Wedding Gift Registry: Charity

CBS News | Wedding Gift Registry: Charity | August 5, 2005 13:00:24 SEARCH: CBSNews.com The Web Home U.S. World Politics SciTech Health Entertainment Business Opinion Sports FREE CBS News Video August 5, 2005 13:00:24 Living HealthWatch Leisure Series The Sat. Early Show Contributors • Section Front E-mail This Story Printable Version Wedding Gift Registry: Charity NEW YORK, Aug. 5, 2005 Charitable Couples Aakash Thakkar and Christina Giallourakis (Photo: CBS/The Early Show) (CBS) The latest request at many weddings these days hasn't been for presents at all. With the average ages of brides and grooms today at 27 and 29 respectively, many have all the dishes and bedding they need. So instead of asking for china and crystal, The Early Show contributor Laurie Hibberd reports, they're asking their guests to donate to charity. When Christina Giallourakis and Aakash Thakkar got married this spring, they were actually excited that half of their wedding guests did not buy them gifts. Thakkar explains, "We had sort of tried to, in planning for our wedding, to sort of get the basics that we need. Sure, maybe we didn't have sort of all the toasters and silverware and plates, et cetera, that one might need. But I think, our general thought was we could buy that stuff along the way." Instead, this Washington, D.C., couple asked their friends and family to help start a scholarship fund at Thakkar's high school alma mater. He says, "The thought was to start a scholarship that would be perpetual, and would allow a disadvantaged child in the Washington, D.C., area to be able to go to St. John's College High School." And they're not the only ones to forgo presents for charity. The trend has grown in the last few years, with a number of high-profile celebrity couples, including Billy Joel and his wife, Katie, setting the example. "I don't think we ever considered asking our friends to buy us gifts," Katie Joel says. "My husband and I were really on the same page when it came to this issue. We wanted to have charity donations for the wedding from the beginning. I got a lot of feedback from different friends saying, 'It's great that you chose to give to charities, instead of asking for gifts. We don't want to buy you a coffee pot'." Kara Corridan, executive editor of Modern Bride magazine, notes, "Over the past few years, couples may donate the unused food from their reception to a local food bank, or they'll print their invitations and their stationery on recycled paper. Or instead of giving favors to guests, they'll tell them that they made a donation to their favorite charity." Bethany Robertson is the executive director of the I Do Foundation , a non-profit organization that helps couples incorporate charity into their big day. Roberts says, "We have seen a phenomenal increase in the number of couples who are participating. In 2004, we had about 20,000 couples in the program. And this year, we're on track to have over 200,000 couples choose a charity through either the I Do Foundation or one of our partners. This is money that did not currently or before exists in the charitable pipeline. This is money that was being spent on cake toppers and garter belts. Now, it's being used for children's health or for community development, things like that. I kind of think of it as icing on the cake, really." Experts say it makes sense that this trend is on the rise with couples waiting longer - and until they're older - before walking down the aisle. Corridan says, "I think now because we have more couples who have been living together before they get married, they literally just don't need the stuff that would end up on a traditional registry, or they may live separately, and so, they might end up with two sets of everything going in to setting up their home." For couples like Christina Giallourakis and Aakash Thakkar, who are tying charitable giving into the day they tie the knot, they say it makes all the difference. "I think it made our wedding better," Giallourakis says. "There was that much more interaction with all of our guests before the wedding. It wasn't they just went to a Web site and bought a gift and that was it. It was: How's the fund doing? Where are you up to now?" And Robertson is hoping that more and more people think of those less fortunate while planning for their own futures. She says, "The I Do Foundation's vision is really that in 10 years, when someone comes back from a wedding, people will say, 'What did the bridesmaids' dresses look like? Who was the best man? And what was the couple's charity?'" If you're wondering how