Engagement Present Help (and semi-rant)

NeptoonGrl1 · July 2011

So you all may remember me posting awhile back about B's step-brother (J) getting engaged and not telling us. We found out on FB, and weren't told by J for about 2 months after it happened. Well anyway, J and his FI are having an engagement party. Any ideas on a present? I really don't want to spend a lot of money (a) because I don't feel the need to spend a lot of money on a "family member" who didn't have the decency to let us know he had gotten engaged, and (b) I'm sure there will be a bridal shower as well, and I wouldn't be surprised if I am asked to go in on it (yes, I know, the irony). And yes, if you haven't noticed, I am fairly bitter about the whole thing. I was raised to "do the right thing" and buy a present, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

eeeeva · July 2011

Is it bad that I would just want to re-gift something I got that I didn't like. Or by them something heinous. It seems so wrong to expect a gift when they didn't even tell you guys they were getting married.

abarber340 · July 2011

eeeeva:
Is it bad that I would just want to re-gift something I got that I didn't like. Or by them something heinous. It seems so wrong to expect a gift when they didn't even tell you guys they were getting married.

I like this idea. We have a stack of picture frames and photo albums for such purposes. Otherwise, maybe a bottle of wine. I don't think I would want to spend much money on an engagement gift for someone who didn't even have the decency to tell you that he was engaged.

karimychel · July 2011

Eh, something cheap. Re-gift, cheap bottle of wine, cheesy picture frame.

Maybe it's just me, but I've never really understood the engagement parties. They seem like gift grabby type events.

starsailorr26 · July 2011

I say a bottle of wine with a card that says they should drink it on their first anniversary or something. That way it's cheap but also seems really nice since you're thinking ahead to their anniversary.

amandasw · July 2011

starsailorr26:
I say a bottle of wine with a card that says they should drink it on their first anniversary or something. That way it's cheap but also seems really nice since you're thinking ahead to their anniversary.

ditto. I never though engagement parties were really a gift-giving event and most of my friends didn't even have one (we didn't). If there was one, I just brought wine or champagne.

Barbett · July 2011

I buy really cheap punch bowls at like second hand stores and garage sales. then after washing them up good I put them in a nice new box with some nice candy or something and that is what i give