When in doubt about the perfect wedding gift, fall back on the classics.

Wedding gifts are given at one of the most important times in a bride and groom's life, so there's a natural desire to make the couple happy and make a good impression. Despite a nearly infinite selection of potential gifts, buying a really fabulous wedding gift can be a snap. All you have to do is keep a few simple tricks and hints in mind.

As group vice-president of special services at Macy's East, Linda Lee oversees corporate sales and services, Macy's by appointment personal shopping, and bridal registry. Lee's 23 years with Macy's has given her a great deal of insight and ideas on how to choose the perfect wedding gift, and she offers the following important tips:

• Registry. The easiest way to pick a great gift, says Lee, is to go to a bridal registry and use the list where the couple has chosen specific gifts that they want. This eliminates the guesswork for both the gift givers and recipients. Couples can register at department stores, home improvement stores or with online services that offer gifts from many stores in one place.

• The couple's style. Even if you look through the registry and don't find anything that you want to give, you can use the listed gifts to get a good sense of the couple's style, and this can be a big help in choosing a gift that they are likely to cherish.

• Your style. Certainly a gift should fit into the style of the bride and groom, but it should also say something about you, the person giving it. Try to choose something that expresses a little bit of your own personality, so that the happy couple will think fondly of you when they see or use the item.

• Foolproof gifts. When you are totally stumped, there are certain kinds of foolproof gifts that Lee sees as appropriate for any couple. Fine picture frames and flower vases fall into this category. Another great idea that Lee has used on many occasions is to buy matching terrycloth robes with monograms. Remember, your wedding gift doesn't have to be expensive, but it should be special in some way. Choose wisely, and your married friends will keep you in mind as they use your gift over the years.

Macy's Wedding Channel
www.macysweddingchannel.com

The Things I Want
www.thethingsiwant.com

The Knot
theknot.compuserve.com/default.shtml

Find Gift
www.findgift.com/Services/Gift-Registry/?CID=10009&PID=7&AID=303

Consumer Reports Wedding Gift Guide
www.consumerreports.org/main/detailv2.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=80821&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=59583