HELP! Need cheap wedding present ideas!

[CraftyCrissy]

Do a 'First Anniversary Box'. Go to TJ Maxx or HomeGoods and get two very pretty dessert plates, two long stemmed champagne glasses, two pretty fabric napkins, a couple of taper candles (maybe in their color or white with a ribbon of their color around it), if they have wedding favors grab one or two of those, and make a CD of romantic songs. Throw in a pretty card that you sign, put it all in a pretty box (like a hat box) and put a note on it not to open until their first anniversary. They'll have everything they need to 'celebrate' with their cake topper (or some other treat) and they'll have the set to use for years to come. If you want to spend more you can throw in a bottle of wine or champagne.

I'm doing this for my brother in law for his November wedding. My three kids are in the wedding (as are my husband and I) and this gift will be from the kids. I have already purchased the box, plates (heart shaped), stemware, taper candles, pretty set of matches, a copy of the shower invitation and DVD of the shower, two linen napkins, a framed print-out of the e-mail the bride sent explaining the marriage proposal, and I'll have the kids make cards. So far the thing has cost me less than $25. Like other posters have said if you make it seem heartfelt it doesn't matter how much you spend. Believe me, I don't want to spend another freakin' penny on my BIL wedding! hee heeeeeee

 

[PrincessKitty1]

I would go to TJ Maxx or Homegoods and pick out a crystal vase or dish or something like that and wrap it up nicely. They will never know what you spent.

Bingo. This is exactly what I was going to suggest. They have lots of inexpensive stuff that looks expensive.

 

[Jaycey'smom]

My sister got a cheap wedding gift that i thought was great. It was a cheap clothes basket with kitchen items in it. Cheap things you could get from the dollar store. But I would have loved it.

 

[mommapea]

We used points from one of our old credit cards that had a rewards program. I had actually forgotten about it. Anyway, I called the number on the back of my card and didn't realize how many points we had! I used the points to order a $50 gift card to JCPenney's, and we still have lots of points left.

Just an idea if you have that sort of credit card!

 

[imcandi376]

We were asked to stand up in a wedding this past June ( My husband, myself and my son ). It was a huge unexpected financial burden. The groom actually new how rough it was for us and he acutally told us not to get them a wedding gift. That was nice and all but I don't go anywhere with my arms swinging. That is not right.

Then I remembered one of my favorite gifts from my wedding was a set of ornaments boxed called the newlyweds tree. THey are shown here. http://www.christmas-treasures.com/OldWorldChristmas/Catalog/GlassOrnaments/WeddingNewlywed.htm

I actually purchased a decorative box from Hobby Lobby, and after Christmas my little boy and I hit every store we could think of to find the ornaments. TO make a set. I include my own poem made from my computer. I had a beautiful gift that looked rich. And they even called me before they left for the honeymoon to chastise me for buying them something.

 

[churchpilot]

Do a 'First Anniversary Box'

Stealing this idea and it will become my "signature" gift. How absolutely original and brillant. Thanks for "my", oops, I mean your idea!!!

 

[mickimousemama]

This is what I made for my Brother and SIL or their wedding gift, Total cost was around $10 I think? but it turned out GREAT!!!!

I bought a large size wooden "H" 2 pieces of cordinating 12x12 scrap book paper to match the decor/colors of their home, a pack of silver ABC beads to spell out their name, a silver heart locket (in the bead isle of Michaels) and a small cute fridge magnet that was a frame and a package of brass plates and leather roap.

tore the paper in a unique way to give it a rough look, used mod podge to adhere the paper to the wooden letter let dry, used an exacto knife to cut around the edges of the H to remove un wanted paper. then used some black paint and sort of sponged the edges printed off a small tag on my printer that said est. 6-7-08 (their wedding date) glued everything on using EGOO (available at walmart in the craft section and also the automotive section)
I knew I had time the morning after to run and print off pictures at walmart to put in the locket and the little frame before their gift opening so I did that, wrapped it up with a package of 3M Velcro strips (my SIL has a phobia of putting holes in the wall) and I had an aswesome cheap, easy gift

 

[minkydog]

For two young couples recently I shared with them two tried & true recipes for pound cake and a hearty applesauce cake. In the bag I included a fluted cake pan and some of the ingredients that newlyweds might not have: vanilla flavoring, lemon flavoring, black walnuts, cinnamon. With the typed recipes I also passed on some of the things I have learned about baking over the past 27yrs. Things I wish someone had shared with me when I was a young bride and couldn't cook squat! I also put in a small check for the couple to use as they wish. I think the whole gift is less than $50.

