Bridal shower gift?

[Kimkimba]

I use the registry - it’s what they want or need.

For my BIL and future SIL I’d probably spend about $200.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I remember one shower where I picked an insulated casserole from the registry and crocheted some dishcloths to coordinate. The dishcloths were a hit but obviously no one puts your handmade dishcloths on a registry.

And that's really sweet of you, but I don't think that was what was meant by doing something not on the registry.

Things that were mentioned were the established items (ones that have the last name and then the date of the marriage), Bride robes (unless they were on the registry) and then just overall decor. You've got china now mentioned. All of the weddings I've been too they do a more informal style. The material doesn't have to be cheap (usually stoneware though) but it's that the pattern is meant for more everyday usage while still feeling not picnic style, they don't put it in the cabinet only to bring it out for special occasions they want something that can feel like it can be used all the time.

If there happens to be a registry used deciding someone would want an artwork not on there is risky, or getting something highly personalized such that you really do need to know this couple ins and outs of them or getting them something just because you think that's what a bride and groom should have, that's sorta the reason sticking to the registries is often done. No one said don't do highly personalized gifts, it was just a "make sure you really know them" situation. In our case from the wedding last month we knew our audience and the bride and groom told our DISer group in particular don't feel like you have to go off the registry if you don't want to because well we're the Disney group lol we know we can be a bit more non-traditional. I think all of us purchased from the registry and then some of us did a secondary off the registry gift. This couple put security cameras or lights on it so we did one of those (this is a common thing I see now on registries).

I'm sure your gift was well received

 

[_19disnA]

Always thought one of the best things about a wedding gift registry was to avoid several people each buying the same item that the couple then has to exchange for something else. Typically online you can tell which item has already been 'taken' so you avoid buying a duplicate. I agree as others have said, if nothing is within your price range, then you use the registry as more of a guide for the style of things they are looking for. I have never interpreted a registry as the only acceptable list of gifts, but more of suggestions of things they like (or don't already have).

 

[SharonZ]

I would determine what your budget allows, and get something from the registry. Unless you are close to the bride and know she would love that bathrobe, I wouldn't buy it - there's a reason the couple created a list. If the items are out of your budget, get a gift card from store that has the registry.

 

[Darcy03231]

While I usually buy something off the registry, I stick to the lower end stuff and also give a rechargeable flashlight. When my ex and I were married back in 1990 my aunt and uncle gave us one as a wedding present. I kept it in the divorce and it still works. Every time the power goes out I have very fond memories of them (both deceased now).

 

[tcufrog]

One thing I really like to do is complete sets. For example, if 3 of 4 bath towels have been purchased, I'll buy the 4th. The couple usually appreciates it. The most popular off-the-registry gift I often give is a Brother label maker and extra cartridges. The recipients often think they'll never use it, but once they realize how useful it is, they go label crazy. Pretty soon, they're asking me where to buy more cartridges. I also give them as baby shower and housewarming gifts.

The most special thing we got was a stained glass window our best man made us. I got it framed to protect it and we now have it hanging in a prominant window in our home. I smile every time I look at it. After (almost) 20 years of marriage, our towels and sheets are worn out and many of the wine glasses are broken. Both my DH and I agree that the best man's gift was the best one.

 

[RangerPooh]

I stick within my budget. If there's a registry then I look for what fits within it. For those who have no items within my budget I'll get a gift card for the company that they registered through so that they can use it for anything that they did not receive but really wanted.

 

[DisneyHardin]

For a shower for a future SIL, I'd probably spend about $50 on a shower gift - I'd definitely pick something off the registry. I am a teacher and we have a very young staff, so I've been buying lots of shower gifts for co-workers the last few years - I usually spend about $15 on those showers.

 

[Once.Upon.A.Time]

Thank you all for your advice!

 

[LuvOrlando]

Thank you all for your replies. I was thinking a bunch of smaller stuff off the registry and maybe bringing something personal to the shower. I saw a bath robe that said bride on the back. Opinions? Also, she doesn’t have a traditional bridal party. The only person she’s having is her MOH (her sister).

I once made a bride to be a wedding survival pack which was a little travel bag filled with things like tissues, qtips, mini tylenol from dollar tree, travel deodorant, mini hairspray, wipes, chapstick etc. and the bride said she liked it.