Gift Idea for Everyone

The bridal shower is a customary celebration which allows friends and family a chance to show their support and affection by “showering” the bride with gifts. It is also strategically planned in that it has one main goal: to assist the couple in equipping their new home or for the soon-to-be bride to assemble a dowry (known in modern day terms as a personal wardrobe!). Call it what you like!

Every guest brings a gift for the bride to open at the party. Traditionally, these gifts are smaller and less expensive than wedding gifts. You have the option of purchasing off a registry or buying a gift on your own accord. Most likely, the couple will have registered their preferences in the gift registry department of their favorite store before the shower. If you are unsure of the couple’s likes and dislikes, using the registry is the way to go. If the bride-to-be isn’t registered or if you consider yourself to be an expert gift giver, kudos, the sky’s the limit!

If you’ve decided to choose a gift in lieu of a registry, you have two alternatives. One, you can play it safe and traditional. Or two, you can be a little risqué and go for something completely out of the ordinary. Before deciding, ask yourself some important questions. Is the bride outgoing and fun-loving or is she usually shy, quiet and reserved? What are the families like? Also, think about the last few conversations that you’ve had with her. What did you talk about? Did she mention anything that her and her fiancé would like to have? What are their interests? Are there any special colors, hobbies or events that play an important role in the couple’s life together? The answers will help you to make the right choice.

If you’ve decided to go the traditional route, fearing that Lara Croft might burst out from underneath the present and shear your arm off, you’re better off shopping at a department store such as Macy’s or Filenes or at a mass-merchandiser such as Target or Wal-Mart. Bath and bedroom linens, dinnerware, cooking utensils, photo albums, home décor and lingerie are all traditional bridal shower gifts that every bride-to-be will appreciate. Don’t overlook other options such as a gift certificate to have her bridal gown preserved or her wedding bouquet freeze dried. You’ll help alleviate some of the post-marriage stress that brides often encounter when trying to tackle that after the honeymoon checklist.

Now, if you’ve decided to throw caution to the wind and are certain that this gal will love a unique, fun or sexy gift, a specialty retailer or mail-order company will offer the best selection of one-of-a-kind treasures. Select from pocket size sex guides and personal toys to camping gear, full bottle wine glasses and rainfall shower heads. Use a little creativity. And have fun!