HELP!!!!! Ideas and creativity needed!!!!! PLEASE??!?!?!?

[pixie dust 112]

Wow! OP sorry that the DIS posters are being so mean to you. This is a terrible disappointment to me as I so often defend DISers! It's your husband's cousin that is getting married. I'm guessing that you pretty much know them and their sense of humor. Have a great time! I bet everyone will appreciate your good natured humor!

 

[ilovemk76]

I see what you are trying to do but honestly, it looks like you went to your pantry and cleaned it out under the guise of a "gift".

If someone registered for something, it's a pretty good indication that they WANT that.

Why are you invited to this wedding if you don't know them?

Really you saw this as a pantry clean out gift?! If she was putting in opened aluminum foil or expired food I could see your point. I find this to be a real creative gift and with the card would be fun gift to receive.



A gift register is not the only gifts you are allowed to give. If they were then many brides would get nothing at all. Not everybody wants to buy or cannot afford a set of china, gas grill or the like.


It certainly seems the OP knows of the couple but not intimately involved with them.


I guess I am another in the minority but I prefer to think outside of the box.


Go for it OP!!!!

 

[LaraK]

You and I have a similar sense of humor.

I would be creative, but it's Friday evening and my brain is fried. The only ideas I am thinking of are not Dis friendly.

 

[tiggger1]

wow, it must be a full moon because I havent seen this much downright nastiness to another poster in a while!! Chill out

OP, I think it is a cute idea and I would love it!!!

 

[Tinijocaro]

My thought is, wedding gifts should be special-toilet paper and cleaning supplies are not special.

 

[Rora]

I applaud your effort, but I'd give cash.

JMO. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[tiggger1]

My thought is, wedding gifts should be special-toilet paper and cleaning supplies are not special.

and a toaster or blender is?

 

[ilovejack02]

Well you know they want a BBQ Pit, how about accessories for it , and or a pit cook book . If they have been in a house for awhile, it is likely they have full stock of everything you want to put in box.

You did say they like beer pong, you can never have enough cups , beer or ping pong balls. My DS22 is always buying ping pong balls .

 

[Liberty Belle]

don't forget to put garbage bags in your box!

And you could say something cute like " these bags are to throw away all of this crap I just gave you!"

Why the need to be so rude?

 

[monkeybug]

I would wrap the whole thing and put a tag on it that says something like
"It wouldn't be a wedding with out something old, something blue, something borrowed....and at least one gift you don't really want or need! Your welcome!"
Or simply "They were out of toasters! Congratulations!!!"

I just wanted to say that when I said the above, I didn't mean for it to sound mean or like I didn't like the idea, so I'm sorry if it sounded that way!! I would use a tag like that to be funny.
I think it's a great idea! If someone got me that I would laugh and appreciate the humor, I wouldn't think twice about the fact that I don't use pledge or eat oreos!

 

[dwheatl]

You could throw in a feather duster - to go with the Pledge . . . or not.
I've been married 26 years, and I can't tell you how many things I put on the registry that ended up as impractical. Why did I think I needed china napkin rings? A lot of the stuff on there is just what the stores push that has a high profit margin.
Have fun at the shower and wedding. Sounds like you'll liven things up.
BTW, my mil had her friends throw me a lingerie shower. That wasn't awkward at all! I guess she was just making sure her son enjoyed the gifts too (me wearing them, not him).

 

[badblackpug]

okay...a newlywed kit...
I don't know the bride...I barely know the groom.... yet I still can't bring myself to buy a random gift off a registry...it's just not me. Cash



So far I have started a list (haven't' shopped yet though~ yes...can we say procrastinator?)

I do want to add things that they will actually use.... not just stuff that will get shoved in a box until it gets thrown away eventually.


Pledge ~ for when you want him to think you've cleaned all day....a few spritz and your house smells wonderfully 'clean'. (just remember to run the vacuum for a few minutes to leave 'proof'. I hate the smell of pledge.

Paper plates and cups....for that inevitable spontaneous party that WILL happen at least once a month.... Why worry about dishes when you are too busy worrying about beer pong? I use paper plates because I have kids and hate doing dishes, however, I know people that refuse to use them for environmental reasons.

