Traditionally, wedding shower gifts have been items that would be useful to the couple when they set up housekeeping together. Toasters, electric irons, blenders, and other small appliances have been among the most popular gifts to give at wedding showers. Today, many couples are waiting longer before they get married. For this reason, one or both probably have already purchased these types of items for use in his or her own home, making giving them as gifts redundant. Gifts at modern bridal showers should focus more on the personality of the bride and should be more personal in nature. Below are some ideas for gifts to give at a modern bridal shower.

Wine glasses or champagne flutes and a bottle of wine make excellent choices as modern bridal shower gifts. It is not at all uncommon for new couples to wish to drink a toast to celebrate their first night together in their new home, or perhaps their first dinner as a married couple, or even their first one month anniversary. Champagne or wine and the appropriate glasses for such a special occasion make perfect gifts.

A lovely vase may be the perfect gift idea. It is common knowledge that women love to receive flowers. A vase can be a beautiful accent piece for the bride's new home. It will also serve as a reminder to the groom, if it sits empty in a prominent place, that he should buy his wife flowers once in a while just because he loves her and wants to keep romance alive in their relationship.

Personalized stationary makes a wonderful addition to the new home or office. In the fast paced world of today, email seems to rule. Handwritten letters have taken on an entirely new value because of this and having some stationary personalized with her new name and address can be just the nudge a bride needs to take the time to write some personal letters from time to time. Choosing higher quality papers, cotton or linen for example, makes the gift of stationary more valuable.

Create a collage of pictures of family and friends that attend the shower. Better yet, take some pictures of the guests during the shower and assemble the collage, leaving room for everyone to write some short message to the bride and sign it. If there is time during the shower, assemble everything and present it at the end. If not, make sure it is ready to give as a wedding present on the big day.

Assemble a cookbook using recipes from each of the guests with each recipe scaled to feed two people. Too many people try to live on takeout or wind up with so many leftovers that huge amounts of food are wasted. Setting up a cookbook designed for two provides an intimate touch and could save the couple money in the long run. Make sure to include plenty of photos to show appealing each dish can be and provide detailed instructions in case the groom decides to try his hand at cooking a romantic dinner occasionally.