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Alright girls, I need some opinions here.

I have to go to a bridal shower this weekend for a friend - the problem is that everything that is remotely personal on her registry has already been purchased. Furthermore, after talking to her mother (the one who is throwing the shower), it appears as though she hasn't come up with anything she wants that ISN'T on the registry!

I'm trying not to be a square, but I really don't like the idea of buying two gifts off of the registry. We're already getting them a wedding gift; what is an appropriate shower gift? I don't think that this will be a raunchy shower (pity), but are there any ideas for a nice, thoughtful gift that doesn't have to be used in the kitchen?

(Seriously, all of the affordable "leftovers" on the registry are things like lemon zesters, kitchen towels, pillow cases - that just doesn't seem like something I could buy for my acquaintance).

Also - I hardly know anybody at this shower - I don't want to be "that girl" who bought the bride a spatula set.

Thanks so much!

[admin]

tarack,
May be I am a guy, so I don't understand. If I were your friend, I would love to get the lemon zesters, kitchen towels, pillow cases, etc. These are essential things in a new family and I would put them on my registry.

My friend just told me that she is now trying to get rid of the 6 microwave ovens she got from her wedding. I bet that she would love to have 6 kitchen towels instead. Anyway, my comments may not help. However, I am sure that your friend will be glad just having you at the shower.

BTW, where do wedding couples post there registries online? I could provide this service here at BT if it is useful.

[beleebala]

I once made my friend a picnic basket, put in a bottom of champagne, two sets of pretty napkins, knives, forks and plates and some goodies. My friend told me she loved it. (Not sure if she was just being polite, of course!)

[teazel2]

Is this friend moving in with her FH for the first time? I have seen at some showers that people make baskets.. actually a laundry basket filled with stuff the couple will need and would make the first grocery shopping trip really expensive like laundry detergent, fabric softener, ziploc bags, dish soap, etc... In the shower I have gone to these seem to go over really well when the bride and groom will be starting their home together.

[Sept2006_bride]

I think maybe a special gift just for her. I know the wedding is for both of them... but it is normally the brides that go to all the work so why not just get her something special like a gift certificate for a manicure or something like that. Or maybe how about some lingerie? just a couple of ideas that i know personally i would like to get at my shower

The most common registry online is The Bay - www.thebay.ca (HomeOutfitters shows up on this registry as well). Also, people registering at Linens N' Things - www.lnt.com - can have an online registry. However, I don't know if Canadian registries show up.

I'm sure that Canadian Tire and probably Home Depot would be online too.


Thanks for the ideas, ladies! I know that I'd like a registry gift, too. I guess I just pride myself on giving creative gifts. I'm not used to the receiver already knowing what she's getting.

[mizzmasterd]

ooohh - I like Teazel2's idea of a basket filled with stuff. You could always throw in the lemon zester thingy in the basket (so you got something off the registry) and other little things that the couple (or just she ) may like. It can just be one of those dollar store wicker baskets filled with goodies. You can add a bit of your personal touch that way.

UPDATE:

Well - I bit the bullet - I ended up buying a place setting of their china.

Wasn't cheap, but there really wasn't anything that truly inspired me; I suppose it's my own fault that I procrastinated, but I was hoping for something more personal on the registry.

I'm going to give this advice to all brides who are registering (and are having a shower): make sure that you add some things that are beyond the baking dishes and the tea towels. Add picture frames, and other sweet things that will make good shower gifts. This way, the girls can get you a great frame or set of wine glasses for your shower, and the T-Fal frypan for your wedding.

[Chuckerboo]

Originally Posted by tarack

I don't think that this will be a raunchy shower (pity), but are there any ideas for a nice, thoughtful gift that doesn't have to be used in the kitchen?

Hahaha Crack me up!!! Total pity about the non raunchy shower... I know you have already purchased her china set, but perhaps you could do a "post shower gift" of a "girls night out" coupon or something... have a little "stagette" for her.



I'm sure she's going to LOVE your gift! Someone else said it best... she'll just be happy that you are there!!!

[starfish]

I know it's too late tarack, but just in case something similar happens in the future, my friends and I bought the bride a gift certificate to the ballet (we knew she wanted to see Swan Lake). She and her family totally loved the idea.

I'll also suggest stuff that isn't on the registry, but is more personalized:
-chocolate fondue set/mini chocolate fountain for the chocoholic
-gift certificate for the spa
-gift certificate for her favorite/a fancy restaurant