Oreos~ well, everyone just NEEDS oreos... enough said. Well,l I do love Oreos and I have been known to hide them from the kids, but these are people you barely know.

Toilet paper.....hide in the back of the closet.... and it will end the 'who's-turn-was-it-to-buy-the-toilet-paper argument (just make sure you replace it....this argument will happen about once every 4-5 weeks. We don't argue about who buys toilet paper. We make a list and whomever goes shopping buys what is on the list. Actually, I've never heard of a couple who argues over TP. I am picky about the brand, though. I hate Scott and Charmin.

Swiffer Duster....well, keeping the TV clean is important.... don't want to see dust spots when you are trying to check out some hot actor's butt. I don't dust, I have a cleaning lady.

Air freshener....well you married a man right?
I love air freshener, scented candles, Glade plug ins, but read a few DIS threads, you will see that there are a lot of people who are very sensitive about certain scents (I hate baby powder)


other ideas I would like to get...so I need to come up with sayings.

Tissues Brands? Shape of boxes? Aloe? No aloe? My mother loves the aloe, I hate it. Her tissue box covers are the long, rectangular type, mine are the tall, square type
plastic wrap preferred brand? "Press and seal" makes me crazy, it always sticks to itself
ziploc containers bags or those disposable containers? Brands? Glad or ziploc?
foil brand? strength? I buy store or what's on sale. My mother will only buy Reynolds
duct tape and a hammer
light bulbs the new, energy efficient ones? or the old type? I prefer the new, my brother hates them
magic erasers
trash bags brand? size(s)?
paint brushes


I am putting it all in a rubbermaid tote. that I will say is for when company comes.... it's a perfect tool to help 'declutter' your counter tops and tables.
Maybe they are not cluttery? Maybe they will take this as a criticism that they are?

Does any of this make sense???

Well, since I didn't ask if everyone thought this was appropriate or not...guess I'll give some background.


This is a young couple....I do not know the bride.... the groom is my husbands cousin.

My brother on the other hand....is friends with the bride....and parties with them quite frequently...so yes...beer pong is something they enjoy. And I'm sure if they don't eat the Oreos....he will next time he's there. The gifts are supposed to be for the couple getting married

Just because I don't know them...doesn't mean I didn't ask around.

And to order off the registry..... I really decided not to when I found our her AUNT is the one that picked everything.

They are both in their early-mid 20's..... so I was thinking practical since I know my husbands family WILL buy off the registry.

I was planning on adding a few random gift cards.... but again...I didn't think I needed to tell everyone that.

I was asking for creative help for my idea..... not for everyone to tell me it's horrible.

I do plan on giving them a nice cash gift for the wedding.... but since this is the shower, I was looking for fun. Stuffy bridal showers suck...and I was hoping to give her a chuckle or two.


Last I checked....I'm pretty sure people use tissues, toilet paper, foil, lightbulbs (which actually WAS on the registry ) So even if she doesn't use it immediately..... I'm sure it'll be used in the next few months.

The hammer and paintbrushes were there too.

I will continue to rack my own brain then for the creative part.

This is for the shower..... I promise to conform to what is 'acceptable' and give a cash gift for the Wedding.


And the sayings were just quick random thoughts....I haven't done anything with them yet, which is why I was asking for opinions and ideas about that.
The shower is sunday at 1....I have until 12:30 to finalize those.



Oh....I other than copying the first post...I was unaware of these other 'rules'.

The problem here, is the story has changed. It went from wedding to shower. From not and barely knowing them, to knowing all about them. From "I don't want to buy a random registry gift because it's not me" to not wanting to spend the amount of money the registry gifts cost, to "I don't want to buy a registry gift because they didn't choose the registry" to "some of these things are on the registry."

The OP asked "does any of this make sense?" and, no, to a lot of people it doesn't and they offered that opinion. No one was "mean" they were honest. Were it my wedding, and I was given these type of gift by someone I barely knew I would find them cheap and tacky. Even more so if I were in my early 20's and looking forward to certain gifts. If it were someone who really knew us well, and it was all stuff I would use I would probably find it funny. For instance if my sister got me the cast iron skillet, it would be a riot, because she knows I love to cook. If I got my sister the skillet, it would be a waste, because she doesn't like to cook, but the TP would be a riot because she has *TMI ALERT* intestinal "issues, but I would think "really? TP?"

