Almost every state now has a marketing program for locally-made products. These programs are designed to promote all the creative goods which highlight the flavors and specialties of each state. For Washington, one great site is Made in Washington. Here you will find an A to Z list of many Washington-made products. You will get a great idea of the wide variety of goods for which Washington is known. Use web sites like these to spark your imagination or to find the perfect gift.
Here are a few tips for choosing a wedding gift. What are the personalities of the couple? Take a clue from the wedding invitation, the wedding site, and the reception location. If you received an elegant, gold embossed invitation for a black-tie formal wedding in downtown Olympia, keep your choices more traditional. Look where the bride and groom are registered and consider the items that they selected. If the entire list is china settings, kitchen gadgets, and towels, this may not be the couple who wants a funky, recycled glass statue made by a struggling Seattle artist.
What is the couple interested in? Talk with the couple's family members and friends to find a unique gift that proves that you know and care for this special couple. For example, if you know the honeymoon is planned for Orcas Island, find a gift certificate for a local shop, a day spa or bicycle rentals. Call up the honeymoon location's Chamber of Commerce and ask what are some of the local attractions in this location. You might see if another person or couple wants to go in with you for a more expensive treat like a boat rental or sailing lessons.
What would you like to receive? Think back to your own days as a newlywed. What was the most thoughtful or helpful gift you received? Do you treasure the prints you received from your brother? Were the etched glasses with dancing salmon the prized possession of your marriage's first few years? Ask other newly married couples what they received that they consider the perfect gift.
There are a few words of caution you should keep in mind regarding wedding gifts. Be careful of artwork or home furnishings, like rugs or sculptures. Unless you are 100% sure the couple will enjoy a specific painting or artist, keep looking for a gift. These types of items are highly personal and the last thing you want is to give an Impressionist painting to a couple who prefers black and white photos.
If you are unsure about your gift selection, ask a family member or close friend of the couple. The bride's mother or the groom's sister will know if matching monogrammed bathrobes will be a sure hit. Family members are also a great resource if you can't think of a perfect gift to get them.
Buying a wedding gift isn't about the price or the size of the gift. As long as your choice is from the heart and shows your affection for the couple, you really can't go wrong. Think of your choice as a way to honor and support this new family, and you'll be sure to find the perfect gift.