro by giving the couple a certificate for a homemade dinner you prepare.

Monthly Clubs

Club-of-the-month gifts are unique wedding gift ideas that can also be matched to any budget. A gift that keeps on giving, monthly club gifts work in subscription form, where the giver pays for a time period, generally between 3 and 12 months of a service or item, ranging from wines, flowers, and fruit to monthly house cleanings or car washes. Like date-night gifts, you could also create your own monthly certificates, for example, a monthly housecleaning for the first three months for the new couple, a monthly dinner prepared for their freezer, or monthly delivery of homemade baked goods.

Wrap It Up

If you really end up at a loss for unique wedding gift ideas, cash, checks, and universal gift cards are always greatly appreciated by newly married couples. Whether to help pay off debt or purchase household necessities, monetary gifts can be just as unique as any other gift if you find a way to make a unique presentation for it. A special poem or saying, a special box, or even mounting a check or cash in a small frame will make a memorable impression while offering the ultimate flexibility in a gift. Whatever unique wedding gift idea you choose, it is sure to be appreciated!

Have fun shopping for that perfect wedding gift!