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The purpose of the wedding gift is to show your appreciation for the happy couple while giving them something that they can use as they start their new lives together. To that end, most people elect to purchase “safe” items instead of gift ideas. They opt for toasters, microwaves, china patterns, blenders or other common household items that are functional, practical and, well, boring.
That is not to say that the happy couple will not appreciate each item, but come on, how excited can you get over a blender, unless it also comes with a book on crushed ice cocktails? The toaster might be used every day for years, but would the happy couple enjoy more something that is related to hobbies they enjoy either individually or together? Nothing against a china pattern or a table setting, they are practical, but how much more fun would it be to buy them gift certificates to a store where they can choose what they want as opposed to need?
In reality, the person who chooses unique gifts over the status quo ones actually has an easier time. The guests choosing the “normal” presents have to consult registries, run a risk of giving a duplicate gift and have to worry about whether or not the couple already has a toaster, blender or coffee maker. The guest who is going the elegant gift ideas route runs little risk that their tokens of appreciation will not be noticed for their stylishness or the fun they provide the couple.
A set of luster ware champagne flute combined with some expensive champagne, both for the couple to enjoy now and then a bottle for six months and year will keep you in their minds all year long and gives them incentive to celebrate milestones. Helping them set up their own bar with a wine gift set, cocktail and wine glasses, shakers and his and her stir sticks along with an assortment of “essential” liquor and wine is a great way to give them something they will use, but might not spend money on. “Just Married” sunglasses with a gift certificate for them to do something on their honeymoon (maybe para-sailing?) is a gift that they both can enjoy and can showcase their commitment.
Other fantastic wedding gifts can be practical to help the couple out as they start their new lives together. If they are home owners or soon to be home owners, giving them a lawn mower or yard tools will help them avoid the costs associated with new home ownership purchases, which often can sneak up on the checkbook.
Other outdoors inspirations include giving them a gift certificate to a home improvement store or buying garden tools, soil and plants to help them start their first garden together. If they rent or live in an urban area, stackable flower shelves or deck garden boxes will allow them to enjoy nature’s bounty, but not take up valuable space. The garden boxes are also easy to maintain, which means you will not be associated with endless hours of weeding in the hot sun.
You also could focus on practical inside type gifts. A box full of adhesives with various types of glues, tapes and fasteners is always a practical wedding gift as is a box full of high quality office supplies including staplers, pens, pencils and note pads. One suggestion is a book set that covers home repair, cooking and decorating that will come in handy whether they rent or own their own home.
These ideas are fun to assemble and give and are practical for the bride and groom as well as memorable. If you focus on the truly indulgent, such as a day spa gift certificate, you will be remembered fondly not only when they enjoy the experience, but you will also help them feel great. If you focus on the practical, you will be remembered each time one of the items they need is located in your gift assortment. Unique gift ideas do not have to be extravagant or expensive to stick out; they just have to be thoughtful and functional.