Our neighbor, a divorced man, is getting married next weekend. Between his, hers, and theirs, there will be seven, count 'em, seven people living in a three bedroom house, but that is a whole different thread...... They are being married in a private ceremony, but apparently are inviting close to 150 to the reception.

I was raised that the amount of the gift, except in cases of family or someone very close, is in proportion to the giver's participation in the activities. We are not invited to the ceremony, only to the reception. There is not going to be a sit-down meal, only hors d'uevres. I barely know the bride, she has never spoken to me except to say hello- if I saw her in the store, I wouldn't even know who she was.

I have no clue what to get them or how much to spend. He does have a camping trailer and they have gone camping together with the kids frequently over the past few years. The only thing I can come up with is a gift certificate from Cabela's or Gander Mountian for something for their camping trips. Does $25.00 or $30.00 seem like an appropriate amount?

Thanks, I really appreciate the input.

I think that sounds about right, Meg.

I know when my DH and I got married, we had both been married before, and it was hard for anyone to pick out a gift for us because I had all my household stuff that was fairly new (I didn't get much back in the divorce, so I had to buy new to be able to live). We got a lot of money and a few "special" gifts from close family and friends.

If they enjoy camping and outdoor activities, I think the gift certificate sounds like a wonderful idea! They will remember it better than just putting cash in an envelope.

Jami

I think it sounds like a perfect gift. These days it is hard to know what to do...I am invited to two wedding showers in June, and I was looking over the gift registry, (don't get me started on that) and I find that neither of these girls have picked out anything for under $50! Now I know I am a bit long in the tooth, but doesn't that seem pricey for a shower gift??

Yes, Debbie, I agree, $50.00 is a bit pricey. I usually give, especially for young people just starting out on their own, a first aid kit. I usually make my own. I fill a red tool box with band-aids, hydrogen-peroxide, anti-bacterial oinment, some ace bandages, maybe a first-aid book, and an ice pack.

Most of that stuff you can clip coupans for and get it at the grocery store. Sometimes you can get a heating pad on sale. I don't bother to wrap it, just attach a bow and a card. No one knows what it is until it is opened, and I have never had anyone be unhappy.

Meg, how did the wedding go? What did you end up getting?
The first aid kit is a great idea!
Debbie, $50 for a shower gift is a lot! And yep, I agree about gift registry too!
Weddings here, it's expected you spend at least $100 on a gift now.......

Talked to my son. He and his wife agreed to kick in an equal amount so we got them a gift card for $50.00 for camping equipment.

Due to a series of unfortunate events, we did not make it to the wedding, or the recption. You can read about it in the Good Morning thread.