gift vs money

[gtn]

OK I''m going to this wedding and all the gifts that are left on the registry are things I don''t think I want to get them, ie $100 salt and pepper shakers or the dog translator...

So I''m wondering, is it better to give them cash instead of the gift I can''t bring myself to buy them, or should I get them something that I think is a thoughtful gift?

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I see nothing wrong at all with just writing a check if you''re not really wanting to buy what''s left on the registry. You might consider getting them a gift card to the stores where they are registered, too. You know, just in case that dog translator is really important to them

 

[zoebartlett]

That''s happened to me as well. In cases such as those, I''ve often veered off the registry and gotten the happy couple a nativity set (there''s a particular simple one I like, not too ornate) and/or Christmas ornaments. I''ve obviously only gone this route if I know the couple would appreciate these types of gifts and if I knew that religion was part of their lives (speaking more specifically of the nativity set). For the ornaments, I''ve often tried to find ones that held some sort of meaning, not just any old ornament set in a box. I did when I wanted to get the couple something more meaningful than what was left on their registries. If you don''t know the couple well though, or you think they''d really appreciate a gift card, that''s a good way to go, too.

 

[ChargerGrrl]

I like NEL''s idea of giving them a gift card from the retailer they registered at!

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

I am all for the money. I wouldn''t want a gift card to the retailer because everything they wanted from they put on the registry and has already been bought! I would never by a gift not on the registry since those are what the couple wants so I think money is the perfect solution. Instead of a check, you might get 20s or something and put them in a nice card or something.

 

[Pandora II]

I don''t like to give money - and I feel it''s bad taste to ask for it as a gift.

If there is nothing on the Registry that I like the sound of, I buy something most people will like.

Things I have done in the past:

- Simple antique sterling silver candlesticks

- Crystal fruit bowls or vases

- A Cheese Box from Neal''s Yard (v nice luxury organic cheese shop) delivered every month for 3 months.

 

[bee*]

Date: 12/29/2007 11:01:33 PM
Author: brazen_irish_hussy
I am all for the money. I wouldn''t want a gift card to the retailer because everything they wanted from they put on the registry and has already been bought! I would never by a gift not on the registry since those are what the couple wants so I think money is the perfect solution. Instead of a check, you might get 20s or something and put them in a nice card or something.

Ditto to this.

 

[Independent Gal]

Well, I may be the wrong person to answer, because with the exception of new towels and silicone bakeware (ok, and the Rowenta steamer and a few things from Alessi) I would really much rather have money. What we really NEED is a bigger home, not new flatware.

My guess is that many young couples are the same. Money is what really comes in handy. Especially if they don''t yet own a home of their own, or if they will need more space to start a family, like we will.

So, yeah, that''s where my vote is going. Money.

 

[Haven]

Giving money as a gift is absolutely fine, it''s when couples ASK for money that it''s a problem.

I almost always send a check as a gift rather than something from the registry. I do buy registry gifts for showers, though. Give them the money, I''m sure they''ll appreciate it very much. (As for the gift card, I can''t imagine they need MORE money to use at the store where all of their registry items are coming from. And I believe many couples end up returning a lot of items for cash after the wedding, anyway.)

 

[DiamondSeeker7]

I always give money for the wedding and a gift for the bridal shower(I think it is a regional thing). A gift card is a great idea to give as a gift if you don''t like anything that is left their registry. If you don''t want to give it to a place where they are registered, you can give it to a place you know they will shop at. I know what you mean about not wanting to buy them something you don''t like. Even if they picked it!

 

[gtn]

Thanks for your replies ladies.

My family gives money, but I know other cultures do not....

With that said, I gave my friend a gift of my liking + money.

I figured they would appreciate the thoughtfulness and I could give them a little something extra to bolster the gift.