‘Tis almost wedding season, and many of us are gearing up to dote on the blushing bride-to-be in our life. Wedding festivities usually kick off with the bridal shower, traditionally a get-together of the women close to the bride to celebrate the upcoming nuptials. Of course, it’s customary to bring a gift to the wedding shower, but if you tend to enter a state of panic when it comes to selecting the perfect present, you’re not alone! Here are some expert tips on selecting the perfect wedding shower gift.

Ask if the couple has a wish list
“Don't think you know what the couple wants,” says Catherine Lash, creative director of The Wedding Co. Show and editor of The Wedding Co. Magazine. “If they are registered, use the registry.”

And what if you’re the type of person who likes to veer off the beaten path? You may think you have the best bridal shower gift ideas but the happy couple may disagree. “Ask them if the gift you are thinking of is appropriate and do not be taken aback if they say no,” Catherine says.

Consider the cost
It’s also important to remember that bridal shower gifts aren’t meant to be elaborate, so spend less than you would on a wedding gift, advises Catherine. If your heart is set on a big ticket item you know the couple will adore, split the cost with a few friends and make it a joint gift.

6 bridal shower gift trends
So what makes a great bridal shower gift? Catherine identifies the following trends in gift giving.

• Books relating to a hobby the couple has, like wine tasting, travel, music
• Kitchenware for the couple who loves to cook
• Camera for photography buffs
• Experience gifts, such as a night at the ballet, dinner at a local restaurant or movie passes
• If the couple is working on a renovation project, consider a gift card to Home Depot or Rona. Or, if they love a particular shop, purchase a gift card so they can pick out something they really need. Some no-fail options include: The Bay, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, CB2, West Elm, Restoration Hardware and Crate and Barrel.

11 classic bridal shower gift ideas we love
Stuck on ideas? Look no further! Here are 11 bridal shower gift ideas to help simplify your shopping.

Plan a beautiful bridal shower with our fun and fabulous tips.

Le Creuset signature round wide dutch oven
Most avid chefs' kitchens have Le Creuset cookware, only to resist treating themselves to their famous pieces. Inquire with the bride-to-be about her preferred colour, or if you’d rather keep your wedding gift a secret, a safe bet would be a Dutch oven in Creuset’s classic red. Williams-Sonoma, $129.

Peugeot salt & pepper millls
Peugeot pepper mills have a reputation for being one of the best on the market. And not only can they do an amazing job of grinding a peppercorn, they are sleek and classic, making a great addition to the dining table. Package them up with some nice artisanal salt and peppercorns. (Note: Peugeot pepper mills are not suitable for pink and green peppercorns.) Williams-Sonoma, $45.
Sferra grand hotel sheets
Send the loving couple to bed in luxurious, beautiful bedsheets. Made in Italy from 400 per cent Italian spun Egyptian cotton, sheets from Sferra’s Grand Hotel Collection will not disappoint. The bedsheets come in crisp, clean white and ivory, though you can choose from an array of colours for the satin stitching. Available at various retailers across Canada. sferra.com, $35 - $245.
Printed cloth napkins
Spruce up the lovely couple’s kitchen table with a fun set of reversible napkins. It’s like two sets of napkins in one! These napkins are perfect for casual kitchen or outdoor entertaining . Too Cute Custom Crafts on Etsy, $28 (set of four).
Alpaca throw
Encourage couch cuddling time with a beautiful alpaca throw blanket. Made of baby alpaca wool, these throws are incredibly soft to the touch and are available in both bold, bright colours and understated, neutral tones. crateandbarrel.com , $179.
Picture frames
There’s no doubt your friends will want to show off their wedding day long after it’s over, so it’d be a safe bet to treat them to some beautiful frames. These walnut box frames are clean and modern, making a great addition to any home. They also come in two different sizes. CB2 , $40 each.
French press
Coffee lovers will adore a Bodum French press, especially one with a locking lid. This French press will keep coffee fresh and hot for hours. Package your gift up with some of British Columbia’s own delicious, fair trade Kicking Horse coffee. Williams-Sonoma, $50.
Three-piece bar set
Help your friends set up an at-home bar that’s worthy of showing off. All bars need an opener, shot measure and ice scoop, so you might as well get one that’s as elegant as Ralph Lauren’s Watchband set. Ask a few others to go in on the wedding gift with you and buy a few more pieces from the set -- the ice bucket, shaker and wine coaster are all great additions. thebay.com , $60.
Bath towels
Treat the couple to a high-quality bath towel set. Ralph Lauren’s Greenwich line is a great option - the white offers a universal colour that goes with almost every decor scheme, yet they still offer a bold accent with the pretty striped detailing. The navy stripes are particularly handsome! thebay.com , $8-$20.
The Newlywed Cookbook
This cookbook gift helps make home cooking a romantic affair by inspiring both parties to get in the kitchen and create. Any couple will love selecting recipes to make for a quiet at-home date night, or a big feast with friends and family – or just flipping through some of the amazing photographs for inspiration. indigo.ca, $26.40.
Candles
For the dining room, bedroom, bathroom or front foyer, candles add warmth to any room in the house. Consider giving a variety of candles from one of Restoration Hardware’s beautiful candle collections. Restoration Hardware, $35-$59.

Now that the gifts are taken care of, find out how to plan a beautiful bridal shower.