Classic Engagement Gifts

Everyone wants to please a newly married couple and stay within a budget when purchasing a wedding present. Sure, young lovers want cash but that will be spent before they can write a "thank you" note. We really need to buy newlyweds items that they don't want to spend their own money on and things they feel they deserve to start a life together. Hopefully the gift giver's thoughtfulness will be remembered every time the item is used. Most first time newlyweds need a whole lot of everything and they want it to be cool-top of the line and better than everyone's else stuff. With such high expectations, they will be pleased with my recommendations.

Your best bet is to buy gift certificates at cool places so that they can buy the items they want in the style they prefer. Where can they get a bang for your buck and has cool choices for young couples? I suggest gift certificates to Bed Bath & Beyond, Ikea or Pier 1 Imports (if there is one near the couple's residence). If you are privy to knowing the newlyweds are homeowners or will be homeowners in the near future, then a gift certificate to Home Depot or Lowes may be in order. The only caveat with buying a gift certificate is that the couple knows exactly how much you spent. I recommend this option if you have $100 or more to spend.

Unless you know what your newlyweds actually desire, please don't try to choose stylish items for them. I can guarantee that they don't want a hodge podge of mismatched items by well intentioned but misguided guests. Even if you know the color of the couples living room, for example, they may have plans to redecorate. Try not to put your own personal taste into the decision either. Thoughtfulness is recognizing that not everyone has your style. If you must bargain hunt or you abhor gift certificates, you will need to hunt down the perfect gift as well. What you should choose are classic and basic items.

Cooking is a basic. Even if your couple doesn't like cooking they will need to cook at some point. New kitchens have stainless steel appliances so a stainless finish on kitchen items is a sure bet and it is a timeless look. If you shop at Ikea, for example, you can buy a in Stainless Steel for only $59.99 and add on other pieces if your budget allows. I would recommend another Frying Pan for $19.99. This cookware is high quality and cool looking. And, if your newlyweds already have some old pots they just may throw them out.

For the budding homemakers I also recommend a Cuisinart SmartPower Duet Blender/Food Processor for $99.99, found at Bed Bath & Beyond. Not only will the couple have a blender to create delicious drinks for their friends; a whole new world of recipes opens up to them when they have a food processor. It saves time chopping too.

Another item busy couples like is a Cuisinart® Classic Toaster Oven/Broiler for quick meals. Again in a stainless finish with a large capacity and easy clean up. Perfect for budding cooks! For $99.99 at BB&B-it is top notch.

With the advent of gourmet coffee shops, taste for coffee has risen to a new level. So, how can newlyweds appease their guests or their own palates? This affordable model makes quick coffee, espressos, lattes and cappuccinos. This is everything a coffee aficionado or their discerning guests could desire. It's called the Krups XP1500 Coffee/Espress Maker for $99.99.

I can't tell you how many water and wine glasses have been broken in my household. I'm thankful that they were not crystal. Newlyweds need a lot of glasses for themselves, guests, and future family members. Usually young couples are short on storage so they don't want expensive goblets that they feel they need to store until royalty visits their home. You can find classic glass tumblers for $2 a piece at Pier1Imports. And theSvalka White Wine Glass, for example, only costs $4.99 for a six pack at Ikea. You could also find red wine, champagne flutes, cocktail and other glassware at Ikea. You can mix and match until you reached your budget limit!

Every household also needs a reliable corkscrew. If you want to provide your newlyweds with a conversation piece that can get the job done, I recommend Metrokane® Rabbit Wine 6-Piece Corkscrew Tool Kit at Bed Bath and Beyond for $49.99. Even if the couple doesn't drink wine, some of their guests may want to imbibe. You don't want to leave them empty handed.

When entertaining crowds I have found that a punch bowl is a lot of fun. You don't have to man the bar and can provide cool drinks to guests that they can self-serve. There is a perfect Punch Bowl Set at Bed Bath and Beyond for $99.99 that will surely please guests.

I also recommend a serving platter for chip and dips-for Superbowl parties or anytime guests come over. There are many choices, but I suggest buying one that is metal or glass to match the couple's choice of serve wear. One of my favorites is Wilton Armetale Olives Chip & Dip Server for $84.99, also found at Bed Bath and Beyond.

Another fun thing for newlyweds to do is have a fondue night. A Lazy Susan 3-in-1 Fondue has a stainless pot and rotates for guest's convenience. At $49.99 it's a steal and is a lot of fun!

Whatever one chooses for a newlywed couple, the most important factors to consider are that the choices are basic, classic, fun and easily coordinated with a couple's style. You can do it and I hope I set you on the right course!

Ann Laczko