 

[cluvsdisney]

I have been to bridal showers where the bride was presented with a laundry basket of cleaning supplies that came along with a poem. The items were wrapped and numbered so as the bride to be read the poem, she unwrapped the gifts in order to follow along.

If you wish to give the bride a gift that’s as fun as it is practical, surprise her with a bridal shower household poem!

This gift poem is written around a selection of brand name household products, such as laundry detergent, paper towels, and body wash. While the poem is read, the bride opens one gift at a time, revealing the words (the brand names) that fill in the blanks.

The poem itself often contains a wedding wish or a bit of advice for the bride-to-be. I say often because there is no one grand version. And with so many products to choose from, you could create countless household item poems with some imagination!

If you’d like to create your own bridal shower gift poem, skip down to the bottom half of the page. There you’ll find a long list of household items that would blend seamlessly into a memorable verse!


Bridal Shower Household Poem 1

Dear (Bride),
As you prepare for marriage,
I thought I’d let you in on a little SECRET.
Although, in physique, (Groom) might be BRAWNY
and have a really CHARMIN personality,
you may soon find out that he is no MR. CLEAN.
But don’t let that make you SHOUT.
Remember that he will always be there to SNUGGLE -
a best friend to fill your life with extra ZEST.
So please, continue to give (Groom) your ALL,
and your home never will be short on JOY!


Bridal Shower Household Poem 2

Dear (Bride),
Marriage is an exciting ride,
but that’s not to say it’s always a CINCH.
When (Groom) offers to make dinner,
you may discover PUFFS of smoke billowing from the oven,
or he might wake you at DAWN just to CARESS.
But before you go and DIAL your mother,
remember that (Groom) thinks of you as his VENUS
and chose to PLEDGE all of his love to you.
Be GLAD for your blessings,
and you two will have a blissful LIFE!


Once you’ve chosen a poem and obtained the necessary household items, what exactly happens next? How do you properly “deliver” the gift?

Type up the poem, substituting a number or a blank space for each product name. Wrap each gift individually, and number them to correspond with the order they appear in the bridal shower household poem.

Place the poem in an envelope. On the front, write, “For the hostess to read aloud.” Before the bridal shower starts, you may want to give the hostesses a heads up about reading the poem while the bride opens the gifts. If they’ve never seen it done, it may be worth the extra precaution to ensure all goes smoothly!

Source: Bridal Shower Gift Idea

Here's another one:

Dear BRIDE,

We gather together with you to celebrate the (dawn) of a new (era). Marriage is a journey. Some days it will be pure (joy) but let's take a moment and talk about the others.

There may come a time when you realize your big (brawny) guy isn't necessarily (Mr. Clean). When this and other little glitches occur, don't (shout) or send up an (SOS). Go (easy-on) him. Hopefully the (Tide) will change quickly, tensions will (vanish), and things will (bounce) back to normal.

We think you and GROOM are a (fantastic) couple with a (zest) for life and a sincere appreciation for each other. We fully support you as you and GROOM'S (pledge) to spend your lives as one.

We wish you all the best... Including love, happiness and lots of time to (snuggle).


Love,


Source: Wedding Forum

 

[kelly1218]

The problem here, is the story has changed. It went from wedding to shower. From not and barely knowing them, to knowing all about them. From "I don't want to buy a random registry gift because it's not me" to not wanting to spend the amount of money the registry gifts cost, to "I don't want to buy a registry gift because they didn't choose the registry" to "some of these things are on the registry."

The OP asked "does any of this make sense?" and, no, to a lot of people it doesn't and they offered that opinion. No one was "mean" they were honest. Were it my wedding, and I was given these type of gift by someone I barely knew I would find them cheap and tacky. Even more so if I were in my early 20's and looking forward to certain gifts. If it were someone who really knew us well, and it was all stuff I would use I would probably find it funny. For instance if my sister got me the cast iron skillet, it would be a riot, because she knows I love to cook. If I got my sister the skillet, it would be a waste, because she doesn't like to cook, but the TP would be a riot because she has *TMI ALERT* intestinal "issues, but I would think "really? TP?"

