One of our favorite overseas gifts was a set of bedlinens, embroidered yet machine-washable. Well, not really overseas but from Quebec lol. Our Austrian friends gave us a trio of hand-colored scenes of Vienna. I had them framed and they have worked perfectly in every one of our houses. So, perhaps something from yours and your brother's hometown?

For a couple like this - already established - I think special bed linens (although they can be heavy) or a small piece of art would be perfect. We received a couple of art pieces for our wedding and I still love to see them in our house. The towels we received, on the other hand, while really useful, could be purchased by anyone and are long gone, to boot.

I have been married 26 years, two items in my household that I use regularly and cherish are favorite wedding gifts. One is a pottery pitcher, from a potter local to the Maine island where my wedding was held. The other is a wooden serving tray, decoratively stained in translucent jewel tones, that my DH's aunt purchased at Gumps. My sister often mentions that she still treasures a ribbon glass vase I purchased for her first post-divorce Christmas gift.

What ties these items together is that they are functional and beautiful. This to me is what makes a treasured gift.

I suggest that you go to the Nambe website, they are one of my go to's for special gifts.

The potential problem with bed linens is that they may not fit German beds, or where do they live?

Also, traditionally, the monograms are usually the bride's maiden name; she'd be working on her trousseau for years before she even knew whom she'd marry.

How about ordering a case wine of their wedding year that will be good to drink in say, 10 years or later? You can order it online and have it delivered directly.

You could add a wine cooler engraved with their initials or a decanter.

As an older first-time bride, some of our favorite gifts were not on the registry:

crochet afghan in wedding ring quilt pattern made by a cousin

Monogrammed crystal water pitcher and glasses

Shadow box wedding photo frame made by one of my nieces

Also, I didn't change my name, but DH and I have the same last initial, so monogramming was pretty easy.

I agree, a nice photo or small local art piece would be nice. We actually had a registry at a local art gallery. That was the first time they ever tried it.

I like your idea of a wine decanter and am a fan of the Wine Enthusiast so will suggest their offerings: Personalized decanters. Furthermore, you could elaborate on a wine theme if you have time to buy wine in Germany before the wedding. They could consume the wine but the personalized gift will be a lasting one.

You can buy wine online in Europe and have it shipped to their house. Of course, I just realize that you won' t be able to buy a 2017 wine yet. Another option: Anniversary wines, i.e. a wine to be drunk on the first anniversary, the second, the fifth, 7th, etc....

A case of Champagne so they can celebrate every month of their first year and maybe an ice bucket.

Apparently the bride and groom live in Germany. Will they live there long? I ask because my American dtr married her English husband in London last summer. They moved back to the US three weeks ago permanently. Because of high shipping costs they decided they had to leave all their gifts with his mother...linens, crystal goblets and pitchers, etc.

Just something to think about. If they are staying in Germany permanently, well then nevermind. Have a wonderful time!

They are staying in Germany permanently and in fact my brother is going to become a German citizen. I have found a few nice items that can be monogrammed. I am leaning towards the wine carafe ...just worried about transporting such things! I will figure it out. Thank you all for your suggestions!

I see you have likely made a decision, but I am considering a Boos cutting board for a friend's wedding gift. They will have it forever. They are on Wayfair, Joss & Main, and Amazon, among other places.