For the (non-video) gamer

Our world constantly inundates us with serious matters that require us to put on our mature personas and deal with. But we all have a child hiding somewhere beneath our adult exteriors, and games are a great way to encourage it to emerge. The next time you need a present, consider giving the gift of fun that a game offers. Even if your recipient isn't a huge gaming buff, she will likely appreciate receiving a new game as a gift - most people love fun presents they can use and enjoy! Games and gaming accessories also make great hostess, wedding, and wedding shower gifts - don't be surprised if you are invited to a game shower sometime soon!

These recommendations are limited to gamers of the non-video variety - not because of any prejudice against video gamers, but simply because there is no way to give substantive recommendations for both kinds of gamers without posting the longest entry ever in the history of blogging. Don't worry, I will cover video gamers at a later time!

Here are some suggestions for your next gift for a non-video gamer:

Special or different edition of her favorite game: If your recipient has a favorite board game, think about giving her another version like a retro (see below) or updated edition. For a Monopoly fan, give a different edition of the game (find a list of available editions here), like the Electronic Banking or City edition, or Photo-opoly (insert your own pictures for a customized and unique gift). For Scrabble lovers, consider this premium edition (one of Oprah's all-time favorite things) or the premier wood edition. For a chess buff, check out a modern version like the MOMA edition or this black and clear glass set, or even a giant garden set. If you want to spring for luxury (read: expensive) games, visit Luxuo, the British Museum store online (for chess and Mahjong), or Zontik Games (which also offers custom games and pieces) - or buy a collector's edition of her favorite game, like this Monopoly version from Franklin Mint. For a crossword puzzle lover, you can't give a bigger gift than The World's Largest Crossword Puzzle - or go with a more manageable but really cool framed copy of the world's first crossword puzzle plus the personal favorite of the crossword master himself, Will Shortz. If her favorite game has add-ons (like the Apples to Apples expansion set or Cranium booster box), these can also inject new life into her favorite gaming experience.

Premier Wood Scrabble Crossword Game with rotating board (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Retro Version of Game: Retro products are making a comeback, and games are no exception. Game lovers who also enjoy history will especially appreciate these older versions. You can find both original versions of the game (rarer and pricier) and new versions in vintage styles. I love this original retro 1954 Monopoly game and this 1949 Clue edition. Etsy is a great resource for these kinds of items, as are sites like Vintage Game World (which has hundreds of vintage games to choose from) and Vintage Board. For vintage (but new) editions, check out Monopoly Nostalgia (made like the 1957 edition, complete with wooden houses and aged money), Scrabble Retro, Risk Vintage, Sorry Retro, Clue Vintage, and Life Vintage.

Monopoly Nostalgia (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Mini or Travel Edition: Let your gamer have fun on the go with a smaller version of his favorite game. You can find travel games all over the Internet, but Amazon has a great selection. Even smaller versions of some games are available here, and many come in keychain versions that actually work, including Simon Says, Trouble, Sorry!, Battleship, Monopoly, Boggle, Cranium, Connect Four (also available in pen form), Scrabble, Operation, and Rubik's cube. Lots of larger games also come in table top versions, like air hockey, pool (complete with cues, chalk, and a table brush!), and foosball (which also comes in a pocket version).

Connect Four pen (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Game Accessories: Most games come with the basic items required for play, but upgrading your gamer's accessories makes a great gift. Consider dice (see below), a chess clock or storage container, backgammon checkers or dice cups, extra Monopoly money, a deluxe hourglass timer, or a Rubik's Cube stand. Visit The Chess Store, The Backgammon Store, or The Mahjong Store for a complete selection of products for their respective games. If your recipient likes to wager when he plays, he will appreciate a quality set of poker chips, like this World Series of Poker edition or this set that comes in a handy carrying case.

Dice: Every serious gamer deserves to have a premium dice set of his own. If you value quality over quantity, check out these Trademark Poker 19mm A Grade Serialized Set of 6 Casino Dice, available in a variety of colors, or this set with Swarovski crystals in an alligator case. If quantity is more important, go with this Fabulous Las Vegas Dice 200 Piece Set. For a nice, middle of the road version, check out these precision sets in various colors. For a perfect roll every time, throw in a dice tower like this miniature one or this portable version. Top it all off with a dice tray like this luxury version or this more affordable alternative.

