How to Pick a Last-Minute Wedding Gift

Sometimes holidays, birthdays, showers, and weddings pile up so that you can barely keep up with all of the celebrations and gift buying. Wedding registries are often depleted well before the first shower, and all you're left with to buy are car floor mats and an office trash can. Read on for quick ideas on how to pick a last minute wedding gift, and choose something the new couple will use and treasure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Most stores' wedding registries are now online. Take a chance and check the happy couple's registries, to see if there are items left. Choose the store with the most options remaining, and go there to purchase your gift. If you're really in a hurry, select an item, then phone the store and ask them to set it aside for you to be picked up that day.
2. If the registry is almost or completely empty, examine the items that were already purchased. Make note of the colors and styles, and then visit the store to purchase complementary items. If the couple registered for dark blue towels for the bathroom, buy the matching throw rugs or accessories. If they registered for sheets and a comforter, choose a complementary blanket, throw, and pillows.
3. Often the registry will have a number of disparate items left that aren't enough of a gift on their own, and would be too odd to be presented together. Purchase one of the remaining items, like a blender or silver picture frame, and then add a gift card. The couple can use the gift card to pick up any remaining items on their list, or choose new ones.
4. Visit a housewares store and buy useful items that couples don't usually register for. You can purchase picnic baskets, dishes, and utensils. Buy colored martini glasses and a shaker, a chip & dip bowl with matching plates, or a set of grilling utensils if they already own a gas or charcoal grill. Stores like these will often have gift sets already put together that will make it easy to buy something special for the wedding.
5. Buy electronics. Wedding registries often favor domestic items like kitchenware and bedding, but there are other household items that make great gifts. Depending on your budget, you can purchase mp3 players, speakers, DVD players, digital cameras, or a fancy espresso or cappuccino maker. Even if they have some of these items, an upgrade is always a welcome gift.
6. If you know the couple well, you can buy more personal items. For newlyweds who plan to travel a lot, matching carry-on luggage is a great gift. Businesspeople would appreciate matching day planners or briefcases, and you can buy diving watches for couples going scuba diving on their honeymoon. Buying matching gifts means you only have to go to one store to pick up the items, which will save you time.

Tips & Warnings

• Young newlyweds often don't register for enough of what they need, so buy extras of what they've registered for. Useful items like this won't go to waste!
• If you decide to give cash instead of a store card, include a small gift along with it. Many specialty and stationery stores that have vast collections of household gifts like crystal vases, picture frames, and other wedding mementos.