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Weddings are a happy time when we celebrate the love of our friends and family. We also celebrate this occasion by giving presents that we want the newlyweds to like and appreciate for many years. But not all gifts are the right ones.
In this post, you will find a list of the 27 worst wedding gifts. We want to help you avoid wedding gift mistakes that will make the newlyweds wonder, “What were they thinking?”
You are holding a beautiful wedding invitation in your hand and you can’t wait to share your gift with the newlyweds. After all, you chose this beautiful gift by yourself. So original and unique. You think to yourself, “Surely, none of the guests would give them something like this.” You will be the only guest to give such a wonderful gift. Are you sure? Is it a gift that you would like to receive on your wedding day?
The world is full of married couples who received a wedding gift that they would rather forget. If you don’t want to join this unfortunate group of guests, check out our list of the worst wedding gifts below.
Sticking to the registry is the safest solution. But if the newlyweds haven’t made a wedding registry, they are unlikely to be enthusiastic after unpacking one of the gifts presented below.
Understanding Wedding Gift Etiquette
Let’s talk about the importance of an appropriate wedding gift etiquette. A wedding gift is more than just a tangible item. It symbolizes your best wishes and blessings for the couple on their new journey together. Considering the significance of this gesture, it’s essential to select a gift that aligns with their preferences, lifestyle, and values.
A popular and practical approach to gift-giving is to follow the couple’s wedding registry. Registries are thoughtfully created lists of items the couple would love to receive. These lists serve as helpful guides for guests to choose gifts that the couple truly needs. Using the registry not only ensures your gift will be cherished but also prevents duplicate gifts. If you don’t know well the couple, it’s safer to stick to the registry to ensure your gift aligns with the couple’s desires.
What not to give as a wedding gift?
1. Cheaper versions of registry items
After getting the wedding invitation, now it’s time to check the wedding registry. The wedding registry eliminates the burden of gift selection. One headache less. However, remember that giving cheaper versions of registry items is one of the worst faux pas in wedding gift-giving etiquette. You will only show that you ignored the couple’s specific choices and wanted to spend less on them. Cheaper versions of the registry gifts are of poorer quality and may not last long. It’s always better to choose a smaller gift from the wedding registry or contribute to a group gift than to opt for a lower-quality alternative.
2. A second-hand gift
When it comes to wedding gifts, a second-hand item can be one of the worst wedding gift choices. The newlyweds expect to receive something new and special to mark the beginning of their life together. Receiving a second-hand gift will be a letdown for them, as it shows that you didn’t put much thought and effort into selecting it and that you tried to save some money.
Second-hand gifts can lack the sentimental value that make wedding presents meaningful. It doesn’t matter if it’s a present you got from a friend or something you found at a thrift store. Even if it is very elegant or expensive, you can’t be sure if you haven’t told or shown it to the couple before.
Imagine your embarrassment if they recall a time when they saw you with this gift. Or worse, what if you forget to take out the card that came with it when you received it. Ouch! This kind of wedding etiquette faux pas can make them feel insulted rather than appreciated.
3. Dust collectors
Do you know what a dust collector is? These are decorations and home gadgets that have no purpose or practical use. The term often refers to anything that looks cute and shines, such as porcelain figurines, little sculptures of angels or fairies, decorative seashells, ceramic fruit or vegetables. Other than looking cute, these items often end up accumulating dust on a shelf or are stashed away in a closet. Let’s be honest, what would the newlyweds really do with them? They will probably hide them out of sight.
4. Bathroom items and gadgets
Bathroom items and gadgets may seem practical, especially for new home owners, but they’re hardly romantic or thoughtful. Gifts for the bathroom just don’t have the sentimental value or symbolism that couples look for in wedding gifts. Toilet plungers, a set of bath rugs, a shower cabinet, a toilette, and shower caddies, these are some of the worst wedding gift ideas!
All these items are better suited to a household essentials shopping list than a wedding registry. The newlyweds might even feel awkward when opening such a gift. After all, why would someone think they needed a plunger or a set of bathroom rugs on their special day?
Second-hand gifts can lack the sentimental value that make wedding presents meaningful. It doesn’t matter if it’s a present you got from a friend or something you found at a thrift store. Even if it is very elegant or expensive, you can’t be sure if you haven’t told or shown it to the couple before.
Imagine your embarrassment if they recall a time when they saw you with this gift. Or worse, what if you forget to take out the card that came with it when you received it. Ouch! This kind of wedding etiquette faux pas can make them feel insulted rather than appreciated.
