Gifts For Women

Gift Ideas & Women's Gifts For Wife & Girlfriend & Mum - Women's Presents & Gift Ideas For Women Below you will find a unique selection of Womens Gifts & Gift Ideas For Women, including a selector coffee mug and a pair of salt and pepper shakers.Need a gift for you girlfriend, wife, or mum? Fresh Fruit Bowl A beautiful free form bowl made from chrome-plated steel mesh with a variety of uses in the home. Price: £ 14.95 | More Info Selector Mug Man size cream ceramic mug with stainless steel selector rings. Just twist the rings to reveal your choice of drink/milk/sugar preferences. It's the answer to every tea boys prayers! Price: £ 44.95 | More Info Salt & Pepper Shakers (Pool Design) Engineered from tough bakelite and stainless steel and encircled with silicone rubber: salt (white rubber) or pepper (black rubber) ID rings. Price: £ 19.95 | More Info I Rub My Duckie This floating, waterproof little guy sits by your bath, Jacuzzi or bed with nothing more than those big innocent blue eyes to give away his real purpose in life. Squeeze his back and feel your smile grow as he seduces you and massages your tensions away. Price: £ 19.95 | More Info Sand Printers Take these cool Flip Flops on your hols this summer and make your intentions clear. With male or female options, the male ones print a message of "Sex Mad" while the female ones say "love You". Price: £ 8.95 | More Info Mathmos Bubble It's made from silicone (but you can't tell), emits a comforting glow and is small enough to cup in the palm of a hand (unlike most other silicone products), and because of its size and shape the Mathmos Bubble light is not limited to just glowing and looking pretty. Price: £ 37.95 | More Info Moo Mixers A self-stirring motorised cup that makes milk-shakes quickly and simply. The Moo Mixer is easy to use, just hit the trigger button and watch the mixing tornado come to life! Price: £ 9.95 | More Info Mathmos Blimp The Mathmos Blimp has a press-touch mechanism integrated into it's base, so no more fumbling around looking for switches. When on it runs through the full colour spectrum emitting a glow that is redolent of sweet shop colours - warm, rich and bright - and when not in use their milky-white shapes are decoratively cool. Price: £ 29.95 | More Info Mirror Mirror Attach this mini mirror to your computer at work, and you'll never be unaware of what's going on behind you. Surf the net and send personal emails to your hearts content without worrying your boss is standing behind you. Price: £ 10.95 | More Info Spaghetti Candles These amazing candles can be bent into any shape, and last for around 40 minutes each. You can coil them around anything, but you'll have to remember to warn friends not to boil them as they make a terrible bolognaise. Price: £ 4.95 | More Info For a larger selection of gift ideas and women's gifts for you girlfriend, wife, or mum, just CLICK HERE Best Sellers Gifts Home | Men's Gifts | Wedding Gifts | Kids Gifts | Anniversary Gift Ideas | Birthday Presents | Women's Gifts | Husband's Gifts Gifts for Boyfriends | Corporate Gifts | Valentines Day Gift Ideas | Christmas Presents

shower gift or wishing

Bridal Shower Ideas and Themes from Top Wedding Sites Discount Bridal Shower Favors and Ideas Print Your Own Bridal Shower Invitations Bridal Shower Games BRIDAL SHOWER GAMES Priceless bridal shower advice from planning and hosting to tons of games and all your printable Game Cards - Bridal Bingo included. Easy to Download use. BridalShower GamesAtoZ.com The Perfect Bridal Shower Planning Book Click here to get tips and advice to plan the best ever wedding shower! E-Book is packed full of ideas, directions, etiquette guidelines and advice, so that you can plan the perfect shower for the bride-to-be and all your guests. Makes a great bridal shower gift or wishing well gift! Chicken Soup for the BRIDE'S Soul Romantic, humorous, touching, and true, Chicken Soup for the Brides Soul will help bride's look ahead to their wedding day with joy instead of stress. Buy This Book Wedding Gown Preservation Kit BRIDAL SHOWER GIFT! Only $99.99 More info Real Postage Stamps! Wedding Coupons Click here for money saving coupons and offers from our top ranking wedding professionals! SAVE NOW Save Money! Wedding Store Clearance Items...all ON SALE NOW!!! CLICK HERE to Save! The Chick Game - Girls' Night Out in a Box! ON SALE NOW $3.95! Disposable wedding cameras make a unique bridal shower gift or bridal shower favors! Useful Bridal Shower Favors Votive Verse Bridal Shower Favor The lighting of candles has always signified respect and memory. Let your girls remember the great time they had at your bridal shower for a long time with this great reusable votive. You choose the verse that's best. More great wedding shower favors here! Wedding Hair Bridal Shower Lottery Game Lose Weight Now! Great Wishing Well Gift! Thank-You Cards Need to make a speech at the wedding? Click here for wedding speech help. Bridal Shower Party Games Bride Trivia Game NEW! Bridal Bingo Wedding Favors & Bridal Shower Favors Wedding Dresses Wedding Favors Wedding Music Wedding Invitations Wedding Etiquette Wedding Websites Wedding Cakes Wedding Photography Wedding Planner Wedding Speeches and Wedding Toasts Bridal Showers Wedding Videos Wedding Rings Bridal Hairstyles B ridal Shower Ideas: Best bridal shower ideas. Wedding shower games Bridal