The busiest wedding months in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland are June through October. In fact, you may have already received invitations to witness the marriage of some family members and friends this year. Here are some great ideas for clutter-free wedding gifts to celebrate the occasion.
Why Wedding Gifts Have Changed Over the Years
In the mid-20th century (which doesn’t seem so long ago), it was common for people to live with their parents until they married. Most people had few possessions when they joined their spouse in a new home. Therefore, it was commonplace for wedding guests to buy gifts to help the couple set up their new household.
Today, lifestyles are quite different. Young people move out of their parent’s homes at the same age, but it’s often to attend college or start a job. Hence, they acquire many typical household items, such as small appliances and basic furniture. Chances are their true love was living the same lifestyle, so they end up with two households’ worth of possessions. Besides getting married later in life, people often live together before they officially wed, which means they already have a lot of “stuff” and may not need more.
What to Give as Clutter-Free Wedding Gifts
Considering changing trends, it can be a challenge to select the “perfect gift for the perfect couple.” Here are some options that will suit almost every couple’s preference.
Wedding Gift Registry
If the couple is registered at a particular store, choose a gift from their list if it is within your budget. Generally, couples list items they need or those a little more luxurious than the goods they already have. For example, each person may own a “student-quality” one-cup coffee maker, but they might want a 12-cup coffee maker with a timer when they move in together. While not romantic, these practical gifts are useful and suit their lifestyle and preferences. They will genuinely appreciate them and put them to good use. LINDA’S TIP: Consider personalizing these gifts to make them more memorable. For instance, add an expensive package of coffee with a coffee maker or a luxurious brand of soap with a set of bath towels.
Gift Cards
As professional organizers in Vancouver, we often come across piles of unused gift cards in our clients’ homes. Sadly, these “almost like cash” gifts go unused. Indeed, many people don’t like to give or receive them. However, when thoughtfully selected, gift cards may be the ideal gift.
Firstly, if you don’t know the couple, ask their friends or family members where they shop and what they like to do. It will give you a good idea of their interests. Their friends may even specify what gift cards to buy. If not, here are some suggestions:
- Grocery Stores: Choose a grocery store or upscale food shop close to the couple’s home because everyone needs to eat. To personalize the gift, include some of your favourite recipes with the gift card.
- Home Improvement Stores: With this type of gift card, they can install a closet organizing system in the house they purchased or add some bookshelves to a rental apartment. Of course, they could also buy tools, building supplies, lawn and garden equipment, or flowers and plants.
- Planes, Trains, Automobiles, and Travel: These might be among the least romantic clutter-free wedding gifts, but if the couple has a vehicle or enjoys road trips, gift cards for gas stations or auto-accessories stores might be perfect. If the couple does not have a car, taxi or public transit vouchers might be appreciated. Consider train or airline gift cards if you know they want to travel outside of their local city.
- Hobby Shops: Did the couple meet because of their shared interest in model trains or mountain climbing? If so, they might appreciate gift cards to their favourite hobby shop.
Experiences
One of the most valued clutter-free wedding gifts is the gift of a unique experience. It could be dinner at a local upscale restaurant or tickets to a live theatre show or sporting event. Likewise, they might appreciate lessons to learn something together, like ballroom dancing, scuba diving, gourmet cooking, etc. These experiential gifts offer couples the opportunity to create lasting memories together. LINDA’S TIP: If you can, offer to babysit/pet-sit so the couple can enjoy their time away without worries.
Charitable Donations
Older couples and those entering a second marriage likely already have everything they need. If they value social responsibility and altruism, charitable donations can be a memorable, clutter-free wedding gift. However, it’s essential to find out what charities the couple supports and donate to those initiatives whether or not you agree with them. The gesture must reflect the couple’s values to make it a truly meaningful gift.
Cash
Many people feel that giving cash as a gift is devoid of sentiment. But as they say, “Cash is king.” The newlyweds can use cash for a honeymoon, mortgage payment, or purchasing a larger item they need for their home. If you’re giving cash as a gift, buy (or make if you have the talent) a unique card and include a memorable, heartfelt message.
Regifting
Generally, I don’t recommend regifting when it comes to weddings, but there are ways to do so. Firstly, review my article on the Dos and Don’ts of Regifting. If your regift meets the ethics criteria, consider passing it on. Of course, in some families, well-known heirlooms such as dishes, jewelry, or artwork are regifted specifically at weddings. Feel free to pass these along, but ensure you share the item’s history (provenance), too, as it is an essential part of the gift.
More Tips for Clutter-Free Wedding Gift Giving
If you want to give the happy couple clutter-free wedding gifts, here are some things to consider.
- Avoid embroidered, engraved, or customized gifts. People feel obligated to keep these items even though they may not want or need them. And unfortunately, they can’t return customized gifts to the store.
- Steer clear of gifts with pronouns and salutations. His & Hers pillowcases and Mr. & Mrs. coffee mugs were typical wedding gifts in the 1960s. However, today, many people prefer gender-neutral terminology.
- If you want to give food that might spoil (e.g. a selection of cheeses or a freezer full of meat) or oversized items (appliances, furniture), arrange for delivery with the couple/family a few days before or after the event. Wedding days are hectic enough without worrying about a special delivery.
- Wherever possible, include a gift receipt with your purchase. Try not to take offence if you find out the gift was returned. It’s the thought that counts.
Clutter-free wedding gifts reflect a simpler, more intentional way of living that prioritizes sentiment over stuff. By embracing these gifts, we can celebrate the union of two people and honour the values of love and authenticity in their relationship.
Let the wedding bells ring!