5. Inappropriately intimate gifts
Inappropriately intimate gifts have no place at a wedding celebration. Whether they’re risqué, offensive or simply out of place. They can ruin the mood and make the couple feel uncomfortable. Don’t buy things for a wedding that you should instead buy for a hen or stag party. Bras, pants, sexy robes, or handcuffs—these gifts will show your poor wedding gift choices.
6. Religious items
Regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs, it is best to avoid religious gifts. For many people, a wedding is a spiritual and religious ceremony. However, that doesn’t mean that the bride and groom expect a religious wedding gift. All sorts of paintings, carpets, trinkets, prayer books, or figurines referring to religion could be viewed as tactless and are best avoided. However, consider the couple’s beliefs so that your wedding gifts do not come across as insensitive or presumptuous.
7. Political gifts
What can be worse than a tacky religious wedding gift? A tacky political wedding gift. The worst wedding gift in this category includes anything that promotes a particular political ideology or agenda, potentially causing discord or discomfort among guests. A campaign t-shirt, a politically themed gift or a donation made in the couple’s name to a political cause are all bad ideas.
8. Clothing, pajamas and shoes
We probably don’t need to explain but these are all on the worst wedding gift list. Clothing and shoes are great gifts, as long as they go under the Christmas tree. Save yourself from the embarrassment and give the newlyweds something less personal.
9. Pets
A sweet puppy, a cute kitten or a colorful parrot? This only means another terrible wedding gift. Pets bring joy in life, but they should never be forced on a couple as a wedding gift. Having a pet is a long-term commitment that imposes a significant responsibility on the couple. It requires time, effort, and financial resources to care for the animal properly. Even if the newlyweds dream about having a pet in their family, let them make this decision.
10. A one-person gift
“Wait a minute, something is missing. Oh yes, the gift is only for one person. Last time we checked, a couple equaled two.” This is what we imagine would be said in the newlyweds’ heads when they opened a gift meant for only one person. If the married couple don’t have common interests, it is better not to buy anything that will please only one of them. A wedding gift that’s intended for one will leave the other partner feeling excluded and overlooked.
11. An empty envelope
Given how difficult it is to pick the right wedding gift, perhaps an envelope with money would be a better option? Absolutely! As long as it’s not empty. An empty envelope may seem like a harmless prank, but it’s one of the worst wedding gift ideas and ultimately, a disrespectful gesture. The newlyweds wouldn’t understand if you gave them an empty envelope out of stinginess or forgetfulness. They will most likely be embarrassed to talk to you about this topic later. So carefully avoid this situation!
12. A prank gift
A wedding is not an occasion for jokes and pranks, so your gift should be tasteful and elegant. In online stores, you can buy funny gifts for any occasion. However, a wedding ceremony is not the place for gifts that are impractical and that may cause embarrassment or discomfort. Find a different occasion to offer such a prank gift to the newlyweds.
13. Cash or Check (Without Thoughtful Presentation)
Depending on countries and traditions, cash gifts are becoming popular as they allow the couple to use the funds as they please. However, simply handing over an envelope might come across as impersonal. Think about personalising the gift by including a heartfelt note, a card, or creative packaging.
14. Tablecloths and table runners
Why tablecloths and runners? Because you probably have no idea how big the table is or what the decor in the rest of the room is like at the newlyweds’ home. This is another wedding gift doomed to failure.
15. Offensive or Controversial Gifts
Weddings are a time of celebration, bringing together people from different backgrounds and beliefs. Research and consider the couple’s preferences, sensitivities, and cultural awareness to ensure your gift doesn’t inadvertently cause discomfort or offence. Avoid gifts that may be politically or culturally sensitive.
16. Cleaning Accessories
Inexpensive or plastic cleaning items as a wedding gift come across as an inappropriate gesture. These products are very basic and might work as housewarming gifts, but not as wedding gifts. They might feel that you are suggesting that their home is disorganized and that you know better how to keep it clean.
So, even though you have spotted a great mop or window cleaner, forget about it! Unless the couple told you that they want the newest vacuum cleaner or they put it on their wedding registry, then in that case, go ahead. Buy it and don’t think twice. Just remember to try to give them something to celebrate their love and future together, not to reminder them of their daily chores and responsibilities.
17. Bed sheets and bed linen
This is one of the most frequently chosen wedding gifts. So why do we advise against it? For a simple reason, the bride and groom usually return home with several sets of bedding. They may receive too many bed sheets sets. Some may not be the material or quality that they want or colors that don’t match their room or the wrong size. This is why bedding linen found its place on our list of the worst wedding gifts. Although it seems like a good option, it isn’t and we recommend avoiding it.
