It's beginning to look a lot like ... wedding season. Just as the first sprig of holly heralds the holiday season in December, those lovely, thick cream-colored invitations thumping down your mail chute are a harbinger of weddings to come. Before the pit of dread forms in your stomach, never fear: Nirali is here. While we can't help you find the perfect lehenga for the occasion or protect you from the nosy posse of aunties ("Still haven't found a husband, eh beta?"), we can help you find the perfect wedding gift for all the couples on your list.

Get Cooking
Whether the couple in question are novices in the kitchen or Food Network devotees, a cooking-themed gift is an ideal way to prepare them for married life. Start with a cookbook tailored to their tastes, throw in a monogrammed apron for each, and top it off with a splurge item like a set of shiny new knives or cookware. Not only will the bride and groom be grateful for their gourmet gadgets, but you can be sure that you'll be invited to their next dinner party.

  1. Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook, Williams Sonoma, $35
  2. Indian Every Day: Light, Healthy Indian Food, Amazon.com, $17.32
  3. Personalized Apron, Williams Sonoma, $29
  4. Henckels Twin Signature 7-Piece Block Set, Amazon.com, $79.99
  5. Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set, $149.99

Picnic in the Park
With summer around the corner, why not treat the happy couple to a picnic? Buy a picnic basket for two, add a cookbook of picnic goodies, and finish it off with a comfy, water resistant blanket. A charming and romantic gift—just be sure you're in safe gagging distance when the couple is feeding strawberries to each other in wedded bliss.
  1. Picnic Basket for Two, Pier 1, $60
  2. Picnics Cookbook, Crate and Barrel, $12.95
  3. Picnic Blanket, Williams Sonoma, $129.95
The Jet Set
If the couple in question is always jetting off to the farthest reaches of the world (or will just be making frequent trips home to the in-laws), help them travel in style. A monogrammed cashmere travel set with a blanket, sleep mask and slippers will make even economy class luxurious. Throw in a travel kit so they have all the getaway essentials, and finish it off with some light, escapist reading for the plane. Suddenly, visiting the in-laws doesn't sound so bad.
  1. Monogrammed Cashmere Travel Set, RedEnvelope.com, $159.99
  2. Hanging Toiletry Bag, , Leather Tree, $76
  3. An Embarrassment of Mangoes: A Caribbean Interlude by Ann Vanderhoof, Amazon.com, $10.17
Swingers and Shakers
Just because they're not swinging singles anymore doesn't mean the bride and groom can't still throw swanky soires (and invite you, of course). Help get them in the mood with a cool cocktail set, complete with martini glasses, a cocktail shaker and a sleek ice bucket. Throw in a bartender's black book (with a circle around your favorite drink) and set the tone with the perfect lounge CD. It will be maahvelous, daahling.
  1. 9 Piece Martini Shaker and Glasses Gift Set, Gifts for Professionals, $39.95
  2. American Bar, by Charles Schumann, Amazon.com, $11.01
  3. Wild Cool & Swingin: Ultra Lounge 5, Amazon.com, 11.99
  4. Oneida Astrid Stainless Steel 3-Quart Covered Ice Bucket with Tongs, Amazon.com, $34.99
  5. Miss Scarlet's Drunken Pimento Stuffed Olives, Amazon.com, $72.00/case

Spa Getaway
After months of hectic wedding planning, the bride and groom will be only too happy to indulge themselves in a package of spa essentials. Fill a big wicker basket with plush monogrammed robes for each. Add a luxurious foot spa, then top it off with sweet smelling bath bombs, lotions and massage oils. Now the lucky couple can really relax in wedded bliss.
  1. Homedics Jet Spa Ultra Footbath with Pedicure Center, Sears.com, $59.99
  2. Monogrammed robe, , Pottery barn, $79.99
  3. Blissful Bathing Package, Lush, $75.95

Roxanna Kassam

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