shower themes Bridal shower favors and invitations Courtesy of: Recipe Legacy Provider of the unique bridal shower gift: Recipe & Photo Album CD Kits Plan the Perfect Bridal Shower E-book History The concept of a bridal shower is to ensure that the bride-to-be is well prepared for her married life. In fact, according to www.world-wedding-traditions.net, "The idea of the customary bridal shower originated in Holland. If a Dutch bride was unfortunate enough to have her father disapprove of her choice in husbands, he would not offer a dowry. Her friends would then "shower" her with gifts so she could still be married to her groom, without the help of her father." Purpose However, in modern times the purpose of a shower is twofold. Ostensibly the shower is held to provide the bride-to-be with gifts to help her set up her new home. However, the bridal shower also provides an opportunity for the women who surround her to provide a sense of support, as she enters into this new phase of her life. For this reason, it is preferred that the shower be small enough so that the bride gets to talk individually to all the participants. As the bride-to-be moves forward with her wedding plans it will become clear that she will need several helpers to be sure that all the wedding day events run smoothly. By the time the shower takes place, she should have a good idea of what these duties are and to whom she has assigned each one. The shower is, therefore, an ideal time to discuss these responsibilities with her friends and family. Recipe Legacy's Adaptable Wedding Planner includes an assignment sheet with 69 such duties - from keeping charge of the guest book to setting out the place cards. Hosting & Guest List The Maid-of-Honor traditionally hosts a bridal shower. Sometimes, the Maid-of-Honor is a sister or other family member. It used to be considered improper for a family member to host a shower, because it would seem as though the family was requesting gifts. However, in today's society, showers are accepted as being an integral part of the wedding celebration, and family members often host bridal showers. Sometimes, two or three showers are scheduled, perhaps one given by the immediate family, another hosted by the Maid of Honor for the bride-to-be's friends, and sometimes one given to the bride-to-be by her business associates. The bridal shower hostess or hostesses should invite female family members of both the bride and the groom: mothers, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, etc. She should also invite close female friends of the bride and the bride's family. She may also want to invite some of the bride-to-be's co-workers. She should be sure to consult with the bride when compiling the guest list. Not everyone invited to the wedding needs to be invited to the shower. However, those invited to the bridal shower are normally invited to the wedding. Inviting someone to the shower and then not inviting them to the wedding is sure to cause hurt feelings. Surprise or Not to Surprise??? Sometimes a surprise shower is planned for the bride-to-be. This is unwise, since the bride-to-be should be consulted on who attends the event and what type of gifts are needed. It is also possible that more than one shower is planned. Perhaps the bride's family and friends are planning one event and the bride's business associates are planning another. Only the bride will be able to coordinate the dates of both events. We advise against making this event a surprise unless you are sure of the following: The bride-to-be will not be disappointed that she has not been informed beforehand. You are confident that your guest list includes everyone the bride-to-be would have invited, if consulted. The bride-to-be has registered for gifts. The bride will not schedule another event on the planned date. If there are to be several showers, and some guests are to be invited to more than one shower, the bride-to-be should be careful not to burden anyone with the need to purchase more than one gift. Guests receiving two bridal shower invitations are faced with the moral dilemma of whether they should give two gifts. The answer is no. An understanding bride-to-be will make it known to the guest that she will also announce during the gift opening activity at the second shower that she has already received a beautiful shower gift (describe the gift) from that guest. If the guest has not been given this hint ahead of time, a solution would be for the guest to give a small gift for the second shower. It is a good idea to connect the second gift with the first gift. Examples: 1. You gave a cake plate and server at the first shower. For the second shower, gather some spatulas and other utensils at the local 99Cent store, wrap them prettily and include a note in the package saying "The cake plate was for the end product - here are the utensils you will need to bake the cake!" 2. If the bride is registered for dinnerware, you can split up the gift. Give the sugar dish at one shower with a note saying "more to come", then give the creamer at the second shower. 