Need help picking out a wedding gift

[clh2]

The person who works for my husband is getting married. (They work at a company, not a family business.)

Rach is getting married, they have worked together for 4 years or so.

We did not get invited to the wedding, nor did anyone else where they work.

I would still really like to get them something for a wedding gift, but I am not sure what. They are really a sweet couple.

They are registered, but there is only the expensive stuff left.

I really would prefer not to give a monetary gift. Oddly enough - if we had been invited, I would have certainly given $$.

SO - in a different situation where we did not get invited to the wedding, we gave the couple a bottle of champagne and a gift card to a loungerie store. The couple LOVED this gift, but I do not want to do something like this because of the work relationship involved.

Any fun ideas? I would love to stay in the $50 range.

 

[Soulsearching]

What about a Picnic Basket? http://www.futurememories.com/charpicbas.html

With a gift certificate to a gourmet deli.

 

[kathie859]

I love the champagne idea--festive and congratulatory at the same time! (minus the lingerie--I'd think that's more suited to a bridal shower)....Depending on their living circumstances (i.e, do they own their own home?) A gift certificate to a nursery is something that they could use to buy a tree for their yard to commemorate the marriage.

If you're going for something neutral due to the business nature of the relationship, you can't go wrong with a "congrats" greeting card with/or without a gift card for a celebratory dinner out. I would not give money--but would consider a gift card (of course, that might be indicative of local customs--but where I live it would be inappropriate to give money to a co-worker when not invited to a wedding--awkward, awkward, awkward!)
In fact, a nice card with a heartfelt, handwritten note would be sincere but not place the couple in any awkward position. -- Sent to their home, not handed to the co-worker AT work.

The more I think about it, I think a card would be best--no feelings of recipricosity involved by the new couple. Good luck--OP you're a sweetie to want to do something for the newlyweds

 

[EthansMom]

One of my aunts gave DH and I a medium-sized Wilton Armetale platter that I love and use regularly (10 years later). Wilton Armetale has a pewter look to it, but is dishwasher and oven safe. There are lots of different designs and pieces to choose from. You could get a platter or bowl and put some treat in/on it to dress it up a bit.

If you can use the 20% off coupon at Bed Bath and Beyond, you could get a larger piece for your money.

Here are a couple of links:

http://www.armetale.com/

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/search/search.aspx?order_num=-1&sstr=wilton+armetale&dim=1&nty=1&

I hope this helps!

 

[Disney Doll]

How about a dinner gift card with a note that says "Enjoy a date night when you get home".

 

[DisneyBlonde]

I think a bottle of champagne and a gift card to the store where they're registered would be perfect.

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

I like the idea of a gift card to a restaurant.

 

[clh2]

OP here...
I was seriously thinking about a GC to a restaurant - I just didn't want to put my ideas in the original post. I love the idea of a "date-night" note.

I REALLY want to give this couple something, times have been tough with the company that the bride and DH work for...hence the $50 max limit. (The company is on a reduced work week along with reduced pay).

Come to think of it, we have a really interesting restaurant in our neck of the woods, but just a little off the beaten path. a $50 GC would either allow them 1-dinner in the "fancy" part of the restaurant, or it would allow 2 or 3 times in the casual side of the restaurant.

I personally love the nursery idea - except they live in a condo, and the wedding is in September, so not even a chance to buy a nice potted plant for their patio or deck.

I am not worried about any sort of "reciprocity" obligation, so no issues on that front at all. My only dealings with them are at the Christmas and summer get-togethers. It is a really small division of a larger company,s o when there is a function, you do get to know the coworkers and their spouses/SO's.

 

[quentina]

Personalizationmall.com

I got friends a welcome mat with their last name on it....it was the hit of the party, everyone loved it.

If you google for coupons, there are free shipping codes also.

 

[becjlek]

How about a fire extinguisher for their home with a note that you hope they never have to use it. It isn't a very sophisticated gift but I have received thank yous from people who appreciate a practical gift and a gift that has the potential to save their home or their lives.

 

[onelilspark]

Personally, I really like the ideas of the welcome mat and Picnic basket. They're cute ideas that not a lot of other people are going to think of.

 

[denisem]

Many great ideas (I'm gonna file them away in my head).

Another suggestion is a decorative glass/crystal bowl. I received an unusual pressed-glass bowl (that I adore) 28 years ago as a wedding gift. Holds fresh fruit on a daily basis, but also doubles as an extra serving piece.
Makes even lowly coleslaw look "elegant" (and trust me, my cooking needs all the help it can get!)

 

[kirbsam]

I like the idea of a gift card to a restaurant.

yes.

 

[golfgal]

Did they register for dishes? Maybe you could find a complimentary serving dish/platter/bowl that isn't from their set but matches. If they have a blue and white pattern find a solid color blue bowl for example. Look at the colors they chose on their registry for dishes, towels, etc. and see if you can find a piece of art-picture, sculpture, etc. that goes with that. If all else fails, a gift certificate to a art framing store is a good idea-they can get a wedding picture framed if they want.

 

[Ohiodislover]

A nice crystal picture frame would be nice. We've done this before, and I am always thrilled when we visit and find that they have used it for their wedding pic

Love the picnic basket idea. I have to keep that one in mind