I need to buy a wedding gift -- any suggestions?
Hi all,
As a 20 year old, I'm new to the whole wedding business. I'm going to my boyfriend's brother's wedding next month, and I need to buy a gift. The bride and groom aren't registered anywhere because they have been living together for about 5 years and have most things that they need. They said that they are hoping for mostly gifts of money which is why they didn't register anywhere. Should I give them money? It sounds silly asking you all this, especially because I know that they want money...but I don't know how much to give, either. I don't them all that well, but due to extenuating circumstances, I am actually the only member of the bridal party (it is a small destination wedding)! This makes the gift-giving more awkward for me! I don't know if I should give them money - and how much - or if I should find some gift for them? Any guidance is welcome! Please!!!
I would give them money in the form of a gift card. It' up to you how much you want to spend on them...but IMO $50 would be alright. You don't know them that well and they already seem to have all the essentials.
The gift card itself....hmm...I'd either get one to an "everything" store like a target or walmart. Maybe even a grocery store. Or you can get them a pre-paid debit card that they could use anywhere.
I'm in the need-to-get-a-wedding-present boat myself :)
A gift card is brilliant! Why didn't I think of that myself?! 
Thanks a bunch, I think a $50 Target card is in order...
I think the gift card is brilliant myself. Many moons ago, when I was a young bride to be, I registered my "patterns" (silver, crystal, china, etc.) at J.C.Penneys. I don't know if there is such a thing as a bridal registry anywhere, but that would be another option. (Go with the gift card!)
mammakitty - there is still such thing as a bridal registry (in fact, you can do it all online) 
to the OP, I think a check or gift card are both fine options (I'm not sure why a gift card is better than a check - all you've done is limited their options of spending it, imo). If you have any ideas on what they might want (just a small thing), you can get that and give it with the check/gift card, so that it doesn't seem quite as impersonal.
$$$... the best gift you can give!
I wouldn't bother with a gift card. Money can be spent anywhere. $50 is a good amount to give them. Since you are in the bridal party, you could spend more, but 50 would be just fine.
An American Express gift card is the same as $$. And remember, you are already doing them the favor of being IN the wedding and traveling to the destination which I am sure is an expense to you already.
One of the best wedding gifts I remember from my wedding 12 years ago was a really expensive toaster - with the receipt attached. It was meant as a bit of a gag, and we were meant to return it and get something we wanted, but the way it was done was cute.
Well, cash is nice, but I liked it when I got a gift certificate to a nice restaurant. So now I do that sometimes.
Was going to suggest and American Express card also, since it's basically cash but if anything happens it's replaceable. Had a friend lose her purse on her honeymoon and was able to get those fixed so they weren't out 100%.
Okay, well, uh... candlesticks always make a nice gift, and uh, maybe a place-setting or maybe a silverware pattern. Okay, let's get two! Go get 'em
Ok, all, I think I've got it. Thanks for everyone's recommendations!!! After talking with my boyfriend, I think we've decided on a $100 - $150 (depending on how much money we make this summer ) gift certificate to this fancy pants steakhouse, called Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. I've never been there myself, or heard of it, but he says it's real nice and the website sure makes it look fabulous and pricey. I think it sounds like a great idea for the newlyweds to go out and enjoy drinks and a delicious dinner together!
