Whether you’re heading to your best friend’s wedding or have been invited to a co-worker’s big day, you’ll need to set aside some money in the budget for a wedding gift. Experts at The Knot suggest spending between $50 to $75 on a co-worker or distant relative, $75 to $100 on a friend or relative and up to $150 on gifts for closer relatives. If you’re already on a tight budget, you may need to consider some frugal — but thoughtful — alternatives. Here are eight wedding gift ideas that that will help you stay on budget:
[See: 10 Money-Saving Websites to Check Before Shopping.]
1. Custom Cookbook
If the newlyweds-to-be love to cook and you know their favorite type of cuisine, pull together a list of your favorite recipes and give them a printed cookbook. Companies like Cookbook Create offer 28-page spiral cookbooks starting at $35 and hardcover books starting at $45. If you don’t want to type up your favorite recipes yourself, you can make use of the site’s concierge services, which will type up and format everything on your behalf.
2. Customized Mugs
You can go the traditional route with “His” and “Hers” mugs or be a little creative with a short poem, quote or meaningful saying imprinted on the mug. If you’re the crafty type, consider decorating mugs with your own designs, custom lettering or an inspirational saying using enamel-based paint. Wrap or package the mugs in gift bags that match the theme of the wedding.
3. Year of Netflix
Let them enjoy those nights in watching their favorite Netflix movies and shows at your expense. Gifting a basic Netflix subscription for a few months or a year is sure to be a welcome gift and something they will make full use of after the wedding events simmer down. Throw in a gift certificate to their favorite takeout place to make it a date-night package.
[See: 12 Millennial-Inspired Ways to Spend Less.]
4. Recipe and Food Delivery Subscription
Another subscription option that is sure to please? Custom food delivery service. Instead of having meals delivered to their doorstep, however, services like Plated will box up recipes and ingredients to prepare a gourmet meal at home. Couples who enjoy cooking will appreciate the chance to try new recipes and have a selection of fresh ingredients at their fingertips to make meal prep that much easier.
5. Offer Wedding Photography Services
If you’re an amateur photographer or take photos for a living, consider offering to take the couple’s ceremony, reception and other event photos free of charge. Put together an album of prints or gift them with a slideshow embellished with quotes and music on a CD or DVD as a keepsake. Couples on a budget will appreciate the services and you’ll be an even more important part of the wedding party.
6. Gourmet Food Gift Basket
You can end up spending a small fortune on gourmet food baskets that are delivered directly to you or the newlywed’s home. Save money and give them a more personalized, thoughtful gift with a gourmet food gift basket that you put together yourself. Think beyond gourmet chocolate, wine and cheese to give them something truly memorable. You could pull some gourmet snacks to create a custom picnic basket or create a gourmet food gift basket filled with handmade baked goods and other treats.
7. Dinner Reservations
Treat your favorite couple to delicious food at their favorite restaurant by giving them a gift card to their favorite restaurant or making reservations on their behalf on an otherwise-busy night. If there’s a restaurant in town that’s always booked and you know the couple enjoys eating there, find out when the next-available reservation is and make arrangements for a special dessert or drinks delivery as a surprise — a gesture few couples will forget.
[See: 12 Ways to Be a More Mindful Spender.]
8. Personalized Beach Towels
If they’re heading off to the Caribbean or any other tropical locale for their honeymoon, gift those newlywed travelers a set of beach towels with monograms or “Mr.” and “Mrs.” embroidered somewhere on the towels for that special touch. You can find some beautiful, eye-catching designs and custom-made towels on Etsy or even design your own on CafePress with personalized text or images.
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8 Frugal Yet Thoughtful Wedding Gift Ideas originally appeared on usnews.com
