wedding gifts you really

MSN Money - Get the wedding gifts you really want MSN Home My MSN Hotmail Shopping Money People & Chat Sign In W eb Search: Money S earch MSN Money: Help Home News Banking Investing Planning Taxes My Money Portfolio Loans Insurance Planning Home Retirement Savings Insurance Family/College Resources Decision Centers Commentary Index More Tools Related Links My Accounts Message Boards Print-friendly version Send this to a friend Get market news by e-mail See if refinancing works Personal finance bookshelf Find It! Article Index Finance Q&A Tools Index Site map Related Sites Association of Bridal Consultants The Honeymoon Casa de Oro Travel wedding registry Honeymoonforyou.com HoneyLuna.com The Basics Get the wedding gifts you really want advertisement Traditional registries can prevent you from getting 5 identical bun warmers. But some couples really want camping gear, home down payments or honeymoon contributions. What would Miss Manners say? By MP Dunleavey It's relatively rare these days for people to get married right after graduating from college. The average age for first marriage among women has risen steadily to more than 25, from less than 21 in 1970; for men, the average is now more than 27. My fianc and I were about a decade or so past our mid-20s when we got married recently, and like a lot of people, we had accumulated a lot of stuff during our unmarried years. The last thing we wanted was more stuff. At least that's how we felt when we considered doing the standard newlywed thing: i.e. registering for china, linens, monogrammed silver, matching PDAs and a small, well-behaved child. Nah. What we wanted, more than anything, given the stress of modern wedding planning, was to go lie on a beach somewhere and pretend we were still happily dating. Don't let retirement sneak up on you. Create a perfect plan. But like most couples we found the cost of the wedding taxing enough -- even though our parents did pay for most of it. There was no way we could afford a honeymoon, too. So we got this crazy idea. If our loved ones would be willing to shell out for glassware and new pots, would it be terrible -- crass, rude, self-serving -- to ask for contributions toward what we really wanted? Financial wedding etiquette To be honest, I've never liked the idea of a traditional registry. No matter how fancy the store (or your china pattern), you're basically telling guests what to buy you. Miss Manners, aka Judith Martin, pointed out in a recent column that commercial gift registries used to be kept ONLY in the event that customers inquired about a bride's china or silver pattern. Now, she says, all sentiment is being stripped from the gift-giving tradition. People turn to registries, she says, "to put generosity under the control of its beneficiaries." And, she concludes sternly: "These practices are no less vulgar for having become commonplace." Her point is well-taken. Some couples seem to equate "getting married" with "shopping spree" and use the registry system to shamelessly upgrade every item in their home. On the other hand, there is a financial reality that cannot be avoided. Custom dictates that a gift must be bought, so for most people the financial sanity (and sheer convenience) of bridal registries outweighs the inherent crudeness of this system. Guests don't waste their money buying gifts couples don't want or can't use. Couples get what they need, so they don't have to buy it themselves. Stuff -- who needs it? Increasingly, says Peggy Post, author of "Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette by Peggy Post", many couples would rather skip the stuff anyway. "So many couples come to the marriage with so many things," she says, noting that 40% of marriages are "encore," i.e. repeat, unions, for one or both partners. "These days you see people registering for all kinds of non-traditional items." Among them: camping gear, a down payment for a house, stock certificates and, yes! . . . the honeymoon. According to the Association of Bridal Consultants (see link at left), a wedding guest will spend an average of $85 on a gift. The average cost of a honeymoon is about $4,000. If a couple has no need for flatware and linens, why not encourage guests to contribute to a honeymoon registry like thehoneymoon.com, casadeorotravel.com, honeymoonforyou.com or honeyluna.com? Guests can contribute to airfare, romantic dinners, massages, picnics, guided tours, etc. To drool over a sample registry for a honeymoon in Hawaii, click on the link at left under Honeymoonforyou.com. For one in Greece, click at left under HoneyLuna.com. And to send in contributions for my honeymoon, click . . . oh, never mind. The etiquette of alternative registries Peggy Post, the great-granddaughter-in-law of Emily Post, thinks using these offbeat registries can be fine "with a big IF attached." Here's some guidance: 1) Wait until you're asked. It's impolite (and annoying) to include a card announcing where you're registered. Wait for guests to inquire, and let the word spread discreetly through friends and family. "Let your parents, siblings, wedding party and close friends know -- IF they've asked," suggests Bobbie Izeman, a bridal consultant and advice columnist for blushing-brides.com. "But don't announce it in a formal way." 2) Do not dictate. As Miss Manners points out, a gift, above all, is a gift. It is not up to you to decide what your guests should give, no matter how badly you want contributions to your down payment, help with your airfare or even traditional items like cookware. "You should leave your guests the option to give you what they want," agrees Post. 3) Say thank you. It may seem obvious, but sending a prompt, enthusiastic thank you note -- for every gift, no matter what the gift -- is essential. "The key thing is to remember to be appreciative," says Post. The honeymoon fund Since we didn't know about these honeymoon registries a few months ago, my fianc and I set up our own impromptu "honeymoon fund." We made a small gaffe by alluding to it in the instruction sheet for our weekend wedding (oops!), but it was in the context of asking guests please not to give presents. Apparently, that is also a faux pas (eek!), but we hadn't consulted all these etiquette experts then. To our surprise, a small number of friends (and a couple of relatives) protested. They wanted to get us A Real Gift. I can say with some relief that at least we handled that properly -- encouraging people to give whatever sort of gift they wanted. And they did. We got a lovely mix of gifts and honeymoon fund contributions. Just enough so that we can restore our sanity on some sandy shore -- without going into a penny of debt. What greater wedding gift could there be? Editor's Choice 3 legal papers you can't live without Your own business, your tax shelter Brush: The 5 most overpaid CEOs Are seniors gambling away retirement? Cut your taxes by going solar Readers' Choice Ratings Top 5 Articles 9.34 Zombie debt collectors dig up your old mistakes 9.33 10 ways to stop identity theft cold 9.31 10 ways to avoid outrageous hospital overcharges 9.22 The tricks and traps of debt consolidation 9.17 Safeguard your Social Security number View all top rated articles More Resources · E-mail us your comments on this article · Post on the Your Money message board · Get a daily dose of market news S earch MSN Money tips advertisement MSN Money's editorial goal is to provide a forum for personal finance and investment ideas. 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Baby Gifts Original Watercolors,

