Endearing Gifts Reflect Love, Show Gratitude
Laura Rosback
Show love and appreciation by giving your wedding attendants and family members remembrances they’ll cherish.
Such gifts can be simple or significant, inexpensive or lavish. But the key is to offer a personalized “thank you” to each person who played a starring role in your wedding. Many times brides and grooms exchange gifts as wedding keepsakes.
One gift option is an old favorite – jewelry. And it’s better when customized. Carolyn Luce, owner of Timothy’s Gallery, a specialty shop in Winter Park, Fla., said couples often shop together for items and designs. Sometimes they have the stones and just want the settings redone.
Wooden items like ring holders, change holders and jewelry boxes are popular among men, Luce said. Another popular choice could be a platter, bowl or set of drinking glasses engraved or painted with your anniversary date. Paired goblets also are popular. A couple can commission someone to make them look like fish or different animals, Luce said.
A novel gift idea is a Bridal Box. These are sturdy fiberboard boxes covered in upholstery, lined with linen and divided into compartments. They are designed to hold wedding memorabilia such as planners, toasting glasses, scrapbooks and shoes.
If you’re looking for something personal, consider a scrapbook. A lovingly compiled scrapbook lets you relive memories such as your first date, your first weekend getaway or your spouse’s birthday. Scrapbooks also help organize photos and souvenirs.
A scrapbook can become a favorite gift because it’s from the heart, said Beth Moison, a Creative Memories consultant in Leesburg, Va. “It’s a unique gift you can personalize,” she said. “You make it with that person in mind – it’s something no one else can give.”
The various types include dating, travel, sport and hobby albums. Or scrapbooks can reflect any aspect of your lives together. And an album isn’t always just photos, but the words that go with them, Moison said.
A spouse could create an album that was a collection of song lyrics or scripture from the wedding ceremony. Other items could include notes, letters and cards from your dating and courtship.
Because an album takes time to create, its recipient knows you care. “It continues to be a gift,” Moison said. “The value only increases, it doesn’t diminish. As the events become more distant, the pages become more valuable.”
Here’s a list of gift ideas that can easily be created or purchased:
• Handmade pottery. There are specialty shops and craft stores that offer this option. It’s a great gift from the heart and displays your personality.
• An original poem, song or art piece. Do you have creative flare? Take advantage of your creative flare and create a piece to be remembered.
• A weekend getaway at a resort or spa. This is one way to see some countryside, take in some rays and be pampered.
• Funky flower vases. If it sounds too normal, check out the selection at specialty shops and national retailers. Many offer a wide selection of modern and retro flower vases that can add ambiance to a home. And don’t forget the flowers.
• Furniture. Is someone you know moving to a new residence? Buy items that fit the décor and lifestyle of the recipient.
• Jewelry. Some jewelry ideas include watches, pearls, cuff links or rings. To add charm, engrave the gift with something meaningful such as a line from a favorite poem or your wedding date.
• Collectibles. Consider items such as perfume bottles, antique jewelry, paintings, books, baseball cards, stamps, coins or figurines.
• An autographed copy of a favorite book.
• Season tickets for a favorite sports team. It’s the gift that keeps on giving – at least until the end of the season.
• Original artwork. Do you know someone who is a collector? Why not take advantage of this and acquire an affordable piece they’ll love?
Coming up with gift ideas is easy for some and difficult for others. But as long as you know what your recipients like and enjoy, anything will make them happy – because it came from you. n