If you've been invited to an engagement party or know a couple who was recently engaged, it's nice to bring or send a gift of congratulations and good cheer. You might want to investigate and find out if they are registered at any of their favorite stores. If not, here's a collection of traditional and some not so traditional engagement gift ideas:

Picnic Gift Basket: Send them a romantic gift basket featuring everything they need for an intimate lunch in the park or by the sea. Order one online or make your own. Take an ordinary lined picnic basket and fill it with gourmet treats guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Opt for summer sausage, ham, an assortment of crackers and cheeses, a bottle of sparkling apple cider or their favorite wine, truffles, peanuts, cookies, bread sticks, cheesecake and dinner mints. Don't forget to include a nice picnic blanket and place settings! Voila!

Personalized Photo Album: Rehearsal dinner, walking down the aisle, the first kiss as man and wife... There are so many special moments. It's their wedding day! Help them hold their memories close with a beautiful personalized photo album.

Martini Set: Made famous by Sinatra, a martini set for two will certainly appeal to the romantic, fun loving couple. A set usually includes two martini glasses (preferably crystal!) and a steel martini shaker. Stylish and sophisticated, a martini set makes a great engagement gift.

Horseshoe: A horseshoe has always been a symbol of good luck (as long as the tines are pointed up to hold the luck in) and makes a wonderful engagement gift! They are often hung on the foyer near the front door or on a garage for luck and protection. Look for solid metal, brass, gold and silver plated horseshoes rated for the weather.

Monogrammed Towel Set: It's never too early to give them a gift that features their soon to be initials. Usually, it's the initial of the groom's first name, a larger of his last name, followed by the initial of the bride's first name (i.e. John Smith and Betty Williams would become JSB!). But you're welcome to monogram whatever you want! These towels make a nice engagement gift for any couple.

Card Filled with Lottery Tickets: Say congratulations and have a little fun with the couple with the gift of gambling. Fill an ordinary money holder with a variety of scratch off or easy pick lottery tickets. Imagine if they won! What a honeymoon that would be!

An engagement is an amazing event and one worthy of a grand celebration. Love is in the air! This is a perfect opportunity for you to send along a gift and your best wishes to the happy couple for a bright and joyous future. They'll appreciate the sentiment and your shared enthusiasm during this very special time in their lives.

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