Non-Traditional Wedding Gift Ideas

When I married, my mother insisted I register for sterling silver. I did. We got one silver teaspoon. It doesn't exactly blend on the dinner table with my stainless-steel table settings.

What's my point? Traditional registry items are not your only options -- and may not be popular with your gift givers, either.

Couples today are registering at stores that cater to their hobbies and interests. For example, you can register at a sporting goods store for camping equipment or a place like Home Depot for decorating supplies.

Non-traditional gift ideas: camping gear larger appliances art work sporting goods travel/honeymoon charity of your choice

Another wedding gift trend is for several people to chip in together for one big-ticket item. Couples can register for gifts as diverse as a Jacuzzi or a special piece of art. Some travel agencies even offer honeymoon registration, which lets people help defray the cost of your wedding trip.

The registry possibilities are endless -- limited only
by your imagination and the willing participation of a
store.

One less consumer-oriented trend, especially for a
second marriage or for an older, more established couple,
is for a monetary gift to be donated to a favorite
charity. Although it is in extremely bad taste to include
your registered stores on your invitation, some etiquette
gurus are warming up to the idea of including a request
for no gifts -- or for a donation to charity -- on a
separate card mailed with your invitation.