Engagement gift?

[3DisneyBuggs]

DH's niece is engaged and her aunt is giving her a party. Is cash the normal gift or should I look for a gift gift.LOL.

 

[hops&dreams]

For an engagement, I try to give them something wedding-y. If it's a close friend, I will get them a GC to a salon, MAC counter (wedding make-up consultation), or for a couples massage -things I know they'll use, or ought to use - while planning the wedding.

If they aren't that close, then cash would be fine.

If a super close friend or relative, we always get them a nice grill. I don't know why, but the 3 times we've done this, it's been a huge hit. Latest one was my best friend from childhood - I think his bride thought she'd get a nice gift, but he got $300 to get a grill. And he spent every last penny of it! I gave it to him saying "You know, this is probably the only gift you'll get that's geared to YOU!" And it was. And he calls me every time he lights that puppy up to tell me thanks and just say a quick "hey!"

 

[pearlieq]

This is probably regional, but around here engagement parties aren't really "gifty" occasions. It's more of a celebration of the engagement and a meet-n-greet for the wedding party and both sides of the family.

Of course, some people do bring gifts, but in my experience they're mostly of the bottle of wine, gift-card-inside-a-card type, not a physical, wrapped present. Those come at the shower and the cash gift comes at the actual wedding.

YMMV, of course.

 

[mmorano88]

I think it really depends on where you live/what kind of engagement party it is. My parents threw us one last year and 90% of guests gave us $$. The few out of town guests gave us very lovely gifts. Gift baskets, champaign glasses, wine. In my opinion, just coming and celebrating is enough to make me happy. But, a treat never hurts

 

[chris31997]

DH's niece is engaged and her aunt is giving her a party. Is cash the normal gift or should I look for a gift gift.LOL.

You could ask Aunt what Niece would like/need, cash or a gift. But because it is family I would plan on giving something.

 

[aprilgail2]

This is probably regional, but around here engagement parties aren't really "gifty" occasions. It's more of a celebration of the engagement and a meet-n-greet for the wedding party and both sides of the family.

Of course, some people do bring gifts, but in my experience they're mostly of the bottle of wine, gift-card-inside-a-card type, not a physical, wrapped present. Those come at the shower and the cash gift comes at the actual wedding.

YMMV, of course.

Here they are all about the gifts- in fact I usually buy off the registry for an engagement party! The last one I went to was in the same venue as wedding receptions are and it was just like a wedding, from cocktail hour to sit down meal, favors and DJ! They had a gift table out and it was full!

 

[Pooh2]

When my sons got engaged, they did not have parties but about half a dozen close family members gave them card with either cash or gift card for purchasing items to set up their new homes. (GC and cash ranged 50-100). It was completely unexpected and they were much appreciative!

 

[mjkacmom]

This is probably regional, but around here engagement parties aren't really "gifty" occasions. It's more of a celebration of the engagement and a meet-n-greet for the wedding party and both sides of the family.

Of course, some people do bring gifts, but in my experience they're mostly of the bottle of wine, gift-card-inside-a-card type, not a physical, wrapped present. Those come at the shower and the cash gift comes at the actual wedding.

YMMV, of course.

Same here - I will usually bring a bottle of wine for the engagement party, a gift off the registry for the shower, and cash for the wedding.

 

[wiigirl]

You could ask Aunt what Niece would like/need, cash or a gift. But because it is family I would plan on giving something.

 

[chimilady]

Engagement parties are not really gift giving events. I would bring a nice picture frame or a bottle of champagne with a card. That's about it.

 

[living la vida mickey]

I've given wedding related gifts. Things like a waterford ring holder, bridal cake knife and server, toasting flutes for the reception, wedding picture frame, etc.

 

[ceecee]

This is a new one for me! They have parties for everything now, sorry but that sounds like another way to get a gift. Is this in addition to a bridal shower?????????

 

[pearlieq]

Here they are all about the gifts- in fact I usually buy off the registry for an engagement party! The last one I went to was in the same venue as wedding receptions are and it was just like a wedding, from cocktail hour to sit down meal, favors and DJ! They had a gift table out and it was full!

Wow! Sounds fun, but totally different. The ones I've been to took place relatively soonish after the engagement. If the registry had even been done at that point I didn't know about it.

No wonder people are confused!

 

[aprilgail2]

This is a new one for me! They have parties for everything now, sorry but that sounds like another way to get a gift. Is this in addition to a bridal shower?????????

Yes-gift at engagement party, gift at bridal shower, gift at wedding.

 

[chimilady]

Yes-gift at engagement party, gift at bridal shower, gift at wedding.

Not according to Peggy Post. No gift for engagement, yes for shower and wedding.

From Emilypost.com:

Q: What is an appropriate gift for an engagement party? Is one expected?

A: An engagement present is not a requirement. Particularly if you are going to a large party, gifts are not expected, although lately, many people believe a gift is expected so more gifts are being taken, even though they arent required. If you are invited to a small dinner party or other intimate gathering in honor of an engagement, then those invited are presumed to be very close and would likely take a gift.

In this case, good presents include a memory  a childhood photo in a great frame, a small scrapbook of things you have done together, etc. if that relationship exists. Other good presents are things for the couple to do together prior to their marriage: a little escape from the stresses of wedding planning. This could be a gift certificate for the movies, with one thrown in for popcorn, or a book of coupons for Blockbuster and a basket of microwave popcorn, or collection of treats and a bottle of wine, or passes to a museum or gallery, or a gift certificate for tea at a tea shop. A bride would enjoy a gift that gives her a little pampering, such as a certificate for a manicure or a facial, or a collection of her favorite fragrance in bath powder and lotion, for example, are fun. The groom-to-be might enjoy the same kind of gift. If you prefer, you can give a small household item  placemats, a welcome mat, a door knocker, guest towels, a salt and pepper grinder. . . the list of things people need is endless.
- See more at: http://www.etiquettedaily.com/2011/...-gift-giving-guidelines/#sthash.eWTHCWS9.dpuf