In recent times, we’ve observed a growing trend of couples exchanging gifts on the morning of their wedding day. While this development has brought about some anxiety for us, as we’re aware that weddings already come with significant expenses. The pressure to contribute thousands of euros to these exchanges is considerable. In response, we’ve curated a selection of thoughtful and personal wedding gift ideas that won’t break the bank.
Each of these suggestions can be achieved without straining one’s creative resources or spending more than €150. They’re designed to be sweet, meaningful, and budget-friendly alternatives to grand and extravagant gestures.
A Homemade Mix Tape
The thrill of receiving a bespoke playlist is unparalleled for music enthusiasts. The catch? A Spotify playlist can’t be physically wrapped, making a CD or cassette tape mixtape the ideal solution. Take, for instance, thoughtful Patrick’s gesture towards his bride Lais – he crafted an old-school mixtape, complete with vintage Walkman and original albums, leaving it on her doorstep in a charming display of affection.
This sentiment is reminiscent of Ginny’s watercolour paintings on Etsy, which capture the essence of whimsical romance.
A Specially-commissioned Painting of your Pet
For a pet-loving partner, a custom artwork is an extraordinary wedding-day gift! Even if the furry friend can’t attend the celebration, a stunning painting or illustration will ensure their presence is felt. Etsy is home to numerous talented artists offering bespoke pet portraits, providing a diverse range of styles and price points to suit every budget. We’re particularly fond of Ginny and I’s custom creations, priced around £115 or €130 for one-of-a-kind artwork.
A Sentimental Scrapbook
When it comes to showing your love and appreciation, there’s no substitute for the thoughtfulness of a homemade gift. And what better way to express that than through a personalized scrapbook? Even if you haven’t picked up a craft stick since your teenage years spent swooning over NSYNC, now is the perfect time to rediscover your creative side! Gather some felt tip pens and glue, and let your imagination run wild as you compile a visual journal of your journey together.
Maybe it’s a summary of all the amazing experiences you’ve shared so far, or perhaps it’s a stunning collage on canvas that showcases the highlights of an incredible getaway. Whatever form it takes, rest assured that this unique and thoughtful gift will be treasured for years to come. And if you need a little inspiration, why not explore the world of scrapbooking supplies online at Etsy and Amazon?
A First Edition Copy of their Favourite Book
When considering a gift for the book lover in your life, it’s easy to get caught up in more modern choices. However, if you’re looking to make a truly unique impression, consider seeking out affordable first edition copies of their favorite novels on platforms like eBay and adverts. ie. While these may be more expensive or harder to find than other options, the sentimental value they hold can make them well worth the effort.
Of course, not everyone’s budget will stretch that far, which is why it’s also a good idea to explore signed copy or vintage artwork editions of their favorite books. This approach isn’t limited to adult fiction either – you can just as easily find unique and special gifts for beloved cookbooks, children’s books, or even wine bottles.
A Bottle of Fancy Tipple for Future Anniversaries
As you embark on this new chapter in your life, it’s only fitting to commemorate your love story with a toast that spans the years. One way to do so is by selecting a few special bottles of whiskey, gin, or vodka – perhaps even a fine wine – and dedicating each one to a specific anniversary milestone. Alternatively, you could opt for a more personal touch by purchasing a single, high-quality bottle to be enjoyed on each anniversary, with the promise that it will only improve with age.
Whatever approach you choose, the goal is the same: to create a meaningful tradition that honors your love and commitment to one another.
A Family Recipe
When gifting a family recipe, consider the ultimate multi-tasker: a warm welcome to your partner’s side of the family. If they’re an avid cook, a treasured recipe can be the perfect addition. Begin by consulting with kitchen-savvy relatives and ask if they have a dish to share (bonus points if your partner has already savored it!). Before framing or presenting the recipe in any way, be sure to clear it with your relative first – some family secrets are meant to stay just that.
If you do decide to frame it, consider using a unique scroll design with a pretty ribbon or starting a new cookbook (Etsy and Amazon offer plenty of inspiration). Alternatively, you could store it in a beautiful recipe box, ensuring the gift is both functional and thoughtful.
A Framed Keepsake
Consider gifting your partner a sentimental keepsake that holds special meaning, such as a diary entry from the day you met, a receipt from your first date, or a ticket stub from a memorable experience together. This unique gift can be framed by a professional framer to make it visually stunning, or you can create a memory box that you can continue to add to over the years. If you’re feeling creative, you could also customize a frame with your vows or a reading from the ceremony.
For instance, you could turn your love story into a one-of-a-kind art piece by incorporating custom Nike trainers designed by Ali Davenport and captured beautifully by Livia Figueiredo for One Fab Day.
A Custom-made Accessory
While it’s tempting to surprise your partner with a unique and personalized gift on your special day, it’s not feasible to commission bespoke attire without their knowledge. A thoughtful alternative could be a customized pair of trainers or sunglasses from brands like Nike, Vans, or Ray Ban. These services typically cost between €100 and €200.
To take it to the next level, you could even opt for engraving, as exemplified by real groom Eoghan’s thoughtful gesture for his bride Sarah – if the brand doesn’t offer this service, a quick online search should yield a specialist who can help.
