A wedding albun as I found that was what I needed after my wedding.We recieved one it is so nice
I usually give gift cards from the place where they are registered. That way they can get what they want and I don't have to pay postage if we aren't able to travel to the wedding.
I HATE giving gift cards - so impersonal. They won't remember the amount you gave as a gift towards the purchaase of an item that probably will cost more. However, boomers really don't need another dust collector eiter. If a couple is registered at a place, hopefully they would have a list and I would pick something from the list. That way you know it won't be regifted, or sit in the box forever. My neice's wedding shower was today. All she wanted was gift cards from a store or from the place they are booking their honeymoon. She is young enough to enjoy things, so I gave her a peice of Lenox china that can sit out and be used!!!
If you're "crafty" or know someone who is, they can make beautiful cloth covers for inexpensive photo albums. I've seen some that are really elegant looking. Maybe one large and one smaller, matching. Other than that, I'd go with a gift card from wherever they're registered.
I like to give a small decorative oval mirror or a gravy/sauce boat.
I received both for my wedding and the little mirror is by the door for one last check on my way out. The sauce boat - mine is stainless steel with the ladle and I use it every time I have company. It is small enough for salad dressing or I can use it for cranberries, apples, whatever or gravy.
Nowadays, most of the couples have lived together already. They usually have all the stuff like toasters, ect. For friends, we usually get a $ card, for where ever they register at.
Family, tells me what they need, or I already know. LOL I got my niece a beautiful teapot and a nice selection of teas, for her wedding last year. I know theirs was rusting and they needed one. I love to get something, I know they will use everyday.
For years, I have always given a set of matching white towels, complete with bath mat, face cloth and hand towels. I try to find big fluffy ones that will last more than a year or two. Most couples really appreciate this as it is out of the ordinary.
For young couples I have given the Betty Crocker cook book and a cute index card box that will hopefully contain the couple's recipes as they go along.
The next gift will be a small ice cream maker I picked up for $20 on a store special promo & a beautiful little recipe book I'm putting together of delicious, interesting & easy to make recipes I've served over the years. One of the decadent favorites has always been the sour cream ice cream to go with summers fresh fruits......tastes a bit like cheesecake. I'm including a couple of pre-packaged mixes too just in case she finds it intimidating to get started.
P.S. I got an extra ice cream maker for me at that price.
I have to say I usually just take the easy way out and get a gift card. I don't feel at all guilty when it's, as you say, someone who is not that close to me. My good friend has a nice idea. She goes to TJ Max or similar place and picks up a bunch of picture frames for cheap. People can nearly always use picture frames, and if they are all different, so much the better.