much money can actually be raised like this, so far Giallourakis and Thakkar's scholarship fund has raised about $8,000. What's This? MMV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Rita Exodus Texas Gov. Reverses Southbound Interstate Lanes To Aid Evacuations • Passengers Watched Drama Unfold • New Orleans: New Flood Risk • Democrats Split On Roberts Wedding Gift Registry: Charity What More Engaged Couples Are Asking Of Wedding Guests • 'Jaws' Set To Scare Anew • Getting These Blues Can Help • Trend Report: Bright Ideas • Leo DiCaprio On 'The Aviator' Back To Top Bios | Contact Info Help | Advertise | Contact Us | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | CBS News Bios | CBS.com | CBS SportsLine.com | Internships ©MMV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Love Is In The Air Here are some showy proposals and weddings that got attention. Celebrity Circuit Hollywood's elite turns up at Toronto Film Festival This Is His Life A look at award-winning "Piano Man" Billy Joel. Video Instead of registering for wedding presents, many couples are asking for donations to charity. The Early Show's Laurie Hibberd reports on this rising trend. Story Piano Man A Married Man Again Link I Do Foundation - Web site Link The Wedding Salon - Web site Link American Cancer Society's Wedding Scroll Program Link Modern Bride Magazine Sign up: E-Mail Alerts RSS Feeds Podcasts Contributors Bobby Flay Susan Koeppen Emily Senay Minna Lessig Steve Hartman Danny Lipford Debbye Turner Bob Vila -- Laurie Hibberd Colin Cowie Dayle Haddon -- Christy Ferer Tracy Smith Ray Martin Charlie Dimmock Regina Lewis Melinda Murphy Martha Stewart -- Face The Nation CBS Morning News Up To The Minute -- close [x]

Valentine Gift Ideas History

Valentines Day Gifts Home > Valentine's Day Gifts Valentine's Day Gifts Friendship Plaque Gifts Web Results: NAME A STAR & ADD A WISH by Star Wishing Name a star and add a speical wish. The perfect gift for all occassions that will be remembered every time they look at the night sky. FREE Standard Shipping in US. Find Valentines Day Gift At Luxurymirrors.com Luxury Mirrors specializes in the highest quality magnifying mirrors. Many of our products are built to your specifications, making them customizable to easily fit the style of your home. Call us Toll Free or order online. Valentine's Day Flowers and Gifts by Vegas Wedding Flowers Offers unique floral arrangements, gift baskets, roses, and Valentine's day flowers. Local delivery in Las Vegas and to Las Vegas strip hotels. Julie's Clothing Specialty clothing shop sells novelty sweaters for the holidays or everyday. Find designs celebrating Valentine's Day, the Fourth of July, and other special days. 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Main Categories: African American Gifts Angels Animals Automobile Accessories Baskets Bathroom Accessories Bells Bird Baths Bird Feeders Bird Houses Birdcages Birthstone Gifts Bookends Bowls Boxes Brief Cases Calendars Camping Equipment Candle Holders Candles Cherubs Chess & Checkers Christian Religious Gifts Christmas Gifts Clocks Cushions Decorative Vehicle Models Dolls Dream Catchers Eastern Treasures Fairies Fimo Gifts Fishing Gifts Floor, Wall, and Desk Cabinets Flowers Fountains Garden Gifts Gifts On Sale (various categories) Glow-in-the-dark Golfers Gifts Halloween Gifts Household Items Imitation Jewellery (Bijouterie) Incense Key Rings, Holders, Cabinets Knives Lamps Letter Holders Lighthouse Gifts Luggage Magazine Racks Mandarin Ivory Medieval Gifts Metal Sculptures Miniatures Mirrors Miscellaneous Carousel Items Miscellaneous Frosted Creations Miscellaneous Glass Gifts Mothers Day Gifts Musical Gifts NASCAR Gifts Native American Gifts Night Lights Office and Desk Decorations Oil Lamps, Oil Burners, Oil Warmers Patriotic Gifts Pens Perfume And Perfume Bottles Photo Albums Photo Frames Planters and Plant Stands Plaques Plates Scented Oil Screens Sculptures Shadow Boxes Shelves Sipper Bottles and Mugs Solid Fragrances, Potpourri Stationery Items Suncatchers Swords Tables Tools Toys Valentine's Day Gifts Vases Victorian Gifts Wall Decorations Watches Water Globes Weather Vanes Windchimes Wreaths and Arches valentine day gift valentine day gift idea valentine day gift basket creative idea for valentine day gift unique valentine day gift valentine day gift for him valentine day gift for man valentine day gift for her personalized valentine day gift Skydiving 2005 SoulPaks.com gifts

College Gift

