Buying the couple a gift on their wedding day is a well established tradition and although there are many conventional kinds of gift to choose from it can be useful to have a few alternative or less conventional options to consider. Traditional gifts such as glassware, tableware, bed linen, and, of course, the ubiquitous kettle or toaster, are the most popular choices but what if the couple already have all of these – and, nowadays, many will?
The term alternative, in this instance, covers a miscellany of wedding present options such as the ethical, unique, unusual or humorous gift ideas.
Ethical Wedding Gifts
These can mainly be described as charity gifts and simply provide an option to contribute to a worthy cause in a unique and original manner. Oxfam’s Unwrapped gift service is, perhaps, the most well known although most major charities now have their own alternative gift services.
Typically the wedding guest will make a donation which is equivalent to providing specific items such as educational materials, medicines or farming equipment and the recipient is sent a printed card detailing what has been contributed and to what good cause it will be put to.
Unique Wedding Gifts
For those wanting to offer a unique gift there are many options available. Days out and romantic weekends are always a good idea. Or, for the more adventurous, there are also experience gifts such as a balloon flight.
Day Excursion on the Orient-Express – all aboard the a luxury Pullman carriage on the Orient Express on an excursion through some of the most beautiful scenery in the South East of England. The trip includes a Champagne breakfast on the outward journey with a luxury four course dinner on the return. This really is a day trip of a lifetime and one the happy couple will remember for many years to come. £579.99
Champagne Balloon Flight – the ultimate flight experience, sipping Champagne as you watch the world below you in the early morning sky. The views are visually stunning and the experience is one that everyone should enjoy at least once in a lifetime. £149.99
Thames Dinner Cruise – there is nothing quite like an intimate dinner for two and this gift goes one better with a gentle cruise down the Thames in a glass-roofed cruiser. Perfect for a summer evening celebration. £149.99
Dinner and Theatre Visit – a great evening treat combining dinner for two with ticket’s to a choice of London’s West End Shows – a wonderful gift idea and a great night out. £134.99
To get a 12% discount on any of these gift ideas at GoneDigging just enter code FIZZ12 at the checkout.
* offer valid when you spend £25 or more and expires 30/03/2010
Unusual Wedding Gifts
Unusual gifts could include novelties and amusing gift ideas as well as personalised gifts – ideal as a budget gift, for a little extra gift in addition to something more traditional or, perhaps, for a friend or workmate where a big budget present isn’t appropriate.
Personalised Wedding Calendar – a unique calendar with the happy couple’s names incorporated into each of the stunning images. Choose from 3 standard sizes – A3, A4 and A5 – from £9.99
Personalised Champagne – an extra special bottle of bubbly with a unique printed label bearing the couples name and wedding date. Comes complete with a gift card for you to add your own message and you can add a luxury gift box for a small extra cost – from £39.99
Poem & Photos Canvas – a truly personalised gift which will surely take pride of place in the matrimonial home. Featuring images from the day and a poem written specially for you. Once approved the poem and your choice of wedding photos will be printed on an artist grade canvass which is stretched over a wooden frame and then sealed with a special lacquer. £99
To get a 12% discount on any of these gift ideas at GoneDigging just enter code FIZZ12 at the checkout.
* offer valid when you spend £25 or more and expires 30/03/2010
Original Wedding Gift Ideas from notonthehighstreet.com
Wedding Tree Gift Pack – this tree gift is packaged complete with a special plaque bearing your own personal message. The couple can plant the tree in the garden of their home to signify a new beginning and the tree, as it matures, will be a permanent reminder of their special day. £44.99 from notonthehighstreet.com
Personalised Wedding Plate – this hand painted ceramic plate can be personalised with the bride and groom’s names, wedding date and you can even specify their hair colour. A truly personal gift idea which is sure to raise a smile. £65
Personalised Bride and Groom Dolls – hand-made from the finest lambswool and dressed in outfits of your choice. The hair can be changed and even the attire can be made to match the actual wedding dress if required. £42