Finding that priceless, perfect gift for couples

by Allison Walker WAL04015@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Many students are finding themselves in a predicament that may be common but difficult to overcome: the stress of shopping for wedding gifts. According to the BYU-Idaho Academic Office, there are 3,068 married students on campus, more than ever before. With that number rising, what are the rest of the 8,284 single, and generally poor, college friends going to do about all those wedding presents?

Many people find giving gifts difficult, especially for such a large and momentous occasion as a wedding. The first thing that usually comes to mind is the ever-popular wedding gift of the blender, crock pot, pots and pans or Tupperware. While a new couple certainly needs those things, they don’t need a supply for a royal castle.

Don’t know what to get? Gift registries are a good way to start. The list allows the couple’s guests to know what they need or want, and it helps to avoid duplicates of the same thing. Even if the guest chooses not to shop at the store carrying the registry, “at least go look and see if the things are [already] bought,” Eliza Bryan, a senior from Lindon, Utah, said. “We needed towels, but we got like 50.” While many of the items on a registry may be beyond some students’ price range, there are other alternatives and chances to get creative.

Jethro and Staci Jones, seniors from Spokane, Wash., and Claremore, Okla., respectively, who were married last October, said one of their best gifts was a Book of Mormon for Latter-day Saint Families. Also, they suggested that a very welcome gift would be date night packages with movie tickets, restaurant coupons, etc. “Money’s scarce when you first get married and going on dates goes downhill,” Jethro said, “so it’s nice to get out of the house and already have it paid for.”

Other ideas for dating packages could include board games, movies, popcorn, gift certificates to various eating and entertainment venues and a picnic basket with lunch provided.

Another gift that Staci liked was a snack basket full of crackers, cookies and other snack type items. “It’s good if the couple is going on a honeymoon and have to drive somewhere ... or just for late night snacks ... depending on [the couple’s] taste,” Staci said.

If the preference of the couple is more on the practical side, a bucket full of household cleaning supplies, though not glamorous, would be greatly appreciated. “Newlyweds don’t think about cleaning their apartment until way after things settle down,” Bryan said. It’s a great relief to have those things provided and to not have to worry about those details when there are many other important events going on.

LDSWeddings.com also suggests some other useful gifts might include a garbage can and liners, laundry basket with soap, toilet paper and plunger, a household kit (with nails, hammer, screwdriver, wood glue, etc.) or a sewing kit.

Even with all these gift ideas, there is still one more that is universally accepted as the best wedding gift — money. It is something most married couples are short on, and it allows them the flexibility to get what they both need and want. “If you don’t have any other ideas, give a gift certificate,” Bryan said, or “If you don’t get something really personal, just get money,” Jethro agreed.