Skidmore College - Gift Planning - Life Income - Pooled Life Income Fund Search | Calendar | A-Z Index Thu Sep 22 5:37 PM EDT Skidmore Home | Admissions | Current Students | Faculty & Staff | Parents & Friends | Alumni Wills and Bequests Life Income Gifts More Gift Options Breaking News To Honor Donors Bring Legacy to Life! Scribner House Contact Our Staff Gift Planning Home STANDARD MAIL 815 North Broadway Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866 GIFT PLANNING PHONE 518-580-5655 E-MAIL CONTACT Gift Planning Gift Planning Life Income Gifts - Skidmore Pooled Life Income Fund The Pooled Life Income Fund (PLIF) provides a way for alumni and friends to make gifts to the College in exchange for lifetime income, favorable tax treatment, and other financial benefits. The collective power of pooling gifts from many donors increases the size and investment earning potential of the overall fund. Donors may join in the Skidmore PLIF with a gift of cash or securities of at least $5,000. Subsequesnt gifts of $1,000 or more may be added. Each participant receives a percentage share of the total PLIF investment earnings each year. The amount of income received by the donor, or a beneficiary designated by the donor, depends upon the subsequent earnings performance each year. Growth in the value of the Skidmore Pooled Life Income Fund results in increased annual income for beneficiaries and a larger eventual gift for Skidmore. When the donor and/or beneficiary passes away, the donor's share of the PLIF principal is withdrawn and transferred to Skidmore College to be used for general educational purposes or for such specific purposes as the donor may have designated. Please call or email to learn more. Bring Legacy to Life! Philanthropy • Legacy • Security The Office of Gift Planning urges donors to consult their legal and other professional advisors when considering charitable gift giving. Our staff is always pleased to work directly with donors and their advisors during the process. Creative Thought Matters. Skidmore College · 815 North Broadway · Saratoga Springs, NY · 12866 Skidmore College Main Links ©2005 Skidmore College · Contact Information Skidmore Home | Admissions | Current Students | Faculty & Staff | Parents & Friends | Alumni

Great Gifts for Mom

Amazon.com: So You'd Like to... give a great Mother's Day Gift Your Store See All 31 Product Categories   Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help Improve Your Recommendations | Your Amazon Home | Your Profile | Learn More Search Amazon.com Books Popular Music Music Downloads Classical Music DVD VHS Apparel Yellow Pages Restaurants Movie Showtimes Toys Baby Computers Video Games Electronics Camera & Photo Software Tools & Hardware Office Products Magazines Sports & Outdoors Outdoor Living Kitchen Jewelry & Watches Beauty Gourmet Food Beta Musical Instruments Health/Personal Care Travel Cell Phones & Service Outlet Auctions zShops Everything Else Scientific Supplies Medical Supplies Indust. Supplies Automotive Home Furnishings Lifestyle Pet Toys Arts & Hobbies Web Search So you'd like to... give a great Mother's Day Gift A guide by Shopping Goddess ,shopping goddess E-mail this guide to a friend Platinum Round Diamond 4-Prong Stud Earrings (1/2ct tw, G, VS2) Buy new : $820.00 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 18k Yellow Gold Certified Round Diamond 4-Prong Stud Earrings (3/4ct tw, I, SI2) Buy new : $875.00 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Remote Control Foot Massager Spa Availability: Currently unavailable See all products Great Gifts for Mom The ultimate gift for those with a big budget. Diamonds are a mom's best friend, get her this pair of high quality, elegant, where everywhere earrings if you dare. If it is your wife you are golden, for your mom you will be her FAVORITE child for sure! 'Platinum Round Diamond 4-Prong Stud Earrings (1/2ct tw, G, VS2)' or if she likes yellow gold '18k Yellow Gold Certified Round Diamond 4-Prong Stud Earrings (3/4ct tw, I, SI2)' To pamper mom........better than a gift certificate, she can use this as often as she chooses to feel wonderful. Who doesn't like a foot massage? 'Remote Control Foot Massager Spa' Luxurious product for the budget minded. Philosophy products are great and especially this cinnamon buns bubble bath, shampoo & conditioner all in one product. 'philosophy cinnamon buns shampoo, conditioner, & shower gel' Chanel No 5, an old favorite that still is fabulous today! 'Chanel No. 5 FOR WOMEN by Chanel - 1.7 oz EDT Spray ** Free US Shipping' For your health conscious mom. You want to have her around for a while, here is one of the best pedometers that money can buy - make it easy for her to count her 10,000 steps a day. 