I may be attending a reception tomorrow and I need some quick *inexpensive* gift ideas. This is the daughter of friends of the family. We sort of grew up together, but I was never too close to her. Would it be rude if I did not go? I didn't RSVP b/c my aunt talked to the *friends* and probably told them I was going. Anyway, I need some ideas. When I say tomorrow, I mean tonight...Friday. Thanks!

By Feona on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 06:31 am:

You can got to Marshalls or tj max and get something like a cake plate with knife or something for the home. Vase - Picture Frame (Never have enough picture frames.)

By Bellajoe on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 07:37 am:

Gift certificate would be easy, or just a card with some money. Candles, TjMaxx is a good idea. Have fun if you go!

By Amecmom on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 08:34 am:

How about a gift certificate to a restaurant in the area? This way the couple can have dinnner on you one night?
Ame

By Rayanne on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 10:34 am:

My favorite inexpensive gift that lks nice:

Buy a nice basket, not too big. Buy wine glasses, and a bottle of wine. Fill the basket up with all that and then decorate the holes with nice tissue paper.

By Emily7 on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 10:53 am:

You have upto a year after the wedding to send a gift (thats what I have been told) I always go for Gift Certificates..Or you could be the one of the ten to give a blender. I found a nice set of lead crystal candlestick holders at Hallmark for $30.00 on the sale table.

By Nicosmom on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 12:03 pm:

Thanks, these are some really good ideas. I'm still not sure if I'm going yet though. You have a year to send a gift? I thought you had to take one with you..lol?

By Yjja123 on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 12:50 pm:

One of my favorite gifts was from my sister.
It was a gift basket with:
Bottle of champagne
massage oil
chocolates
pepperidge farms milano? cookies
pepperidge farms goldfish crackers
frosted grapes

etc...
basically is was treats for the first night.

By Vbw1978 on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 01:20 pm:

did they register anywhere that you could just look there to see what they want .
i know that i registered at like 10 places so that i would get what i wanted !

By Amyj on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 05:08 pm:

I like to give wind chimes. You can find some beautiful and not too expensive ones. It is also a gift that not too many people think of.

By Christylee on Friday, June 4, 2004 - 09:53 pm:

I like the wind chimes idea alot, very original!

I went today to Ross (not sure if they are nationwide or not though) and they had tons of things that would make a nice present and they were very affordable. They had tons of frames for newlyweds.

By Nicosmom on Saturday, June 5, 2004 - 02:17 am:

Well, I went..it was pretty nice. I decided I'll take my time and send her something nice with a nice card. Since I have a year right?...lol We didn't get to talk much so I'll write something in it.

By Karen~moderator on Saturday, June 5, 2004 - 08:05 am:

I went to the wedding of a co worker 2 years ago. They pretty much had everything, and had registered, etc. My DH told me about the having the year to send a gift thing, so I waited and sent them a gift certificate to a nice restaurant to celebrate their first anniversary.

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, June 5, 2004 - 10:04 pm:

I went to a wedding today. 3rd for her, 2nd for him. I got them bath towels. (2 bath, 2 hand, and 2 washcloths). I figure a family can always use bath towels. (7 kids between the 2 of them - oldest boy out of house. then 1 older teenager still at home, 15 yo living with dad right now and 2 younger girls for her. 2 young kids for him (not sure of ages, but maybe kindergarten/first grade).

By Yjja123 on Saturday, June 5, 2004 - 10:46 pm:

From Emily Post:
Wedding Etiquette—Wedding Gift Tips

**How soon should I send a gift?
Preferably, send the gift to the bride before the wedding or to the couple soon thereafter. In some regions gifts are brought to the reception and placed on a special table. Contrary to a current rumor that you have a year to send a gift, it really should be sent right away or within three months of the wedding.

Do I have to choose a gift from a registry?
No. A registry is for your convenience and you are not limited to what is on the list.

How much should I spend?
There is no rule, so it is entirely up to you. Let your affection for the bride and groom and your budget be your guide.

Is it appropriate to give money?
In some cultures it is THE traditional gift. If you are uncomfortable about giving cash or a check, you have several options. You can give a gift certificate to a store where the bride and groom are registered. Another good idea is an American Express GiftCheque. They are a thoughtful gift and much appreciated by brides and grooms because they are easy to use, universally accepted and timeless. (They have no expiration date.) They arrive beautifully packaged in a gold envelope and they are replaceable if lost or stolen.

What do I do if I haven't received a thank you note?
Ouch!! This is an awkward situation. It is certainly OK to call and ask the couple if they received the gift. If you find this too awkward and the gift was sent from a store, you can call the store and have it traced. Just as a gift should be sent right away or within three months of a wedding, a thank you note should be written right away or, at the very least, within three months of receiving a gift.