Original Art Birth Records -- Unique Personalized Baby Gifts -- the ultimate Collectible Keepsake for Baby -- Original Water Colors Original Art Birth Records Unique Personalized Baby Gifts Original Watercolors, the ultimate Collectible Keepsake for Baby Baby Gifts by Ella Water Color Artistry by Professional Artist Ella Miller To begin a dialogue with Ella about the original water color commemorative you envision, select Query Form above to give her the details of your idea on a form, or select Contact Ella to email her. Welcome Options Prices Query Form Order Form Special Orders Meet Ella Links Contact Ella Note s from Happy Customers: Ella, The announcement arrived yesterday and it is beautiful. My sister and brother-in-law will treasure it. Thank you for your timeliness as well. This is simply a perfect gift. Mona "Hi Ella, Well, my friends in Australia received your watercolor print on July 4. They thought iwas absolutely fantastic, and such a lovely reminder of the birth of thier little boy! Thank you again for another beautiful piece of art! I'll be sure to recommend you to any of my friends who are looing for a unique gift of love." "Ella - I got the painting! It looks fabulous!!!! I absolutely love it and I can't wait to give it to my friends. I will definitely contact you in the future for more gifts. Hope all is well and let me know if you come up with some new designs. thanks again...Andrea" "Hi Ella, I just received the artwork in the mail today and it looks wonderful, It isn't what I expected, it is even better. I'm sure that my friend will cherish it! Everyone that I have shown it to so far thought that it was great. We usually send flowers to people when they've had a baby, but this is so much better and costs about the same. Thank you so much for all the hard work and time you invested into this gift! I'm going to recommend this to others, and I will probably be in touch with you again." "Dear Ella, I received word today that the birth record arrived in Las Vegas. I spoke with her mother and she told me that they absolutely thought it was beautiful and really love it. I would like to thank you for all your help and attention that you gave my order. Please know that I will definitely use this again as another baby gift. In fact, I have a niece that is due in March, you will be hearing from me." "Received the package and it looks wonderful! Thank you so much - I would recommend your site and your work to anyone. I know my friend is going to love the announcement!" "Ella...The birth record arrived this afternoon safe and sound...AND in 2 days!!! I absolutely LOVE it!! We are all so impressed at how much the little angel looks like Angela!! Than you so much. You did a terrific job and I am so very pleased!!! Thank you for your special touch! "The birth announcement is beautiful. It was at home when I got there the day I e-mailed you. Michele is very pleased. You do lovely work." "Thank you so much for the beautiful birth record!...It arrived safe and sound and brought such a sweet smile to the mommy's face. Your work is great." "Thank you for creating such lovely things." "My sister and her husband loved the wall hanging. Thanks for doing such a great job. What a wonderful family heirloom!" "I just received the painting and it's just gorgeous!!!!!! I'm thrilled with it and cannot wait until Mom and Dad's anniversary to give it to them. You did a wonderful job!! Thank you so much again - I'm very pleased with it and you should be very proud of your work." "You did a wonderful job on the announcement!!! You are so talented. It was a pleasure working with you and I plan to refer you to many friends!" Visitors since June 7, 1999 To the ^ Top