 

[winnapooh]

Do a 'First Anniversary Box'. Go to TJ Maxx or HomeGoods and get two very pretty dessert plates, two long stemmed champagne glasses, two pretty fabric napkins, a couple of taper candles (maybe in their color or white with a ribbon of their color around it), if they have wedding favors grab one or two of those, and make a CD of romantic songs. Throw in a pretty card that you sign, put it all in a pretty box (like a hat box) and put a note on it not to open until their first anniversary. They'll have everything they need to 'celebrate' with their cake topper (or some other treat) and they'll have the set to use for years to come. If you want to spend more you can throw in a bottle of wine or champagne.

We got mostly gift cards for our wedding, which was great, but one of the presents that really sticks out is from friends that were on a budget. They got a nice basket (can find one cheap), and loaded it up with food and drinks (bottled water, cheese, crackers, chocolate, etc.). It was for the hotel on our wedding night. And we really appreciated this, since neither of us had eaten much at the wedding and we very thirsty and hungry by the time we got to the hotel.

We've done this since, with some variations. It works really well if the couple has wine glasses on their registry. Get some inexpensive wine glasses and put 2 in a basket with a bottle of local wine (more personal), then add some sparkling water, cheese, crackers, chocolate, etc. Add a wine opener, a couple of cloth towels (you can even make these yourselves), a cheese knife, even some bath salts or something. Then wrap up the remaining wine glasses separate. We put the basket in their car right before they left (or give to a limo driver, etc.) It works really well for people getting married on a budget to...may not be so good for people that went all out on their wedding!!! You can do it really inexpensively if you get stuff on sale, and even repackage (ie, take wheat thins out of the box and arrange on a nice clear plastic plate or something).

 

[SandraVB79]

How about personalized bath towels. i got one for a wedding present and it was one of their favorite gifts. There was something going on at the Macy's I went to on that particular day and I got free personalization when I bought the towels there. I don't know how much it would be otherwise though.

That is my standard gift: monogrammed bath towels. Since I have an embroidery machine, it turns out cheap. And many people I know like the idea, because many have ordered towels from me when they needed a gift (also for newborn babies)

 

[bopper]

I am not sure if you really like the couple or not:
1) If you do, then some of the hand made items mentioned here are good.
2) If not, go to Marshall's and buy something.

One relatively cheap gift we got was a cookbook (Joy of Cooking).

 

[Mic]

Thanks for all the ideas...they would work for most couples. However, I am in need of an inexpensive gift for my nephew who was married in another state the day we left for our Disney trip(that his younger brother and mother were supposed to join us for!) We were not "invited" to the wedding ceremony, as it was held in one of those little wedding chapels that allows only a few attendants, but my sister sent us an invitation to a "post-wedding reception" two weeks later. As the reception date was the same day we needed to move my college-freshman daughter into her dorm, we did not make it, but I still need a gift..albeit late. The happy couple(at 19 and 20) will soon be happy parents, so I need to hurry...unless someone has a really good idea for a combination wedding/baby gift...and where would I get a Hallmark card for that?

 

[HayGan]

Thanks for all the ideas...they would work for most couples. However, I am in need of an inexpensive gift for my nephew who was married in another state the day we left for our Disney trip(that his younger brother and mother were supposed to join us for!) We were not "invited" to the wedding ceremony, as it was held in one of those little wedding chapels that allows only a few attendants, but my sister sent us an invitation to a "post-wedding reception" two weeks later. As the reception date was the same day we needed to move my college-freshman daughter into her dorm, we did not make it, but I still need a gift..albeit late. The happy couple(at 19 and 20) will soon be happy parents, so I need to hurry...unless someone has a really good idea for a combination wedding/baby gift...and where would I get a Hallmark card for that?

