What should I buy for shower and wedding gifts?

I was a 50 year old bride. I can tell you that I liked the same types of gifts that I would have when I was 25.

Money for a wedding gift - Not a check that must be cashed after the weekend, but cash that they can spend on their honeymoon or use that night to tip waiters or room service folks - I don't care how old you are, you can never have enough cash.

I got a few gift cards to restaurants - They were fine - We used some and gave some away - Primarily they were for chain restuarants - Not our cup of tea - We used them because we had them, but never would have eaten there if we didn't have the GC = not very memorable.

For the shower gift - Nice monogrammed towel set (the best wedding gift I got) - a set of nice sheets (you never have enough of those!) - or a nice piece of artwork that means something to them (sketch of their city or the place they met).

Skip things like gift cards (just give them cash, not another errand to run), photo frames (how many do you really need), bottles of wine (not lasting/memorable enough), and anything overly utilitarian or overly cutesy (the one concession I will give you about being 50 - I no longer care about collecting swarovski or lladro figurines, like I did when I was 25).

I always say there are three kinds of acceptable gifts for new couples:

1. Money

2. Gift cards (to places like Target, Wal-Mart, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc. where they will definitely be used)

3. Anything from their registry

Since the registry is out of the question, that leaves money and gift cards. There's no such thing as "too much money."

Please don't try to guess what the couple might like. They didn't make a registry for a reason. Chances are, anything you buy will either be returned or will collect dust in a closet somewhere.

Get them something that takes note of their marriage.

Even a mature bride can use a nice ring holder.

Some good stationary engraved with Mrs. SoandSo would be a lovely wedding gift. It's something many would not buy for themselves, but would definitely use.

http://www.crane.com/stationery/correspondence/per...

One detail though- if there is any chance they might be moving, don't have anything engraved with their address. Just their names, and it will be very useful.

If you want to get them something fun but not expensive, get some MR. and Mrs coffee mugs. Totally hokey, but will bring a smile every morning - they may be older and living together, but finally they ARE Mr. and Mrs. ... and that means something. It doesn't have to be fine crystal to be special.

http://www.cafepress.com/mf/64935949/his-hers_mugs...

If they are not registered anywhere it often implies they are not expecting gifts. But these would certainly be welcomed anyway. I would *not* make a donation to any causes that involve diseases. Fifty is not elderly, but the last thing you need to do is suggest they might be on the way out!

They need and use money more than anything else.

Unless you are very close personal friends with them and know of their hobbies and / or other thing they

may want but not want to buy themselves.

I would say that gift cards for experiences are a good bet. Spend about $100 and get them a gift card for dinner at a nice restaurant, or some movie tickets, that kind of thing. Date night stuff. That would be for the wedding gift. For a shower gift, nice candles are good, and very romantic.

You can give her a portrait painting that includes her and her husband. It's the perfect complement to their home. Of course, you'd have to find out what colors are dominant inside of their home. Through those colors, you can decide which ones you're going to incorporate to the photo canvas that you're going to get from a supplier like snappycanvas.com.

Money, a nice bottle of wine or champagne, or something like a vase or a picture frame (include a gift receipt).

Or better yet, give them a gift card - restaurant, bed and breakfast, department store, grocery store, etc.

Does the bride collect anything?

You could pick something she collects.

I work with a women who collect Mickey Mouse, her shower was the most interesting shower I went to. Most people when and found mickey mouse items for them. Not for kids either.

Paper towel holders and Frame pictures and stuff I had no idea where they got them. If the bride collect something, you could go there. My sister collects cranberry glass from Fulton glass. It could be a grown up, not micky mouse.

For the wedding, you could get them something they would not buy. My cousin got me Waterford crystal, something I would never spend money on.

No couple would say anything about cash.

Some older couples like donations, if they or a parent died of cancer, you could donate money to that.