When it comes to wedding gifts, cash seems to be the preferred option. However, the best wedding gift you can give the happy couple is one that says a little something about the life that you hope they lead together. If you want to give them something to use on special occasions, the wine glass set on their wedding registry is always a good idea. If you’re looking to be more creative, here are 10 wedding gift ideas that we think are really creative and unique. There are lots of fun things on this list from a blown glass decanter to options for the kitchen and the bedroom.
- Choose smaller items from their registry. When making up their registry, brides/grooms are encouraged to add things across many different price points, this way no matter what size a guest’s budget, they’re likely to be able to afford something. So, if there is a registry, take a look at what’s on it- you never know what you might find. Then, you’ll be sure to know that they’ll get exactly what they want.
- Choose embroidered linens. After all, who doesn’t enjoy personalized items- especially towels, sheets, pillowcases, and more. Find someone who does machine embroidery, as it can be much less expensive than the seamstresses that offer hand embroidery. This is a wonderful way to make a basic gift something more memorable.
- Choose dinner/dessert for two. When you’re really short on cash, putting together a few smaller, related items can make a fairly inexpensive gift much more useful and thoughtful. Consider creating meal gift baskets so that they can create their own magic together in the kitchen. You can get an inexpensive basket or bowl to place the things in and wrap them up nicely.
- Framed photos or wedding invite. In many cases, this could end up being one of their most cherished wedding gifts. Have a copy of their wedding invitation framed- either in a basic frame or have a shadow box made with a few embellishments. This will definitely make you one of the most thoughtful guests, even though you didn’t break the bank.
- Choose a bottle of wine for the future. This will show the couple that you believe their marriage will last. Visit your local wine store and choose a bottle of mid-priced wine ($20-$40) that will taste even better on their 10-year anniversary. Then, make sure to wrap the bottle with instructions stating they must wait until their 10th anniversary to open it up and share it.
- Give them a date night. The truth is that with most newlyweds, money is pretty tight in the very beginning of their marriage. After all, there are bills and other debts to pay- so they may not be able to have date night as often as they did before they got married. So, take some time to build a “Date Night in a Box” which will help them maintain the romance, even when times are not so easy. You should include things such as a favorite romantic movie, a comfy throw, some popcorn, wine or soda, and some movie-theater boxed candy.
- Consider things for the honeymoon. See if you can find out where they are going on their honeymoon and buy them a gift that will be useful to them. If they’re going to the beach, consider buying matching towels (monogrammed is nice) , sunscreen, and even some great books. On the other hand, consider putting together a “morning after” kit with some water, flip-flops, eye masks, and even some ibuprofen.
- Utilize crowdfunding options. These days, crowdfunding is all the rage. If you’re short on cash and you’d like to be able to spend a little more, consider starting a crowdfunding page. This can help them pay for their honeymoon, give them some cash for a down payment on a new home, or even just help them get their household budget going. The truth is that while it’s done, it’s considered poor etiquette for the bride and groom to start their own, it helps when friends/family members do it for them. Then, let the guests know that whether they can be there or not, they can contribute to the fund in lieu of a gift.
- Consider “experience” gifts. After all, they are going to get plenty of practical gifts- since that’s what’s on their registry. However, consider giving them something like a couples’ massage, a membership to their local rec center, a television subscription such as Hulu or Netflix, and so much more. These make really thoughtful gifts- plus, you can keep an eye on deal sites such as LivingSocial or Groupon to get some great deals.
- Consider getting them antique décor. These days, shabby chic is all the rage. However, when you visit the department stores, these new-items-made-to-look-old actually cost you more. So, consider visiting your local flea market for some great deals. Before gifting an antique item, make sure it has been thoroughly cleaned and properly cared for- you don’t want to give them junk, right?