Trademark Poker Casino Dice (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Accessories: For a less useful but more interesting gift, consider giving jewelry or accessories made from game pieces. For men, I like cufflinks featuring dice, Four Aces, Monopoly Money Pot Bag Token Pieces, Sudoku grid, Legos, and Scrabble tiles, as well as this Monopoly money tie. If you want a ladies gift, check out this Lego block ring, Scrabble earrings, Scrabble ring, Scrabble necklace, Dominoes necklace, Rubik's Cube necklace, Monopoly tiny house earrings, and Monopoly charm bracelet.

Furniture: For a hardcore game fan, consider giving a piece of furniture or home decoration inspired by his favorite game. A Scrabble lover will appreciate this set of four pillows that look like large playing tiles (available in your choice of letters) or these pillows available individually by letter (spell out his name or a special word). Rubik's Cube addicts will love this coffee table sized version that doubles as a mini storage unit, and these oversized chess pieces will thrill a chess aficionado. For Lego lovers (or anyone who needs storage in a game room), these giant Lego storage boxes are both fun and functional. I also love the Connect Four mirror, Hidden Word Wall Clock, and 6-in-1 game top dresser.

Hidden Word Wall Clock from chiasso (photo courtesy of Amazon)

New Game Like His Favorite: As fun as his favorite games are, sometimes a gamer needs a new experience to spice up game night. If you want to give a new game your gamer is unfamiliar with, either choose one you are personally a fan of (and think he would also enjoy), or look for a game that is the same type as his favorites (logic, individual, group, trivia, etc.) For logic lovers, give a Rubik's Cube in either the original or a more difficult version, or a "mindtwister" game like Pentago. Scrabble lovers will enjoy Scrabble Me (each player has his own board), Scrabble Flash, and Bananagrams (like Scrabble but without the board). Other twists on the classics include Anti-Monopoly (like classic Monopoly but players choose at the outset to play as a monopolistic entity or as a capitalist entity), Yamslam (like poker but without the cards), and Sudoku Cube. If you need some inspiration, visit Game Days, Gift Bee, or Amazon.

Game-Inspired Items: To extend the gaming experience beyond game night, give an item inspired by her favorite game. For chess lovers, there are wall hooks, salt and pepper shakers, and bookends. For Scrabble fans, check out the Scrabble keyring (with a single letter tile) and Scrabble board sketchbook. I also love the Rubik's Cube salt and pepper shakers, Rubik's Cube alarm clock, chips and dice salt and pepper shaker set, Battleship USB hub, "Board Game Expert" mug, and NY Times crossword tray.

Brainteaser Salt And Pepper shakers (photo courtesy of Amazon)

I love finding new games that are fun and challenging. Some of my favorites are BananaGrams, Wits and Wagers, Apples to Apples, Catch Phrase, Guesstures, Scattergories, Taboo, Cranium, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles.

What are your favorite games?

March Sales and Discounts!

Happy March! In my part of the country, the sun is shining and flip-flips are starting to emerge from the back of closets. I hope you are enjoying equally wonderful weather! Before you head outside and soak up some rays, check out these great deals and stock up on gifts for the coming months (remember that St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, and Father's Day are just around the corner!).

Weddings

• Save big at the Wedding Channel Store's 3 day sale, running until Wednesday, March 2. Take up to 75% off site-wide plus 15% off your total with code WC3D15.
• The Knot is offering 25% off a year subscription to Wedding Tracker, which helps you build the ultimate wedding website! Use code AFF25.
• The Knot is also having a sale (up to 65% off!) on wedding favors this week, as well as offering $10 off purchases of $50+ with code TKMAR10.
• Save 15% off $125+ at Exclusively Weddings with code TAFSPRNG through March 31.

Personalized Gifts

• Get free standard shipping when you spend $25+ (through March 31) and save 10% on your entire purchase (through March 15) at Personal Creations. Spend $49+ and save 25% on your whole order (through March 15).
• Save $30 on orders of $135+ at Red Envelope and get free shipping when you spend $70+, both through March 31. Also take 20% off all jewelry orders.
• Take 12% off at Canvas on Demand (code: CODGAN0311) and Great Big Canvas (code GBCGAN0311) through March 31. Both sites transform your pictures into art, which would be a great gift for photographers (among others)!

