THEY may look radiant and rapturous, but some summer brides will be drawing a veil over their dismay as they discover friends and relatives have doubled or even trebled up on popular gifts like answerphones, weighing scales, vacuum cleaners, electric kettles, and teasmaids.

Over-endowing newlyweds with too many worldly goods of the same ilk can be avoided through a wedding list - like the one operated by Argos. Used last year by 25,000 couples, it has nearly 6000 items to choose from. Once a couple have registered and selected the gifts they would like, printed copies of their list are circulated - money can be saved on postage (and a gentle hint dropped!) by sending them out with wedding invitations.

Each time a gift is bought at Argos, the list is automatically updated by computer to prevent duplication, with an in-store print-out. for details of the service phone 01908-600557.

MUMS-to-be who want to avoid pain-relieving drugs in labour and have relief at their finger tips instead may like to consider hiring a Babitens from Boots. The Babitens (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine can be used as soon as contractions begin. Electrical impulses help the body release endorphins - natural painkillers - that stop pain messages reaching the brain.

A pocket-size device with four self-adhesive pads that are applied to the back by partner or midwife, the unit is controlled by the user to adjust the pulse frequency and strength - with an extra boost to cope with stronger contractions. Trained staff will demonstrate the unit and answer questions, or call the helpline on 01491-578446. Hire costs #25 for 28 days.

Tasteless tomfoolery in funeral parlours - exposed in an undercover operation last week - can only exacerbate the anguish of the newly bereaved. At this time of emotional stress or despair, those who have lost a loved one can benefit not only from the sympathy of friends but skilled counselling, too. Such support is offered by Cruse Bereavement Care, either at home or in a branch office - in Edinburgh, at 3 Rutland Square (0131 229 6275). Referrals are often made through GPs, nurses, health visitors, schools, or funeral directors.

The charity runs a special group for the newly bereaved, complementing one-to-one counselling, and others for young adults or those bereaved by suicide. Coffee drop-in mornings are hosted by volunteers and friendship groups provide outings and informal evenings.

Training in bereavement counselling is offered by Cruse. phone 0131 551 1511.

Slam-in digital cameras are tipped as this summer's must-have playground accessory from Nintendo. Game Boy cameras and printers arriving in July take photos to store or manipulate on screen . . . Buzzin' Bee is a honey of an idea from Fisher-Price - a colourful bee-shaped sprinkler that makes a buzzing noise as it sprays water, encouraging kids to take an outdoor shower. It will sting parents for #10 when it arrives in shops next month in time for the school holidays . . . New Mini-Pops from Scottish Co-op are free from sugar and added colour and come in cola, lemonade, black currant, limeade, and cherryade flavours. In eye-catching black bottles, #1.45 a pack of six.