Wedding Gift ideas when you don't know the person terribly well

[CJK]

I was wondering if any of you have ever bought a wedding gift for someone like your hairdresser or travel agent, etc..? My travel agent who I've had for years is getting married. I don't know her well enough to get invited to the wedding (it's a very small wedding anyway), but I know her well enough to be excited for her. Would it be strange to buy her a little gift? Any suggestions on what to get?

 

[RUDisney]

I have bought nice picture frames for weddings that I'm not attending but know the couple well enough to acknowledge their day with a gift.

Also, we have a really nice gift store that has unusual things in it that is a "go to" place for gifts like this. I've used it for secretary gifts, too.

They have really nice bride and groom ornaments that are different from what you can find in normal department stores. If that is what you want to buy and don't have a place like this near you, go on ebay to see what is available. You can probably find some nice ornaments on there.

The bride and groom will be touched by your thoughtfulness.

 

[babyrich]

I was wondering if any of you have ever bought a wedding gift for someone like your hairdresser or travel agent, etc..? My travel agent who I've had for years is getting married. I don't know her well enough to get invited to the wedding (it's a very small wedding anyway), but I know her well enough to be excited for her. Would it be strange to buy her a little gift? Any suggestions on what to get?

A gift card is always a safe way to go. Any amount would be a nice gesture.

I received a frame from a friend's daughter when I got married. It looks like the back of a car, when you put the photo in it appears that you are looking out of the back window of the car. And the license plate says "just married". We had our photographer take a picture specifically for the frame. It came out great and it is our favorite photo and display.

 

[tlbwriter]

I'd check some typical online registries to see if she turns up. Even if you don't want to buy from the registry, you can get an idea of their style and wants. For example, if she registers for wine glasses, you know she's a wine drinker and you could buy a bottle of wine or a GC to a local wine store. Try Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Target, Macys, Dillards, Walmart, etc.

 

[golfgal]

It is always ok to buy a gift so I wouldn't worry about that. I would also check to see if she has an online registry and if not I usually go with a good standby of a chip/dip set. Kohl's usually has some clear glass ones I buy if I don't know someone very well. I figure that is one serving piece that everyone can use-either for chips/dip or veges/dip, fruit, etc. Being clear glass it goes with everything.

 

[Disney Doll]

I usually tend to get a gift card to a "doing" thing..ie-out to dinner to a local theater. I make a little note that says "something so you can enjoy a date night".

The other thing you can do is a gift basket...just try and make it useful stuff as opposed to ornamental... spaghetti dinner, movie night, tea for two.

Picture frames, candles etc. are just more dust collectors...

 

[tlbwriter]

Picture frames, candles etc. are just more dust collectors...

I agree. It's hard to find decorative items that people like even if you know them pretty well. Unless she happens to tell you "I have a gallery wall of all black picture frames" or "I collect Franciscan Desert Rose" or something like that, I'd steer clear of anything that's mean to be put on display.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Card with cash is always good.