Grab ‘n Go Unique Wedding Gifts

Studio 5 Contributor Kiersten Blanchard shows several favorite picks that will make a memorable gift for any bride and groom.

Spicy Wedding Gift Box

http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/c-Gift_Boxes.html

• Under “8 Jar Gift Boxes” click on “Spicy Wedding.”

• $41.89

• Eight top-selling spices and seasonings along with wedding charms. This gift is perfect for setting up a kitchen. The vibrantly colored spices, nestled in bay leaves and cinnamon sticks, make this gift stand out!

• Includes ½ cup jars of

Pasta Sprinkle

Creamy Peppercorn

Medium Hot Chili Powder

Hungarian Sweet Paprika

Ground China Cinnamon

Jerk Chicken Seasoning

English Prime Rib Rub

• Also find “Spicy Wedding Shower” and “Deluxe Spicy Wedding” gift box options.

Festival Picnic Basket

a href=”http://www.everythingpicnic.com”target=blank>http://www.everythingpicnic.com/festival.aspx

• $36.99

• Receive 10% off any picnic basket on the site through the end of April by using the coupon code “STUDIO” at checkout.

• Sutherland light brown willow picnic basket, lined with checked gingham, includes plastic plates, mugs, utensils, and cotton napkins.

• 7.5″ x 16.5″ x 11″

• Also comes in blue and white checker pattern

• See entire selection of baskets at http://www.everythingpicnic.com

Beach Bag

• Target: Available in many different styles priced between $5 and $15.

• Include two matching beach towels and sunscreen, and anything else fun for a day on the beach or at the pool.

• This gift may even find its way on the honeymoon.

First Aid Kit

• Target.com: Easy Care Soft-Sided First Aid Kit, $19.99

• American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness 106-pc. First Aid Kit, $15.39

• You can easily assemble several of your own by buying tackle boxes or cosmetic cases with small compartments. Then, buy first aid supplies in bulk and divide them between the containers to complete several kits.

• Consider including the following items:

Seasonal Home Décor

• A couple just getting started will likely find they don’t have the financial resources to decorate their new home for upcoming holidays.

• For best deals, shop the clearance sales just after the season/holiday passes. Then, keep in storage until you are invited to a wedding as the holiday is approaching the following year. If you keep stocked up after each season, you will always have the appropriate current season.

• Be sure to go traditional with the decorations, as trendy things may go out of style or may not suit the couple’s style. Think wreaths!

Bless This Home Doormat
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5716825#spc

• $18.00

• 17″ x 27″

• You can buy this ahead and stock up without personalizing or with three weeks’ notice, you can order and personalize online and have it shipped to the nearest Wal-Mart for free. If the wedding invitation doesn’t come quite that early, you can pay to have it shipped directly to you.

Bride and Groom Gift Card Holder
Set ($9.50): http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=616290

Groom ($5): http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=123463

Bride ($5): http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1229833

• Made of cotton material and machine embroidered edging and stitching

• Measures approx. 2.75″ x 4″

• We all know that couples really love the gift cards. Here’s an item you can stock up on to add some pizzazz to the traditional gift card.

Other ideas: (Although not quite as grab and go, these are a few of my favorite other gift ideas)

• If you’re the type that likes to buy from the couple’s registry, try adding a little something out of the ordinary to make the gift special. For example, if the couple has registered for bath towels, buy a set of two and add your favorite scented bubble bath.

• Family Favorite Recipes: This gift takes a bit of work up front, but seems to be one of the favorites that I give for weddings or showers. Buy an index card binder from Office Max for $2.79 (also online). Type up several of your family’s favorite recipes and print them out on included 3″ x 5″ index cards. You can also give this with some of the ingredients or kitchenware to make one of the recipes.

• Cookie Jar: Buy a fun cookie jar. (Find one called Jumbo Round Cookie Jar at Target.com for $14.99) Fill it with homemade cookies and the recipe. The bride and groom have cookies to enjoy right away and a recipe and jar to enjoy for years to come.

• Date Night: Fill a basket with movie treats, sparkling cider, champagne glasses, and tickets to a local movie theater or other production.

• Photo Book: Give the couple a photo book (could be engraved with their names and wedding date). Remember to bring a camera when you go to the wedding. Take candid shots during the wedding and then give them after the couple returns from their honeymoon to begin filling their book with memories.