I would think for a young and expecting couple a gift card to Walmart or Target would be the best bet. That way they can get whatever they need with it. As for a card, I would suggest finding a Best wishes card that has something to do with best of luck in their new journeys in life.

 

[winnapooh]

Thanks for all the ideas...they would work for most couples. However, I am in need of an inexpensive gift for my nephew who was married in another state the day we left for our Disney trip(that his younger brother and mother were supposed to join us for!) We were not "invited" to the wedding ceremony, as it was held in one of those little wedding chapels that allows only a few attendants, but my sister sent us an invitation to a "post-wedding reception" two weeks later. As the reception date was the same day we needed to move my college-freshman daughter into her dorm, we did not make it, but I still need a gift..albeit late. The happy couple(at 19 and 20) will soon be happy parents, so I need to hurry...unless someone has a really good idea for a combination wedding/baby gift...and where would I get a Hallmark card for that?

That kinda changes it! In that case, I would go to Walmart or a dollar store, buy a laundry basket or hamper, and fill it with inexpensive things they will need...wipes, baby-proofing things (cabinent latches, socket covers, etc.), etc. Relatively inexpensive (esp. store brand) and things they may not think about needing yet. Throw in some kitchen stuff (spatulas, etc.) and it's a combo gift!

 

[bopper]

I agree with a Walmart or Target gift card. They can use it to set up their household or get stuff for the baby.

 

[JackJack08]

O.k.....this was a cool gift. When BIL got married, my other SIL in the wedding party took lots of pics at the ceremony and right after, at their pic location. Went and had the best ones developed right away and put them into a photo screen. I have seen these screens/room dividers for as low as $30.00 Then, they brought it to the reception afterwards, with a big bow and placed it beside the gift table. It was a HUGE hit. Everyone at the wedding was checking it out. Even I thought it was pretty cool.....even if SIL put it together..... A lot of impact for a little money, just a little bit of effort.

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Do they have a digital camera?

How about a gift card for developing digital photos and a couple photo albums ~ both wedding appropriate and baby appropriate. It's nice to have all those pictures but it can get expensive to make some actual prints. You can do online gift certificates for places like snapfish, winkflash, etc. where you prepay for so many prints in advance or get a GC for somewhere like Walgreens, Walmart, CVS that does photo printing.

And just do a generic Best Wishes card.

 

[LisaInNc]

Beware of going too cheap! I still remember the cheap gift I got for my wedding. It was a vase and it was from the Christmas Tree Shop and it was cheap! I am long divorced, my wedding was more than 15 years ago but I still remember that gift and the woman that gave it to me!

 

[Evi]

The item doesn't have to be cheap you just have to pay less for it. Go with classics like a crystal candy bowl or candlesticks sterling silver frame etc. Search for them online on ebay, amazon as well as places like home goods tjmaxx marshalls tuesday morning. Or maybe go a step further and find out if there is something the couple really needs like child care, pet sitting, house plant watering etc offer up your time. people are really busy these days and honestly offering your time can be really appreciated maybe they'll need help moving, planning the wedding or do they actually need help getting something for the wedding. I'm sure you'll figure it out.

Goood Luck

 

[englishteacha]

I often give a really good cookbook, like a Betty Crocker or a Better Homes and Gardens. It has all the basics, and if you ever want to cook something, it will tell you! I use mine all the time. When my best friend got married, I got her a few gently used cookbooks and a new one. When we were in college and she got her first apartment, she called me to double check how to boil water...since she didn't have a microwave to do it in!

I also give really nice, large bath towels, the ones you can wrap up in. We have a store nearby that sells "irregulars" that have a slightly crooked hem or a few loose threads. I can get really nice towels for $5 each, and I've never actually found anything wrong with any I've bought (I always check them in the store.)

One gift I received that I love is a down throw. It wasn't an expensive one, but it's perfect for snuggling with on the couch. I've given snuggly blankets as wedding and Christmas gifts just because of the one I received. There's nothing better than snuggling with your loved one on a chilly night! You could get them a blanket, some cocoa, and a DVD or a gift card to rent DVDs.