3. Give a set of towels for the first gift. Wrap a pretty package of guest towels for the second shower with a note saying "My first gift was for you, this gift is for the many guests who will be welcomed into your new home." Scheduling It is best to schedule a bridal shower about two months before the wedding, when the excitement is mounting in anticipation of the wedding day. A bridal shower should not be scheduled less than a month before the wedding date because the bride-to-be is typically consumed with last minute details as her wedding date approaches. Be sure to check with the bride-to-be to make sure that the scheduled date fits in with her plans. Bridal Shower Invitations Mail three to four weeks before the event and include the following information: Name of the bride-to-be. Date of the Shower. Time of the Shower, e.g. 2 PM - 5 PM. (It is best to put both the beginning and end times on the invitation so that the guests can plan their day.) Address where the shower is being held. Name and phone number of the hostess/hostesses. A deadline date for the RSVP. (This is usually about two weeks prior to the shower date.) Bridal Shower theme. (If applicable). Home decorating colors. (If applicable). It is helpful to enclose a map of the shower location. Personalized Save the Date Magnets can be tucked inside the invitation. Discount Bridal Shower Invitations Print your own bridal shower invitations Schedule for a Bridal Shower at the Home of the Hostess 1. Hostess greets guests and offers drinks and appetizers. Some introductions are made. 2. When all the guests have arrived, the hostess has each guest introduce herself and explain her relationship to the bride-to-be. 3. Icebreakers: These can be shower games or other activities that help your guests interact. 4. Food is served. This can be appetizers, a buffet or a sit-down lunch, tea or dinner. 5. Toast to the bride-to-be. 6. The bride-to-be opens her gifts and then the gifts are passed around for the guests to admire. 7. The bride thanks the hostess for giving the shower and thanks the guests for celebrating with her. 8. Time for individual conversations. 9. Shower favors are given to guests. (If they have not been provided at a place setting.) 10. Hostess thanks the guests for coming - individually, if possible. Home Bridal Shower Menu Suggestions Appetizers - vegetables and dip, fruit tray, potato chips, nuts, etc. The meal - salad and a casserole works well. Select a menu that can be prepared ahead of time, because you don't want to be busy in the kitchen when you could be mingling with your guests. For vegetarians - If some of your guests are vegetarians, include a meatless dish such as a bean casserole, etc. If you plan to serve a chicken or shrimp salad, put aside some of the salad in a separate bowl before adding the chicken or shrimp. Drinks - coffee, tea, soft drinks and/or punch. Mimosa (orange juice with champagne) is good for a brunch. This can be used to toast the bride. If you don't want to serve liquor, there are many good non-alcoholic champagne choices available now. Dessert - specially decorated cake, pie. Sunday Brunch Shower: Bagels, fresh seasonal fruit, mini danish, scones, breakfast quiche, fresh squeezed OJ, bloody mary's, mimosas. Atmosphere Builders for a Shower at Home Have some music playing in the background to set the mood. See that the music is low so that it will not drown out the conversation. Choosing a CD of wedding music will set the tone and provide a talking point. A CD of wedding music is also a good gift for the bride, if she has not yet finalized the music to be played at her wedding. Decorating with banners and balloons can quickly give a room a festive air. Flower centerpieces always add charm to the food table. Consider purchasing the new " edible arrangements " that are fruit based cut out to resemble flowers...really cool and useful too! Use white napkins pushed through heart-shaped cookie cutters as a napkin ring. Make a "faux wedding cake" or a bridal shower towel cake for a centerpiece. This "wedding cake" is composed of 4 bath towels, 4 hand towels, and 4 washcloths. These should be new and will be given to the bride after the shower. Start by folding the bath towels in fourths lengthwise. Connect the folded towels end to end with large safety pins. Start at one end and roll the towels up. When you reach the end, secure the end with pins. Follow the same procedure for the hand towels and then again for the washcloths. Stack the three rolls with the bath towels on the bottom, the hand towels in the middle, and the washcloths on top. Secure the layers together with pins. Use creativity to decorate. Ideas include silk flowers, strands of beads, pearls and/or jewels which can be purchased at local craft stores. Schedule for a Bridal Shower at a Restaurant Hostess places shower favors and place cards at each place setting. Guests arrive and are introduced to each other. Guests are seated and the meal is served. Toast to the bride-to-be. Bride opens her gifts. Bride thanks hostess for giving the shower, thanks guests for celebrating with her. Hostess thanks the guests for coming. Bridal Shower Favor Ideas While a tradition in some communities, favors are unknown in others. Here are some bridal shower favor ideas, should you decide to include them: Candies in a decorative wrap or special favor holder . Place Card Frames Small plants (wrap fabric around the pot, tie with a personalized ribbon ) Soft Lotion Bridal Shower Favor Orchid favor Soaps Personalized Tea Bag Favors Bottled Bath Salts "I Do" Lip Balm Wedding Shower Favor Bridal Shower Favor Kits Wedding & Bridal Shower Favors, Accessories & Ribbon Mint Pak