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Groomsmen Gift

Groomsmen gifts and best man gifts at Things Remembered Special Occasions Wedding Business Store Locator Cart Account ( Login ) Search Advanced Search Recipient Bridesmaids Groomsmen The Couple Bride Groom Flower Girl Ring Bearer Parents/Grandparents Ceremony Guest Books Pen Stands Ring Pillows Unity Candles Flower Baskets Handkerchiefs Reception Toasting Flutes Cake Server Sets Favors & Ribbon Garters Popular Gifts Bridal Party Gifts Under $30 Collections Jewelry & Trinket Boxes Tankards & Flasks Frames & Photo Storage Gift Baskets Throws Clocks More Ways To Shop Gift Categories Sale Price Need Help? Customer Service Frequently Asked Questions How to Order Shipping Costs & Schedules What is Personalization? Privacy & Security Shopping Services Request a Catalog Email Sign Up iRemembered Gift Announcement Site Map 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Easy Returns Rewards Club About Things Remembered Company Info Become an Affiliate Contact Us Employment toll free: 1-866-902-4438 Your groomsmen deserve extra thanks. They're standing beside you on your big day; show them your appreciation with a personalized tankard, cigar accessory, or jewelry. Groomsmen - Featured Items Bay Laurel Medallion Mug Brushed Silver Flask Gunmetal Money Clip Matte Finish Stainless Steel Tankard Zippo® Polished Chrome Lighter Black Ice Zippo® Lighter Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Knife Initial S Key Chain & Money Clip Boxed Set Groomsmen - Categories Our Best Gifts Barware, Tankards, & Flasks Sterling Silver Jewelry Stainless Steel Jewelry Jewelry & Accessories Knives & Tools Lighters & Cigar Accessories Games Watches Sports Clocks Golf Collection Travel Clocks Our game sets are trendy gifts with a classic flair. Our gifts are the perfect way to say Thank You. Sign up to receive email updates, sales alerts, and special offers from Things Remembered. Site Map | Customer Service | Contact Us | Store Locator | Company Info | Employment | My Account 2005 Things Remembered. All rights reserved. Privacy

Gifts for Men Guys

Every Day : Fine Living Selects : E-Gifts for Men : Fine Living « Home | Adventure | Every Day | Personal Space | Transport | Favorite Things | Practical Living -- -- -- Message Board Meet and greet, share advice, get great tips and info on fine foods, products, places, etc. Get FINE LIVING today On TELEVISION • What's On Now? • Monthly Guide • A to Z Show List • Specials Online Special Features Message Boards Inside FINE LIVING: Wine, Cocktails and Travel Picks E-Gifts for Men Guys are notoriously hard to shop for! Let a picky fellow pick his own present... Eddie Bauer Gift Certificate Best known for their outerwear, Eddie Bauer also carries fine-quality apparel, footwear and travel gear. Plus wallets, watches, camping gadgets and auto accessories. Good selection of rugged luggage. Choose from paper or electronic gift certificates. from $5 Check out their new leather messenger bag www.eddiebauer.com Home Depot Gift Card Even if they're not the handy type, they can always use an extra extension cord! Order a gift card from Home Depot and they'll send the recipient an e-notification to let them know it's on the way. GIft cards are good at Home Depot, Home Expo and Home Depot Supply Stores. from $5 Unlike others these gift cards never expire www.homedepot.com Steiner Sports Gift Certificate If he's a sports nut--you'll hit it out of the park with a gift certificate from this online sports collectibles store. Autographed memorabilia from famous athletes like Ted Williams, Joe Namath, Larry Bird and Muhammad Ali. They can browse the store or bid on rare one-of-a-kind items in their on-line auctions. from $25 Every item is certified to be authentic www.steinersports.com. How we make our selections Home | About Us | Questions | Advertising | Site Map | Privacy | Legal DIY | Food Network | HGTV | Shop At Home | Great American Country | HGTVPro | Living | Video On Demand Comparison Shop for Home Gifts & Patio Furniture at Shopzilla © 2005 Scripps Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.