Everyone who has attended a wedding or two knows the woes of choosing the perfect wedding gift. Advice can be a double-edged sword, too, seeing as the choice should rely on the bride and groom’s preferences.
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However, some general guidelines can be conjured. In some situations, it is perfectly acceptable to brief the pair, especially if they are just about to build a new home.
Some couples, however, don’t want to receive any gifts. Even though wedding invitations commonly don’t mention wedding gifts, it is common to see “no gifts” printed when the couple doesn’t need any.
How Much Money Should You Spend on a Wedding Gift?
This is probably the first question every wedding attendee asks. Not everyone’s budgets are equal, after all.
Fortunately, the range of wedding gifts is truly wide, so there is a suitable option for every pocket.
Remember that you are invited to a wedding because the couple wants to share their big day with you, not because they expect an expensive gift. Most people feel that the closer the couple is to them, the more expensive the gift should be. Still, no matter what, it cannot be more expensive than you can afford.
It is essential, hence, to define your wedding gift budget first and only then start comparing offers.
Which Wedding Gifts Are Appropriate?
Again, it all depends on the couple’s needs and tastes. You can check out if the couple has registered with stores and pick a gift from the registry. You can also ask a couple’s close friend or a family member for advice. Be mindful of personal tastes and religious preferences (if any), as some cultures do view certain gifts as inappropriate.
Thoughtful Wedding Gifts Newlyweds Will Actually Love
Generally speaking, some gifts are better than others because they are usable and found in every home. Other appropriate gifts include invitations to various venues and happenings.
Some ideas include:
- A personalized memory box
- A portable hammock big enough for two
- Journal for Two: One Thing a Day Together
- Dinner for Two: A Cookbook
- Set of 2 Hand-Blown Rocks Glasses
- Airbnb Gift Card
- Away Carry-On With Pocket
- Married Wine Glasses
- Beer Glass Gift Set
- Oster Rechargeable and Cordless Wine Opener with Chiller
These are just some general ideas. I.e., if you want to gift a subscription, mind the couple’s tastes.
Inexpensive Wedding Gifts Newlyweds Will Love
If you’re on a tight budget, you may find it difficult to pick the best wedding gift. Here are some ideas:
- $20-$30: kitchen gadgets, gourmet ingredients, or ingredients for a romantic dinner.
- $50 -$100: A bottle of wine or some other liquor.
- Up to $50: Magazine subscriptions.
- $30-$75: A set of high-quality towels. Add some candles to the arrangement.
Personalized Wedding Gifts
Going for a personalized wedding gift is always the best idea.
Of course, the prerequisite is that you are close to the couple and know their tastes well. The gifts mentioned above can be gifted by any wedding guest, but if you’re close to the couple, you should go a step further and give them something they will love (and never forget).
You can buy a personalized gift even if you’re on a tight budget. I.e., you can go for personalized wine bottles, engraved boxes and similar. You can even make a DIY wedding gift if you’re on the creative side of the spectrum.
Choose a Gift That Will Help the Couple Make Memories
Another great choice would be an item that helps the couple make memories. I.e., if the couple are movie buffs, buy them annual movie passes. If they are art lovers, buy them a museum membership.
The options are truly endless as every person has different tastes. In addition to tickets and memberships, you can also surprise them (pleasantly, of course) by gifting them customized lessons. E.g., if the couple likes dancing, book them some dancing classes.
Use your imagination when picking this type of gift, which is, by the way, one of the more rewarding ones.
Are Cash Gifts Acceptable?
Some people find it easier to give a cash gift, for two main reasons:
- The couple knows better what they need than you possibly can.
- You won’t rack your brains figuring out whether they would like your choice of gift.
In addition, some couples prefer cash gifts to others. Sometimes, there will be a “Wishing Well” table set up during the reception. When this happens, you can be sure that cash gifts are preferred. As for the actual sum, the answer is simple: don’t gift more than you can afford.
It is customary to give a check, but sometimes cash is also acceptable. Be creative with the packaging. Place the gift in a box or a closed basket. You can add some flower arrangement if you want to, but make sure to give it to the couple personally.
How to Deliver the Gift
Ideally, gifts are to be sent before the wedding. Think about the costs of transportation and the safety of the gift if everyone presents their gifts during the wedding ceremony. However, this is often the case in a great majority of weddings.
It is customary to attach a card with your name. If the couple is planning to send thank you notes, make sure to include your address, too.
To be sure, just ask beforehand to be sure what the best thing to do is.
Wedding gifts should be sent to the couple’s home if they live together, or to the bride’s home or to the bride's parents’ home, or to the return address on the invitation (whichever applies).
As you can see, there is a suitable wedding gift for every pocket. The only thing you have to do to pick the best one is to use your imagination. Worse comes to worst, you can always give a cash gift. No matter what you do, remember that it is the goodwill that counts, not the price of the gift. After all, weddings are all about merrymaking!
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