Summer is definitely the season for weddings, which can only mean it’s also the season for endless amounts of bridal showers. As you sit there looking at your watch, bored out of your mind and pretending to ‘ooo’ and ‘ahh’ at all the gifts the bride-to-be will open, why not play a little game with yourself? Judge all the other gifts being opened and be 100% confident that yours will be the best.
Let me make it clear — I am a huge supporter of purchasing gifts from the bride’s registry. Don’t believe me? Come on over and have your pick at the bizarre bird themed bread and butter plates, cheesy frames and pile of other unwanted non-registry presents people so generously purchased me for my own bridal showers. People, there is a registry for a reason!
With that being said, some of the best gifts I received were also not ones that we registered for…so I guess it’s a double edged sword. If you think you have good taste, have some fun with your gift, but if you’re clueless as to what the bride might want beyond her china and electric mixer, stick to the basics.
Now at the risk of ruining all my gift surprises for the bridal showers I’m attending this summer, I’ll take one for the team and let you in on my personal list of the only presents that make buying off the registry acceptable.

Customizable Hangers
Choose from several options including the names of the bride & groom and wedding date. The perfect way for her to hang her wedding gown for pictures!
$40.00 custom order on www.shopfirstdate.com

Personalized Map of Wedding Location
Whether she hangs it in their living room or somewhere more out of sight, she’ll love the personal touch that showcases her place of marriage.
$22.00 on www.etsy.com

Kate Spade “I Do” or “Mrs” Necklace
An understated way to commemorate her marriage. These necklaces are perfect for layering, but just as classy on their own!
$78.00 on www.katespade.com

Monogrammed Stationery
A girl can never have too many notecards in her desk drawer, plus she’ll be dying to send out cards from “both of us” once she’s hitched!
$48.00 for a set of 24 cards on www.etsy.com

Personalized Tote Bag
From the beach to a weekend overnight, this tote is a gift she’ll use for years! I love pairing these totes with tropical honeymoon essentials like a towel, make-up bag, flip flops, etc.
Starting at $19.95 on www.llbean.com

Sixpence
If your bride has to have her something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue…you need to make sure she also has a sixpence for her shoe! This is a great gift to add-on to something more expensive.
$8.95 on www.silversixpence.com

Script Monogram Necklace
A trendy way for her to sport her soon-to-be monogram. Choose from an array of colors and pick her favorite. This necklace is a definite conversation starter and she’ll be the envy of all.
Starting at $75.00 on www.shopfirstdate.com
Posted by Alyssa
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