If
you’re stumped for the idea of a wedding
gift, relax! There are plenty of appropriate
gifts to choose from in a wide range of prices.
Idea #1: Houseware
There’s a reason why couples tend to register
for weddings at stores like Debenhams, Heals or
House of Fraser. Houseware is often the most requested
and desired items on wedding registries. The reason?
Just look around your own kitchen. How many basic
items do you see? Any new couple setting up house
needs, at a minimum, a set of silverware, plates
and bowls, cups, and some cookware. Houseware is
also easily customized to any couples’ personalities
and tastes. Almost any item related to the kitchen
or to dining would be welcomed.
Reasons to give: There is a huge range and variety
of houseware and kitchenware to choose from. You
can definitely find a decent set of glasses or
matching napkins and placemats for reasonable prices
that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Plus,
houseware can be generic in case you don’t
know the couple very well.
Reasons to avoid: Stay away from gifting cutlery.
Unless the couple is into circus knife throwing,
it’s best to stay away from such, err, pointed
gifts. There are plenty of other gifts to be had
that don’t carry such deadly connotations.
Also, unless the couple appreciates a ribald and
youthful sense of humor, avoid kitschy items. Besides,
that “moo-ing” cow cookie jar screams
of clearance rack junk.
Idea #2: Art
Similar to houseware, a gift of art also appeals
to couples looking to setup their new home. In
this case, you are gifting them something to
help fill the walls or empty corners of their
living space. It may take needing to know the
tastes of the couple better, but you can find
plenty of inexpensive prints to have framed as
a wedding gift. Or, if you’re creative,
you could try gifting them an “original” of
your making (who knows what it might be worth
in the future?). Art doesn’t have to be
paintings or drawings but also interesting small
statues, a pretty vase or candle.
Reasons to give: The gift of art is the road less
traveled for wedding gifts so it’ll help
make yours stand out.
Reasons to avoid: Unless you know their tastes,
don’t go for religious themes, or anything
too abstract. You might end up buying a piece of
art that they wouldn’t normally buy or want
to have in their house, or you might even offend
them with a particularly controversial piece.
Idea #3: Things to do on their honeymoon
No, not that thing (get your mind out of the gutter!).
But why not secretly upgrade their honeymoon lodgings from basic rooms to a more luxurious
suite? Or arrange to have a gift basket with
champagne, chocolate, flowers or fruits waiting
in their rooms when they retire? If you know
the area where they’ll be spending their
honeymoon, try to arrange a fun activity for
them or make reservations at the local spa or
fine dining restaurant.
Reasons to give: After spending so much time, effort
and money on their own wedding, the bride and groom
will surely appreciate these indulgent and pampering
gifts.
Reasons to avoid: Again, this sort of gift is more
suitable if you are close friends with the couple.
Idea #4: Money
Though it is tasteless for the bride and groom
to request money, it is actually acceptable in
many cultures for guests at the wedding to gift
the couple with money. In Chinese culture, for
example, money is provided in red envelopes.
You can discretely tuck a cheque, gift card
or some cash into the card that you give to the
couple. As an alternative to gifting money to
the couple, some modern couples are asking guests
instead to donate to a charity of their choosing.
Check with the couple or their families first
to see if this is a reasonable option.
Reasons to give: Money is always a practical gift.
Reasons to avoid: You stand a good chance of coming
across as stingy or a penny pincher if you gift
an amount that is too little…unfortunately,
there’s no rule to how much is or isn’t
appropriate.
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