Coming up with a thoughtful gift for the newly engaged can be downright frustrating when the couple in question doesn’t really need (or want) anything and giving them cash just seems wrong. Maybe they are minimalists who love the whole “less is more” vibe or perhaps both have households already and neither can cram another thing into their spaces.
Of course, good manners dictate that you simply cannot show up empty-handed to an engagement party or pre-wedding get together. You will need something in a bag or box to bestow upon the happy couple. Andrea Woroch, a consumer savings expert, and others offer these budget-friendly gift suggestions for those about to be joined in wedded bliss.
Monthly Subscription Boxes
You can find a wide range of monthly subscription boxes that couples can enjoy together, from cooking kits to wine clubs, says Woroch. For example, a meal kit allows a couple to explore new recipes together while a wine-of-the-month membership or coffee club can be a fun way for couples to relax as they try out new beverages they might not otherwise have tried.
When it comes to meal kits, companies such as HelloFresh offer weekly or monthly meal boxes filled with every ingredient you’ll need to cook up delicious dinners in your kitchen. For those who can’t leave the house in the mornings without the jolt provided by caffeine, Woroch suggests Atlas Coffee Club which curates micro-lot coffees from around the world. Another unique gift for couples could be a subscription to Trove, which is a subscription box that brings different countries to your doorstep through food, snacks, recipes and unique experiences. When wine is on the menu, try Winc, a company that offers expert-picked wines delivered monthly.
“You should think about how much you want to spend overall,” Woroch says, “as this will impact how many months the subscription will be delivered. You can find coupons online at sites like CouponFollow.com to help you save on these subscriptions so you can opt for more deliveries without busting your budget.” Make your gift go further by using offers such as $90 off at HelloFresh or 35% off everything at Winc.com.
Miles
If the couple is planning a honeymoon that will take them across the country or the globe, and you have a close relationship with the bride or groom, you could give them miles to help cover the cost of airfare. Most large airline carriers, including Delta and American, offer flexibility with your miles and the ability to book travel for yourself or for someone else, even if you’re not flying with them. It’s important to make sure you read all of the fine print related to your mile program so that your gift doesn’t end up falling flat before they get off the ground. Woroch suggests either buying miles outright or giving your own travel miles to the couple.
Experiences for two
From sushi-making classes to dance lessons to a kayaking adventure, you can never have too many new experiences with the person you plan to spend the rest of your life with. “This is the perfect gift for a couple who has everything they need,” Woroch says. “Choose something you know the couple would enjoy doing together or have talked about wanting to try or do.” To keep your gift affordable for you and fun for them, search daily deal sites such as Groupon or LivingSocial to find experiences at a discount. Most sites allow you to search for experiences by location and type of excursion, such as spa, dining, entertainment or adventure.
Gift cards
“Gift cards are a great alternative to cash since you can make it a bit more personal by finding one to a store or for a product or service you know the couple would really enjoy,” Woroch says. “If the couple is planning to buy a house together, a gift card to a home furnishing store could help with decorating their new space.” Other ideas for more personalized gift cards include a spa certificate for a couple’s massage or a restaurant gift card to one of their favorite places. To stretch your buying power, Woroch suggests snagging gift cards at a discount from national warehouse stores such as Costco or Sam’s Club. This season, you can get two $50 eGiftCards to SpaFinder at Costco for just $79.99, a $20 savings, which can be redeemed at any partner spa in their nationwide network. That’s a honeymoon gift they’ll appreciate.
One-of-a-kind keepsakes
Photo albums may be going out of style, but a sleek, hardbound photo book capturing someone’s most Instagrammable images is something to treasure. If you have the time and talent, create a book using images of the couple over the course of their relationship. If you don’t have access to their personal pics, or you want the present to be a surprise, you can grab favorite photographs from their social media accounts. Companies such as Shutterfly routinely offer discounts through their Facebook page on hard-bound books. Chain drug stores including Walgreens also offer deals on photo books that you can create from your home computer and have printed in the store.
MORE ON HERMONEY:
- Asked to Be A Bridesmaid? Here’s How To Cut Costs — And How To Say No If You Have To
- 7 Financial Discussions To Have Before You Get Married
- How Combining Finances Actually Made My Marriage Better
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