by Kathy Deutsch

Created on: April 01, 2008

There is such beauty in the joining of two hearts, two lives. It is an awesome commitment. I cry at weddings; they are so moving. To commemorate this creation of a new family, the perfect gift must be thoughtful.

Consider the couple before selecting the gift. Are they the outdoorsy types? Then no-fuss styling and practicality are the keys to choosing the right gift. Urbanites would love trendy Euro-styled items. Homebodies love the classics. Remember, nice items are not necessarily expensive. The consideration used in picking them out is important.

Watches are such a great gift, and there are many styles. Literally, there is a watch for every type of person. Here's a thought, most people have a watch for work. Why not get the couple watches they can use when having fun? For theatre-goers, sleek timepieces, scuba-fanatics would appreciate dive watches.

Another off-beat but interesting gift is matching pens. If the couple is creative, they might love matching fountain pens. Fountain pens are widely used in Europe; there is a huge selection of beautiful pens for every budget. The ecologically aware will appreciate that the pens are not disposable, can be repaired, and will probably last a lifetime. If one member of the couple wouldn't like the ritual of fountain pen filling, matching pens can be purchased in many configurations, including roller-ball and ball point.

Most personal jewelry is difficult to pick for a couple. But one item I particularly like is a plain precious metal wrist chain. These simple bracelets have so many variations. Small links or large, diamond-cut or matte finished, in metal types from the traditional 10 karat gold to copper. Given as a set, they symbolize a couple's unity. Look for bracelets with an unusual clasp that can be adjusted so the bracelet can be worn either close-fit or loose. Some jewelers will custom design these. Then the bracelet set is one-of a kind, just like the couple.

Just about any piece of jewelry can be engraved. It does not have to be a whole sonnet, just the initials of the pair. This personalization creates sentimental value-especially if the date of the union is added.

Making a life commitment is a monumental experience. Giving the couple a thoughtfully-considered gift shows that you care about them and recognize the day's importance.

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