18. Albums and photo frames
A personalized photo album with newlyweds’ pictures is not the worst wedding gift idea. After all, it can be a nice souvenir of their love and relationship. But newlyweds would probably prefer to create such a souvenir by themselves, choosing the photos they like the most.
What about empty photo albums and photo frame sets? This is will likely be viewed as a complete flop. Empty photo albums have never been an interesting gift – for any occasion. It is a boring gift the couple often forget about and never get around to filling it with photos.
19. Fitness equipment
This gift speaks for itself, doesn’t it? If someone gives us a fitness equipment, one question immediately comes to our mind. “Is this a not-so-subtle hint that I need to lose weight?”
If a couple has not explicitly stated that they want an exercise equipment, skip this option to avoid any misunderstandings. This type of wedding gift can be perceived as insensitive or judgmental and it can cause embarrassment.
20. DIY and handmade clunky gifts
A handmade gift — what a beautiful gesture! However, the time, effort, and thought that you put into the work will not always be appreciated. DIY wedding gifts may turn out to be completely clunky or impractical. Not everyone has the necessary skills and experience to create high-quality handmade crafts. Your handmade item may lack finesse and craftsmanship, leaving recipients scratching their heads in confusion.
21. Self-help books – relationship books
This is another inappropriate wedding gift. Self-help books, especially those focusing on relationships, will be potentially problematic gifts. They will lead the couple to think that you are suggesting that they need help or outside intervention. This kind of book may also come across as pushy or conceited. It is better to avoid gifts that might carry a more or less hidden message.
22. Baby gifts
Pampers, baby supplies, blankets, or baby clothing? Isn’t this the worst wedding gift idea? Even if the young couple already has children, a wedding is the newlyweds’ special day, and you should forget about baby-related gifts. Especially if they don’t have children, it is better to simply avoid the topic since you likely don’t know about their plans for a family.
23. Bulky or oversized gifts
Bulky or oversized items can create a logistical headache for the newlyweds. Firstly, it will be challenging to transport and store. Secondly, big home decor items or heavy kitchen appliances can take up too much valuable space in their home. This could result in frustration and a desire to sell or give away the gift. If it is not on the registry and you don’t know the size of the newlyweds’ house, it is better to buy something small that can fit into any space.
24. Art and large decorative paintings
Beauty is a relative concept and fine art is even more so. Paintings are a rather bulky gift that may become a logistical pain for the newlyweds. It will be difficult for you to please the recipients. Even the most beautiful work of art, in your opinion, may not match the décor of their house. If you don’t want the couple to take your painting from the basement before your visit, pick something more useful and less reliant on personal taste.
25. DIY projects and hobbies
DIY items or projects can be time-consuming and potentially disappointing. Such a wedding gift will be a good idea only for those that you know for certain who are passionate about a particular DIY hobby such as homebrewing beer, distilling wine or creating handmade decorations. Before buying such a gift, make sure that the newlyweds like such activities if you don’t want your gift to end up in the basement forever.
26. Bad luck gifts
Certain gifts are steeped in cultural superstitions and are considered to bring bad luck, making them some of the worst wedding gifts you can give. Here are a few examples:
- Knives, scissors and sharp objects – they symbolize cutting off the relationship in Asian countries, Latin America, and the Middle East. They also bring bad luck in most European countries.
- Clocks – according to superstitions, a clock as a wedding gift predicts a quick breakdown of the marriage in some Asian cultures.
- Sets of four – anything in a set of four brings bad luck in Asian countries and it is associated with death.
- Handkerchiefs – there’s a superstition that says that handkerchiefs are used for cleaning up the sadness and tears in many Asian cultures.
- Empty wallets or purses – bring financial misfortune to a married couple according to superstition. To ensure good luck and prosperity, always include a small amount of money in any wallet or purse that you give as a gift.
27. High-maintenance plants
While plants can symbolize growth and a new beginning, a high-maintenance plant as a wedding gift can become a burden rather than a source of joy for the newlyweds. The busy couple may become frustrated trying keep the plant alive. High-maintenance plants such as orchids and bonsai trees require special attention that the couple may not have time for.
Right now, you know that by avoiding items that may be too personal, impractical, offensive, or second-hand, you can ensure your gift reflects your genuine care and consideration. Remember that it is always the sentiment and love behind the gift that will make it truly special. Happy gift-hunting!
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