Finding a gift for the bride and groom this wedding season does not have to put extra drainage on the gas tank.
Though department stores are a popular selection for buying gifts, North Augusta gift shops also carry unique wedding items.
CommuniGraphics, on Georgia Avenue, offers a large wedding section and gifts for the couple. Each spring, it receives shipments of wedding accessories and gifts, said Sarah Shaw, a sales associate.
On the nongift side, wedding organizers are a big seller to brides, Shaw said. Depending on size and information inside the books, the organizers cost $10-$90.
CommuniGraphics also sells a ring bearer pillow and collegiate garters and cake toppers.
For gifts, Shaw said, monogramming is popular.
"Linen, bathrobes, shower curtains and pillows" are some of the items people are having monogrammed to give as wedding gifts, Shaw said.
Brides like to have special totes designed for their bridesmaids, she said.
Tumblers or koozies with the initial of the couple's last name sell quickly, Shaw said.
Penny Triplett, of Grovetown, heard about CommuniGraphics and used its services to have turbans embroidered as a wedding gift for her daughter, Katie Kidd.
While shopping the store, she also picked up an extra fun gift for the bride. She bought cups that said "As Southern As Possible," for the Chicago-based bride.
"I like unique things," Triplett said.
Fun, out-of-the-ordinary gifts, such as panties that say "Not Tonight," "Tonight," and "Just Married" are sold at the store. Free gift-wrapping saves shoppers on the cost of bags and tissue paper.
Other miscellaneous wedding accessories, from note pads to luggage tags, are available.
Kit and Caboodles, on Edgefield Road, offers atypical wedding gifts such as a wedding chime.
Other popular picks at the store include white candle accessories, wine glasses with the South Carolina emblem, picture frames, initial coasters and wedding flags.
Vivian Wheatley, the owner of Kit and Caboodles, said that people come to the store looking for wedding gifts but that it is hard to determine which item is the best seller this wedding season.
The Willow Tree angel collection, which is offered at both CommuniGraphics and at Kit and Caboodles, is a favorite choice, Wheatley said.
That collection offers a promise angel and a cake topper among its collectibles.
To keep the married couple happy, Anything Goes Gifts, on West Avenue, carries The Make-Up Bell.
It is part of an Irish tradition in which couples are to ring the bell to end quarrels.
Reach Crystal Garcia at crystal.garcia@northaugustatoday.com.
