Inspired Gift Giving
Shopping for the perfect gift
Gift giving is truly an art form. With thought and consideration, it expresses love, appreciation, friendship, and support. In ancient times, wedding gifts represented fertility and prosperity. Today, wedding gifts come in many forms—from practical household items and creative handmade treasures to classic keepsakes and exquisite jewelry.
An exceptional variety of local and regional gifts can be found nearby. From welcome-basket ideas and attendant gifts to reception favors and keepsakes for the happy couple, gift-giving inspiration, at varying price points, can be found in the many wonderful stores that call the Tetons home.
1. Do It In Style
Want to give a useful yet unique groomsmen gift? Consider the antler bottle openers handcrafted locally with shed antlers from area elk and whitetail deer. The antlers are sustainably sourced and preserved with all-natural beeswax. Or, consider the Jackson-area map cufflinks made with vintage map pages positioned in a 16mm bezel to achieve an elegant profile. Exclusively created for MADE, these cufflinks are cast in a single piece of solid bronze or sterling silver and preserved in archival resin; there are no moving parts. MADE, Gaslight Alley at 125 North Cache in Jackson or Hotel Terra in Teton Village, madejacksonhole.com, 307/690-7957
2. Keep It Useful
For a unique and reusable welcome basket or wedding favor, consider a custom-designed canvas tote by local artist Courtney Leavell of Bird and Buffalo. Courtney creates linoleum-block-printed goods, and the canvas tote bag is just one of her products. She offers a full suite of wedding items that are handmade and fully customized, and she works directly with couples to design a unique stamp. Courtney carves the reversed design into the linoleum block, so the relief is the true design. She applies ink to the block and stamps the design onto a variety of products. Bird and Buffalo, birdandbuffalo.com, courtney@birdandbuffalo.com. (Her online store is under construction but should be live in early 2015.)
3. Stick With A Classic
A thoughtful bridesmaid gift serves as a cherished reminder of your appreciation for your best gal’s time and attention during wedding planning. Selecting the perfect gift can be tricky, but look no further than the Teton Mountaineering Collection of bracelets from Pearls By Shari. With its braided leather, freshwater pearls, and metal accents, the Teton Mountaineering Bracelet makes a great keepsake for any Teton wedding bridesmaid. A seasoned professional pearl buyer, Shari Turpin travels the world looking for Japanese Akoya pearls and freshwater pearls. Visit Pearls By Shari for a consultation; a private bridal room is available for jewelry fittings with your wedding gown. Pearls By Shari, 90 East Broadway, Jackson, pearlsbyshari.com, 307/734-0553
4. Light It Up
Megan really lights up a room! Her intricately embroidered silk shade cut in a feisty but elegant shape and her creamy, hand-blown glass base catch many a look of admiration. This lovely table lamp—named Megan by her designers—can be a one-of-a-kind wedding gift for any newlywed couple. She is available (along with several others in this collection) at Guchiebird’s, a favorite gift shop among Teton Valley residents and visitors. If you need inspiration, Guch and Chuck—the shop owners—are happy to offer other gift suggestions and share their product knowledge. Guchiebird’s, 160 East Little Avenue, Driggs, guchiebirds.com, 208/354-4438
5. Make It Grand
The unmistakable grandeur of the Tetons brings people from all around the world to Jackson Hole. Celebrate the memories you are making with a “Cathedral Group” design by Blythe Living. Choose key rings for the groomsmen, scarf rings for the bridesmaids, napkin rings for the table, or a Christmas ornament for your first tree. This classic design will provide memories of your Jackson wedding for years to come. The gifts, which are available in either polished stainless steel or rust patina, are made right here in Jackson by local artist Barbara Blythe Gentry. Getting married “over the hill”? No problem. The design can be flipped over to show the Idaho side of the Tetons. Custom designs are also available. Blythe Living, blytheliving.net, 307/413-2416