Engagement Gift Ideas $50 or less??

[BethElena]

My Older bro is asking his GF to marry him before our get together on 12/24. I want to have a gift bought and surprise them!

But, the problem is we're on a limited budget right now. I don't want to spend more than $50. And I want to physically purchase the gift b/c of it being the holiday season, and I don't want to be slammed with shipping costs right now! :)

She never shopped at Walmart until she met Older bro. Her idea of a gift involves things like Crystal, which we can't afford.

I know for our engagment, my DH's sister bought us a down thrown and a great smelling candle. We were thrilled! But I don't think that's the kind of gift they need.

Anybody have any great ideas for $50 or less?

[Happy1]

Why not throw a basket of goodies together for them? Maybe a wedding planning survival basket. You could include:

-A notebook with a pen
-An expandable folder to keep all those contracts and ideas in one spot
-A cute book or two on wedding planning
-A wedding magazine
-Some munchies for the really stressful moments
-Some popcorn and sodas to remind them that once in a while a date night without wedding planning talk is a good idea.;)

Nikki :D

[BethElena]

Hey, that sounds like a cute idea, Happy!

Can you think of any wedding mags that are tipped towards "expensive" weddings? I can't see her doing any DIY projects...

[amew]

You could certainly get a nice bottle of champagne for $50 or less, and that would seem luxurious. I have purchased Waterford crystal wine coasters as engagement gifts for around $50. I think Waterford ring holders make nice engagement gifts as well, and they are less than $50 (though that would be more for her than him). Or you could find a really nice picture frame for an engagement pic and have a cute saying or their names and engagement dates engraved on it.

[amew]

Can you think of any wedding mags that are tipped towards "expensive" weddings? I can't see her doing any DIY projects...

The Town and Country wedding issues (though I am not sure it is out right now). And Martha is certainly upscale.

[BethElena]

Amew - thanks for the ideas! Adding them to my list. :)

I appreciate any advice. I feel so out there in left field. I know her dress will probably cost as much as my whole wedding. I'm not jealous, I just feel odd. KWIM? We were in NYC one time, and she said "harry winston! I hope my ring comes from there!" And I thought, "who the heck is he?" I swear we're from different planets. Which is why my older bro & her get along so well. :D

[maplekitty]

Hey, that sounds like a cute idea, Happy!

Can you think of any wedding mags that are tipped towards "expensive" weddings? I can't see her doing any DIY projects...


Grace Ormand - Wedding Style Magazine was my "fancy mag" splurge.

[tenofcups]

If you want to go the crystal route, Mikasa makes very pretty crystal pieces, usually in a more modern style and often for $50 or under--you should be able to get a pretty bowl, frame, or vase in your price range.

I see you're in PA, but don't know where--if you're in the area, I'm pretty sure there's a Mikasa outlet in Lancaster and maybe one in the the big discount mall in Northeast Philly (drawing a blank on the name right now).

Here some samples from their web site (www.mikasa.com) and the retail prices:

$49
http://www.mikasa.com/images/product/large/XY050622_L.jpg

Also $49
http://www.mikasa.com/images/product/large/SW213736_L.jpg

24.99 each so you could get 2:
http://www.mikasa.com/images/product/large/XY050551_L.jpg

If her taste is more traditional, you should be able to find Lenox pieces in that range (I'm personally not a fan) or if she goes for more intersting or funky things, you could look around Pier One...

[Janey]

We have these Brighton Candelholders (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1340&f=560&q=brighton&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1) from crate & barrel and I loooove them. :)

Attach a note that says these are for many candle-lit dinners in their future.

[BethElena]

Thanks ladies for all your great ideas!

Would it be tacky of me to give them a vase if they bought me a vase as an engagement gift? Does that look like I just copied off the gift they gave me? Or am I overanalyzing this? :p

[tenofcups]

You *are* overanalyzing but since I do that all the time, it makes perfect sense to me... ;) If they gave you a vase, I'd be inclined to do a nice frame, display bowl, or crystal candlesticks instead...

[Kingdono]

In my grocery stores there is a magazine I think by People all about celebrity weddings. It's about 15.00 I think. Maybe the newest In Style wedding that is always fun. You could get them champagne glasses or maybe a nice cake cutting set. I think mine was by Towel Silver and it only cost $30.00

[Marie]

If her tastes are that particular perhaps a great bottle of wine or champagne would be a nice, and appreciated gift. For $50 you could do Veuve Cliquot or a good cabernet.

[Layla]

Hope it's not too late to throw in my idea! How about a set of nice toasting glasses they can use on their wedding day?

[BethElena]

You guys have such great ideas! I'm not really worried if my bro will like, more like her, b/c she is just so.............oh well.

If she doesn't like it, tough crap. Right? :D It's the thought that counts.

[Kristy]

I've given the last few friends of mine who have gotten engaged a copy of Bridal Bargains. It helped me immensely in my planning, so I figure it can help others as well. Maybe a nice bottle of champagne or a Christmas ornament with the date on it (if you know it).

[Miriam]

how about a gift certificate to a nice, romantic restaurant??

also, i just wanted to tell you that i love your k.vonnegut quote - that is great!!!! :p

[BethElena]

how about a gift certificate to a nice, romantic restaurant??

also, i just wanted to tell you that i love your k.vonnegut quote - that is great!!!! :p

thanks. although, I'm sure I'll get censored for it. :rolleyes:

[KrissyCat7]

My Older bro is asking his GF to marry him before our get together on 12/24. I want to have a gift bought and surprise them! Do you think they will have an engagement party? If you think they will you may want to wait to give them a gift then.

Some of the gifts we got and loved were:

vases
bottle of wine
bottle of champagne
toasting glasses
Dinner gift certificates
A little picnic basket


Just get what you think....it is definetly the thought that counts.

[Aimee]

Just a thought - if she's hoping for a Harry Winston ring, she'll likely turn her nose up at Mikasa.

What about a special Christmas ornament? Ross Simons (I know it's mail order, but a lot of these items area available in other department stores) has a lot of sterling or silver plate ornaments in the $50 range. It would be a reminder of the Christmas where they got engaged.

Other than that, I like the PP's suggestions of a good bottle of wine or champagne.

[looch]

what about an ultrasonic jewlery cleaner for her new ring? !

[BethElena]

Krissycat7 - I figured if I gave the gift to them early, then I wouldn't be "embarrassed" when everybody else hands her a $$ gift. :)

Aimee - Yeah, I was wondering how she would accept certain brands!

I'm going with the Champagne idea. I bought a small bottle of Korbel today (I know my bro likes that...)

looch - that's a great idea, too! Maybe I can sneak that in at the shower.

I don't know if they're having an engagement party....