'Omron HJ112 Premium Pedometer' If she needs to monitor her blood pressure, a practical gift too! 'Panasonic EW3111W Precise Logic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor' Is your mom a kitchen magician - here are some nice products to make her cooking time even more enjoyable (and results even better). Calphalon commercial line rocks - my three favorites are: GREAT everyday pan! 'Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid' Great for cooking up a big breakfast or a lot of fajitas: 'Calphalon Classic Nonstick 13-by-20-Inch Rectangular Griddle' Great for a solo omelette or whatever: 'Calphalon Commercial Nonstick 10-Inch International Griddle/Crepe Pan' Here's one more that is non-stick and great for two people: 'Calphalon Commercial Nonstick 10-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid' Le Creuset has always been known as a quality brand. This crock full of state of the art utensils adds a bit of color and whimsy to the kitchen and are more functional than most items out there. Choose your favorite color, this one is a nice bold RED. 'Le Creuset 7-Piece Spatula Set with Crock, Red' For the entertaining mom: <ISBN: 0684842289> Fiestaware has been a favorite for decades, just choose mom's favorite color, or better yet - mix them up. Nice for serving ice tea. 'Fiestaware Shamrock 829 5-Piece Drinkware Set' English bone china teaset may suit your mom to a tea. If you buy it get her all the matching pieces for other gift occasions. 'Royal Albert Old Country Roses 3-Piece Tea Set' Would mom and her friends like a good cosmo??? 'Stirrings Cosmopolitan Mixer & Rimmer By Nantucket Off-shore' Or a margarita???? 'Margarita Assortment' Gourmet foods are always a great gift for the mom that has everything. Coffee drinker??? Shhh, this is on sale, don't let mom know. 'Flavored Coffee Sampler - 30 count' Here's some kona coffee - better than starbucks. '100% Kona Coffee Sampler Gift Basket' Omaha steaks are delicious, can't go wrong with any choice here. This is enough to serve most families or a dinner party. 'Omaha Steaks Bacon-Wrapped Filets, (12) 6 Ounce' How about stuffed sole with crabmeat, yum. 'Omaha Steaks Stuffed Sole with Scallops & Crab Meat, (6) 4 Ounc' Fun loving mom - great for family game night and it has a TURNTABLE! 'Scrabble - Deluxe Turntable Edition' Classic monopoly here 'Monopoly Deluxe Edition' High Tech mom - what is better than an I Pod? Here is a sweet pink model. 'Apple 4 GB iPod Mini Pink M9435LL/A' This is not for a child to give their mom, but if a husband wants to give his wife a gift that keeps on giving. 'Hitachi Magic Wand Massager and attachments' Hope these get you thinking, there are many more ideas from plush bathrobes, to slippers to lotions to gadgets to books to gift certificates, sweets, flowers, etc. etc. Show your mom you love her and at least give her a card! Products mentioned include: Great Gifts for Mom 1. Platinum Round Diamond 4-Prong Stud Earrings (1/2ct tw, G, VS2) Buy new : $820.00 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 2. 18k Yellow Gold Certified Round Diamond 4-Prong Stud Earrings (3/4ct tw, I, SI2) List Price: $1,750.00 Buy new : $875.00 You Save : $875.00 (50%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 3. Remote Control Foot Massager Spa Conair Availability: Currently unavailable 4. philosophy cinnamon buns shampoo, conditioner, & shower gel Offered by: philosophy from $16.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 2 business days 5. Chanel No. 5 FOR WOMEN by Chanel - 1.7 oz EDT Spray ** Free US Shipping Chanel Offered by: Perfume Emporium Regular Price: $55.00 Buy new : $54.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 6. Omron HJ112 Premium Pedometer Omron Average Customer Rating: List Price: $39.99 Buy new : $21.69 You Save : $18.30 (46%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $21.68 7. Panasonic EW3111W Precise Logic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor Panasonic Average Customer Rating: List Price: $79.99 Buy new : $58.99 You Save : $21.00 (26%) Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 2 weeks 8. Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid Calphalon Average Customer Rating: List Price: $168.00 Buy new : $36.99 You Save : $131.01 (78%) Availability: In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. Used & new from $32.99 9. Calphalon Classic Nonstick 13-by-20-Inch Rectangular Griddle Calphalon List Price: $169.00 Buy new : $34.99 You Save : $134.01 (79%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $34.99 10. Calphalon Commercial Nonstick 10-Inch International Griddle/Crepe Pan Calphalon Average Customer Rating: List Price: $85.00 Buy new : $19.89 You Save : $65.11 (77%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $19.89 11. Calphalon Commercial Nonstick 10-Inch Everyday Pan with Lid Calphalon Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Cooking.com Regular Price: $139.99 Buy new : $39.