Wedding Gift Shopping

Michael Aram Cheese Tray

Shopping for wedding gifts can be ... boring. Everyone has a registry filled with china and crystal, or worse yet a vacuum! Or they have let it be known they would prefer cash. (Yes I know, there are those of you who say cash is never boring, but giving it as a gift is, at least for me!)

In Home Gourmet and Home Decor Items

I love giving a wedding gift that on the couple's 25th anniversary they'll say, I remember, we got this from our wedding from ... Wouldn't that be nice?  Nicer than a check that you'll spend nearly as fast as it hits the bank?

In Home Items

Last night I found my new 'in place' to shop for wedding gifts, (Or for gifts of almost any kind!), a boutique called Free Reign, located on Ridge Pike in Conshohocken PA (just off the Blue Rt. (Rt. 476.) If I'm going to shop 'off registry' Free Reign is the place to go!

 Joey Fortman and Real Mom Everything (From Radio to TV to Fun Finds to Travel to Toy Time to Everything)

I only found it because I went to a blogger event sponsored by Joey Fortman (the host of BenFM's Real Mom Radio, catered by Dimeo Pizza Kitchen (who believe me, doesn't make JUST pizza!)

Dimeo Pizza Kitchen in Conshohocken PA

As soon as I walked in the door I was greeted by the smell of Dimeo's best pasta and pizza and the sight of a gift for every occasion! But most importantly, WEDDING GIFTS! Memorable wedding gifts.

Jewelry

Free Reign Boutique has created a world where personal, home and gifts all come together. They combine the best of jewelry, apparel, bags, tabletop and fragrance in a place where discovery is around every corner. For wedding, or even shower gifts, you will have no trouble finding that special gift.  Looking for that unique gift, for a wedding, anniversary, birthday or other occasion (don't forget, Mother's Day is coming up soon!) Head to Free Reign, where your only problem will be making a decision on what to buy! (Or not to buy!)


***Attending a party at this boutique meant I received some form of compensation. This did not effect my opinions as stated anywhere in this post.

Hatch My House - A Gift Registry With A Difference

Gift registries traditionally contain china, kitchen or household items, linens and an assortment of other items.  But what to do for the bride and groom who've been living on their own for years and have everything they need for their home? 

Hatch My House (HMH) is an online gift registry where anyone can sign up for FREE.  Design 'your house' and start saving towards a down payment, home improvements or furniture in a fun and interactive way.  You can actually note if you are saving for furniture or improvements on your existing home or if you're saving toward a down payment on a new home.  Your guests can donate a dollar amount toward a new front door or new windows or maybe a new washing machine! Practical yes.  But certainly a great idea.

The site serves more than 330 accounts and has already hosted more than 1000 transactions with a dollar total of $150,000 collectively. Hatch My House has been featured on DailyCandy.com and in Brides magazine.

No more worrying about sending china that gets broken in transit or choosing a gift the bride and groom might never use.  Hatch My House uses Paypal, a safe and simple way to have your house fund grow, with the knowledge that all transactions are safe.  Your gift sent via Paypal is 'safe as houses.' 

If you're a bride or groom about to set up a gift registry and wondering how to gently nudge people toward a helping you buy a home instead of sending useless gifts or duplicating items you already have Hatch My House is a good option. 

Warm Me Up!

Sherpa Micromink Blanket...oh my GOD! These blankets are to die for!  I buy them for friends, I buy them for family, I buy them for ME! If you are like me and have thin blood and are ALWAYS cold in the winter time this blanket is a must have!  One for the bed, one for the couch in the living room, one for the media room... I've always loved fleece blankets but these Sherpa Microminks are the best I've ever found.  And not only that, right now they're on sale at jcpenney.  I got mine (a brand new queen size blanket, usually around $100 online for $39.99 plus tax. Then I used a coupon code for an additional $10 (the coupon code was FALLSALE).  I had it delivered to the store where I'll pick it up, so no shipping costs. 

I am tempted to buy out the supply just to have wedding gifts on hand for the next ten years! Oh, who am I kidding, they're for me, I just know the next time I want one they won't be selling them anymore! So grab one now, for you, for a friend getting married, for Christmas gifts--they're warm and comfy and make a perfect gift! BTW, they come in throw sizes as well, on sale, originally $50 for $19.99 (no coupon code, you need to spend $25 to use that). 