Bridal Shower Favor Votive Verse Candle Bridal Shower Favor Jack and Jill Bridal Shower Favors: Lucky Couple Mug Bridal Shower Favor When the shower includes the guys, get straight to the heart of the matter with these beer mugs. Make 'em very happy they came to the party. Free Bridal Shower Game Ideas: Wedding Shower Games Wedding shower games get everyone involved. However, if the guests are diverse in age and interests, it is important to choose themes that all guests can relate to, such as cooking or travel. If the games break the guests into small groups, you will encourage laughter and interaction. Creating a recipe/photo/memorabilia album at the shower for the bride is a great way to get all the guests occupied - and the bride-to-be receives a unique memory album. Recipe Legacy features a recipe / photo CD with artwork, games and detailed instructions on how to do this. A fun shower game that allows your guests to become familiar with the groom as well as the bride, is the How Well Do You Know The Bride game. This will require some work on your part but it is worth the time! Heres how you play: Before the day of the shower, ask the groom several questions about the bride. For example, What is her favorite flower? or What is her dream date? Videotape his answers to each of the questions. At the shower, ask the same series of questions to the guests and have them write down their answers. After all the questions have been answered, ask each one to the bride and have her give her answer. Next play the videotape of her fiance's answers just for fun. The one that gets the most answers right wins! Not only is this a fun way to include the groom, you learn more about the guest of honor! More Wedding Shower Games: Bridal Shower Party Games Love-Themed Shower Bingo Bridal Shower Lottery Game Shower Gift Bingo That Guy! Game Priceless bridal shower advice from planning and hosting to tons of games and all your printable Game Cards - Bridal Bingo included. Easy to Download use. BridalShowerGamesAtoZ.com Game Prizes and Bridal Shower Favors The hostess should wrap small prizes to award for the games. Here are some game prize gift ideas that are easy to wrap: Disposable Cameras Cosmetic Pouches Photo Frames Candles Click here for wedding supplies for d o it yourself homemade wedding favors & bridal shower favors Bridal Shower Gift Unwrapping Ceremony You will need: A prominent chair for the bride-to-be. A writing pad and pen for the gift list. A sturdy paper plate and a scissors for the shower bouquet. A plastic bag for quick disposal of the discarded wrapping paper. Helper assignments: Helper A: Write down a description of each gift and the name of the giver. Helper B: Create the shower bouquet - traditionally accomplished by taking the bows and ribbon from the wrappings and threading them through a paper plate. Helper C: Pass around each gift for all to examine. Helper D: Repackage each gift (with each gift card inserted in the correct gift box - this will make thank-you notes an easier task!) Helper E: Collect the discarded wrap and stuff in a garbage bag. Be sure to have a camera handy to take plenty of photos. While a bridal shower is especially for the bride-to-be, it should be an occasion that all guests will remember warmly - including the hostess! Play Shower Gift Bingo Bridal Shower Themes Ideas and Suggestions by Winnie Ying at Beaucoup Tea Party Serve tea along with finger foods such as scones, finger sandwiches, petite fours, etc... Room of the House Each guest is "assigned" a room of the house and brings a gift to be used in that room. Lingerie Guests bring a gift of lingerie for the bride! Around the Clock Each guest is assigned a "time," such as breakfast time or bath time. Gifts should reflect this time. Pamper the Bride Guests to bring items suited to the purpose, such as bath products, gift certificates to a spa or salon, and yoga lessons. One idea is to have the shower at a spa or salon. There are plenty of places that specialize in hosting showers. What is more enjoyable than to spend a day at a spa with a group of your best girls? Garden Party Host a shower in a garden setting and decorate tables with beautiful flowers. Ask guests to bring gifts that the bride can use in her garden. Stock the Bar Guests bring gifts of liquor, glasses, etc. to help the couple stock their bar. Christmas Ornament Guests bring an ornament for the couple's first Christmas tree. Great for winter showers! Pajama Have guests arrive in the evening dressed in their PJ's. The evening is filled with manicures, pedicures, facials and massages, and lots of girl talk. Stock the Pantry Have each guest write their favorite recipe on a recipe card and bring the card along with all non-perishable ingredients for the recipe in a box or gift basket. Ask the Expert: Bridal Showers Questions About Bridal Showers? Go to Top Wedding Questions , the wedding etiquette advice forum . Unique Bridal Shower Gift Popular Bridal Showers Sites: Bridal Shower Games, Ideas and Themes - Looking for ideas to host the perfect shower? Look no further than here. You will find an assortment of free information to help you become better prepared for your hostessing duties. Bridal Shower Games A to Z - Custom printed full-color bridal shower games you can print from home. They're fast, fun & super easy - if only the rest of the shower were this easy, too! 2000-2004 Top Wedding Sites, Inc. ® All Rights Reserved. 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Gifts For Men Articles

