Engagement Gift

ThisGirlInAustin

I'm going to a small engagement party on Tuesday for a good friend from high school. Gives are definitely not expected, but I'd like to bring a little something. I've never met her fiancee (they live in Minnesota) and am just drawing a blank for what would be appropriate or appreciated. The wedding isn't going to be until 2012, if that makes any difference.

The only thing I've really thought of would be some kind of cute wedding planning book. They're a same-sex couple, but my friend is definitely the bride. I don't think her fiancee would mind if I gave something that she is unlikely to use herself, but I don't want it to seem like the gift is only for my friend. What do you think? Other ideas?

ssinca

a nice bottle of wine/champagne is always my go-to. 

but this probably wouldn't be appreciated if they don't drink. 

ThisGirlInAustin

ssinca:

a nice bottle of wine/champagne is always my go-to. 

but this probably wouldn't be appreciated if they don't drink. 

See, the problem with that is that my friend's father is a HUGE wine collector (so much so, that when the floor started to collapse from the weight in his wine storage at home, he opened a public wine storage facility downtown to move his stuff and devote more time/money to his great love). The party is at her folks' house, and there is just no way I could ever feel comfortable bringing a bottle of wine there!

ssinca

what about a bottle of champagne?  or does he collect champagne as well (even though champagne should be consumed within a year)?

a wedding planning book would be nice, too.  or maybe a subscription to a wedding magazine?

MrsRosie

Do you have a favorite cookbook?

Leigha12

A nice picture frame they could eventually put an engagement pic in?

gwynnetx

i like this idea.  maybe even a cookbook for two (assuming they don't have kids or other people living with them...)

http://www.amazon.com/EatingWell-Serves-Two-Healthy-Suppers/dp/0881507237/ref=pd_cp_b_1 

ssinca

gwynnetx:

i like this idea.  maybe even a cookbook for two (assuming they don't have kids or other people living with them...)

http://www.amazon.com/EatingWell-Serves-Two-Healthy-Suppers/dp/0881507237/ref=pd_cp_b_1 

dude, I want this book!  and I found it on half.com

ETA:  just kidding, it's basically the same price on half.com as it is on amazon after shipping is taken into consideration. 

ThisGirlInAustin

These are all great ideas. I am taking their engagement pictures the day after the party, so an empty frame would be a pretty apropos gift that they'd both get use out of.

SareBear30

If they do enjoy wine, what about some hand painted wine glasses? Something like this? http://www.tabbiglass.com/

ZephyrL

I've always found that fancy chocolates are a great alternative to wine - there is a store in Fredericksburg called Chocolat (appropriately) and they make these divine liquor filled chocolates.... I know you can find them in Austin, you just might have to look them up and see where their local vendors are.