MAIN Party Ideas Gift Ideas Engagement Gift Ideas

Isn't it romantic? Celebrating the first flush of love and romance with the newly engaged couple and the hope and anticipation they feel now is a reason for friends and family to come together at the engagement party to celebrate!

Traditional engagement gifts typically include a bottle of champagne, champagne flutes, crystal vases, or a nice photo frame. However, just up ahead check out a few more interesting ideas for engagement gift giving, along with great tips on what to avoid - just in case.

What NOT to give: Avoid sensitive religious sentiments, especially with an interfaith couple or those who are already living together. Don't give gifts solely focused on one person. Although a subscription to a wedding magazine may be a thoughtful gift to give a future bride, that usually leaves the groom out in the cold. Also, resist any temptation to give sexy or racy gag gifts. Save them for the bachelor party or bachelorette party. The engagement party is all about romance!

Here are a few great suggestions for giving a gift that reflects all the warmth and love of the moment, and which celebrates the couple's first public announcement that they have committed the rest of their lives to one another:

• Engagement gift basket - Fill it up with fancily wrapped candy or cookies, chocolate-dipped strawberries, a bottle of champagne, romantic music CD, and scented candles, or anything else you think they might enjoy.
  
  

• Romantic couple gifts: Give a gift certificate for a couples' spa treatment, dinner for two at their favorite romantic restaurant, or treat them to a night on the town with tickets to a popular show or concert.
  
  

• Good luck wishes: Present a decorative framed four leaf clover or silver horseshoe to the happy couple, with a note expressing your best wishes and how very lucky they are to have found each other.
  
  

• Lovely literature: Visit your favorite online bookstore or retail shop to purchase a book of helpful tips for engaged couples, or seek out beautifully illustrated collections of poems or quotes that celebrate romance and eternal love.
  
  

• His & her gifts: If your budget allows, how about an inscribed his and her watch set? You can also search the Web for online shops that customize coffee mugs, pens, pillows, towels, or other items. Purchase a set and then have them printed with their names, their engagement and wedding dates, or JOHN and JANE, MR. and MRS., or HIS and HERS.
  
  

• The gift of money: OK, not so romantic — but always appreciated, especially by a young couple who need lots of extra support as they prepare for their big wedding day! If that's too impersonal and you know the couple well substitute money for a gift card to their favorite clothing or department store.
  

also see in Gift Ideas -> Bridal Registries 

More tips & advice about housewarming gifts around the Web:

Engagement Gift Ideas - Check out ideas from the traditional to the charming and quirky.