Know someone who's getting married in Maine? Choose a gift that has all the spice of this fascinating state. Beautiful gifts of artwork, unparalleled candies and confections or country-charm home decoration can all be found in Maine.

Your Shopping Trip

If you've never visited Maine before, now is the time. Sure, you can find great gifts from a distance (see below: Looking Online), but if you're within driving distance, a trip to the northeast is an unparalleled experience. Take along a friend and make a day (or two!) of it. Your best bet is to drive up Maine's eastern coast, a popular route that offers shopping, sightseeing and plenty of places to stop and take a bite mid-trip.

Explore crafts shops, chocolatiers and of course, department stores. Don't be afraid to approach shop staff for ideas on great wedding gifts. Chances are they'll be more than happy to give you tips on finding the best deals and most unique gifts, so it's worthwhile to ask.

Looking Online

If you're not able to travel right now, don't despair. Maine artisans, craftsmen and shops, as well as the larger department stores and national chains, can often be located online. Try an association like United Maine Craftsmen for jumping off points in finding beautiful and unique wedding gifts.

Specialty shops can usually be located on the web, too. Search for specialty chocolates, maple sugar candies, maple and berry syrups, home decorating and artwork which are based in Maine.

One wedding present that's always welcomed is a gift certificate. Purchase a gift certificate to a wonderful eatery (look for a place that prepares good old-fashioned clams and lobster), or to one of Maine's many trendy and relaxing spas, salons or resorts.

How to Give Your Gift

If Maine is a destination wedding for the bride- and groom-to-be, keep in mind that anything they receive now will have to be lugged back with them on the return trip. Or they may be flying directly from Maine to a honeymoon destination located elsewhere. The most courteous way to handle gift-giving at a destination wedding is to have any boxes or containers mailed directly to the bride and groom (if they live together) or to the mother of the bride's house. Be sure to do this about two weeks before the wedding so the happy couple receives your gift in plenty of time.

Smaller gifts (such as money, which fit in an envelope) can be handed directly to the bride or groom at the reception or placed on the reception hall table.

If You're the Bride or Groom

A couple planning a wedding in Maine can make things even easier for their guests by creating a guest registry at a favorite shop. For your guests' convenience, find a store chain that most of your guests can easily get to, or one that offers online shopping. This way, the perfect wedding gift is just a click away.