Real Life MMD: What gift should I buy for my nephew's wedding?

*miaomiao*

What about donating some money to something like an Oxfam Unwrapped or Christian Aid gift (there are lots of religious & non-religious charities) and making their special day go further by improving the lives of others who live in less fortunate circumstances?

BTW, do they even want/need a present, much less a gift of money? I wouldn't if I were getting married. I have already been able to set up a home with my boyfriend and we wouldn't want people to be put out of place by our decision to get married.

System

Have the couple asked for money? If so, just give what you can afford and I'm sure it will be appreciated. We asked for money when we got married - we'd lived together for a few years so there was nothing we really needed, and we're saving for a deposit on a house. Some people (parents and grandparents) gave us quite a lot, and others gave £10 or £20. It was all gratefully received, and it all added together to make a fair chunk for us to start saving on top of.

If they haven't asked for money, it's probably easier to give them an actual gift, as money can feel quite impersonal unless you asked for it. Something thoughtful but not expensive, preferably related to their interests. It shows that you wanted to do something special for them if you put some thought into it, regardless of cost. I also like undecisive's idea about the homemade box and crystal flutes, but make sure you check with your nephew's parents first - if lots of people are getting them that sort of thing, they'll have a cupboard full of beautiful but impractical glass and silverware!

Talent

Just keep quiet. You should not, under any circumstances, leave yourself short just to keep up with the Jones's, or your sister. How do you know how much your sister is giving? Did you ask or did she brag? It's personal!

Hime

If they are a well off young couple, why not give a gift to a charity in their name? Buy some goats for a family through Oxfam or help pay for a well somewhere. Their marriage will then also mark a significant moment in the lives of others less well off.

Just noted post from miaomiao....!

auntypog

Another option would be to give a wedding gift designed to amuse rather than impress: in other words, the gift of laughter. This shows a lot of thought because you have to work out exactly the right present to make the couple smile. It doesn't take expense just plenty of forethought. The success of this course of action hinges on knowing the taste of the couple reasonably well.

A.Jones

Give them what you feel comfortable giving. A gift is a gift, not a moral decision. If you feel you can only afford to give a tenner, give that. If you feel you cannot afford anything, make them a card and leave it at that. Don't give a large value gift if you think you will regret it.

The_Woozle

I think you should either make them something cheap but nice like a scrapbook of pictures, or send them a cheque of whatever you can afford and tell them to have a bottle of champagne / meal out of it. Thats what my grandparents give my parents for gifts as they know we dont really want or need anything so would rather be taken out for a nice meal than given gifts we dont want. or, if you really dont have any money to spare then just send a nice card, if theyre well off they dont need any gifts or money!

Pawan_2

One of presents we thought was nice for our wedding (but not especially expensive) was six bottles of wine, each with a personalized lable tied on - including:

"for your first year anniversary"
"for a quiet evening in at home"
"for a special occasion"

(I can't recall all the others) But I thought it was a nice idea, and cost depends entirely on which wines you choose.

Ashagill

I think the first idea was the best one really. I couldn't afford the CD boxset that I wanted to get my friend so I bought a photoframe in a gift shop sale, and used my mum's photo editting software to brush up a picture of both of us that I got off facebook. I think in hindsight that was a far better present, because it was personal, and i'd clearly worked on it.
Alternatively, I could have made my own mix CD with a cover etc, that I made for my boyfriend once.

I'd suggest doing something like that, or if you're no good at crafts and stuff (it's not for everybody!) then buy something safe but thoughtful, his n hers dressing gowns? selection of gift candles, or something engraved with their initials/date of the wedding.

Aldahbra

I was in exactly the same situation with my cousin, I had no idea what I could possibly afford to give that they would want. I gave her and her new husband champagne and two flutes. Wish I'd read this thread first though and found out how to present them nicely.