Television

• Get free shipping when you spend $49+ at The History Channel, A&E, and Bio with code AFFSHIP49, and take 20% off women's history titles.
• Take 15% off The Office from NBC with code NBC15CJ (through March 31) and get free shipping when you spend $100+ with code FREESHIP.
• Save 15% on any purchase from CBS through March 7 with code 15OFFCBS.
• Get $5 off your order of $30+ and free shipping on all orders at Shop the Shows with code 5OFF30.

Miscellaneous

• Spend $99+ and get free shipping from Hammacher Schlemmer with code HSMRCHFS.
• Get free shipping and a gift worth $25 (hand therapy + lip butter) when you spend $75+ at Crabtree & Evelyn, plus buy one lip butter get one 50% off and get 2 select hand care products for $25, all through March 7.
• Take an extra 15% off and get free shipping on all orders at Samsonite with code WINTER15 (through March 7).
• Take 20% off and get free shipping from Linens 'N Things through March 8 with code MARCH20.
• Mac Connection is having their biggest Apple sale of the season - check out their lowest prices of the year!
• Get an extra 20% off and free shipping on orders of $100+ at eBags.
• Get free shipping with code FREESHIP30 when you spend $30+ at Melissa & Doug through March 3, and save 35% anytime.

Don't forget to follow Gift Giving Guru on Twitter (@scgiftguru) for more deals and product recommendations!

For the globetrotter (memories)

By this time, you have equipped your globetrotter with everything he needs for his next trip - essentials, gadgets, and miscellaneous items. But what about those travelers who already have all of these things, or who aren't traveling anytime soon? For them, consider items that commemorate their travels and bring back memories of their world jaunts.

Although you don't have to worry as much about space constraints here as you do with other travel items, make sure your recipient has the space to display your gift and the desire to have it. That is, don't give cufflinks to a man who doesn't own a suit and avoid a large map or piece of art for someone in a rented space who can't put anything on the walls. Other than these considerations, use your imagination - it's hard to go wrong with anything that reminds your globetrotter of his trips or favorite destinations.

Here are some final (for awhile) suggestions for the traveler on your list:

• Traveler Map: This product is listed first for a reason - it is the perfect gift for any and every traveler. I received this map a few years ago and it has been one of my favorite possessions ever since. The original version (and the one I have) is a world map, but there are also US, kid's US, and European editions (along with maps for US golf courses, national parks, and baseball stadiums and country maps for France, Germany, Italy, and the UK). Each map comes with a personalized nameplate and pins to mark past travels, dream destinations, favorite spots, and the next planned trip. There are plenty of other maps you can personalize, but this is my favorite by far. For any serious traveler, buy an extra set or two of pins so she doesn't run out. You can buy from the original manufacturer, Stone Arch Merchants, but a number of other stores sell them as well. This world map mural (wall sized and laminated for easy writing and erasing) and scratch off world map (a colorful world map covered with scratch-off foil) are also neat options.

World Traveler Map (photo courtesy of Stone Arch Merchants)

Jewelry: For a globetrotter who regularly wears jewelry and accessories, an upcycled or original piece is a great travel memento. For women, look for rings and necklaces; for men, consider cufflinks or a tie clip. Repurposed transit tokens from major cities make unique gifts - you can find them fashioned into cufflinks (link: choice of Boston, New York, San Francisco, Honolulu, or Chicago), rings (link: Boston), and necklaces (link: Philadelphia). Many stores also offer cufflinks made from original (link: Vatican) and handpainted (link: South Korea) coins or featuring city manhole covers (link: various locations), flags (link: South Africa), and signature items (link: UK red phonebooth). Many tie bars also feature country flags, like these Irish and UK versions. For a personalized option, consider cufflinks or a necklace with a custom map location. Choose one of your traveler's favorite destinations or special places, such as a honeymoon spot or vacation home. You can find pre-made and custom pieces in several Etsy stores - my favorites are this cufflink and necklace set (perfect for newlyweds with their honeymoon destination) and these custom black and white cufflinks.

Handpainted bronze Australian coins - many of these coins were removed from circulation and used in the bronze medals for the 2000 Sydney Olympics (photo courtesy of Cufflinks Depot)

Collectibles: For a traveler with space to display items, think about giving a small decoration or two that reminds her of a favorite destination or spot. Consider country or city symbols or mottos, famous landmarks, and classic representations of a place (like a double decker bus or red phone booth for London). I like this Arc de Triomphe stamp, New York map handkerchief, and these Paris map playing cards. One of my favorite products is the city-in-a-bag series, shown below, that includes several miniature representations of the city. Check out MUJI for more great selections and ideas.