Ummmm...where did the story change? I never said it was the wedding. I just didn't specify it was the shower at first.

And I still don't know the bride personally.....I have just seen a picture of her on facebook...that doesn't mean I don't know that she's living in a house with her fiance....and that they just got a new puppy.

I never said I wasn't willing to spend money... this basket will cost me close to $200..... I just don't want to spend it on a toilet... Especially a toilet that I see returned at work for many issues.

I also was not just spending $17 on a set of paintbrushes and passing that off as a gift just cause it was on the registry....that is tacky to me....finding the cheapest item and expecting the bride to gush all over you thanking you for such an extravagant gift.

I didn't think it mattered who picked the registry....I hate them regardless.... I was just explaining part of the reason I hate them.... and her aunt picking the items really helped seal my decision in stone....

I asked if it made sense....because I rattled off the post after I worked 9 hours counting items and tagging them at work for inventory...and before you blast me for saying that...>I'll clarify now that I work nights....and yes...8am is AFTER work for me.

I have been to bridal showers where the bride was presented with a laundry basket of cleaning supplies that came along with a poem. The items were wrapped and numbered so as the bride to be read the poem, she unwrapped the gifts in order to follow along.




Source: Bridal Shower Gift Idea

Here's another one:

Thank you!!! I tried googling...I just couldn't find something that I liked and fit into what I was thinking.




As for the posters who had kind words....thank you.

Unfortunately it looks like I"ll have to just get a gift card and be done with it....as I will be working tonight and tomorrow night.... so I'll be going to this shower with no sleep... and I don't have the time to put together the gift that I wanted to.

And I only am telling ya'll this...because I figure come monday I'll be blasted for not coming back to tell you her reaction.



now...to start another whole reason to blast me....I'm going to make myself a drink(yes at 7am) and relax for an hour before I need to start my weekend chores.

 

[kelly1218]

If you barely know them and the whole point is to give them something 'unique' that they won't throw out and that isn't on their registry...why not give them a reusable tote bag filled with a few things that you've found to be handy? (Like a tote full of things you find yourself using all the time - for example, I like to cook, so I'd include a new vegetable peeler, a box grater, the serrated knife that I constantly rely on above all my other knives, and a gift card for the local grocery store. I'd include a note explaining my choices - the peeler I use goes on a finger and is much easier to use than the traditional peeler, for example.)

I know when my friend and his wife did their registry, they did it with an ideal in mind, not practicality in mind. So we ended up buying them ice cream bowls and spoons that they rarely use - because obviously, one can use any old regular bowl for ice cream.

I did a variation of your gift for their shower, but that's because I *knew* my friend is a total mess and his then-future wife was a neat-freak AND they were setting up their own household - they had not already established one.

I think the sayings are complete junk and inappropriate since you aren't that close to the couple. You'll likely come off as weird and your gift will either rot or be split up and given to other people as they likely already have their preferred brands. You're not talking about a couple who will be in the middle of setting up their house and going "Oh, thank goodness x gave us pledge! Its just what we need!"

I think its ridiculously self-centered when people decide what they should give based on their own personal criteria. "Oh, I can't just buy off the registry - I have to be unique!" It's not about you, its about giving the bride and groom what they want - and can use.

And they can't use tissues, foil, trash bags, paper plates, cups, toilet paper or other every day items?






I get that some people like their 'brands'... but if I'm out of toilet paper....I'll use whatever I had shoved in the back of the cabinet.

Same with my plastic wrap or foil. If I run out.....I'll use whatever my kids can come back with from downstairs. It's nice to have an emergency backup.
The pledge and air freshener was a joke..... sheesh...even on TV the febreeze commercials show them spraying down the guys favorite chair.



I'm glad so many people here have never fought with their spouse over something simple like toilet paper or grapes.

I've been married 14 years...and I've had my share of stupid arguments. I'm not proud of them...but I won't lie and say it's never happened.

 

[badblackpug]

Ummmm...where did the story change? I never said it was the wedding. I just didn't specify it was the shower at first.

And I still don't know the bride personally.....I have just seen a picture of her on facebook...that doesn't mean I don't know that she's living in a house with her fiance....and that they just got a new puppy.