Handblown Glasses For Martinis -- Top Gift at Crate and Barrel

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel at http://crateandbarrel.com/

Enjoy the look of your favorite upscale martini bar in your own home. Serve your favorite martini in these two part handblown martini glasses, add ice to the bottom to keep your drink ice cold no matter how long you sip on it. Also use for serving appetizers like shrimp cocktail, caviar or ceviche. Easy online ordering available. Crate and Barrel makes your wedding gift giving fast and easy.

Keepsake Tiles by Sadie Ryan

Photos courtesy of: http://www.sadieryantiles.com/

Sadie Ryan Keepsake Tiles are unique gifts and the perfect way to display a copy of the invitation to your wedding.  Her tiles are crafted by hand using the age old practice of sand casting.  This process results in an antique white finish that is a perfect foil for your wedding invitation.  Each tile has a design at the edge to highlight your invitation information.  At this time they offer The Fleur-de-lis & Scroll Antique Finish shown on their web site. Tiles come in two sizes: 8.75 x 7 inches or 10.75 x 6.5 inches. If there is some information you do not want on your tile, talk to them when you place your order and they will try to accomodate you.  The stand is sold separately, but this makes the perfect keepsake for the newlyweds. They also do birth announcements and baby tiles. 

Nambé Butterfly Salad Bowl

Photo courtesy of George Watts' Web Site at http://www.georgewatts.com/

George Watts and Sons sell this salad bowl and servers that lend "serene beauty to fresh greens and ensures breezy functionality for the cook. With sweeping upward lines, a scooped interior, and a trim foot, this acacia wood bowl features a compelling grain and an undulating rim. On the servers, elongated handles and subtle curves make tossing and serving both elegant and efficient."  This bowl and servers make the perfect gift for the bride and groom and will last a lifetime. 

Brass and Copper Ice Bucket and Tongs

Photo and product courtesy of: http://www.coppergifts.com/

Copper Gifts online store offers this solid copper ice bucket with tongs by Old Dutch which comes with a heavy white plastic lining and a separate raised plastic insert. The tongs and the top knob are made out of brass.  Priced at a reasonable $44.00 plus shipping and handling.  Copper is a gift that lasts a lifetime with proper care.  Copper Gifts also offers copper and brass care products.

Michael Wainwright "Truro" All Gold Small Bowl

Photo courtesy of:  http://www1.bloomingdales.com/

Michael Wainwright has been creating elegant porcelain since 1991. His pieces are is kiln fired porcelain that is fired at least three times.  No two pieces are exactly alike. His items are glazed by hand and fired to nearly 2200 degrees F., and 22-karat gold or platinum is hand painted on and then each piece is fired in a kiln one more time, resulting in a finish that is dishwasher-safe.  These make wonderful one of a kind wedding gifts sure to please even the most discriminating bride.

Picnic Baskets For Romantic Picnics For Two

Photos courtesy of: http://www.cooking-entertaining-gifts.com/

If you are looking for a romantic wedding gift for the bride and groom nothing could be better than either of  these attractive, well designed picnic baskets designed for the bride and groom to take on a 'date' after they get married.  The items can be purchased at http://www.cooking-entertaining-gifts.com/.   The top basket is meant for a special wine and cheese picnic so it comes complete with 2 handblown wine glasses (8 oz.), 1 nickel-plated bottle stopper with real cork, 1 stainless steel waiter-style corkscrew, 1 hardwood cutting board (6 x 6"), 1 stainless steel cheese knife with wooden handle, and 2 napkins. 

The  2nd basket called the Piccadilly Picnic Basket is reminiscent of simpler times, when picnics were grand affairs and life was slower so you had the time to enjoy them to the fullest. This red and white plaid willow basket measures 16" long and has a picnic service for two. Included are 2 plates (melamine, 8", white), 2 wine glasses, 2 sets of cutlery, and 1 waiter-style corkscrew. It features a matching roll-up flatware pouch.

Both of these baskets offer the bride and groom a chance to slow down and take the time to enjoy each other.

