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

[monkeybug]

Am I the only one who thinks a gift doesn't always have to be practical? With this sort of gift odes it really matter if the bride doesn't like pledge?

I got this in the mail yesterday from a friend
http://www.supertightstuff.com/01/26/pictures/funny-pictures/hat-with-built-in-beard/

Now as a rule I'm not a fan of rockin' a beard hat in public, especially when your a chick. And it would really have been more appropriate a few months ago, it's getting a bit warm for beard hats. Sort of out of season.
So do I love the actual item? No. I don't. Not too much!
It came all wrapped in beautiful specialty paper, with an elegant note that said "thinking of you"!

I still laugh out loud every time I see it!!
Best. Gift. EVAH!!!! Of ALL time!

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Am I the only one who thinks a gift doesn't always have to be practical? With this sort of gift odes it really matter if the bride doesn't like pledge?

I got this in the mail yesterday from a friend
http://www.supertightstuff.com/01/26/pictures/funny-pictures/hat-with-built-in-beard/

Now as a rule I'm not a fan of rockin' a beard hat in public, especially when your a chick. And it would really have been more appropriate a few months ago, it's getting a bit warm for beard hats. Sort of out of season.
So do I love the actual item? No. I don't. Not too much!
It came all wrapped in beautiful specialty paper, with an elegant note that said "thinking of you"!

I still laugh out loud every time I see it!!
Best. Gift. EVAH!!!! Of ALL time!

That is pretty funny, but was it a wedding gift?

I don't necessarily think a wedding gift needs to be practical, (in fact, I think a lot of the crystal and china people register for is pretty impractical), but the OP specifically said she wanted "things they will actually use". Who can better tell them what they'll actually use than the couple themselves?

 

[katie26]

Am I the only one who thinks a gift doesn't always have to be practical? With this sort of gift odes it really matter if the bride doesn't like pledge?

I got this in the mail yesterday from a friend
http://www.supertightstuff.com/01/26/pictures/funny-pictures/hat-with-built-in-beard/

Now as a rule I'm not a fan of rockin' a beard hat in public, especially when your a chick. And it would really have been more appropriate a few months ago, it's getting a bit warm for beard hats. Sort of out of season.
So do I love the actual item? No. I don't. Not too much!
It came all wrapped in beautiful specialty paper, with an elegant note that said "thinking of you"!

I still laugh out loud every time I see it!!
Best. Gift. EVAH!!!! Of ALL time!

I don't think a gift needs to necessarily be practical, but I do think it should be tailored to the tastes and desires of the recipient. Your friend sent you that because she knew you'd get a kick out of it, not because she thought you really needed a beard hat. It seems like the OP doesn't know the bride or groom well enough to know whether they'd "get" the joke or appreciate the gift at all.

Like previous posters have said, some people are particular about the brands of household items they use for various reasons. I would be pretty disappointed to recieve a bunch of household items - especially as a wedding gift - if they weren't the things I prefer to use. (For example, I use all natural cleaning products for environmental and health reasons - if I got a bunch of Pledge, I wouldn't really want to use it... and I wouldn't really want to throw it out, because that's just wasteful... and giving someone a gift that they'll just end up donating or throwing out isn't particularly respectful of their time or desires.)

OP, if I were you, I would do what the PPs have urged, and either select something from the registry or get them a gift card to one of the stores where they've registered. I'm sure you have a lot of close friends and family who appreciate your creativity, but in this instance, I think that the gracious and kind thing to do is to give the couple something they'll use.

 

[mamacatnv]

Tacky and even though you think you are being thoughtful if I were the recipient I would think the exact opposite.
This is what I did for all the friends of DS's when they graduated from high school and went to college, I would never ever do something like that for a wedding gift.

Put the toiletries and cleaners in YOUR pantry to use at a later date and go order something off the registry.

 

[katesorad]

I find this idea to be very tacky, along with what seems to be a majority of others. Do a gift card for Costco or Sams Club.. or something like that. Don't just pile a bunch of garbage in a box and pass it off as a gift. If you don't want to get them a real gift, don't go to the wedding.

Even if you can't afford a pricier gift, just get them a $20 gift card for Target or to a local takeout restaurant. They will appreciate this more than you think.

 

[pixie dust 112]

Well I guess I am in the minority here! I think it is a great idea. It is practical and fun! DH and I would have loved a gift like this. I have been married 27 years and I still have things in boxes in the attic! Nice job OP!

 

[mamacatnv]

Well I guess I am in the minority here! I think it is a great idea. It is practical and fun! DH and I would have loved a gift like this. I have been married 27 years and I still have things in boxes in the attic! Nice job OP!

IMO and I have been married for 24 years. Things were different, while DH and I did live together for a couple of months before we got married but that was not a super common occurence. Many of our gifts were meant to help us set up house.

The OP stated the couple has a house etc. I would assume then that they have cleaning supplies and are registering for the things they would like to have, not things someone else thinks they need.
Just my 2cents

 

[marlynnp]

You posted two weeks early. Now you'll have to think up another post for April fools.