I never said I wasn't willing to spend money... this basket will cost me close to $200..... I just don't want to spend it on a toilet... Especially a toilet that I see returned at work for many issues.

I also was not just spending $17 on a set of paintbrushes and passing that off as a gift just cause it was on the registry....that is tacky to me....finding the cheapest item and expecting the bride to gush all over you thanking you for such an extravagant gift.

I didn't think it mattered who picked the registry....I hate them regardless.... I was just explaining part of the reason I hate them.... and her aunt picking the items really helped seal my decision in stone....

I asked if it made sense....because I rattled off the post after I worked 9 hours counting items and tagging them at work for inventory...and before you blast me for saying that...>I'll clarify now that I work nights....and yes...8am is AFTER work for me.


Thank you!!! I tried googling...I just couldn't find something that I liked and fit into what I was thinking.




As for the posters who had kind words....thank you.

Unfortunately it looks like I"ll have to just get a gift card and be done with it....as I will be working tonight and tomorrow night.... so I'll be going to this shower with no sleep... and I don't have the time to put together the gift that I wanted to.

And I only am telling ya'll this...because I figure come monday I'll be blasted for not coming back to tell you her reaction.



now...to start another whole reason to blast me....I'm going to make myself a drink(yes at 7am) and relax for an hour before I need to start my weekend chores.

In all honesty, if these are people you knew well, and you were certain that these are things they would use, it might be a cute idea. But..... if these are people you really don't know well, it will probably look tacky or last minute. Like you grabbed a rubber maid tote and cleaned out your pantry. I'm sorry if you don't agree, and if you are offended by that opinion. I am thinking if I were a younger person and a person whom I didn't know well brought this type of gift I would think that it was last minute or cheap, and honestly, that not much thought went into it. Again, if it were someone to whom I was close, and they chose things that they know, and I know they know, I use I would probably think it was cute. If you really have an issue with registries, stick to cash for people you don't know well. It is always useful and will NEVER sit in a closet, unused. I had a co-worker, give me a couple of scented candles from Walmart. I know they were inexpensive, and I know she had financial issues, but I had mentioned to her one time that I loved food scented candles (vanilla, chocolate, cookie, cupcake, toffee, cinnamon, etc) She apologized to my husband for them saying she was embarrassed. He laughed and told her they were the 1st thing I used. If you honestly don't know the couple well or know their preferences, it is probably better to stick with the "generic" registry gift, or cash.

Disagreeing with you is not "blasting" you.

BTW... I work nights, too. I have been known to have a bloody Mary or *gasp* a beer with breakfast.

 

[kelly1218]

In all honesty, if these are people you knew well, and you were certain that these are things they would use, it might be a cute idea. But..... if these are people you really don't know well, it will probably look tacky or last minute. Like you grabbed a rubber maid tote and cleaned out your pantry. I'm sorry if you don't agree, and if you are offended by that opinion. I am thinking if I were a younger person and a person whom I didn't know well brought this type of gift I would think that it was last minute or cheap, and honestly, that not much thought went into it. Again, if it were someone to whom I was close, and they chose things that they know, and I know they know, I use I would probably think it was cute. If you really have an issue with registries, stick to cash for people you don't know well. It is always useful and will NEVER sit in a closet, unused. I had a co-worker, give me a couple of scented candles from Walmart. I know they were inexpensive, and I know she had financial issues, but I had mentioned to her one time that I loved food scented candles (vanilla, chocolate, cookie, cupcake, toffee, cinnamon, etc) She apologized to my husband for them saying she was embarrassed. He laughed and told her they were the 1st thing I used. If you honestly don't know the couple well or know their preferences, it is probably better to stick with the "generic" registry gift, or cash.

Disagreeing with you is not "blasting" you.

BTW... I work nights, too. I have been known to have a bloody Mary or *gasp* a beer with breakfast.

I agree..... but some of the posters didn't just disagree


'breakfast' was pizza and one vodka and coke .... I'm now mellow enough to help my 14yo make her bead bracelets for the next few hours until I need to help my sister move

 

[TheIncredibles!]

