How to Buy a Groom-Friendly Gift

If you really want to be a hit with the groom (and you think his bride will be cool with it) consider giving a "groom-friendly" gift. What is that you ask? A gift they can both use, but one the groom will really "dig."

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Barbecue Grills
• China
• Hydration Packs
• Skis
• Sleeping Bags
• Tents With Rain Fly

1. Find out where the couple is registered. The best man or maid-of-honor will have this information.

2. Review the registries and try to identify those that have "groom friendly" gifts. Examples are sports stores, outdoor recreation stores and some home accessory stores. (Think BBQs.)

3. Go straight to the source - the groom. If you can't find anything you think is "groom friendly," it's possible he might have registered at places that the best man or maid-of-honor (or even the bride) don't know about.

4. Try the next best thing - ask the bride. If she is also a sports fan or outdoor enthusiast, then you're really cookin'. Ask her where they are registered and find out what she thinks he really wants.

5. Still stumped? Think action - the groom's top choices generally wouldn't sit on a shelf or need to be polished.

6. Seal the deal. Once you have decided what you want to get him ... them, then buy. There are many great online options to make your life easier.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check the registry. It's designed to make your job easier.
• Camping and sporting gear--such as skis, a sleeping bag or a tent with a rain fly--and outdoor culinary items are almost always guaranteed to be a big hit with the groom.
• Buy early so you will get the best selection of gifts on the registry.
• Many registries have online viewing and buying options to make the choosing and buying process easier.
• Buying gifts off the registry can be dangerous. If the couple did not register for it, there is probably a good reason.
• If you think the bride might disapprove, save this gift for his birthday and keep browsing.

on 11/22/2005 Unless you know the couple well, and are sure that they are an exception to this rule, stick to what they asked for. A gift that would be lovely at another time may be less wonderful when the couple is looking forward to things that will help them start their new lives together.