Weddings call for celebrations of love and togetherness. On their special day, gift the couple with something cool and left-of-centre as they start their new life together.
Gifts have been given at weddings for centuries, and it is customary for those invited to a wedding to send the new Mr and Mr. a gift to help them celebrate their new union. Even if you are not able to attend the wedding in person, you can still gift the lovely couple.
These days, it does seem more commonplace for couples to request monetary gifts. While there's nothing wrong with that, it can still be a nice sentiment to add a physical gift toward their future together. The rules now however are that normal registry items like pots and pans are pretty much a no-no. That's because couples tend to have lived with one another for a while first before tying the knot and therefore don't need those household items.
So think out of the box and get them something they'll appreciate, use or just smile over.
1. Experience Gift
2. Cute and quirky novelty
If what you're after is just a small sentiment for them to take home and cherish, then cute and quirky novelties are the way to go. They'll add some character to the home and, if done right, will remind the couple of you and your friendship.
What I Love About You By Me | Yellow Octopus
Fill in this mini journal with memories for the happy couple to reminisce and "aww" over. Yellow Octopus, $19.99
Love Story Chalkboard | Etsy
Although designed as a "save the date" invite, this chalkboard is absolutely adorable and hand made. Tell their tale your way with it. Etsy, $42.40
Magic Love Candle | The Hut
The Magic Love Candle is an ingenious little innovation, and a great romantic gift. The Hut, £6.99
3. Travel and entertainment surprise
Let someone else entertain them. From concert tickets for entertainment fans to mystery hotel stays, give them a fun and unexpected adventure together that doesn't require them to be adrenaline junkies.
Concerts, sports events and cultural events | Viagogo
Viagogo offers resale tickets for all the biggest events in your city including sports games and music concerts. Viagogo, prices vary
Book a mystery hotels | Wotif
You won't know what hotel they're getting and neither will they, but you can bet your bottom dollar it'll be a 5 or 5-star affair at the best possible price. Wotif, prices vary
City Discovery Pass | City Discovery
Couples love "holiday experiences". Know where they're going? A City Discovery pass will grant them entry into attractions. City Discovery, varies.
4. Atypical "His" and "Hers" presents
Now you could buy them these sweet-as-pie couple gifts, OR you could add a little quirk and make sure HE knows who's the boss in this relationship..
My Side Your Side | Amazon
Double Duvet Bedding Set My Side Your Side - in all the correct proportions. Amazon, $45.62
Gender Wars Board Game | ASOS
Humorous party game or decider of all things married life? Let them decide. ASOS, $20.56
And They Lived Happily Ever After | Etsy
Handmade vintage silver spoon set. Not a gender war to be exact, but perfectly "his" and "hers" nonetheless. Etsy, $45
5. Toys for the bedroom
Some might think this one's taboo, but if the couple you're witnessing tying the knot has a good sense of humour, these "toys" will hit the spot.
Fifty Shades Relentless Vibrations | Lovehoney
USB rechargeable remote controlled egg. Who's got control of the remote tonight?. Lovehoney, $89.95
Kama Sutra Original Weekender Kit | AdultShop
For spontaneous getaways there's this luxe pack of massage oils and body powders. AdultShop, $26.95
Dirty Minds Game | ozgameshop
Test how dirty minded you (or your partner) is by playing this cheeky board game. ozgameshop, $26.99
6. Adult colouring books
Adult colouring books are a thing. For anyone who agrees, try out these truly adult colouring books. They're what you think. No, really.
Sex Position Coloring Book | Booktopia
Playtime for couples lies in the most approachable sex book a man and woman can share. Booktopia, $17.80
Kama Sutra | Angus and Robertson Bookworld
Educational AND fun. Learn all the positions in the Kama Sutra by colour. Angus and Robertson Bookworld, $20.99
Sex Positions Coloring Book For Adults | Wordery
A sex position coloring book for creative minds in and out of the bedroom. Got your pens ready? Wordery, $11.80
7. Home additions
They might not need pots and pans but a little something to brighten up or complement a room never went unwanted. Fact.
Corowa Woodware Port Barrel | Dan Murphy's
Connoisseurs will appreciate what is going on in here. That's a 5 litres of ready for some quality port to fill its belly. Dan Murphy's, $214.90
Mason Jar Shot Glasses | The Hut
A mega mini cheers to you and me. Mason jars are all the rage, try them in shot-sized form. The Hut, £9.99
Giant Orange Bouncer | ASOS
One giant bouncer in bright orange for loads of fun. Buy two so they can both enjoy. ASOS, $30.76
8. Gag gifts for him
Make 'em laugh because marriage shouldn't be taken too seriously.
100 Reason to Panic About Getting Married Book | Yellow Octopus
He should really know what he's getting himself into by committing to someone. No, seriously. Yellow Octopus, $19.99
7 Words for a long and happy marriage t-shirt | Zazzle
Words of wisdom. He should really thank you for telling him how to live his married life. Zazzle, $64
Keypress Keyboard
LED Nightlamp | Yellow Octopus
ESC. It's a button that's ALWAYS available to press.
Yellow Octopus, $12.99
9. Gift cards
When all else fails and you don't want to give them cash. There's always the lifesaving gift card. Here are three of the best.
RedBalloon
Experience vouchers galore.