Ah, the month of June approaches. A time for weddings and gift giving. How about a shovel and some cash?

Couples today are breaking away from the typical crystal, China and silver gift registries when it comes to asking for wedding gifts. Since a new marriage can often mean time for a new house, many couples are throwing tradition to the wind and asking for extremely practical gifts -- like money toward a down payment or tools to keep their new house humming.

Money has always been a popular wedding gift, and now some couples are making it clear it would be the gift of choice. They're going to their brokers to set up special joint accounts that are targeted toward a down payment. Depending on the arrangement, gift givers may contribute directly to the account, or give a check to the bride and groom with the down payment in mind.

You can even register for money online. Greenwish.com allows couples who register to have gifts of cash deposited directly into an existing bank, credit card or brokerage account. The couple create a "Personal Page" to tell their friends and family about the registry. Gift givers pay a transaction fee based on the amount of the gift. The site has been selected for inclusion on BestWeddingSites.com.

For friends and relatives, putting money toward a down payment is a sure thing. They know their gift is going to be appreciated and used wisely, and when the couple get that new house, the wedding guests can see their gift in daily use.

Many couples who have been out on their own for a while have a full complement of dishware and appliances. If you already have two toasters, coffee makers or blenders between you, the last thing you need is a third one. It doesn't sound terribly romantic, but what many newlyweds really need are such things as a garbage can, shovel, rake, power tools or lawn mower. The cost of outfitting a home can really start to add up.

Enter Home Depot and its gift registry. A couple can browse the store with a list in hand and check off what they would like to receive. Visitors to the store's service desk can request a copy of the list and pick out the perfect power drill, lighting fixture or window blinds.

The service is not yet available at all stores, and it is not available online. However, you can find the store nearest you that offers a registry by contacting Home Depot via its web site. The Lowes home improvement store chain is considering starting such a registry in the future.

Target stores offer an online gift registry. Here you can opt for the more traditional housewares and linens. However, among the more unusual gifts suggested on its Club Wedd site are a gas grill or rope hammock -- for two, of course.

For the Internet-savvy couple, gift-givers might consider an on-line gift certificate. Sites such as Amazon.com's Home Improvement Store sell gift certificates which the couple may redeem for whatever meets their needs.

After all, meeting needs is the whole idea behind these gift-giving options.

Carol Ochs is a Washington-based reporter who covers new home trends.

Published: May 29, 2001

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