<p>I like bud vases too, because you don’t have to buy a whole bouquet for them. Sometimes I’ll just put one daffodile from the garden in them. I also got a tiny little vase from one of my mother’s friends. I put things in it like thyme or oregano flowers, or the extra baby’s breathe from bigger bouquets, or even weeds from the lawn. I love that vase! I also have some handsome vases that various people have given me. Also quite useful, but you can get fun ones are trays. Dh’s boss gave us one that was black and red leather. It was from somewhere in South America. Picture frame seems too much like a hint.</p>
<p>I actually like unique picture frames - there are a couple of really unusual ones we’ve received as gifts and they always make me think of the giver (even the one that I think is butt ugly and never would have displayed otherwise). They have become my go-to travel souvenir - I buy a unique frame and put a picture from the trip in it. (And given how offbeat my taste seems to be, that should warn you away from doing it!)</p>
<p>My MIL bought us an exquisitely carved floor lamp for a wedding gift and I absolutely love it. And use it daily. I like china, china and more china. But I also appreciate unusual platters, vases or serving pieces. Not sure about your time limit, but what about a handmade quilt? If you don’t sew, there are often beautiful quilts available on Etsy. </p>
<p>I am in the midst of wedding planning. Happily there is a registry (or two) to consult. From what I have seen the registries choices are either what you will do now or how you see your futures. (vacuums vs. dinner parties). Lots of choices. My general rule" I come from the generation of silver, limoges and silver coffee services. Now it’s Nambe, mid century modern…If I like it but wouldn’t it buy it for us…it’s probably a winner.</p>
<p>Yep. So important to consider the style and tastes of the intended. And that’s what registries are for, but it sounds as if Emerald Kitty is looking for something with a bit more meaning.</p>
<p>If your d and her husband celebrate Christmas, a Nativity set or set of ornaments or serving pieces that will be used every year might be meaningful and eventually become a family treasure. My kids are already arguing about who will get which ornaments when dh and I are wherever we are. One set was given to us by my husband’s parents when we got married. If the couple celebrates other holidays, perhaps something similar that will be used each year?</p>
<p>Something original, like a quilt or piece of art that you know the couple would like, is also special. We went a practical route when our oldest got married and got them nice luggage, which they have thanked us for repeatedly but isn’t as memorable or personal as some of the gift ideas mentioned here.</p>
<p>Something lasting would be nice if you can determine something she would actually like. For example, a mantel clock or crystal item if some one is traditional, a major kitchen item, like the pan set, for the practical couple. Or how about a nice wooden salad bowl, something really pretty and useful forever.</p>
<p>But the thing is, one can be practical at 20-30 and not realise how much something would be appreciated over time. </p>
<p>I would give my daughter a very nice piece of jewelry, something she could wear often. </p>
<p>If alcohol is a touchy subject then forget this suggestion. It is probably too early in the year to pull this off, and in fact the red wines from the 2014 vintage probably won’t be available for a while, but a case of wine, or possibly champagne from the year if their wedding is special. They can save it for special events. Or find wines from the year of their birth and give them a bottle from each of those years. </p>
<p>So many good ideas.
I appreciate your thoughts.
It also helps to remind me to keep my head up.
I am just trying to leave the door as open as I can.
One of my friends said something today that really spoke to me.
He said, " let me be defined by my heart".
I thought that was a beautiful sentiment.</p>
<p>^^ beautiful…</p>
<p>I, too, like the crystal vase…and then periodically send fresh flowers.<br>
I have a vase given to us by long time friends for our wedding. Every time I put fresh flowers in the vase, I fondly think of them…</p>
<p>EK - a dear friend gave us an antique tea caddy for our wedding which DH and I both love, very unique. Another friend gave us simple classic crystal candlesticks which we use often and I think of them every time I set them out. That said, I love the idea of giving a dozen champagne flutes with a nice bottle to be put away for a time as champagne toasts symbolize special times. My in-laws recognized our anniversary each year with money for us to go out for a nice dinner - much appreciated, and signaled their ongoing approval of our union!</p>
<p>Do they have a wedding registry? If so, you might buy a singleton listed item that nobody else chose. By singleton, I mean: not a piece of a set, but something freestanding. That way, you can be sure it’s something they really want, and it’s to their taste. My DIL’s mother did this. The couple was genuinely appreciative because otherwise they’d have had to buy it themselves, using their money. </p>
<p>My mom bought my daughter Waterford toasting flutes. <a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Waterford-Happy-Celebrations-Crystal-Glasses/dp/B000DZQSOE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394881690&sr=8-1&keywords=Waterford+Celebration+Toasting+Flutes”>http://www.amazon.com/Waterford-Happy-Celebrations-Crystal-Glasses/dp/B000DZQSOE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394881690&sr=8-1&keywords=Waterford+Celebration+Toasting+Flutes</a>. They are beautiful and will remind D of my mom at her wedding. </p>
<p>Keep your head up ek. </p>
<p>I shouldn’t post before I’ve had my coffee! </p>
<p>What I meant is that although your D is already married, I thought there was a reception later. I thought toasting flutes might be nice to toast the wedding at the reception. </p>
<p>So sorry. </p>
<p>I think the crystal is nice, either the flutes, or a bowl or vase, but I might wait to see if they are going to move to a bigger place.
Im going to get her painting framed and matted for her birthday coming up.
Her sister wanted to give her a stay at a b & b for a gift, so I think we will give it as ajoint present as younger D wouldnt be able to afford more than a day or so since she is still in school.
Now I just have to think of a graduation present for our son in law.</p>
<p>Is your husband invited to the wedding? Then have just one gift and sign it from the both of you. You need to tread very carefully with this, I think. Since your daughter prefers that you do not attend, sending a big gift separately from her dad’s may upset her. As painful as not being invited is for you (and my heart does go out to you), make this about her and not you - give her the distance that she needs. Sending a gift may upset her more than help matters any. Are you working with a therapist? Ask him/her what the best option may be.</p>
<p>As far as I know, I am invited to the reception party in June. They were married in January.
The stay at the resort would be from both her dad and I, and her sister.
I will also be seeing her before the party as she will be at her sisters graduation the week before.</p>
<p>My mom got me a patio set (table and chairs) that has lasted for years and we still use regularly. It’s more along the practical lines, but I am a practical woman. </p>
<p>That reminds me that my mom did get us some lawn chairs, but they were the kind that don’t really hold up, and they were discarded years ago.
They currently live in a one story apartment complex without much outside storage, so most people use cheap patio furniture that are easily replaceable.
Its a good idea though, if they had their own yard.</p>