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $34.99 12. Le Creuset 7-Piece Spatula Set with Crock, Red Le Creuset Average Customer Rating: List Price: $70.00 Buy new : $59.99 You Save : $10.01 (14%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 13. Fiestaware Shamrock 829 5-Piece Drinkware Set Fiestaware List Price: $68.00 Buy new : $46.99 You Save : $21.01 (31%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 14. Royal Albert Old Country Roses 3-Piece Tea Set Royal Doulton List Price: $375.00 Buy new : $99.99 You Save : $275.01 (73%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $99.95 15. Stirrings Cosmopolitan Mixer & Rimmer By Nantucket Off-shore Offered by: ABountifulHarvest.com Buy new : $19.90 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 16. Margarita Assortment Availability: Currently unavailable 17. Flavored Coffee Sampler - 30 count Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Black Mountain Gold Gourmet Coffee Regular Price: $30.00 Buy new : $22.50 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 18. 100% Kona Coffee Sampler Gift Basket Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Aloha Island Coffee List Price: $42.95 Buy new : $35.95 You Save : $7.00 (16%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 19. Omaha Steaks Bacon-Wrapped Filets, (12) 6 Ounce Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Omaha Steaks Regular Price: $165.00 Buy new : $89.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 20. Omaha Steaks Stuffed Sole with Scallops & Crab Meat, (6) 4 Ounc Offered by: Omaha Steaks Regular Price: $31.99 Buy new : $19.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 21. Scrabble - Deluxe Turntable Edition by Parker Brothers Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Toys"R"Us List Price: $31.99 Buy new : $30.99 You Save : $1.00 ( 3%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 22. Monopoly Deluxe Edition by Parker Brothers Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Toys"R"Us Buy new : $20.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours 23. Apple 4 GB iPod Mini Pink M9435LL/A by Apple Computer Average Customer Rating: Offered by: Musician's Friend List Price: $249.00 Buy new : $199.99 You Save : $49.01 (20%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $189.00 24. Hitachi Magic Wand Massager and attachments Hitachi Offered by: Mighty Vent List Price: $143.97 Regular Price: $79.99 Buy new : $47.99 You Save : $95.98 (67%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $47.99 Create your own guide! See the Best Guides Top 100 So You'd Like to... guides Search So You'd Like to... guides More about Shopping Goddess Add to Favorite People Related So You'd Like to... Create a guide Stock your bachelorette-pad kitchen : A guide by Bear Huntdance, Bachelorette and Thrifty Gourmet Have the perfect cookware set : A guide by M. Bohlmann, Amazon.com Kitchen Editor Create the Ideal Kitchen : A guide by J. Dormont, Italian-trained Home Chef visit my small, happy kitchen : A guide by Katie, Girl who likes to cook make easy, elegant dinners : A guide by ktrocks, busy, overworked foodie Outfit your Kitchen like a Pro! : A guide by peederj, Fanatical Home Chef start your wedding registry? : A guide by Dominique Chantale Alepin, Expert Cook (and Monica's best friend)... Create a guide Related Listmania! Add your list Favorite Kitchen Things A list by M. Beckley, Kitchen Gadgetaholic coolcookware A list by coolpappu, engineer Great Household Stuff A list by C. A. Luster, HouseholdTools Junkie Add your list Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Visit our Help department . 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Housewarming Gift Ideas Email

