My son will be marrying his partner later this month in Hawaii. It is to be a very informal ceremony on the beach somewhere with the sisters of both performing the ceremony. He has made and paid for all of mine and my daughters travel, so that we can be there. I lost my husband last year so it will be a bittersweet occasion because someone very special will not be there to celebrate with us. He and his partner live in NYC, small space, so things that take up space may not be welcome gifts. I am having a difficult time selecting a gift for them that will convey my happiness and wish that they have a long, happy life together. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
My daughter had two special chairs reserved for deceased loved ones at her wedding last month, it was a sweet gesture. As soon as their wedding pictures are released, I plan to have a couples’ caricature made for them from Etsy to hang in their home.
I am so sorry for your loss, but happy for your son. I would write them a letter and tell them what you’ve said here.
Are you, or anyone in your family, handy with computers or photos? I’d make a family photo album for them (digital, if necessary) and include your new son-in-law and his family in it. I made one for my siblings a few years ago and included family history, stories, and photos from as many branches of the family as I could find. I’d try to get at least one photo of your new son-in-law’s family to represent that branch. If their space wasn’t small, I’d consider a physical book that they could add to, but I have a sister in NY so I understand the space limitations. But a letter from you will probably be treasured most.
If they celebrate Christmas… how about a beautiful ornament with their wedding date engraved on it?
First off congrats to your S and it is so absolutely lovely and generous that he is paying for you and your daughters to attend the wedding. And secondly, I’m sorry for the loss of your H. The truth is that the most important gift you can give any newly married couple is your love, support, and genuine happiness at their union.
A few suggestions for a physical gift … Is there something small of husband’s that your son may want? Do you have a nice family photo which includes your husband and his partner that you could put in a beautiful frame for them? Can you offer to pay for something at the ceremony (ex. flowers or something like that) or treat everyone for a nice celebratory dinner in Hawaii?
One more idea…if they don’t have a photographer since you said it would be a small, informal ceremony, maybe see if you can arrange (with their approval) for someone to come and take pictures for them. The hotel may be able to suggest someone. The photographer could take some family photos and photos of the ceremony, send them to your digitally, and then you and your Ds can put them into a small album using Snapfish or one of those services for them to have as a keepsake. Perhaps you could include a photo of your late H somewhere in the album as well. (clearly, I like photos)
Great ideas… I just contacted two photographers on the island to check availability… Christmas ornament is also a great idea, since son’s partner is crazy about Christmas. I’ve checked around on the web for a really special one, but haven’t found anything yet. While looking, I did find an adorable little set of crystal elephants, but I need a Paul and Paul, not a Paul and Paula http://www.crystalclassics.com/swarovski/moments/5136526.htm. As always, thanks for the help, and don’t be afraid to keep the ideas coming…
Are your son’s parents still happily married? If so, perhaps a nicely but simply framed and matted piece that includes wedding photos of you and your husband, son and his partner, and partners parents. s If you keep the photos small - say 4x6 - it won’t be too big but would be a nice reminder of their wedding, your husband, and symbolize the joining of your families.
Maybe you could find an ornament online that symbolizes Hawaii for their tree - a more subtle reminder of the wedding.
Are they in the position to buy everything they want?
If not, I would consider a carefully selected “splurge” gift that they would love to have but would not buy themselves – if they cook, a nice knife for their kitchen, or a good set of sheets, or leather slippers for each of them, or tickets to an event…
While not an expensive gift, my daughter loves these stamped silverware; she ordered the forks for her own wedding, and have given me a few pieces for Thanksgiving. This is assuming they are doing a wedding cake! This is just one company on Etsy that does the silverware; there are others. Also, you may find some nice suggestions on Etsy as they have just about everything creative.
https://www.■■■■■■■■/listing/230530596/gay-wedding-gift-mr-mr-forks-hand?ref=market
You could get a Waterford or Swarovski 2017 ornament- that would be beautiful. My husband and I used to live in NYC, and we would hang all kinds of souvenirs and funny mementos from our Christmas tree. It was a nice way to enjoy the memories once a year without feeling that our small space was cluttered.
Wow–some amazing ideas. Tiffany silver engraved ornament would be cool too.
Something more on the fun side, but not something someone would buy for themself-bobbleheads! My good friend had one customized for her husband for his 60th birthday. He is a golfer, so it is his face, dressed in one of his favorite golf outfits, with his putter. He loved it!! My son use to collect bobbleheads when they were given out at the baseball games of the players, so I am going to do one for him and his wife as they are avid soccer fans.
I do not know which company my friend used, but here is one I saw:
https://www.bobbleheads.com/custom-bobbleheads/products
Beware, some are a bit creepy looking so make sure it is a company with excellent reviews.
Waterford makes lovely Times Square decorations each year.
Since it’s Hawaii, perhaps a lovely hand-carved wooden koa ornament. They are fairly modestly priced in the scheme of things.
Maybe an add-on experience in Hawaii? A helicopter or boat ride? Parasailing? A local themed brunch?
Something durable and tangible is a nice momento, especially if it’s not HUGE. Maybe some matching “aloha” print shirts and swim shorts? Costco in HI has a nice selection, as do most of the surf shops and pretty much everywhere.
Maybe something fun like a personal chef once a month for 6 months. And I have loved giving folding book art.You can select a meaningful book of your choice (not necessary but some vendors will let you send a book) and then have the book pages folded with the date of their wedding. It then sits open on a shelf. Everyone I give this to (or a variation) loves it.
I really like the idea of a koa wood ornament. We always buy a HI ornament every time we vacation there - gift shops in HI carry them year round.
Congratulations and best wishes to your S and his partner. How about giving them an experience back in NYC? I’m thinking a dinner at a really special place, tickets to theatre/concert/sport event or whatever they enjoy or a museum membership.