If it were you - what would you prefer?

Original post by Sonicstef

Apr 14, 2003 10:53 AM

A friend of Luke's is getting married next month. I was invited to her shower but Im not going - but I am sending a gift.

She has several registries but virtually nothing that is something within my price range (about 75 bucks) or something I think makes a good gift alone.

I tend to like to do 'theme' gifts. Since none of her registry items work, I was thinking of doing a Honeymoon Survival Kit - which would include things like sunglass, suntan lotion, flip flops, a travel book about her destination, and other stuff that she and her hubby could use on their trip inside a beach bag.

Question - what would prefer?

a) Gift from registry

b) Honeymoon Survival Kit

Sonicstef Posted: Apr 14, 2003 01:17 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

Thanks Claud - that is a really great idea...but Im not sure if what her Christmas tree situation is. But thats another idea I will have to keep tucked away for the next time :D

Vacation was great - but always too short of course! Im glad to see you back Are you here to stay?

Wendy Posted: Apr 14, 2003 01:29 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

I like the idea of the honeymoon survival kit, but I too think it might not get used for some of the reasons people have given above.

I love Claud's idea and may use it myself next time I have a shower to go to. I know a place where you can get Christmas ornaments all year long. To make it better they can even be personalized. The only problem is they aren't local, but they do have a website and you can probably get all those ornaments listed. They are located in Bar Harbor, Maine and their work is wonderful. We have several of their ornaments and I love them. When we went to Bar Harbor last fall I didn't want to leave the store. The website is www.christmasspiritshop.com (sorry I can't do hyperlinks on here).

You also might want to get them something like a 'Date Night' gift that they can use after the wedding. Something like a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant and to the movies. Then add some things to it to make it creative. I would make suggestions but I do not have a creative bone in my body!

Diane Posted: Apr 14, 2003 02:08 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

My soon to be sister in law's registry is the same way. Nothing is under that price range. I dont like her, so not spending over $100.
I like the HM kit. I would want that

NovemberSue Posted: Apr 14, 2003 03:36 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

I would get her a gift certificate for the store she is registered at.
If you prefer,you can get her a smaller gift certificate and the honeymoon survival pack.

yabbobay Posted: Apr 14, 2003 04:17 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

I would rather have something from my registry - b/c I don't trust other people's taste...but if you were buying me a gift Stef...I would think the honeymoon kit would be good too...

JennRenee Posted: Apr 14, 2003 04:30 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

If it were me, i would prefer a registry item, because I 'want what I want', according to my mom and Patrick. When someone who REALLY knows me choses their own gift, I love it, but I got a lot of random, well meant gifts at my shower that I will NEVER use, from people who shopped with their taste in mind because they had no clue what mine was (not that you'll do that, but I'm sure you see my point).

Given the state of her registry, however, I feel that your best bet is going off it. I like the honeymoon kit, but it will work best if you know where they are going.

WINO1 Posted: Apr 14, 2003 10:46 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

Sonic,

I saw the cutest gift at my last shower. It was ice cream theme...

Complete with icecream sun..holders, rootbeer float holders, hot fudge, caramel, nuts.... Ice cream scoop... It is non personal but very useful, esp if you like ice cream as much as me. I don't think you could go wrong...

junebride04 Posted: Apr 14, 2003 10:49 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

I would go with the gift certificate idea.

Samanthas Mom Posted: Apr 14, 2003 11:01 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

I'd say registry but either one would make me happy
but registry would be my preference

LisaT Posted: Apr 14, 2003 11:07 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

I was always a fan of shopping off the registry until I was the bride and I realized just how much I wanted my registry items!

As for the honeymoon kit - I got one at my shower. Some things were useful (sunscreen, bag) but most I didn't take with me. And the flip flops didn't fit

My mom was at a shower this weekend that did LP's candle idea - she thought it was great, but you're right, it adds up.

