Post # 1
Member
728 posts
Busy bee
We just got invited to our 3rd wedding from now until May! I’m wondering what the bees typically give for gifts. Do you have one go to thing that is universal? Or do you just kind of randomly choose from their registries? As a personal preference I just like to give actual gifts over cash.
For reference, where I’m from weddings are usually a much more laid back affair and people gift smaller. I would generally spend around $40-$50 on a wedding gift unless it was like a best friend or close family member.
Post # 2
Member
1024 posts
Bumble bee
I buy a registry gift or gift card (for the place they registered) for the bridal shower, and always give cash at the wedding.
Post # 4
Member
4038 posts
Honey bee
A check, which is mailed-out before the wedding, so I don’t have to carry the card with me. It also gives the couple the ability to cash it and use it, before the wedding.
Post # 5
Member
202 posts
Helper bee
I usually just buy the bathroom stuff from the registries. If it’s for the shower and I’m attending, I make like a bathroom basket with all those little things couples register for like bathroom cup and toothbrush holder, rug, hand towels, etc. It’s the easiest because I can get several things for around $50 and it’s a nice presentation.
Post # 6
Member
1011 posts
Bumble bee
Cash. But where I live cash is the expected gift, registries are not even a thing here.
Post # 7
Member
2619 posts
Sugar bee
I’m also from an area where a typical gift is $40-$50 per couple. I usually get something from their registry in that price range. I’m not sure why, but I don’t like giving cash.
Post # 8
Member
135 posts
Blushing bee
Money, or something from their registry. I’ve seen too many couples get crap they didn’t want (like vases/decorative stuff that wasn’t their style/kitchen gadgets they’ll never use) to buy a random gift.
I prefer giving cash because so many couples live together before they get married and have all or most of the stuff they need, except for more expensive items. Cash can be used to buy a new car, start a retirement account, or buy a home. That, to me, is more useful than a coffee maker or some bath towels that the couple could probably buy on their own.
Edited to add: where I’m from, most brides have showers where they get physical gifts, and then cash is the typical wedding gift.
Post # 9
Member
458 posts
Helper bee
My go-to is cash for the wedding. However, since you mentioned that you prefer to give a boxed gift, I would just choose something off the registry that fits my price range. That way it’s something I know they wanted. If there isn’t anything on the registry in my price range, then I do a gift card to a store where they registered.
Post # 10
Member
204 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: February 2017 - Edson Keith Mansion
We like to give cash and a set of wine glasses engraved with the names/wedding date of the couple and three bottles of wine labeled first holiday, first road trip, and first quarel. I know cash is always appreciated, but it is fun to give something memorable as well.
Post # 12
Member
827 posts
Busy bee
I get something off the registry for a shower, then give cash at the wedding. If you really prefer a physical boxed gift, something off the registry. If there is no registry, take the hint. If you’re STILL like NAH I NEED TO BRING THEM SOMETHING WITH WRAPPING PAPER ON IT, then get them a nice picture frame.
Post # 13
Member
750 posts
Busy bee
If I’m close to the couple (or 1/2 of the couple) I try to get something really thoughtful or ask them specifically if there’s something they’d love, on the registry or off. If it’s someone that’s just a regular friend or family member, I try to get things from their registry that will be passed over because they aren’t as “fun,” but would be a huge help to the couple.
Tupperware or Corningware for food storage, a few placesettings of their casual china, towels. Things that most people would go, “oh I want to get something fun, like the pasta maker,” and skip. 6 months from now they probably will put that pasta maker on a shelf but they’ll always need food storage and/or towels.
Post # 14
Member
1168 posts
Bumble bee
A cheque, and maybe something in the lower range from the registry if they’re close.
Post # 15
Member
1505 posts
Bumble bee
My go to used to be engraved cutting boards. Now it’s either cash or something on their registry that isn’t a kitchen item. I can’t tell you how many showers I’ve been to and the bride only gets kitchen items. I’m assuming wedding gifts are similar.
