Gotta' buy a wedding gift for someone who has everything.

[Missy Vixen]

One of my friends is getting married for the second time later this month. She can pretty much buy whatever she wants, and she's not registered anywhere. I would like to give her a gift certificate to kiva.org.

What do you all think?

Thanks in advance!

[auntAgonist]

1. Excellent idea.

We were in a similar situation and the couple needed nor wanted anything. We donated in their name to Feeding America.

They were thrilled.

aA

[Suich]

2. Great idea!

For another idea, there's these guys:

http://www.foodlifeline.org/

:)

[Missy Vixen]

3. I will check them out, too

I thought kiva.org might be fun because they have kids; the kids could help them decide whom to loan the money to.

Someone needs to start a "great charities to donate to instead of wedding gifts" registry, if there isn't one already. ;-)

[pitohui]

4. i think for a second wedding i wouldn't buy a gift at all but...

if you have limitless resources, the kiva gift cert you suggest is as good as any and better than most

i think it's pretty nervy for a second marriage to expect gifts tho, i would personally just send a card, actually that's what i do anyway as a blanket policy for all weddings but i refused all gifts for my own wedding so i can get away with it.

[FloridaJudy]

5. Great idea!

Particularly involving the kids: teach them empathy early. That way they'll probably avoid turning into Republicans.

[mysuzuki2]

6. A gift for someone who has everything?

Nothing. At least it would be unique.

[Missy Vixen]

7. Well, it would

but my friend gives and gives, and expects nothing in return.

I think she'll enjoy the gift card from kiva.org!

[xmas74]

8. Years ago, I donated a book in honor of the couple to

the local library. There is a name plate in the front of the book, stating that it was in honor of the marriage of so-and-so on such-and-such a date. The book? Simple home repairs. Another friend did something similar for another couple a year later, but it was about finances for newlyweds.

A couple of years later I attended a baby shower where everyone donated a children's book to the local library in honor of the new baby. (The shower was held after the baby was born.) The couple had everything they needed so they requested donations to the library instead.

[marzipanni]

9. I like that idea

My cousin's dog wandered down the road and a mom and her two kids picked up the dog and called the phone number on her tag when they got home. My cousin gave their school library a couple of children's books with inscriptions in the front thanking the children for their help getting her back home and signed with the dog's name.

[Lucinda]

15. What a great thing to do!

:)

[xmas74]

17. It's something that'll last for many years to come

and will benefit anywhere from a dozen to possibly thousands, depending on how well the book is treated. Either way, a couple's joyful occasion can bring joy to all, especially benefiting those whose only entertainment comes from the library.

[Fire Walk With Me]

10. You can never have enough, especially all at once...

http://tinyurl.com/3l7whsv

[JVS]

11. A nice dueling set.

People love a funny gift.

[TorchTheWitch]

12. a bucket and a step ladder

Even those people seem to have everything never seem to have the stupid but vital stuff.

[blueamy66]

14. LOL

perfect

[blueamy66]

13. I don't understand why couples, that are in their late 30s/40s

don't put a caveat on their invitations that state.....no gifts please.....we have a house and 2 cars and towels and dishes and we don't need anything....donate in our name if you so desire....

A friend of mine (40 yrs old) is getting married in 2 months...she has a garlic press on her list of gifts. Are you effing kidding me?

When I finally get married....the invitation will def say NO GIFTS....don't need anything!!!!

[Missy Vixen]

18. It's an etiquette thing

Technically, according to the laws of etiquette, it's rude to specify "no gifts". After all, this would mean you were expecting a gift, and gifts are to be given due to the generosity of the giver.

I didn't make the rules. :eyes:

The best way to get around getting ten toasters is to direct someone in the wedding party to tactfully tell the guests that you'd love donations to your favorite charity or a local food bank in lieu of gifts. ;-) One of our aunts asked for fifty pounds of carrots for her horse, for instance.

My friend is having a really small wedding. I'm giving a gift because I've known her for several years now, she doesn't miss a chance to shower the people around her, and I'm hoping she'll like my handmade card and donation.

I have no idea what to say about the woman with the garlic press. The young woman I used to babysit didn't invite us to her wedding, but she was upset that family and friends didn't pony up for $200 a place setting china.

:woohoo:

[blueamy66]

19. the horse story is hysterical!

That's nice that you are giving your friend a gift.

It's really rude to specify "no gifts" on an invitation?

[Missy Vixen]

22. Unfortunately, yes

The only things that should appear on a wedding invitation are:

Who's hosting the wedding
Names of soon-to-be-married couple
Date, time, location

Style of dress (black tie, after five, etcetera,)
Reception following, if everyone invited to the wedding is also invited to the reception.

That's it.

There are people who put a card in their invitation listing their registry information or a website. That's their right. We chose not to.

Etiquette Hell has some great guidelines. Plus, it's funny. http://www.etiquettehell.com/

[msanthrope]

21. My brother listed a website on his invites.

The website had directions, venue info, and links to registries. It was an acceptable way of getting info to people who wanted it.

[msanthrope]

20. Because it is inappropriate to put 'no gifts' on an invitation, or otherwise make reference

to gifts.

[Lucinda]

16. I think it's a great idea.

Or a donation to a favorite charity.

[Kali]

23. charitable donations as gifts are tricky

the giver should know the recipient well and know that it is appropriate

having said that I LOVE the idea of the book donations mentioned above, may pull that on my father next b'day. I could even buy and donate something he authored!

[petronius]

24. Does she have a pit bull? The kids might enjoy that...

:hide:

Seriously, the Kiva idea is good, and along with the other suggestions upthread some people in my family seem to like Heifer International...

[Missy Vixen]

25. No, no pit bull

:rofl:

We got a goat one year from Heifer International. ;-)