Top Gifts For Men - Gifts BW gifts | gifts Resources | Add URL Wine Gifts & Baskets From the casual wine drinker to the serious enthusiast, we have a gift that will make them smile. Our selection includes premium wine, gourmet baskets, distinctive champagne sets & the very finest California and Northwest wines. Top Gifts For Men Articles Top 10 Gifts for Stylish Men Women's Fashion Guide Cynthia Nellis says "if the man in your life likes to pick out his own ties or has a definite opinion on pant cuffs, he's got the fashion savvy to appreciate gifts with a luxe touch. Impeccable......( Continue Reading ) Top Gifts for Active Dads Top Picks - Gifts for Active Dads, shorts, running shoes, MP3 players, videos, socks and more from your About Exercise Guide...( Continue Reading ) Top 5 Caribbean "Gifts" for Men If you're looking for a special gift for an island-loving Dad, try one of these gift ideas to make his day the greatest....( Continue Reading ) Top Gifts for Dad - Cross Stitch Style Try one of these great gifts that will be very useful to any man who has a cross stitcher as a wife or friend Select a scanner, camera or stitching book....( Continue Reading ) Great Gifts for Men - Top Ten Picks Buying gifts for guys is not all that easy, especially when it seems they have everything they need. Browse this list of top pick - Gifts for Men - and see the gadgets, cool items, and useful items that we selected....( Continue Reading ) Top Gifts For Men Directory Links themed gift baskets best gifts for her gifts for 40th birthday special gifts for men wine and cheese baskets send flowers and gifts art nouveau gifts new jersey gift baskets citrus fruit gifts gift baskets west palm beach johns collectible toys and gifts christmas gifts for the wife simple gifts sheet music christmas gifts for teens fantasy gifts st louis gift baskets good gifts for girlfriend wedding thank you gifts spencer gifts locations christmas gifts women birthday gifts ideas childrens christmas gifts retirement gifts for teachers delivery gifts valentines gifts men wine gifts ideas promotion gifts graduation gifts for her men valentine gifts baby baptism gifts personalized golf gifts christian mothers day gifts xmas gifts corporate gifts houston unique childrens gifts valentines day gifts for women annual anniversary gifts gifts wedding anniversary homemade easter baskets gifts ideas for men wedding anniversity gifts gundam wing animated gifts groomsman gifts 3 year anniversary gifts tradtional anniversary gifts Popular Search Terms: Gifts BW © 2004 Gifts BW All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved. This site is not related to Brajeshwar or Brajeshwar.com in anyway, shape or form

Birthday Gift

Alice in Wonderland personalized starring YOU in a special paperback edition! HOME : BOOKS : -- CORPORATE GIFTS : Kids : GIFT BASKETS : TESTIMONIALS : FAQ : CONTACT -- -- Call us toll free 1-866-660-1109 -- Alice in Wonderland - starring you! -- A unique gift they'll talk about for months! Perfect for wedding anniversary gifts, birthdays and romantic mementos Front cover About Customizations tell a friend Photos Gift Ideas Play the part of Alice in a personalized edition of Alice in Wonderland as she embarks on a remarkable adventure. Meet the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts and other strange and absurd characters inhabiting Lewis Carroll's classic tale that has been enchanting children and adults for over a century — now brought back to life in a custom paperback starring YOU! Alice : The heroine Mabel : Alice's friend Ada : Another of Alice's friends Your privacy is assured: once the email is sent we do not retain any names or email addresses Email To Subject Message text Your name Your email Additional photos coming soon! Anniversary Gifts Wedding Gifts Birthday Presents Romantic Gifts Father's Day Gifts Graduation Gifts Valentine Gifts -- Price: $29.95 Did you know? Select the custom photo option for the ultimate in personalization- a picture of YOU on the cover! (Details...) Every book comes with a customized cover with your name on it A dedication message (upto a page) is included at no extra cost -- Shipping Basic shipping to USA/Canada: $4 Express: $9 (More details...) -- -- Titles Romance - Romeo and Juliet Adventure - Zorro -- - Robin Hood - NEW! - The JungleBook - Moby Dick Fantasy - The Wizard of Oz - Alice in Wonderland Mystery - The Adventuresof Sherlock Holmes - The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes - The Hound of the Baskervilles - Early Sherlock Holmes Drama - A Christmas Carol - Anne ofGreen Gables - Anne of Avonlea - Anne of the Island Horror - Dracula - Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde -- HOME : POLICIES : DEALERS & AFFILIATES : JOBS : CONTACT : RESOURCES Click to verify Shop with confidence! Customized Classics is a certified InternetSecure Merchant ---

shower gift Wedding Gift

