For Mom And Dad With Love – Wedding Gifts For Parents
The act of presenting wedding gifts to parents differs in different cultures. In most Eastern cultures, wedding gifts for the couple’s parents is an uncommon practice. Most couples show their gratitude and love by giving their parents a money packet. Indeed, most do not even give their parents anything for the wedding, per say, but will “contribute” towards some other item after the wedding day like helping with the insurance installment or paying for some utility bill. For most Eastern cultures, the wedding day is the last day for the bride’s parents to assume responsibility for her well-being. This will be their last day to pay and contribute to her life before she begins a new one with her husband. As such, the wedding can be seen as their last gift to her. In such cases, a wedding gift to the parents may not be necessary and may even evoke some negative reactions, not to mention raised eyebrows.
On the other hand, in Western cultures, giving wedding gifts for mom and dad is a common act. As when buying a birthday present, take into consideration their ages, personalities, hobbies, likes and dislikes.
Before you buy any gifts for your dad, first take into account whether he is the Conservative or Flamboyant. Does he have a wacky sense of humor that mirrors yours? Or is he down the straight and narrow? Either way, buy a gift that will suit HIM, not you.
Some dads do not expect luxurious gifts and will not appreciate them when presented. No matter how much you would like to pamper them, respect his wishes. If he does not like expensive gifts, then get him something meaningful, personalized yet inexpensive which he can enjoy and appreciate. If he loves to read, buy him a book on his favorite topic, be it religious, political or psychological. If he is the church-going kind, you could even get him a brand new Bible in large lettering to ease his reading. Otherwise, an inexpensive yet personal gift could be personalized license plates (with World’s Best Dad on it), pen set, wallet, document bag or key ring. If he loves to travel, you could even get him a suitcase or travel shoes or vest, which he can wear while travelling.
Buying the wedding gift for your mom may be easier or more difficult, depending on the kind of person she is. Some mothers are more particular than others so if your mom is the fussy pot, take extra care in choosing a gift. Your best bet would be some item in line with her hobbies. If she likes to do some gardening, get her a flowering plant that she can enjoy nurturing in her free time. If she is the dressy sort, then a bag or some kind of apparel always does the trick. The kind of bag to buy her may be tricky though and this is where you will really need to use your best intuitive skills. By sticking close to her personality, her likes and dislikes, her favorite colors, you should be able to get it right.
Buying for the parents-in-law can be difficult as well. Not only will you have to make sure you get it right the first time around, you will also have to make sure the gift will not be seen inferior compared to the ones you are giving your parents. And sometimes, buying the same gift for both sets of parents may not always go down well. The best thing is to just focus on their hobbies and buy them presents in line with those. And if both fathers like to read, then buy them books or book-related items in their interests. If one set of items will be undeniably more expensive than the other, it will be wise for you to give all the presents in private on two (or four, if the parents are divorced) separate occasions.
Some couples find it best to buy presents for parents as a couple. Not only does this cut down on the shopping hassle, it may just save you many pretty dollars as well. If you do decide to go along this line, then travel vouchers, plane tickets for a holiday (if it fits your budget), gift certificates for their favorite restaurant or even bedspreads with matching pillow cases, sheets and comforters work fine.
Remember the kind of people your parents are. If push comes to shove, then go ahead and ask them directly if they like what you had in mind. If they show clear signs of being uncomfortable getting material gifts from you, do not force it on them. You can always present them something else after the wedding – pay their next mortgage installment, for example. Whichever it ends up being, remember, giving a wedding gift is supposed to bring joy. If it does not, then you may wish to consider showing your gratitude in other ways.
