Attending a Bridal shower- No Registry?

NYCtoDC

I am attending a bridal shower as a guest this weekend.  I contacted the hostess/maid of honor to inquire about where the couple is registered, and she simply replied that they are not registered anywhere (and didn't give any hints as to what they might want/need).

I actually have no experience with this; does this mean that they are likely hoping to receive cash at the bridal shower?  Or maybe just that they feel registering is tacky in their culture?   

I feel kind of strange showing up to the shower with cash/check, but I don't want to get them a random gift they don't want/need.  Any good ideas?  Maybe a gift card?

Thanks in advance!   

 

sarahbear

Be creative. I'd get a cookbook, some mixing bowls and utensils. Or a pasta themed gift--big pasta serving bowl, serving pieces, an apron, etc.

Jim&Jaime

I once put together a bucket, a wider one that could be used for wine bottles or ice at a party, and filled it with all sorts of gourmet foods, i.e. instant party.  On some of the food items, I attached notes to let the bride know what it could be used for and/or how I liked to serve it.  She loved it.

HerHighness

I wouldnt take cash to a bridal shower.

For my shower someone made me a little basket with a cooking for 2 cookbook, a bottle of wine and a giftcard to my local grocery store to buy food to try a new recipe

6fsn

I wouldn't take cash to a shower.  You can put together a basket like pps suggested.  If you know where they are honeymooning you could get some items for that.  Or go to Macy's and pick out a few nice serving pieces.  Just be sure the gift reciept is securely and prominently attached.

Printergirl

One of my 'stand bys' for people just starting out it a laundry basket of cleaning supplies. Cheesy? Yup. Appreciated? You bet. Everyone I've ever given it to has loved it.

queenbone

We hosted a couple's shower for friends who did not want any stuff so we made it a "stock their bar" party and had everyone bring bottles of alcohol.  Almost everyone like to drink on occasion.

Heather&Ben

I like the idea of themed gifts: kitchen related or possibly Christmas related -- both usually go over very well!

julie5220

If they already have everything they need, they may be hoping for cash (but probably more for the wedding than a shower.)  If they are just starting out, dictating what pots/bowls/napkins/etcs. they get may not be their style.  Registries really just started so people knew what patterns of china, etc people were getting.  I'd get the bride something that you love for your kitchen-- great mixing bowls, a pizza stone, etc.

northtamarack

I"d go with a basket as well.  What does the bride and groom like?  Food, sports, family?  Then I'd gear it around that. 

I think that it is extremely wierd to expect everyone to give cash for a bridal shower.

dublintomadras

All of these ideas sound great.  If you go the basket of gifts route, include a gift receipt, just in case.  What about lingerie?  Are you close enough to the bride to give something like that?  At one shower, I gave a nice nightie and then a clothesline of panties.  The bride pulled out one pair and it was attached by string to another and another and so on, ending in a giant pair of cotton granny knickers... It was funny, but it was a young group of guests and I knew the bride would love it. 

Out of curiosity, what is the bride's culture/background? 

indoromero

NYCtoDC:

I am attending a bridal shower as a guest this weekend.  I contacted the hostess/maid of honor to inquire about where the couple is registered, and she simply replied that they are not registered anywhere (and didn't give any hints as to what they might want/need).

I actually have no experience with this; does this mean that they are likely hoping to receive cash at the bridal shower?  Or maybe just that they feel registering is tacky in their culture?   

I feel kind of strange showing up to the shower with cash/check, but I don't want to get them a random gift they don't want/need.  Any good ideas?  Maybe a gift card?

Thanks in advance!   

Um, duh?