With summer, comes love and marriage.  Chances are you have a few weddings to attend this summer and might be looking for the perfect gifts for each of these couples.  Now this task can be daunting.  Every couple usually registers at different stores for things that they will need or want for their home and new life together.  But I am not always fond of sticking 100% to the registry.  I know, I know you may be thinking, “Well they registered for what they want so you should buy them what they ask for.”  And I agree with giving newly married couples what they will need to start their life.  And I do believe in registries because no one knows what the couple may already collectively have.  Prior to my wedding, my husband and I registered and I know they play an important part. But what if you check the registry before the wedding and all the “good” gifts are gone?  Or what if only really expensive things are left and you can’t afford them?  Do you just give them a gift card to the registry locations so they can pick out other things?  Well, you could do that; it will be appreciated. But why not give them something that they will treasure and remember you by, that they will also use.  Having received a few of these gifts myself, I wanted to see what else I could find to make buying that cool, unique and practical gift just a little easier.

• A Piggy Bank. I know it seems childish, but some married friends of my husband and I gave us a silver, classy-looking piggy bank for change and extra cash.  They said that when they first got married, they would put this extra dough in the pig as additional savings.  By the time the pig was full (for the second time), they had saved enough money to get that flat screen TV they always wanted.
• Camping Gear. If you know your couple really well and they love the outdoors, camping gear will be perfect.  An old friend of mine and her now husband loved to camp and hike.  If I had remembered this prior to getting them a gift, I would have loved to pick up two hiking backpacks or a cozy tent.
• A set of matching or personalized golf clubs. My sister and her boyfriend are golf fanatics.  If they end up getting married, I know this would be such a cool gift for them.  Because it says to them, “I know what you’re interested in as a couple and I want you to spend time together.”  You always want to encourage couples to do activities together.  It strengthens their bond and helps them enjoy each others company.
• A jewelry tree or ring holder. Losing wedding rings is such an easy and common thing that happens.  Help your couple out by giving them something fashionable, to hold – what should be – their most prized possession.
• A Wall Gallery Frame Set. I am in love with photos, so this one would be perfect for me.  I have seen sets where the frames are all attached by hooks to a long pole at the top.  Not only are these pieces classic, but the frames will be perfectly spaced so there’s no hard work involved in displaying the wedding photos they will undoubtably want to showcase.
• Monogramed Chefs Aprons. My friend Jennifer and her husband are professional chefs that met in culinary school.  So sure, they probably have a ton of cooking supplies already, but their quality time together is most likely in a kitchen making dinner.  So why not give them special aprons to wear with their names and maybe the wedding date?
• A Personalized Key Holder. If your couple is anything like another couple I know who are always misplacing things, then a key holder with their last name on it would be a great addition to their home.  You can find them in different, yet simple styles that will coordinate with any decor.
• A set of Coasters. If you don’t have a ton of money this one is perfect and sweet.  There are some monogramed stone coasters out there that are very nice, but my husband and I received some coasters from a close friend that were glass.  What made them so special is that we could put pictures in them.  This person knows I love photos and so I put pictures of my husband and I in them.  Every so often I change out the photos.  Every time we lift our drink, we get to remember a nice time we shared together.