Berkeley Parents Network: Gifts for Weddings and Wedding Showers Berkeley Parents Network Home Members Post a Msg Reviews Advice Join BPN Help/FAQ What's New Search Gifts for Weddings and Wedding Showers Berkeley Parents Network Advice Holidays and Special Events Weddings Gifts Wedding Gift Suggestions What to give as a shower gift Wedding Gift Suggestions Help! I have a good friend getting married in TWO weeks and I need to find her a great wedding gift. Am thinking of a bread-making machine. Does anyone know of a good brand as well as a store that carries them? I bought one once from Bed and Bath (under $70!) but they don't seem to carry them anymore. Thanks! Naomi Recommendations for bread machines: http://parents.berkeley.edu/recommend/where2buy/breadmachine.html I can't provide advice about the breadmaking machine but would like to tell you that the one wedding gift we have found most useful over the years was a pair of binoculars (ours are Baush and Lomb and sport-size, not clunky with excellent optics). We've used them a lot at sporting events(baseball/football games) and on hikes. In recent years they have come in handy on walks with children, bird/animal watching at the house, at the beach, etc. By far we have used them more than the relish dishes, fine china or other various and sundry machines received(with possible exception of the rice cooker which we use a lot.) As you consider a gift for you friend think about the things they enjoy doing together--one friend of mine registered for camping gear. The happy couple received tent, "Sunshower" portable water bag/with shower attachment, camp stove and one of those small gas Weber barbeques (about $60) which doesn't require the charcoal and noxious lighter fluid, can be used at a moments notice, is also portable! Hope this helps...Good luck! Mary Have you considered giving your friend a wedding commemorative plate? As a "hobbyist" ceramic painter, I have done several of these for friends who have gotten married, and they love them. Jessica Abbott, who owns Brushstrokes Studio (a paint-it-yourself studio) in N. Berkeley (510-528-1360), will paint one for you if you don't feel confident enough to do one on your own (I think she charges about $75), and she can do just about any style you want. (She has some samples on the wall of the studio if you'd like to take a look.) Jessica will put the name of the couple and the wedding date on the plate for you, but I have also seen people put special messages on them. I think a handmade gift is wonderful, and your friend could enjoy it for years to come. Sarah Our favorite wedding gift (which we first received, and have given several times since) is a well-stocked picnic basket. Shops like Pier 1 and Cost Plus sell all sorts of baskets which you can fill with any number of goodies -- place settings, of course, but also acrylic wine glasses, a jelly jar with a votive inside, a checkered blanket or tablecloth, a CD of romantic or classical music, a bottle of champagne, cheeses, crackers, dried fruits... Especially if the couple are close friends, I prefer something creative and personal like this over picking from a registry. Loralee I recently remarried, and my husband and I had both been running householdsfor a while, so we weren't "starting from scratch" and already had mostof the basics. Here are some weddinggifts that we really liked and still enjoy after 3 years:a beautiful "throw" for the sofa, a serving platter forThanksgiving dinners, dinner for 2 at Bay Wolf restaurant, crystal wine glasses. What to give as a shower gift August 2003 I've been invited to a bridal shower and am lost as to what togive. I've looked on the web site which has recommended weddinggifts, but those are more for the couple, as opposed to thebride. In fact I've never been to a bridal shower before andalmost wonder if we're supposed to give ''racy'' gifts such aslingere -- I don't know the bride that well and don't feelcomfortable doing this. Are there other traditional orappropriate gifts to give at this occasion?Bobbie When in doubt, bath & body stuff from Body Time or the Body Shop is always a great gift. Another idea; a gift certificate to a nice restaurant for the happy couple (most places sell them). anon I received several (mostly white) pieces of lingerie at my engagement party several years ago- nothing too racy as they were gifts from my parents' friends. I had 2 showers- one with my future mother-in-law's friends and a co-ed one with our friends. At both of these showers, the gifts were not personal for the bride, but were mostly things we had registered for.Susan My sister threw me a surprise bridal shower and I got lots of fun racey (and some obscene)lingerie. One of my favorite gifts, however, was a set of 3 beautiful silk covered padded hangers - something I would never buy for myself, but I have enjoyed for almost 15 (!) years. I have also seen pretty soaps, skin creams and other ''pamper yourself'' gifts that everyone likes go over very well.showered I think it's fine to buy something off the registry for the bride. At my shower, I was up to my ears in lingerie that I only wore on the honeymoon, so I much appreciated the more useful, less racy gifts. Or if you want to get something just for the bride, you could get something not quite as sexy as lingerie, like a cozy but cute bathrobe or pajamas. Good luck! First, check the invitation. Most showers have ''themes'' to which the gifts ideally will relate (for example, ''travel'' or ''kitchen''). You may even have been ''assigned'' a letter of the alphabet with which the name of your gift should start or a time of day that your gift would be used. Second, are you sure this is a shower for the bride only, or is it for the