| There was a time when a bridal shower was held | | | | gift certificate to her favorite spa so she can |
| in order to help the new bride get all the things | | | | enjoy a little pampering a day or two before the |
| she would need to start married life. All you had | | | | big day - especially during the hectic days before |
| to do was visit the housewares section, or | | | | the wedding. |
| choose something off the registry list, and you | | | | 4. Another very popular bridal shower gift is |
| were finished. But, these days, many brides have | | | | lingerie. Try to coordinate the lingerie with the |
| already been living on their own before their | | | | theme of the couple's honeymoon destination. |
| wedding. | | | | 5. Give her a wedding day survival kit. You can |
| Instead of getting a bride's home ready for | | | | purchase one of these already assembled from |
| becoming a wife, the focus shifts to helping the | | | | various online retailers, or you can make your |
| bride herself. Bridal showers have become a time | | | | own. Include anything that she might need just |
| for women to get together and pamper the | | | | before the big day: hair spray, hair clips, her |
| bride-to-be as well as to prepare her for married | | | | favorite bath gel, mints, deodorant, double-sided |
| life. And that leaves a doorway for all kinds of | | | | tape, and so on. Place all the essentials you can |
| unique gifts. Here are seven tips and ideas to | | | | think of in a train case or other nice carrying case |
| make sure you give a memorable gift for your | | | | with a sentimental note. |
| next bridal shower. | | | | 6. Make something. Add a personal touch (and |
| 1. In this modern era, many engaged brides and | | | | keep the costs down) by making something just |
| grooms are paying for their own wedding and | | | | for the bride-to-be. If you are handy with a |
| their own honeymoons. What would your bride | | | | needle and thread, see if there is something the |
| love to have - but wouldn't buy for herself during | | | | bride would like you to make: a bridal veil, for |
| this time in her life? Make some notes and, if | | | | example. Or perhaps you could help with the |
| necessary, get together with friends to purchase | | | | flowers or the centerpieces. Offer to create |
| something that the bride will really enjoy. Another | | | | some favors or decorations, or, if you are a |
| idea is to chip in to purchase something for the | | | | scrapbooker or a photographer, take some |
| honeymoon - a romantic daylong getaway, for | | | | photographs of the days and weeks leading up to |
| example, that the couple may not think they can | | | | the wedding and create a keepsake album. |
| afford on their own. | | | | 7. Think back to your own bridal shower - or any |
| 2. Some of the most popular bridal gifts are those | | | | shower in recent memory. What bridal shower |
| that will help the bride-to-be remember the good | | | | gifts drew the most ooh's and aah's from the |
| times you have shared together. Create a collage | | | | other guests? Paying attention to things like this |
| or visit a photo processing website and create an | | | | (and noting them at the time) will make you a |
| album. Or simply frame your favorite photograph | | | | great gift giver, in bridal showers, birthdays, and |
| of yourself with the bride and include a | | | | every other occasion, as well. |
| sentimental message on the back. | | | | The key when trying to figure out a perfect bridal |
| 3. Create a personalized gift basket for the bride. | | | | shower gift is to keep your focus on the bride |
| Fill the basket with her favorite pampering treats, | | | | and your personal relationship. Anything that |
| including crèmes and lotions or her | | | | celebrates the bride, or your relationship with her, |
| favorite fragrance, which she can wear on her | | | | as well as those items that contribute to her |
| wedding day. For a really memorable gift, include a | | | | wedding day or honeymoon, will be perfect. |