City in a Bag Tokyo (also available in New York, Paris, and London) (photo courtesy of MUJI)

Replica double decker bus (photo courtesy of London Transport Museum)

Photos: Travelers always have lots of pictures from their travels and would love some help getting them into a tangible format. For globetrotters using digital cameras, give credits or a gift card that allows him to print out his photos. I use Shutterfly for my travel pics, which offers three prepaid plans of 4x6 prints - $54 for 600 prints, $44 for 400 prints, and $20 for 200 prints. They also offer other products made from your traveler's photos, including books, coasters, calendars, and puzzles. If he uses a film camera, give him a gift certificate to get his film developed. If he already has his pictures printed but needs a way to display them, give him a gift certificate for a local craft store where he can get frames, such as Hobby Lobby.

Art and Maps: An interesting and quality piece of art is a great reminder of traveling. Think framed pictures (like this Eiffel Tower construction progression), paintings (maybe a reproduction print of a piece he saw during his travels), or sketches (a favorite city landmark is nice). Also consider maps of a favorite destination - you could get a modern version or find an antique map of the area, or frame a map of the city's subway. Etsy sellers bananastrudel and OldMapsandPrints have some great authentic vintage maps at very reasonable prices. For a unique twist on a traditional map, I love Etsy seller studiokmo's handmade city maps - especially her original mapcuts (link: various cities including Singapore, London, Paris, Berlin, and Sydney), original ink drawings (link: Melbourne), and mapcut designs printed on stretched canvas (link: Dublin) and heavyweight paper (link: Amsterdam). Here are some more of my favorites: London and Paris paper cut prints, framed original London Tube and bus destination blinds, world map memo board, city map plates, and country dish towels.

Original 1902 map of western Austria-Hungary (photo courtesy of Etsy seller bananastrudel)

Globe: Every globetrotter needs a nice globe for reminders of her travels and quick reference when planning future trips. You can find globes all across the price spectrum, but don't feel like you have to spend big for a quality globe. National Geographic has a classic quality version for $99, and Amazon has lots of great globes for much less (search "desk globe"), including perpetual motion globes in a variety of colors (they complete a full rotation every 18 seconds, powered by a hidden battery) for as low as $17.77. Of course, you could go for a more expensive model like this Frank Lloyd Wright floor globe ($800) designed by the architect himself or this Lead Crystal Everest Globe made from crystal and billed as "the world's finest globe" ($8000).

National Geographic's classic non-illuminated desk globe (photo courtesy of National Geographic)

Shower Curtain: This suggestion may seem somewhat random, but I have long been a fan of these shower curtains that help you learn a new language. Each curtain includes 100 English words and their translations (and pronunciations for Japanese and Chinese) and comes in Spanish, French, Japanese, Italian, German, and Chinese). You might also consider this world map shower curtain or this photo shower curtain with pockets for photos, cards, and small trinkets - what great way for your traveler to start every morning!

Spanish shower curtain with English and Spanish words (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Dining Experience: One of the best ways to recreate a travel experience at home is through food. Take your globetrotter to a local restaurant that serves cuisine from one of her favorite destinations or make her an authentic meal at home. Check out Saveur and the World Hearth Recipe Collection for recipe ideas and Urban Spoon for nearby restaurants.

Travel Box: Serious travelers have lots of mementos from past adventures and inspirations for future journeys, and these items deserve a place of their own. Also called a hope/dream chest or memory/keepsake/heirloom box, this provides a special (and organized) place for your globetrotter to keep ticket stubs, old passports, postcards, brochures, and travel articles. You can go as large or small as you want, but remember that a tiny box isn't going to allow much room for dreaming. Find any kind of box you think will inspire your recipient - my favorites are wooden, but you can get any material with as little or as much decoration and color as you see fit. Take a look at this heirloom box made of reclaimed wood, vintage wooden travel box with leather strap closure, and custom heirloom chest with your choice of calligraphy text to get you started.

Reclaimed wood heirloom box (it reminds me of a treasure chest!) (photo courtesy of Etsy seller artisanwoodcraft)

Map Chair: I've featured this product before but it is well-worth mentioning again. This decoupage chair is custom-made by Etsy seller Bombus (who also makes the atlas journal mentioned in the previous post) in your choice of map - choose a city, country, or the world! It is a true piece of art and makes a great conversation piece for any devoted traveler.