couple? Among my friends, ''co-ed'' showers are now the norm, and typical gifts include books, movies, games, wine, and tools, along with the more traditional dishes and towels. Finally, remember that even though things like mixing bowls and picture frames are for the couple rather than for just the bride, they are normal bridal shower gifts because traditionally housekeeping, decorating and entertaining were the province of women only. Brides who are traditionally minded enough that their friends give them girls-only showers don't mind the implications of receiving a frying pan as a bridal shower gift, and usually prefer traditional housewares-type gifts. Lingerie is not the expected gift unless the shower has a stated theme of lingerie or ''personal'' items (which could also include bath products and the like). Something relatively inexpensive from the couple's registry -- kitchen utensils, napkin rings, casual candlesticks -- is appropriate. More creative possibilities exist, but in the absence of a theme and given than you don't actually know the bride very well, that's what I would suggest giving.Holly I am of the mind that the best gifts for brides-to-be are ones that a)encourage stress reduction and/or b) celebrate the fact that she is still an autonomous person who will bring her best to a marriage when she can maintain a clear sense of her own identity. Okay, so what does that look like in gift form? What I would have appreciated is a gift certificate for a massage or facial and/or a book on personal finance geared toward women, married or no. I don't know the titles of any off hand, but I know there are some out there. signed,not all that comfy in lingerie anyway Hi Bobbie.I like to give gifts to the bride that will benefit both bride and groom since this is a way of respecting their new union together. Also, men don't have these type of parties, so it's kind of sad if the guys don't get any gifts at all. You could give lingere if it is tasteful, and not trashy (and this will benefit the groom as well as the bride.) The best kind of gifts I think are for the home, particularly nice gifts they can use and show off when entertaining, and tell their friends that you were the one with such nice taste that gave them such and such.Hope this helps.Best Regards!Tiffany I have been to countless bridal showers (including my own), and it seems to me that just about anything goes. Some people stick to gifts from the wedding registry. Others do give lingerie, ''racy'' and not. But I think the nicest gifts are ones that are personal to the bride-to-be: candles, bath lotions and potions, gift certificates for a facial or massage, photo albums, camping gear, books--you name it. The only thing I'd steer clear of is giving cash! At the most recent bridal shower I attended, I gave the bride-to-be a gift certificate to a local bookstore; she is an avid reader and I knew she'd appreciate the chance to buy books for her beach-vacation honeymoon. Have fun and don't stress too much about it.once a blushing bride, now a tired mom how about bed & breakfast trays ($12 at Target) and some of your favorite breakfast recipes (breads, smoothies, etc.). Ask the hostess where the bride is registered. If she is registered, she hasvery good idea of what she wants for a gift and I think you should get her agift from her list, even if her tastes don't reflect yours. If she is notregistered, then you may want to get her a massage certificate. I know thatwhen I was a bride, I would have loved that! Lisa Some brides want lingerie as gifts, but don't get any if you're not comfortable with it! Bridal shower gifts are often more modest versions of wedding gifts. You could find out where the couple is registered from whomever is hosting the shower and choose something in your price range. If she's not registered or everything is out of your price range, simple home items -- think hostess gift -- are good bets. Picture frames are good shower gifts. If you want to get something just for the bride, you could get aromatherapy bath items since planning and preparing for a wedding is stressful though joyous, and I think everyone could use some pampering.-been to all types of bridal showers If the bride is registered, buy her something from the registery so you know you're getting her something the couple absolutely wants. It's tough to buy lingerie unless you really know her (size wise and raciness factored in!) Otherwise, I have gotten gift certificates for a massage, or any sort of spa treatment (manicure, pedicure, facial etc) because these are things anyone LOVES to receive. It also a great way to fit in time for themselves before their 'big' day! You can try Claremont, Nordstrom, LaBelle. If the cost is too much for a package, just give her a gift certificate that she can supplement; I'm sure she'll love/appreciate it. eileen Hi-Buy something that she will enjoy over the honeymoon. My hubby and I had a destintation wedding in Maui and one of my girlfriends bought me a nifty Hawaiian purse full of fun stuff: designer sunblock, sunglasses, evian spritz water, cheesy magzines, lip blam, scarf, aloe vera, etc. It was completely unique and I used everything. I am a bit of a penny-pincher so it was fun to get ''girlie'' stuff. :) Deniene Unless it's a themed shower, I typically give one of threepresents.... A ''breakfast'' basket... Muffin tins, a breakfast