I am attending a bridal shower this weekend for a friend. She's not a close friend, but I like her quite a bit, and wish we did spend more time together.
I'm in a bit of a dilemma as to what to get her for a gift. The bridal shower doesn't seem to be themed in any sort of way, but the invite did mention registries. Also, since we're not really great friends, what is my obligation here? Should I be giving a small gift or a larger gift? I can't imagine that I'll be invited to the wedding, so that's not an issue.
I looked over the registry, and all that's left are either expensive things or things that really wouldn't make a great gift. I'm looking in the $35 dollar range right now, I think, and sure, they did register for a cooling rack, but that seems like a boring way to spend $35. Yes, they might want it, but I don't want to give it.
So I'm leaning towards a gift card. My mom suggested a gift card with something little tied to the card, like some wooden spoons or spatulas or something. The sort of thing everyone uses but really doesn't register for and doesn't cost a lot. My mom puts together some great gifts. And this way, they can get the cooling rack they want, and I still get to give a fun gift. Or they can spend it on something else they might want.
Some people think that gift cards are tacky, and I definitely don't want to be tacky. But having spoken to friends who have gotten married in recent years, usually what they can use the most is money. I had two friends planning a cross-country move for right after their wedding, and I wrote them a check, knowing how expensive moving can be. I hinted in the note that they should spend it on something fun for themselves, and I hope that my gift allowed them to go to a nice dinner or something along those lines, but hey, if it helped pay for moving boxes, so be it. But I'm a fan of useful gifts, and I think that maybe a gift card to Macy's (one of the places they registered) might be the most useful thing. And not so obvious as a check, if gifts are opened at the party.
Thoughts? For you soon to be married or marrieds, what was your experience with wedding gifts? What could you have used the most? Did you get five bread machines? And does anyone else have a set plan when it comes to buying or making wedding gifts?