Map chair featuring London (photo courtesy of Bombus)

What are your favorite items to remind you of traveling?

For a wedding shower

Thanksgiving is long gone, Christmas has come and passed, and Valentine's Day is just around the corner. That can only mean one thing . . . wedding season is imminent. Invest in Bed Bath & Beyond stock, make The Knot your home page, and block out every Saturday between February and August for a wedding or wedding-related event.

Wedding season brings its own unique gift challenges, but the Gift Guru is here to ensure that you enter this year's season of love prepared for any wedding, shower, or party your engaged recipients may throw at you. My brother, B, is getting married at the end of April to K, and I am very much looking forward to their wedding and all of the events preceding it. Rest assured that I will be taking much of my own advice when it comes to gift giving in the coming months.

Today, we will focus on the wedding shower (wedding gifts will be covered soon). Wedding showers used to be known exclusively as "bridal showers," presumably because they were only for the bride. You knew exactly what to expect (at least in the South) - a Sunday afternoon gathering in the church parlor with butter mints, Sprite-based punch, lots of lace, and gifts of towels, china, and linens. Nowadays, wedding showers know no bounds. There are couples showers, which both the bride and groom attend, in addition to the traditional bride-only showers (I'm sure that someone has thrown a groom-only shower, but I only know these gatherings in the form of bachelor parties, so I am omitting them here). There are linen showers, stock-the-bar showers, around-the-clock showers, entertainment showers, lawn and garden showers, gift card showers, book showers, lingerie showers, travel showers, culinary showers, spa/pampering showers - the sky is truly the limit. Regardless of the type of shower you are attending, here are some basic etiquette tips and gift suggestions to get you started.

According to The Knot, it is proper etiquette to give a gift both at the shower and at the wedding (see their full explanation here). You may choose to give a smaller gift at the shower and save a larger gift for the wedding, but the choice is yours. If you happen to be invited to multiple showers (which you shouldn't be), WedNet says that you need not give a gift at all of them, or even attend them all. Feel free to choose a gift for one shower and simply attend the others or bring a nice card with a warm message inside. You might also decide to bring smaller gifts to multiple showers rather than a larger gift to a single shower. One exception to the one-shower-gift rule is if you are a close relative of the bride or groom, such as a mother or aunt, in which case you may wish to give gifts at each shower. In this situation, you might want to buy a set or the entire quantity of a requested item (like plates or place settings) and give one or two pieces at each shower.

Most couples these days have registries at one or more stores, and these can greatly simplify your gift choices. But remember that registries are actually just "suggestions" for gifts, and you are not bound to them when choosing a present. If the shower invitation doesn't include registry information, search for it  at The Knot or Bed Bath & Beyond, or ask someone close to the couple where they are registered. Personally, I prefer to err on the side of caution by choosing something from the registry unless I am very close to the couple, know of something specific they would like that's not on their registry, have access to a gift they would like but can't get, or find a great gift that I just can't pass up. I try to avoid cutesy items, gifts that are only relevant to the wedding (such as a bag that says "Bride"), and items that are too personal (like sheets). My rule of thumb is that unless I know the recipient(s) well enough that we exchange gifts on other occasions like birthdays and holidays, I usually just stick to the registries.

If you have lots of events to attend for multiple people, you might want to choose a staple gift to make your life easier. If you go this route, make sure that the gift is something that almost everyone would appreciate and probably didn't register for. My mother regularly gives quesadilla makers as wedding gifts, and they seem to be a big hit - they are easy to use, work for people of all taste preferences, and most people haven't thought of registering for them (and probably didn't realize that they existed). Other gifts that might be appropriate staples are Nap blankets from Brookstone (which are buy one get one 50% off right now), a set of nice towels in a neutral color (getting them monogrammed is a nice touch), or candlesticks with candles. If you find them on sale, stock up and make your life easier the next time you need a wedding gift.
*A Gift Guru word of warning: always make sure that your recipient will enjoy the gift. If you usually give an engraved cocktail shaker and top-shelf liquor, for example, choose another gift for the teetotaler couple.

No matter what marital gathering you need a gift for, several websites are a great place to start.

