Good Gift Idea for Friend Who Just Got Married

[Spiffster]

I have a buddy from way back that just got married. He and his wife are working on there residency, they are both doctors. That said I could not make their wedding because my wife was 8 months pregnant, so we could not take a flight half way across the country. They didn't have a registry or anything like that either so Im kind of at a loss for what I should get them.
I was wondering if anyone had any nifty gift ideas they could share? Id hate to just send them a gift card, but I cant say that I am the most creative person when it comes to this sort of thing. My budget is about 200 or less.

[Permanent Temp]

Aside from cash someone gave us a tea kettle and we use it on an almost daily basis. If they cook at all I'd send that. It's also well within that budget.

[bjl584]

Does he have a gift registry?

[disneysteve]

They didn't have a registry

Since they didn't register, I'd hesitate to send a gift item unless you are familiar with their taste and needs. Yes, a tea kettle is a useful item, but maybe they already have one that they like. Then they're just stuck trying to find a place to return it. Either that or it ends up getting sold at a yard sale for $1 a year from now.

I say go with the gift card. Another option, if you think it is something they'd appreciate, is an experiential type of gift. Get them theater tickets to a show in their area. Or a certificate for a weekend at a hotel for a getaway.

[cypher1]

Can't go wrong with cash though. While you could get something for their home, do you know if its already furnished? Duplicate gifts aren't bad, but I know many couples who end up re-gifting some of theirs when others give them duplicates.

[snafu]

Another voice suggesting you send a gift card. They no longer expire and Visa or Master Card can be used anywhere for anything needed. The couple are likely so stressed with hours and demands of residency.

[FrugalFish]

If they have outdoor space, how about some kind of yard decor? Maybe something like a nice metal sundial? Or maybe a decorative stepping stone that commemorates the occasion?

When we got married, someone we didn't know super well gave us a very nice, though basic clock. 20+ years later it still hangs in the kitchen.

How about a good quality pepper grinder? That may sound strange, but it's an item I've given in the past that has been well received.

If you purchase the above type items at a large retailer, perhaps you can get a gift receipt for them in case they want something different.

If you don't want to go with a gift card, send a gift, knowing that they may end up donating it or regifting it. It is the thought that counts and no matter what you do, they will appreciate that you wanted to be a part of it.

[HappySaver]

A couple of our favorite gifts (still, 15 years later) were not from our registry
- a beautiful decorative clock that sits on our mantlepiece
- a high end screwpull wine opener from williams-sonoma (we weren't even registered there - too expensive for us)

That said, there were several other gifts not on our registry that were really wasted gifts - sadly we didn't know what to do with them. You can't go wrong with a gift card to a high end kitchen store like williams-sonoma or sur la table. That's a little more personal than a visa/mc gift card, and forces them to spend it on something nice rather than groceries or gas.

[Spiffster]

Thank you all so much for these great suggestions! Got my brain going for sure. I think I may go with a combination of some of the thoughtful items mentioned and a gift card as well. Spaghetti on the wall approach!

Im sure he doesn't expect a gift, since he only wanted people to make the trip out. He made the trip out for my wedding 5 years ago, so I feel bad I could not make it. I did have a very good excuse though... Wife is due within 3 weeks now.

Thanks again everyone!