31 Inspired Wedding Gifts That Keep on Giving

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China and crystal may be traditional wedding gifts, but few couples have much use for such finery. Instead of sticking with tradition, consider these 31 inspired gift choices.

Give the gift of good eating

Everyone’s got to eat, and a food-centric gift can be both personal and practical at the same time. Consider the couple’s ages, dietary restrictions and preferences, then consider one of these good-eats gifts:

  • Membership to a wine-, beer- or fruit-of-the-month club
  • Gourmet or specialty cooking classes
  • A food storage system
  • Membership to a warehouse club
  • A share in a community supported agriculture (CSA) program
  • Gift cards to a local grocer — maybe find some discounted gift cards at Raise
  • Subscription to a food delivery service, like Hello Fresh or Sun Basket

Give the gift of saving money

Many newlyweds are cash-strapped. They have just splurged on what was likely the biggest party of their lives, and now the bills are rolling in. Here are some gift ideas that may put a little money back in their pocket:

Give the gift of cheap utilities

Your favorite newlyweds would probably rather spend their money on more exciting things than electricity and natural gas. Help them out by giving gifts that will drop their utility bills. An appliance is pricey, we know, so consider combining resources with other guests to make the gift affordable.

  • Energy-efficient appliances
  • LED or CFL lights
  • Programmable thermostat
  • Smart power strips

Give the gift of adventure

The traveling doesn’t stop just because the honeymoon ends. Help the couple get away on the cheap during the upcoming year. Here are some gift ideas that will get them out of the house without breaking the bank:

  • Gas cards
  • Camping gear (One of my go-to wedding gifts for outdoor types is a loveseat-style double camp chair.)
  • Gift certificate for a bed and breakfast
  • Membership to a local museum, zoo or botanical garden
  • Tickets to a local performance

If you’re considering helping with the honeymoon or travel adventure, be sure to stop by our Solutions Center and check out our travel deals page for discounts on flights, cruises, hotels, car rentals and more.

Give the gift of service

If you’re cash-strapped, there are plenty of gifts you can give that have value but won’t cost you a cent. If you’re a professional, consider offering a gift that utilizes your experience. For everyone else, consider one of these gifts:

  • Baby-sitting if the couple have children
  • House cleaning
  • Yardwork or landscaping
  • Home-cooked meals delivered to their doorstep

Give the gift of lifelong learning

Finally, self-improvement may be the most valuable gift of all. Consider the couple’s goals and give a gift that helps further their education. However, be careful in how you package and present the gift. You don’t want to look tactless or arrogant, and these gifts might be best reserved for couples you know very well.

  • An investment account if you know college or grad school is on the horizon
  • Professional development classes
  • Sessions with a career coach
  • Gift certificate to a resume-writing service
  • Books on finance, marriage or self-improvement
  • Gift certificate to learn a new skill, whether it’s yoga, knitting or speaking a foreign language

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