• The Knot is wholly devoted to all things weddings. It is primarily a resource for brides, but also offers some great gift ideas and etiquette tips for guests. It allows couples to create their own wedding webpage with information about the ceremony, reception, and their registries, making it the most likely location for finding wedding registries for your recipients.
• The Wedding Channel Store is geared more toward those throwing the wedding, but also has some gift suggestions for guests.
• Bridal Shower Etc. offers tips for planning showers and giving thoughtful gifts.

In addition to the registries, here are some ideas for all of your wedding event needs:

• Anything with her/their new monogram: this could include a scarf/pashmina, towels or linens, doormat, coasters, ice bucket, serving tray, or placemats. Be sure that the bride is changing her name before you give this kind of gift. If not, consider using the couple's first names or initials instead.
• Stationery: in the same vein as monograms, every bride loves personalized items to take her into married life. You could give notecards, personalized stamps and stamp pads, notepads, or traditional stationery sheets, either with her new monogram or both their names. Choose something age appropriate that can be used for formal correspondence or a quick note to a friend.
• Drinkware: everyone needs nice glasses for special occasions or formal dinners. You can't go wrong with traditional wine or highball glasses. If the couple has registered for these items, you might choose something more specific, like martini or margarita glasses.
• Beverages: a nice bottle of wine/champagne or spirits is a thoughtful gift, especially for first-time homeowners or the newly independent couple. Combine with glasses or coasters for a sure hit.
• A massage or spa gift certificate: every bride (and non-bride, for that matter) could use a time of relaxation and pampering to have her stress lifted and energy renewed. If their honeymoon would accommodate it, you might even want to give them a couples massage for when they arrive.
• Group Gifts: if you can't afford the gift you want on your own, ask other attendees who you are close to if they want to go in with you to get a more expensive gift, such as fine china, expensive cookware, or a nice appliance.
• Gift Baskets: if you can't think of one big gift or narrow down your gift ideas, consider making a gift basket. Start with a nice basket the couple can use later, line it with fabric or tissue paper, and start filling. You might pick a theme (such as honeymoon, kitchen, or laundry) or just assemble various items you find interesting or helpful. You could also choose a favorite recipe and give the dishes and utensils used to make it, along with the recipe itself.
• Services: if you are especially good at something, give the gift of your talent. This might include calligraphy, sewing, drawing, painting, pet or house sitting, or gardening. If you can do it well, consider gifting it to the newlyweds. But remember: only give a gift that you think they will really appreciate, and not one that will potentially cause problems or hurt feelings (i.e. don't offer to take their wedding photos if they already have the perfect photographer booked).
• Books: a first edition of their favorite book, a book about their honeymoon destination or wedding location, or a quick and simple cookbook for a new chef can make a great present. Consider giving a bundle of books if you feel like one isn't enough, or choose one book and combine it with another gift (like a basket of goodies).
• Games: for a fun-loving couple or frequent entertainers, a game could be the perfect gift. Fun items are often overlooked as wedding gifts but are much-appreciated by couples. Consider games like Cranium, Apples to Apples, Jenga, or Banana Grams, or a card set with chips. Pair with a card table for an all-around gift of fun!
• Gift Cards: If everything left on the registry is out of your price range, you don't see anything you want to give, or you are simply at a loss, you can't go wrong with a gift card. They are less personal than a traditional gift but much more appreciated than a random present that is destined to gather dust. Pick up a gift card from a store where they are registered, a favorite restaurant or unique experience, or a home outfitter like Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Pottery Barn, or Crate & Barrel.

As a special treat for Gift Giving Guru readers, here are some wedding-related discounts:

• Save 10% site-wide, 15% on orders of $80+, and 20% when you spend $125+ with this offer from Red Envelope, which offers unique and personalized products perfect for a wedding shower. Enter REDTIER at checkout.
• Take 20% off your order at Linens 'N Things through January 18 with the code WHITE20.
• Save 25% when you spend $250+ at Exclusively Weddings through March 31.
• Bed Bath & Beyond, where most couples seem to register, routinely sends coupons for 20% a single item to members of their mailing list. I often use these coupons to purchase wedding and shower gifts, and most cashiers will let you use them even if they have expired. Sign up here.

UPDATE: No matter what you decide to give, make sure you include a gift receipt in case the couple gets multiples of the item or there is a problem with the product. Thanks to Caitlin for the reminder!

What are your favorite shower gifts to give or receive?