Wedding Gifts for a Second Marriage

If you know someone who is getting married for the second time, you might be wondering what is the right gift  for this occasion. Appliances,  kitchen tools,  and china  might seem strange to buy for two people who probably already have everything, unlike buying gifts for young couples who are just starting off. Since there really is no "right" gift, the best thing to do is keep things light, fun, and useful. Housewares  can be practical as long as you know that the couple does not already own the item or if you know that they want to upgrade. (Maybe she wants a new china pattern  so she doesn't have to think about her ex-husband?) Nonetheless, gifts that are more fun oriented might just be the lighthearted gift that you need. Fun electronic toys can be great gifts as well -- think digital cameras  or mp3 players. 

Gift Baskets A simple gift that is suitable for everyone is a gift basket. You can buy one or build one yourself. Before choosing or building, think about what types of food and drink they prefer, whether they love cheese  and wine,  coffee  or tea,  chocolates,  grilling,  etc. When designing a basket yourself, the possibilities are endless. Also consider your price range. Buying pre-made baskets are expensive for what they offer. The most bang for your buck is what you get by making your own basket. Plus you can tailor it to very specific tastes (like if the bride or groom are allergic to certain products, if they are vegan, etc.). Add a ribbon  or bow,  even fresh cut flowers, and the basket will look both festive and thoughtful.

Special Moments Together Get the couple a gift that will allow them to spend some quality time together. Get them a picnic set  with all the trimmings so that they can relax with a sunset and conversation over an outdoor meal. Alternatively, like with the gift baskets, you can always prepare your own. Simply buy a basket  and fill it with the basics. There are quite a few nicely packaged wine sets  that are ideal for wine lovers. You can also upgrade to champagne with crystal glasses,  a romantic movie,  and some candles  so that they can picnic at home. If you know that the couple enjoys romance, kits  with massage oils  offer a way of spending a sensual night together. Too risqué? How about a gourmet popcorn  tub with matching bowls  and a DVD?

Getaways & Experiental Gifts You and your friends can chip in to get the second-time newly weds a way to get out of town. Or you can offer them a new experience. Rent them the honeymoon suite in a ski  lodge and buy them lift tickets. Get them a bed and breakfast stay in wine country and throw in a tour guide book  to lead the way. Find them a log cabin near a national park if they like the outdoors. Include passes for snowmobile, whitewater rafting or fishing trips depending on their tastes. Buy them a gift certificate  to dinner, a Broadway  show, a month of movie passes  or a sporting event.  Get them moving with dance lessons.  Send them to the spa for a relaxing and romantic day of luxury. Offer them a trip in a hot air balloon. For the adventurers, get them a package for learning how to sky dive or scuba dive. Cruises (either overnight or just for the evening) are another option depending on how much money you want to spend. See these Web sites for more ideas: Experience Days, Spa Finder, Signature Days, Gotham Dream Cars, Barnstorming.com

Charitable Gifts If you know that the couple has a charitable organization close to their hearts, a great way to honor their marriage is to make a donation in their name to their favorite organization. Not sure where or how to donate? Here are a few ideas to help you get started. Before you donate to any organization, check out their profile on CharityNavigator.org. This will let you see how much money an organization spends on fundraising vs. actual projects and can give you some idea about how reputable the organization is. They also list many smaller charities that you may have never heard of before. Still not sure where to donate? You can donate through CharityGiftCertificates.org and allow the couple to choose for themselves! With over 100 charities listed, there is sure to be one (or a few) that they support. In addition to these organizations, you can also look into projects in your neighborhood or in the area the newlyweds call home. You might be able to donate time or money to local organizations that, for example, restore wildlife habitats or support the town schools. Another option is to volunteer at a local food bank, blood drive or soup kitchen.