But in case you were serious....

Tacky and even though you think you are being thoughtful if I were the recipient I would think the exact opposite.
This is what I did for all the friends of DS's when they graduated from high school and went to college, I would never ever do something like that for a wedding gift.

Put the toiletries and cleaners in YOUR pantry to use at a later date and go order something off the registry.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

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'.

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?

Oreos~ well, everyone just NEEDS oreos... enough said.

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.

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.

Air freshener....well you married a man right?



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

Tissues
plastic wrap
ziploc containers
foil
duct tape and a hammer
light bulbs
magic erasers
trash bags
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.


Does any of this make sense???

I think it is a great idea, and if they get your sense of humor, they will LOVE it!

Duct tape and hammer.....well, there are so many uses, use your creativity.
Trash bags...for putting each other's stuff on the lawn every now and then.
Tissues....to dry each other's tears...
Tin foil...to put highlights in your hair or attract UFO's
Magic Erasers....to erase past broken hearts.

I'm not that creative, and some of those are cheesy...it is harder cause you don't know them so well, but I'm thinking that you must know the groom well enough that he gets your humor, or you wouldn't do this.

 

[2girlsmom]

Now see, I disagree. We lived together for over a year and would not only have found this kind of gift practical, but also would have thought the comments hilarious. So to each their own, I guess...

Kelly, have you thought of adding a cast iron skillet? Not only are these great for cooking on, but the running joke on the one we got as a wedding gift is that they make excellent...shall we say attitude adjustment devices??

 

[kelly1218]

IMO and I have been married for 24 years. Things were different, while DH and I did live together for a couple of months before we got married but that was not a super common occurence. Many of our gifts were meant to help us set up house.

The OP stated the couple has a house etc. I would assume then that they have cleaning supplies and are registering for the things they would like to have, not things someone else thinks they need.
Just my 2cents

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.

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.

 

[kelly1218]

I just feel like OP said her intention was to give the couple something they would defintiely use. She doesn't know them so how does she know they'll want to use these things? I could see doing this type of "kit" for a close friend or a sister, not a couple I barely know/don't know at all. Also I don't think she planned to include gift cards.

Well, you're wrong.... she did

And it's even for Home Depot...one of the stores I am NOT fond of and they registered at.

 

[kelly1218]

Now see, I disagree. We lived together for over a year and would not only have found this kind of gift practical, but also would have thought the comments hilarious. So to each their own, I guess...

Kelly, have you thought of adding a cast iron skillet? Not only are these great for cooking on, but the running joke on the one we got as a wedding gift is that they make excellent...shall we say attitude adjustment devices??

No...I was thinking of a brick........ but you're right...a skillet would have dual uses.

 

[mamacatnv]

Wrap it all in tulle and don't forget some Solo cups for the beer pong games. FYI Spencers sells beer pong balls with fun sayings on them. I know this because I put them into my college kids stocking at Christmas.

If you want to spank us for not answering your direct question, let me spank you back for your snippy reply.
You have been on the DIS long enough to know that full disclosure of every detail you can think to add is the first rule.
The second rule is know that if you ask a question of just about any sort you will also get opinions to go with the answers.

Honestly, the products that you were going to give don't bug me as much as the "cute" sayings you were sending along with it. This is a wedding gift, its not a 40th b-day gag gift.

 

[kelly1218]

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'.

 

[Agri]

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.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

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.

I think this is a great shower gift. But, from reading the original post, I thought it was the wedding gift. I think most people thought that. My first response would have been that it sounded like a shower gift.

 

[allison443]

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'.

As I said in my response, I have seen baskets of cleaning products given at showers. At one shower there was a poem using the names of the products like "as you PLEDGE your love" "FANTASTIC life together" etc. You get the idea.

I still think it would be nice to have a theme...like you mentioned Home Depot, you could get one of those large 10 gallon buckets they sell and put in things like paintbrushes, garden gloves, etc. Stuff from Home Depot. Rather than a paintbrush, aluminum foil, oreos, and other random stuff that doesn't relate to each other. Like someone posted, you don't want it to look like you just raided your pantry and threw it together.

Sorry I don't care for the jokes about fighting over toilet paper, the wife pretending to her husband that she cleaned, and other problems of marriage. I just don't think that's appropriate for a shower, and apparently many others on this thread feel the same. It just seems kind of negative and I've never seen that at a shower. Of course everyone's different so go ahead if you want.

 

[clh2]

They are already in a house....I wanted to give them things they could use. Things that people don't give as gifts.

I looked at their registries....and frankly, I don't want to buy a toilet, $200 serving platter, or $500 grill.


I was just trying to add a spin to it.

What about some BBQ tools to go with the grill someone else is going to get them??? (Sorry - I'm not a fan of the Pledge, air fresheners etc.) But - if you know they want a grill - BBQ tools are perfect!

 

[disneyfreakk]

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!"