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For a one-of-a-kind present that can express your best wishes, stroll through Georgetown's Keith Lipert Gallery on M Street. Although it may feel like a museum, everything is for sale. For special friends, splurge on the whimsical, sterling silver salt and pepper shakers shaped like a king and queen. Italian artist Cleto Munari, whose work is featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, crafted these regal shakers, guaranteed to make the blissful couple feel like royalty. You won't find these at Pottery Barn. If you have outdoorsy pals who would rather rock climb than pick out a china pattern, consider L.L. Bean's Vector Dome tent for two. Head over to the National Building Museum Store to find an array of original gifts, including innovative housewares designed by famous architects -- yes, even Frank Lloyd Wright fashioned magazine racks and crystal candlesticks. For friends with a sweet tooth, opt for the ceramic Eiffel Tower cookie jar. When asked about her favorite wedding present, my recently married friend shows off her Lever Screwpull corkscrew, the Hummer of bottle-openers. Available at Williams-Sonoma Grande Cuisine, this sleek, high-tech gadget is something the Jetsons might have in their kitchen. Opening a bottle of Bordeaux is miraculously simple, as if you suddenly acquired muscles without setting foot in the gym. For college buddies who have graduated from Buds to martinis, the funky, urban Home Rule carries a sleek silver martini shaker and martini glasses. If you buy an extra glass or two, your friends can include you for cocktails. Finally, nature lovers can't help but enjoy a British birdfeeder from the Audubon Naturalist Society's adorable gift shop (Woodend Bookshop, 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase; 301/652-3606). Shaped like a birdcage, the design of the London-imported "Feed Safe Q100" fends off those pesky squirrels so birds feel welcome. On the Record If you're pressed for time to browse, stay with the tried and true. The following is a list of stores in the area that offer bridal registers, and to make the task even simpler, many of these are available online. Bloomingdale's Tysons Corner Chiasso Crate & Barrel dean and deluca Hecht's Ikea L.L. Bean Macy's Neiman Marcus Restoration Hardware
Tiffany & Co. Williams-Sonoma
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Eiffel Tower cookie jar from the National Building Museum (Courtesy of the National Building Museum)