Wedding Gifts

I know that wedding registries are a practical solution for many couples about to embark on their life together.

However as a guest, I'm often frustrated at the bland offering of gifts to choose from. Steak knives and wine glasses from the main department stores might be practical presents, but they are not very creative or individual and rarely reflect the personality of the couple.

I've always wondered why most people don't choose to go to smaller individual shops to set up their wedding registry.  I found a great little shop in Subiaco recently that would be perfect for this.

Pantoufle, at shop 7, Subiaco Square in Subiaco Perth, is packed full of unusual and diverse gifts for weddings, anniversary gifts, or just about any occasion you could think of. They also deliver thoughout Australia.

Pantoufle means slipper in French and is owned by the Daisy Bedwell, who loves to travel and source her unusual array of accessories and homewares from around the world.

Daisy and her daughter Sarina source their stock from as far away as Turkey, Morocco and Dubia.

The range of products includes candle holders, tableware, linen, pottery and lanterns. Most of these little gifts are unique and are not available anywhere else in Australia. There are plenty of practical, but funky, gift ideas for weddings and anniversarys.

These glass plates are great value at $15 each, so you can easily buy a set of 6 - perfect wedding or anniversary gifts. They are also hand blown in Murano in Italy.  They would look so beautiful at a table and would work with formal or casual dining. You can find them in the tablewear and linen section of Pantoufle's online shop here.

I don't know about you, but I would rather have at least part of my gift registry at a shop like this, supporting local businesses, than have the bland selection of international brands at the main department stores.

WEDDING GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERY BUDGET

Part of my job with Prezzi Magazine is to find new gift ideas from fashion and lifestyle magazines from Australia, the US and Europe (usually with a biscuit and a cup of tea in hand).  I love doing this because:

1. I like reading glossy magazines 

2. I know that I'm giving you guys a head start in your search for that perfect gift.

During my research this month, I came across a couple of websites selling products that I think are ideal for wedding presents.  I don't know about you, but I love giving glamorous and indulgent wedding gifts.... although I have a restricted budget like most people!

To me, the key to a glamorous and indulgent wedding gift is posh packaging and wrapping. 

The following sites have gifts for all budgets, but the packaging makes them look a million dollars. Perfect!

1. First is Jo Malone. They have an Australian website, or you can visit one of their shops in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Products from this website are a great gift for a couple who've lived in the UK. They'll really appreciate these extremely high quality candles, soaps and home sprays. 

If you've ever been into their shop, you'll understand the joy of their fragrances and elegant packaging.

It's not a cheap gift option, but you'll be giving the lucky couple a thoughtful gift that will make them feel very special for a long time.

2. Pepe's Paperie Bondi has lots of fabulous gift options for newlyweds, from posh pens and elegant stationery to fabulous photo albums and luxurious leather bags and journals.

Best of all is their gift wrapping.  For $9.95 the people at Pepe's can gift wrap for you... and  their wrap couture paper and gift tags will really take your wedding gift to the next level of luxury - no matter what's inside the wrapping! You can shop online... and there are also shops in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

3.  Georg Jensen and Alessi Silver both have great products and luxurious packaging. Their gifts are widely available around Australia, either at their own shop or at places like David Jones and Myer.  The Georg Jensen beige and silver packaging has a particularly substantial feel to it - a bit like a Tiffany's jewellery box.  If you're looking for a bargain, Georg Jensen often has good sales in-store rather than on their Australian website... so keep that in mind.

4.  Gift website, Prezzi Express sells a good range of gifts suitable for weddings. But if you're looking for gorgeous packaging, you can't go past their Scarlett Willow placemats and coasters.

The red gift boxes are truly sumptuous and the three designs available are gorgeous as well.  What's more, Prezzi Express has elegant gift wrapping.  The newlyweds will feel like royalty when they receive some of these beauties.

I hope these ideas give you a head start in your search for that perfect wedding gift. Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune buying an expensive looking gift.  It's all in the packaging and gift-wrapping. Happy gift-hunting.