cookbook andmaybe a coffee pot Christmas Ornaments (obviously, for Christians) Baking trays, cookie cutters and a rolling pin. I sometimesinclude a good recipe for cookies. None of these are fabulously expensive, and they are alwayshappily received. anon I would not assume that the bride wants anything ''racy''...plus that's too intimate of an item. I would suggest PJ's from Macy's by ''French Jenny''. They're cute but not frompy. Also, http://www.flowerslippers.com/ sell super cute slippers that my attendants loved!!wfp The bride is almost certainly registered somewhere and the person who is organizing the shower should know where. I think the most traditional gifts are the kitchenware/cooking ones --the shower organizer should be able to point you in the direction of the gifts the bride would most welcomeanon I recently discovered what I think is a good bridal shower gift: cookbooks. I've been semi-seriously into cooking for 20+ years, and if there's one thing I know it's a good cookbook! FYI, my current favorites are ''The Best Recipe'' by the staff of Cooks' Ilustrated magazine, and the Bruce Aidells & Denis Kelly book on meat (I think it's something like ''The Complete Guide to Meat''). Both are really outstanding. The Cooks Illustrated folks take a scientific approach to recipe development: they read as many recipes as they can find, extract what seem to be the key variables, then experiment until they get something they think is the best. Aidells and Kelly not only give delicious recipes, but their stories of travels far and wide searching for great meals are lots of fun to read. Makes me almost feel sorry for vegetarians!Kathy She may have already registered for her wedding find out where and buy something off the registery- that way you know it's soemthing she wants. Or go for something simple like a nice leatherbound photo album for the wedding or shower. Film for the honeymoon. One fun thing to do is to make a bridal survival basket: you can keep it high brow or make it funny- it can include things you always need at the wedding- bobby pins, safety pins, extra pair of hose, hair spray, clear nail polish, lotion, aspirin, slippers for when those wedding shoes that were oh so cute don't feel so cute anymore, etc you get the picture. Just some thoughts. Have fun.Juliette As a recent bride, I loved getting gift certificates to local spas, for facials and manicures, etc. I think that even if the bride in question normally doesn't do these things, the first time is always fun! I was never into this, but once I did it, I understood why so many women love it. You can also get gift certificates to hot tub/sauna places (the one in Albany is nice) - this is something the couple can share. I also enjoyed getting gift certificates to nice restaurants. The memories from these occasions last as long, if not longer than, as any other ''tangible'' gift.anon Cookbooks are always welcome, as some are coffee table books in addition to being useful tools. I have really enjoyed the books by Nigella Lawson (Nigella Bites, Forever Summer, and How to Be a Domestic Goddess) as they are often doable, and accompanied by intersting stories about the food. Also books by Patricia Wells. I recently went to a bridal shower where the theme was ''Simplicity'' and asked us to bring the single most useful kitchen or other tool we had in our kitchen, along with a simple recipe. A NYT article proclaimed the 3 essentials of the kitchen as this: ''As the business of the vanity kitchen boomed, though, threesmall new tools - two tools and a mat, actually - werepicked up by cooks. You may own one or all of them: theMicroplane zester, the OXO vegetable peeler and the Silpatmat. None is particularly attractive. All are simple yetexceptional workhorses, and deserve to be regarded as newclassics of the modern kitchen - less flashy than theCuisinart, perhaps, but just as impossible to live without.Each has not only subtly and stealthily improved manycooks' lives, but changed what people cook as well. '' (June 4 NYT, A Hesser). Tongs, and an apple corer were also big hits at the bridal shower. I.e. useful, but perhaps esoteric items you would never buy for yourself. Email me if you'd like the full article. Good luck!ShahanaSimple but useful What you give at a shower can varry quite a bit. Some bridal showers have a theme and you buy gifts to go with the theme ie: lingere, kitchen, camping, etc. If it is a theme shower the hostess mentions that in the invitation. Otherwise, it depends on your relationship with the bride and your comfort level. Personally, I only have ever bought lingere for very close friends (room-mate, women I have known since childhood, if I had a sister... etc.) since size and style are hard to know for others. Other gift ideas: bubble bath/beads/lotions, candles and holders, hobby items (like cookie cutters and a jar if the bride or couple likes to bake). Cookbooks, kitchenware and linens are traditional gift items for a bridal shower. Also, you can purchase anything off the bridal registry for the shower as well. Rose Home | Reviews | Advice | Members | Post a Message Join BPN | Help | What's New | Search Please send questions and comments to Berkeley Parents Network . Last updated: Sep 14, 2003 © 1996-2005 Berkeley Parents Network The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network . Please see our Disclaimer for details.