Is this really awful as a wedding gift?

Question

A couple I barely know invited me to a wedding. I do know they are rather poor, and starting out an entirely new household.

I am rather poor and have been unemployed for quite sometime.

On the bridal registry there were several sets of luxury sheet sets.

Someone gave me one of those sets this spring - I had them on the bed for a week, and decided that "ivory" was simply too yellow for my tastes. I washed them, put them in the closet and forgot about them.

If I were to wash them, go over them with a fine toothed comb for lint, press them very well, tie them with ribbons, place them in a wicker gift basket, and have the thing shrink wrapped would it be so awful to give as a gift?

Let me know what you think - I would like to give them something they requested, but couldn't afford it otherwise.

Answer 1

Very tacky are you out of your mind don't do that just simply give them a card and wish them well on their day

Answer 2

Now what you can do is contact them and say that you saw these sheets on their registration and you got an exact (or close to it) and only had it on your bed once.

You can ask if they would like to have them in case they don't get those from anyone else as a gift.

After all, it was a gift to you and you are not out of a loss, yet you are honest with them at the same time.

In the mean time, you can get them something that is in your financial means as a small secondary gift for the wedding.

Answer 3

Yes it would be awful, if you cant afford luxury sheets then get sheets you can afford, this is far more acceptable and nobody is going to look down on you for this.

You are thinking about giving them second hand sheets in effect aren't you ? and no matter how particular you are with the fine tooth comb etc., there is a finish on new sheets that you wont get on second hand.

Its a grubby idea, please dont show yourself up this way.

Answer 4

Generally, I'd say.. no. But, I mean... if you took them somewhere to be cleaned and pressed (if your budget can afford it) -- made it a little more sanitary, I don't see anything terribly wrong with it. On paper it sounds a little dirty, but if it's all you can afford, I mean.. people shop at thrift stores all the time. So..

Answer 5

It's all right.

Answer 6

I would say yes, but don't tell anyone! and if you're throwing them in a gift basket, maybe buy some of that bath and body works sleep stuff... you know, the little set with lotion, pilllow mist, and the aroma therapy candle... it's specifically for bedtime, that way it's like you made them a gift basket.

Answer 7

if they look brand new, and nobody knows then you should be fine! but anyway i think the bride and groom would be greatful for such a nice gift even if it was used, considering the finacial situation of you and them. <3

Answer 8

If you don't have the original packaging, they'll know it was used.

Answer 9

No, that doesn't seem too horrible...just don't tell them you used them or that they've been used-period. Good luck! :)

Answer 10

I also would say no, however I can understand your dilemma. I hate to say it, but what they dont know wont hurt them. Just don't tell to many people. Things have a way of getting around when you dont want some one to know something.  

Answer 11

If you cant afford a gift decline the invite and send a card.  A used gift is just a bad idea and somewhat tasteless.  

Answer 12

Well, it's kindof gross, since you slept in them. So it's your own conscience that will be bothering you.

I wouldn't do it. There are other options. You don't absolutely have to give them something on the registry. Find something within your budget, get it and don't worry about it.

I liked your gift basket idea, so maybe you could put newly purchased items that aren't very expensive, in a fancy basket? hand towels? fancy soaps?  

Answer 13

honestly, if you returned them to the store, they would just put them out on the shelves again, so I would say, as long as you can make them sanitary and looking like new, only you would be the wiser.

Answer 14

Hi

Not quite the right thing to do but if you can't use them then it would best to go to someone who needs them most.

I suppose you should really make the effort and have them professionally dry cleaned and pressed properly and do what you said you thought of doing.

Maybe throw in a couple of matching towels and hand towels also?

Cya

:)

Answer 15

Please don't give them used sheets. I mean is it something you would want as a gift? You don't have to bring a gift to the wedding, believe me no one is going to look down on you if you show up without a gift. But please leave the sheets at home.

Answer 16

I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate that but I actually think its a great idea just make sure nobody knows your little secret lol

Answer 17

I do not think giving someone your old used sheets, no matter how clean you made them, is a good idea.

If you can't afford anything on their wedding registry, give them cash or a gift card to the store in the amount you can afford.

Good luck.

Answer 18

Give them something small from their registry or a nice card instead.  If they know you and your situation, then they should understand.  

Don't risk giving them something used or re-gifting.  I got something re-gifted to me once about 4 months after I gave it to the person.  It hurt my feelings at the time and I never forgot it!