I did the more formalized one for my cousin at her shower many years ago. I did not consider sos pads, Brawney, shout, fantastic and other basic cleaning things to be an actual gift to her though. It was just something fun to do that we could all get a laugh over, much like some of the games you play at showers.

Since you do not know the bride well, I just think it would be a little uncomfortable to do this with her and have it actually be your gift to her. I would try and pick a theme like somebody else said and go with that. You will still be able to be unique.

 

[Disney Doll]

I like the idea of a basket (or Rubbermaid container) of stuff. I think what you need to do though is settle it down to a "theme"...ie-cleaning/laundry, home maintenance/lawn care, entertainment. Or you need to tie together the variety of different items with a poem/saying, as posted by cluvsdisney. The key here is congruity in the gift, so it doesn't look like a bunch of stuff all thrown together. The "tie in" for your gift could be "Alternate Uses for Common Household Items", but you'll have to come up with amusing aternative uses for the things you have picked thus far. I'll go back and look at your OP. I'm pretty good at this stuff.

I do gift baskets a lot and I always find that if I have a theme in mind when I start, the basket comes out better. I have done Spaghetti Dinner, Baby Boy, Baby Girl, Barbeque, Coffee Time, Tea Time, Happy Wedding, Mr. Clean (cleaning supplies), Laundry Day, Gardening, Martini....you get the idea.

As far as brands and such...well, you do run the risk of getting brands that the bride does not use, but realistically, out of a basket full of stuff there will be some stuff in there that they can/will use and if there's some stuff that's not her brand, then she can donate it, give it away or whatever. If it's done right, it could make for a fun memory of the shower, so the whole "brand" thing wouldn't be a huge issue.

 

[Disney Doll]

okay...a newlywed kit...
I don't know the bride...I barely know the groom.... yet I still can't bring myself to buy a random gift off a registry...it's just not me.



So far I have started a list (haven't' shopped yet though~ yes...can we say procrastinator?)

I do want to add things that they will actually use.... not just stuff that will get shoved in a box until it gets thrown away eventually.


Pledge ~ for when you want him to think you've cleaned all day....a few spritz and your house smells wonderfully 'clean'. (just remember to run the vacuum for a few minutes to leave 'proof'. I would call this "Air Freshener in the Scent of "I Have Cleaned All Day"

Paper plates and cups....for that inevitable spontaneous party that WILL happen at least once a month.... Why worry about dishes when you are too busy worrying about beer pong? I would call this "The Good China"

Oreos~ well, everyone just NEEDS oreos... enough said. I would call this "PMS Antidote"

Toilet paper.....hide in the back of the closet.... and it will end the 'who's-turn-was-it-to-buy-the-toilet-paper argument (just make sure you replace it....this argument will happen about once every 4-5 weeks. I would call this "Training Equipment...for training your huband how to replace the roll"

]Swiffer Duster....well, keeping the TV clean is important.... don't want to see dust spots when you are trying to check out some hot actor's butt. I would call this TV Screen cleaner...for the all important Big Game day"

Air freshener....well you married a man right? I would call this "Nasal Decongestant...so you can breathe again after hubby uses the bathroom"other ideas I would like to get...so I need to come up with sayings.

Tissues I would call this "Emergency Toilet Paper"
plastic wrap I would call this "A Nightgow for Newlyweds"
ziploc containers I would call this "Serving Bowls" and tie them in with the with the "good china" noted above
foil I would call this "Emergency Sports Equipment" since it can be rolled into a ball
duct tape and a hammer I would call this "A Husband Containment System"
light bulbs I would call these "Things That a Bride Should Never Change"
magic erasers I would call these "Post Argument Clean Up Supplies"
trash bags I would call these "Body Disposal System"-you could somehow tie them in with the duct tape/hammer and magic eraser
paint brushes I would call these "Featherdusters"

I am putting it all in a rubbermaid tote. that I will say is for when company comes.... it's a perfect tool to help 'declutter' your counter tops and tables. I would call the Rubbermaid container the "Unexpected Company Clean Up System"

Does any of this make sense???

As a PP suggested, you might want to wrap them individually and number them and create a little "story" or poem or whatever to go with the gift. It might entail you actually being part of the opening of the gift, so you could read the story while your bride is opening it. It could be a really fun thing to do if it is done right.