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If you want to give a bridal shower gift that is unlike all of the others, think beyond the registry. Here are seven ideas that are sure to wow the bride-to-be.
[Photo: Gal Meets Glam]
Wedding Break
Once the bridal shower arrives, the wedding day is around the corner—and couples might be feeling a little burned out with all of the planning chaos. Kerline Docteur of Joie de Vie Weddings & Events suggests giving a gift for something fun they can do together that has nothing to do with the wedding, such as a gift certificate for a cooking class, a spa day for two, tickets to see their favorite band, etc.
Meal Delivery
Consider giving them a subscription to a meal delivery service, which is practical but also will give them time in the kitchen to learn the recipe, cook the food and then share the meal, says Kristen Castillo, author of Weddings on a Dime: How to Plan Your Big Day Without Breaking the Bank. “A win-win and no one’s hungry!”
Gift Cards
Many couples want to furnish their home on their own or simply don’t need more stuff. If that’s the case and you don’t want to give cash, give them a gift card, says Castillo. “Choose a gift card that’s a match for their lifestyle like one to their favorite restaurant or to the movies – instant date night for the newlyweds!”
Floral Keepsake
The Rose Keepsake Company and Impressed by Nature both figured out a way to make the precious petals from your wedding day last a lifetime, creating handcrafted jewelry designs with real flower petals from the wedding. This could be a meaningful gift that the bride will treasure for years to come.
[Photo: The Rose Keepsake Company]
Wine
There are plenty of wine delivery services that a couple will appreciate--especially since they might be doing a lot of entertaining in their new home. A new offering is Vinfluence, which ships three unique bottles of wine from their current featured boutique winery to your door--usually two reds and a white, sparkling, or rosé. And 20 percent of proceeds go to non-profit organizations.
Honeymoon Excursion
Some couples are setting up honeymoon registries so guests can help pay for different elements of their trip, including meals, activities and more. Even if the bride doesn’t have this set up, you can still do some research into where they’re going and buy a gift card to a nice restaurant, arrange a couples massage at their hotel or pay for an excursion you know they’d love but wouldn’t normally splurge on for themselves.
Date Nights
Datebox is a monthly subscription box (with the option of one-off gifting) that delivers unique date nights straight to a couple’s door. Examples of previous boxes include a "cocktails and mocktails" box, an at-home spa day box, a sushi making experience, and more.