Housewarming Gift Ideas  You are here: About > Home & Garden > Interior Decorating Home & Garden Interior Decorating Essentials Decorating for Fall Back to School All About Decorating Kids' Rooms It's Fall Showhouse Season Dorm Decorating Ideas Articles & Resources Beginner Decor Decorating Inspiration Elements of Decor Decorating by Room Decorating Styles Decorating Solutions Do-It-Yourself Projects Organize, Clean and Move Holiday Decor and Ideas Seasonal Decor Education and Careers Building and Remodeling Using Decorative Arts Articles Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Interior Decorating newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Interior Decorating Housewarming Gift Ideas Email to a friend Printer friendly version Related Resources • Gift Sources • Housewarming Parties • More Gift Ideas for Occasions About Interior Decorating Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Your Email Address: Moving into a new home is a time that's full of possibilies. Friends, family, and neighbors often share in the excitement by taking a housewarming gift to the new homeowners. But what should you give? The answer depends partly on how well you know the recipients, and if you have insight into their personal tastes and preferences, their needs and wants. For your closest friends, housewarming gifts can be personal, humorous, and special, while for new neighbors or acquaintances you may want to make more generic gift choices. Housewarming gifts are the one type of gift that needn't always be formally gift wrapped. After all, plants, gift baskets, and other large items are difficult and unwieldy to wrap in gift paper. Instead, consider using tulle fabric or netting, clear cellophane, or even just a colorful bow to adorn your gift. Be sure to include a handwritten welcome card, and whenever possible, personally take the gift to the home and officially "warm" it with your good wishes. Whatever your gift choice, make is something appropriate for you and for the recipients. There's nothing more discouraging than to receive a huge Victorian swan planter when your entire home is black and white contemporary. It's better receive something predictible rather than something inappropriate. Here are our favorite -- and not so favorite -- gift ideas for housewarmings... The Good Give Something Classic Simple beauty never goes out of style. A silver picture frame, a cut crystal bud vase, or a beautiful clock are objects that can fit into almost any home. Make it special by buying it in your friend's favorite store, or go all out and shop at Tiffany, Neiman Marcus, or other specialty store. For an extra touch, fill the frame with a personal photo, place a rose in the bud vase, or engrave the object with the move-in date. Add to a Collection Choose an object that your friends can add to a treasured collection -- things like an antique tin, a white ironstone bowl, or a silver napkin ring are possibilities for some collectors. Then add a little something extra to the gift... perhaps a mini box of truffles inside the tin, some wonderful tea in the ironstone bowl, or a small bouquet of flowers cinched with the napkin ring. Gift Baskets Choose a theme appropriate for your recipients and have fun putting together something creative. Just choose a themed container, several appropriate pieces to place inside, and tie it all up in cellophane and a pretty bow. Use package shred or crinkled tissue to cushion the items if necessary. -- Gardening Bucket with garden tools, gloves, seeds, pruners, and gardening magazines -- Just Add Water with a vase, stem cutters, floral design book, and a big bunch of fresh flowers -- Paint Party in a Paint Tray with paint rollers, brushes, drop cloths, tape, 5 in 1 Tool -- Starter Tool Box with tape measure, hammer, screwdriver, pliers, and assorted nails -- Picture Hanging Kit with picture hangers and wire, nails, tape measure, level, and plumb line -- Dinner Kit with a casserole, plates, utensils, paper cups, and a bottle of sparkling cider -- Emergency Chocolate Kit for incurable chocoholics -- a candy tin or a basket, and a variety of chocolate candy, truffles, cookies, or freshly baked goods made of -- you guessed it -- chocolate ! Make Something Special Gif the gift of yourself by presenting something you've made. Perhaps a flavored vinegar, shaped topiary, painted welcome sign, fireplace starters, a flower arrangement or an Easy Fruit Arrangment . Toasting Flutes Add to their wedding crystal, or choose unique toasting flutes especially for the occasion. Tie the stems with pretty bows, and include a bottle of bubbly to toast your friends in their new home. Bridal Registry Newly married couples can be easy to shop for since you may still be able to choose items from their wedding registry. If the registered gifts have all been given, you can look it over for clues to their chosen color scheme and style preference, then make appropriate gift choices that will fit into their decor. Consider placemats to go with their china, an additional setting or two of everyday dishes, or an alternate choice of colored glassware. 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