Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

Original post by Sonicstef

Apr 17, 2003 12:26 PM

Yet another gift dilemna:

One of Luke's friends just got engaged. They are throwing an engagement BBQ at their house to celebrate. I asked the bride to be if they were registered and she replied no - that we should just come and have fun.

Of course we will give them something - but what?

Other facts:
- I dont really know the bride well. She seems sweet and is a crafty type of person but I dont know enough about her likes/dislikes to have a perfect gift in mind.
- Not sure but her wedding may take place on a cruise or something like that so she probably doesnt need the traditional wedding stuff like a guestbook, etc..
- The couple already lives together and they are in their late twenties.
- He moonlights in a bar/restaurant so liquor is not a good gift for them.

Ideas?

shelzyp Posted: Apr 17, 2003 01:55 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

I know you said they live in an apartment, but do they have a porch or anything, maybe some outdoor glasses and plates, we got my brother a great set from Williams sonoma for their shower.

Sonicstef Posted: Apr 17, 2003 01:57 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

Thanks...I feel like such a geek sometimes about it..but I can't help it.

It drives me crazy when people put no effort into those sorts of things. Sort of - what is the point of giving a gift if there is no thought in it?

Sometimes I wish I could just do what most people do and buy something standard or regift some of the crap I got!! I have a very tremendous Lenox frame collecting dust that I could wrap up..hahahhahahh

alina Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:01 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

Some household luxury items for me (and I think it differs based on person) is something like a cheese grater, cute cookie shapes, an expresso machine, a bread machine, pasta making machine, fancy tablecloth/linens with matching napkin holders, a teapot with 2 cups, and a few bags of lose tea (rose earl gray from the tea lounge). Cocktail food little baby forks, appetizer plates/bowls.
But again, these things differ for different people, and some may consider them necessities, but some luxuries. I consider many of these things luxuries b/c I would rarely use them, and can live without them.

If there is a favorite food that the couple likes, you can center the gift around it.... Ooo, or you can make a picnic basket since the summer is coming soon. I'll stop suggesting crystal, b/c we disagree on that

Teri Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:03 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

Stef - which Lenox frame do you have? I like some of their stuff! (But not all of it!)

shelzyp Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:11 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

What about a picnic basket with some stuff in it, they usually have a picnic basket at William Sonoma.

Sonicstef Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:13 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

Its the one that has room for 2 large photos (or one photo and one invitation)...yellowish traditional Lenox color. The people who bought it for me paid $139 at Macys!

I havent seen it in so long but it looks something like this (although I dont know if there is that big wedding bell in the middle of mine or not)

So incredibly NOT me its scary.

xjulietx Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:15 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

I just remembered what I got for my brother and sister-in-law and they loved it. Three nice bottles of wine and a set of three rosewood topped bottle stoppers (I found them in Brookstone). I also gave them a set a pastel colored wine glasses, but the wine stoppers are nice and practical and they usually won't intrude on personal style.

Sonicstef Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:17 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

Thanks Juliet but the husband moonlights at an upscale bar, so they dont need anything bar related as they get it all at cost.

Looking at williamsonoma.com - very bad as Im just finding things I WANT

xjulietx Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:20 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

They sound like a tough couple to buy for. Wish I could offer better suggestions. It may be a case where you get them something that is really off the wall and crazy but something they will enjoy.

Do they have a fondue pot? They are fun. I think I want to register for one

Sonicstef Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:23 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

Not sure if they have a fondue pot. I saw that at Crate and Barrell and thought that was pretty cool. Does anyone have one? Do you use it?

Sonicstef Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:25 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

Unrelated: I totally want this: Bee Glass Set

LisaT Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:28 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

We have a fondue pot - I love it. We've had a couple fondue parties that were a big hit, but its also nice just for the 2 of us...

HeatherandNick Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:30 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

I looooooove my Fondue Pot. Good suggestion

yabbobay Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:32 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

Stef...

what about putting together a coffee/tea/cocoa basket?

beans, biscotti...even a grinder...if you find they don't have one...

Teri Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:34 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

We got a fondue set for Christmas last year - we liked it. Have only used it once but it's definitely cute - you don't have to spend a lot of them either

Oh, and I'm not too surprised to see you don't like that frame!! I have one similar but it's more basic looking.

Sonicstef Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:35 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

Cool - 2 votes for the fondue pot!

I like the coffee idea...but I dont know if they have a grinder and stuff...but that could work for sure.

I sent Luke a few ideas and we'll see what he says. Since its his friend, I'll let him make the call.

Thanks :D

xjulietx Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:39 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

My FI has one and my mom has one and once we did chocolate fondue (white in one and milk choc in the other) and we dipped fruit. Yum!

HeatherandNick Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:41 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

how about a GC to a restaurant and then movie tickets. This way you are giving them a night out?

LisaT Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:43 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

I'm feeling inspired to make fondue tonight!

shelzyp Posted: Apr 17, 2003 02:46 PM

Re: Another gift dilemna (engagement present?)..

The coffee thing that yabbobay mentioned is a good idea, or the fondue pot, I used to beg my mom to make fondue when I was younger, I wanted to fondue everynight.