I had this problem for the wedding we're going to this weekend. Nothing left on the registry in my price range or the item was too boring (like towels, ok for a shower but lame for a wedding gift). Didn't want to give cash cause its our neighbor/landlord - he gets $$ from us every month! I decided on a cheese theme cause they're big into wine and cheese. I got a slate cheese tray, cheese knives, little plates with different cheeses on them and cheese tags. (most of the stuff came from C&B). I'll throw in a nice bottle of wine or champage and I'm all done.

How about a gift certificate to a spa? that was one of my favorite gifts.
Or get her matching pieces to whats on her registry - another serving bowl, or candlesticks, etc. We registered for some Nambe stuff and got a lot of other Nambe pieces that weren't on our registry.
Beer of the month club?
A romantic night kit: massage oil, a romantic CD, bath bubbles, champagne, candles, etc.

janatlantica Posted: Apr 15, 2003 07:12 AM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

Here's something a friend of mine did: If you know where the couple is going for their Hm, you cann call their hotel and have things like flowers,champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, cheese/crackers waiting for them when they arrive. This was a much appreciated shower gift! Just an idea

christine1221 Posted: Apr 15, 2003 08:28 AM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

Stef ... I was at my cousin's shower 2 weeks ago where someone did the candle basket. It went over so well!! Everyone loved it, especially my cousin!!!!

I also agree with Jenn ... I'm pretty fussy about what I like & when it came to gifts at the shower, so I was very appreciative of the Gift Certificates I got from guests. I was able to put 2 together & get a more expensive item that I did not receive off my registry. I can understand the reason why people shy away from it, but when accompanied by a token gift, I don't think its really that bad ... for someone who is not a very close friend.

Good luck! I'm sure it'll be great.

fleeflee Posted: Apr 15, 2003 08:47 AM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

**sneaks over to NW board 'cuz sometimes its more fun over here...**
This is a great thread! I've gotten a lot of creative ideas!
I agree - I love anything monogramed -
also - Crate and Barrel has such great things to put together theme gifts. How about the galvanized tub filled with fun outdoor plastic dinnerware and citronella candles; or their ceramic popcorn bowl filled with movies like father of the bride and my big fat greek wedding and movie candy and a GC to blockbuster?
Or use your craftiness and combine a gift - buy them a trivet off registry and weave $$ into it.

tracb13 Posted: Apr 16, 2003 04:59 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

I got a honeymoon kit like that at my shower and I thought it was really nice and unique. She also included a saronge and an underwater camera if you are looking for other ideas.

LnP2003 Posted: Apr 16, 2003 06:34 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

Stef.... FYI on the candle basket.... all the candles (with the exception of the silver ones) cost me around $30... the pair of silver cost around $8..... not heavy at all!

susans Posted: Apr 17, 2003 10:03 AM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

Even though I'm SURE you'd do a fabulous job with the Survival Kit, and it's a fabulous and thoughtful idea, sunglasses and flip-flops are iffy and dependent on someone's individual taste, so considering that you don't really know her all that well...

I prefer strangers and aquaintences to buy from the registry or give me a GC to one of the stores I registered at.
I EXPECT the thoughtfulness to come from my friends and the people that know me.

Sonicstef Posted: Apr 17, 2003 10:09 AM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

Susan: Thats good to know since I broke my no GC rule for your gift :D

verdila Posted: Apr 17, 2003 01:57 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

I received a honeymoon kit at my shower and I think it's a great idea (but it also incorporated an item from the registry - the carry-on luggage) - but this was one of the gifts from the bridal party. I would check if the BP is doing anything like this or another popular one is the basket full of holiday house decorations....just a suggestion since it is a personal gift.

Sonicstef Posted: Apr 17, 2003 01:59 PM

Re: If it were you - what would you prefer?

I decided against the honeymoon kit - partly b/c of so many nahs here plus the person throwing the shower doesnt even know where they are honeymooning! Of course, the groomsmen dont have a clue either so that is out :D