What would be a good wedding present for a young couple?

Question

I know a couple of very hip young people who are getting married, and they apparently don't have a registry, so I wanted to surprise them with something cool.

They are sort of the environmentally/socially conscious, culturally inquisitive, bookish type. And they already have a very well-furnished and decorated home, which does not have much room for clutter.

So what would be a nice, original wedding gift? A donation in their name? A set of lanterns? A magazine subscription?

Answer 1

If you go with a donation, I'd go for this:

http://www.heifer.org/#

Buy the goat - they seem to be the most helpful!

It sounds like they might like a really nice coffee maker or espresso machine if they don't have one. I know lots of little enviro-beatnik types who sip their espressos and read books while blogging on global warming, can you dig?

Otherwise, tickets to the next cool show that comes into town - whatever they like - music or theater would be nice. If they are "culturally inquisitive" you can't go too wrong with theater tickets. (I mean live theater, you know, with actors on a stage - not the movies.)

Answer 2

I'd say maybe Art. A painting or a sculpture.  

Answer 3

I think you should give the wedding couple something memorable from the heart. Custom handmade figurine is a unique gift for everyone!

I would highly recommend you visit http://aweddinggiftidea.com

Their professional artists will make a wonderful figurine of them. I sent them my favorite pictures of my sister and they made incredible "mini-me". That was awesome! My sister was very, very touched and pleased when I gave it to her as wedding gift.

Answer 4

A gift voucher to their favourite store. That way they can get whatever they want or more importantly need.

Answer 5

Give them MONEY, it is what everyone needs.  And it is COOL.

Answer 6

A new tablecloth and napkins. You can always use more napkins (if guests come over you want to have clean ones for them), and having them match the tablecloth is just classy.

Answer 7

Monetary gifts are pretty popular these days. A lot of people appreciate that after a wedding to help with the unpaid/cost of the wedding.  

Answer 8

Are they going on a honeymoon? money is always nice, they can take it and spend it on their trip.

  Or a donation to a nice charity since they are environmentally conscious, or you could do both, depending on your budget.

Answer 9

I one time house cleaning from a local cleaning service. :)

Answer 10

Well of you got the money, a new car!

Answer 11

How about theater or concert tickets? Or a membership to a wine club? Donations are also nice, I like http://kiva.org. If the couple is into travelling, you could buy them travel bags or such.

My husband and I are the type of urban couple you describe, and those are things we would enjoy. Good luck!

Answer 12

Now that hallmarks have their Christmas ornaments out, you can get them an ornament that says " OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS  2008 " .  

Answer 13

My father and I had this exact discussion a few weeks ago.  I was telling him that I really didn't want any extra clutter, I didn't want people to simply give me money and was trying to come up with some ideas to guide people.

His advice was that recently he was sitting with my Grandmother and she was telling him the history of the tea pot on the table and the cake plate in the kitchen - all wedding gifts.  She recalled who gave her what at her wedding over 60 years ago and they were treasured memories.

So while buying a goat or giving a donation seems like a great idea now, what will they have to remember you by in 60 years time?

My father and I decided that for my wedding I want people to give me something to remember them by.  Even if I don't need another cake plate or casserole dish it is the memory attached to that item that I want more than the item itself.  I want to pull it out for a family dinner and tell my children who gave us this treasured platter or vase that I am putting my flowers into...  

It isn't the gift it is the sentiment behind it.

PS:  I love the art and the Christmas ornament ideas above!

Answer 14

Blank travelers checks!

Answer 15

Watches, not matching ones.