Would this be an appropriate wedding gift?

Question

I've been working at my current job since November, and one of my co-workers in another department is getting married. He is also in a superior-type position. I got a wedding invitation but can't make it because I am flying back home from holidays that day. I told him that I really appreciated the invite and was disappointed I couldn't make it but congratulated him. I am thinking I still want to get him a wedding gift. I haven't known him all that long and we aren't close or anything. Would buying him a $50 gift certificate to a nice restaurant and enclosing it in a card be enough of a gift? Or is that too cheap?

Answer 1

That is very nice.

Answer 2

that is a great gift. the couple will love it!!!

Answer 3

no its a lovely gift that i think would be a pleasant surprice as i am sure he aint expecting anything

he can take wife out then for a lovely evening

Answer 4

That's an awesome idea. I try to give restuarant gift certificates to newlyweds too, for their special "date nights"  

Answer 5

I think it's more than generous to give him a gift. However, I would stick to something from his registry, and I think that $50 should be your max. Pick a few small things for the kitchen like measuring spoons, potholders, etc., and then have them shipped to the address on his registry. That's proper etiquette and because he's your coworker/superior, it would be best to stick with etiquette on this one.

EDIT: Do your other coworkers know where he's registered? Lots of couples choose stores like Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, Crate and Barrel, etc. You could always try those stores, and do a search for his name online (that's how you find registries). See if you have any luck.

If not, then your original idea is just fine :) Just include a note that says you didn't know where he was registered, and wanted to give him and his wife a more unique gift that involved the two of them.

Answer 6

Some people hate gift cards, and think they are not very thoughtful.  I, on the other hand, love gift cards, as long as it's to a place I want to use it.  That's why most people write a check instead.  

$50 is an appropriate amount for a coworker, and I feel is generous, considering you're not going to the wedding.  

Answer 7

i think it would be nicer if you got him a present off his registy shipped to his address. You can get something worth 50 bucks and know that since it's what they want it won't make you look cheap.

I mean he did think of you enough to invite you to his wedding. this idea just seems to me to be a lil more thoughtful.

Answer 8

I think that a $50 gift is very generous, especially considering that you can't attend. It's very thoughtful, and no, it's not cheap. I think if you give from the heart and give what you can afford, people need to learn how to appreciate that. It bugs me when people imply that you're being cheap, when you could have chosen not to give a gift at all. All the best!

Answer 9

A $50 gift certificate to a nice restaurant is a pretty generous gift, in my opinion. I know I'd like it! However, if you're still not sure, boost it up a little (like $60 or somethin'). It's only paying for 2 people, right? If that's the case, then it should be more than enough (unless it's for the Ritz). Hope that helps a bit!

Answer 10

Wonderful idea.  And no, $50 isn't cheap for a co-worker's gift.  

Answer 11

thats perfect. and if u arent that close then it can make u closer

Answer 12

That sounds like a great gift idea!!!  

Answer 13

I think $50 is a very generous gift for a co-worker.  

Answer 14

That is great. For our wedding that seemed to be the 'going rate' alot of people gave us $50