Hey there, gift givers! Weddings are all about spreading the love and celebrating the happy couple. And what better way to show your excitement than by picking out the perfect wedding gift, right? But hold up! Not all gifts are created equal, and there are definitely some that can make the couple cringe behind their smiles. We’re here to help you dodge those gift-giving faux pas with our guide to the 11 wedding gifts no couple wants to receive.
Now, we totally get it – finding the ideal gift can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not! We’ve got your back, and we’re here to make sure your gift hits all the right notes without unintentionally missing the mark.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into those gift ideas that should definitely stay off the wedding registry. We’re talking about regifted items, yawn-inducing generic home décor, appliances that’ll collect dust, and cringe-worthy tacky novelties. Let’s not forget the cash gifts with strings attached or the self-help books that might raise an eyebrow or two. We’ll cover it all!
But hey, we’re not just here to be Debbie Downers. We want to make sure your gift is a roaring success! We’ll guide you towards thoughtful, meaningful presents that show your love and support for the happy couple.
So, grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and let us help you navigate the treacherous waters of wedding gift-giving. Trust us, by steering clear of these gifting pitfalls, you’ll be the rockstar gift-giver that everyone admires. Let’s dive in and make sure your gift is the one that brings the biggest smile to the newlyweds’ faces!
Remember, it’s all about showing your genuine care and making the couple feel extra special on their big day. So let’s get this gift-giving party started and make sure your present is the one they’ll cherish for years to come!
Wedding gifts no couple wants to receive {and what to give instead}
Clear-cut gifts to avoid...
(Note: Some couples may want some of these gifts, especially if they don’t own the necessary items already… )
1. Yet another salad bowl
Many couples have liberated themselves from the age-old tradition of getting married before moving in together…
Some couples live together for years before they decide to get married.
So, the chances of the bride already having a great salad bowl for entertaining guests are pretty high.
2. A book on love or marriage
Not many people love to read nowadays.
And those who do, prefer to find pleasure in shopping for their own books and reading material.
Also, it sends a bad vibe to the newlywed couple to give them a book on “how to improve your marriage”.
Definitely skip this one!
3. Things that aren’t mentioned in the registry
Always check the couple’s wedding registry before making a purchase – there’s a reason why they’ve created it!
Avoid buying anything that’s not on the list – especially if you’re an impulsive shopper.
You may end up with disappointment and embarrassment when they open it and don’t have the intended reaction you hoped for.
To the bride and groom: Remind your wedding guests that there is actually a wedding registry, and where they can find it…
Pro Tip: If you’re stuck with setting up the wedding registry gift list, grab the wedding planner templates, which include everything you need to plan out your wedding registry.
4. “His-and-hers” gifts
We don’t know if it’s more annoying, or just a cliché at this point in time…
But we’re past 2016 now, and frankly, so are most brides and grooms.
Rather give them something unique to each person, and that they actually need.
5. Second-hand gifts and hand-me-downs
You can easily spot a rejected gift a mile away!
Either no effort has been done to at least dust it off or clean it…
Or even worse, the bride or groom actually gave YOU that gift many years ago, and you forgot…
Make the effort to get them something special, and make sure it’s something they will actually use.
6. Framed Art
Framed art makes a great gift when it is actually something beautiful and it fits in with the couple’s style…
But remember, tastes differ – it might only be beautiful to you, and not to them.
Framed art might not be as valuable as an original piece, by Monet or Dali, for example.
Always make sure it is actually the couple’s style – and that they have space for it / their rental contract allows them to hang things on the walls…
If you’re unsure – rather give them something else…
7. Decor items for the home
Decor items are the same principle as mentioned above.
It simply has to fit in with the couple’s style…
You might like the carved wooden elephant or decorated rhinoceros in your own home, but they might not…
8. Baby stuff!
Oh, yes! This actually does happen, in case you were wondering!
But rather wait for the honeymoon period to cool off a bit (and the bride and groom to make the announcement!) before you go in this direction.
Like we mentioned before: Just stick to the registry…
9. Mature gifts
Let the bride and groom be in charge of their own bedroom shenanigans (you definitely don’t have a part in it…)
Naughty underwear, dirty books and sex toys all belong in this category.
It shouldn’t even be mentioned, let alone be bought.
10. Personalized gifts … with spelling errors!
Double. Triple check. Make sure the spelling of the bride and groom’s names or last name are spelled correctly before giving them something personalized.
If it isn’t spelled right… well, that’s just embarrassing!
And, it suggests you don’t even know them all that well.
11. Too much kitchen stuff
We’ve mentioned in the beginning how more and more couples live together before saying “I do”.
So, it’s safe to assume that their kitchen is most likely all-kit-out.
And, if they needed a new kettle/toaster/salad bowl, they would’ve bought one – unless it is mentioned in the wedding or bridal shower registries.
The one thing most brides regret adding to the gift list: kitchen gadgets!
This also includes once-off appliances (used once to see how it works/buries it at the back / eventually gives it away…). Things like English muffin makers and ice cream machines.
As we’ve mentioned before, If you’re stuck with setting up the wedding registry gift list, grab the wedding planner templates, which include everything you need to plan out your wedding registry.
Also Read: 75 Best wedding gifts every couple needs
Honorable mentions {aka more things to avoid}...
Here are some additional things to avoid giving the couple.
12. Tacky or Novelty Items
Stay away from overly tacky or novelty gifts that may not have lasting value or serve a practical purpose. Your gift should be something the couple can cherish and enjoy for years to come.
13. Cash with Strings Attached
While cash is often appreciated, attaching strings or conditions to a monetary gift can make it feel less genuine and more like a transaction. Offer a heartfelt card or thoughtful message to accompany your cash gift instead.
14. Weight Loss or Diet-Related Items
Gifting weight loss or diet-related items can be unintentionally insensitive. Respect the couple’s personal journey and avoid anything that may imply they need to change their appearance.
15. Offensive or Inappropriate Gifts
It should go without saying, but offensive or inappropriate gifts have no place at a wedding. Ensure your gift is respectful, inclusive, and suitable for the occasion.
16. Last-Minute Impulse Buys
Avoid last-minute impulse buys that may come across as thoughtless or rushed. Take the time to choose a meaningful gift that truly reflects your relationship with the couple.
What to give instead
If you’re looking for some gift ideas for the couple, have a look at these blog posts filled with some amazing gifts:
Tips for setting up the wedding registry
- Don’t add everything you like… Guests might not buy you the things you actually need, or everyone will buy the cheap stuff!
- Use a formula to work out how many gifts (and their price range) based on your wedding guest count (we provide an easy-to-use one in the wedding registry kit, which is included in the wedding planner.
- Make sure to include things for the groom, too! (a lawnmower, tools to use at home, etc.)
- If you rather want money as a gift, make sure you ask for it in a subtle way – let your maid of honor let wedding guests know that you prefer this!
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by Tanya Guilfoyle
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tanya has been an active contributor and planner in the wedding industry since 2016. When not writing useful content for brides and wedding professionals, she can be found designing templates for her Etsy shop, TWCprintables.