A Gift That Is A Reflection of Nature

Photo courtesy of: http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=482629&CategoryID=19611

This copper-coated Nambé Alloy with clear protective coating make this bowl a feast for the eyes.  It was designed by Lisa Smith who was inspired by her travels to the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon and others. Those canyons are carved from water and wind. This bowl reflects the coppery sand and the desert flora,  The manufacturer notes: "Due to subtly varying verdigris (green patina), each piece is unique, a sculpture of contrasting color and texture. Measuring 4.5 inches in diameter and standing 2.5 inches high (13-inch, 10-inch and 7-inch diameter versions also available), this round bowl exemplifies the collection's drama. Designer Lisa Smith scallops the rim in a symmetrical pattern, and emphasizes the scallops' rhythm with ridged, wave-like verdigris sloping down to the bowl's flat bottom. A smooth band at the top glows with copper's pure warmth. Copper Canyon pieces are made of our signature Nambé Alloy coated with copper for heirloom-quality durability. A clear protective coating makes upkeep as simple as wiping with a damp or soapy cloth and reduces the need for polishing."  This gift is perfect for the bride and groom who enjoy the out of doors and hiking.  It's reflection of the beauty of nature makes it a wonderful gift to give to a couple on their special day. 

Silver Gifts but No Tarnish!

Beatriz Ball makes lustrous designs in alternative metals. Her pieces are crafted individually and are easy to care for. They can go from refrigerator, to oven, to table.  A perfect accent piece for today's casual lifestyle. Made from an FDA safe, easy-care 93% aluminum alloy. Ideal for chilling foods, or to warm them up to 325 degrees. Handmade gifts are a true luxury.  These never tarnish and are easy to care for, just wash by hand.  Please do not use a dishwasher or leave food stored on them.  Don't soak for long periods, just quickly wash and dry.  Don't cut on these beautiful surfaces or they will be damaged.  Easy online shopping for the busy guest!

All photos courtesy of: http://www.addisoncollection.net

Venetian Glass for the Newlyweds

Venetian-Style Champagne Flutes and glasses make beautiful and useful gifts for the bride and groom.  Napastyle.com offers the following great selections, all under $100.  Napa Style offers you a great option for serving champagn in these exquisite stemless champagne flutes that have their own unique sparkle. Each glass has a different design and is an elegant way to serve champagne or sparkling wines. Set of six for $69.00.

Venetian-Style Goblets & Champagne Flutes are lightweight and are a beautiful addition to your parties.  You can use them for wine, cocktails or for pretty desserts.  These glasses all have hollow stems and have carefully applied glass dot beads to add detail.  Set of four $89.00. 

Napastyle.com has other partyware as well, so check out their website and browse for gifts. 

Napatyle.com also offers Venetian Style Wine Tumblers for just $59.00.  If the bride loves mixing and matching these glasses are a great choice.  Each tumbler has it's own distinct personality but they blend together for elegant entertaining.  Perfect for lunch or brunch.  Set of 6 - 6 oz. tumblers.

Nature's Notebook Custom Seaside Photographs

Photographer Courtney Noelle has taken her photographic skills and offers you a unique wedding gift for the bride and groom. It's a photo that has both the bride and groom's names elegantly written in the sand with a heart connecting them or any other romantic message you choose for them. The constantly changing nature of the ocean and beach makes each photo a unique work of art. Noelle inscribes you names on the beaches of Southern California, and captures it in a photo that will not wash away. Your 8x10 custom photo is shipped from artist studio. You can choose a black and white photo or color. Then choose your frame color black, white, or silver. A number of options are availabe. To see this great gift and order for your favorite bride and groom go to: http://shop.getmarried.com/Bridal-Party-Gifts/Bridesmaid-Gifts/2909-GMNNWF8X10WHO-Who-Heart-Who-Custom-Seaside-Photo.pro?utm_source=shop-021310&utm_medium=email&utm_content=product1&utm_campaign=shop
 

Welcome to Gifts For The Newlyweds

I've been working on my wedding blogs for some time now and periodically run across some great gift ideas.  So I thought I'd share them with you and yours.  You cannot purchase these items through my blog, but I will provide the link to the web site that will let you make a purchase.  There's nothing I like more than helping other people spend their money! So get out that checkbook, that wallet or (if needed that credit card) and let's go spend some dough!