Need meaningful gift idea.A friend who has registry only to please family, but has told us friends no gifts.?
491906
Find out what her favourite charity is and make a donation - most charities will give you a certificate for this, sponsor a child in a developing country in the name of her and her new husband, plant a tree in her honour, make up a 'memory box' of your time as friends with photos and keepsakes in it, get hold of a digital camera and make a dvd of you and her other closest friends telling her how much she means to you, maybe including some funny stories about her and some  memories of fun times you shared and times you were there for each other, add some of her favourite music to it as well
745469
If you are going to give a gift card - make it a game for him to find it so that the gift IS personal.\n\nI made up computer generated "coupons" for all sorts of services (including adult content things) and left post-it notes all over the house telling him where to go next like a scavenger hunt...sometimes he got "favors", sometimes there were silly things like a Snickers bar or a bottle of wine...when he finally got to the end of the trip, he found the card inside a pair of underwear (that I was wearing) that said "both of these are for you"...\n\nIt was fun and he has asked me for a gift card again!!!
43491
give her something really nice for her birthday/special day. something that a normal friend would not
765151
one year we gave my grandmother a picture box<from things remembered and had it personalized> then came over one day and helped her pick out the pictures for it.  last year we got her a deck of cards where the back of the cards were pictures of our family!  she loved them both, i recommend trying to get something personalized<pictures, or engraved, etc>  those are the gifts they remember b/c it took time and thought!!  good luck
1161884
This is actually a very good question. At first I was going to answer simply, "'Cause they really don't want anything for their birthday." However, after reading the rest of your question I quite agree with you that they should give some kind of idea of what they'd like.... UNLESS, of course, they really don't want anything.\n\nFor example, both my parents PREFER we are all together on their birthdays. The gift is in the gathering. Tangible gifts mean little to them at their age. How many more ties can my Dad have? He doesn't even WEAR ties anymore. Of course, perfume for Mom doesn't really go out of style but frankly she'd much rather be treated to a nice lunch or supper, or show (theatre).\n\nNow, from the point of view of the person whose birthday is approaching, being asked what they want may put them in an uncomfortable position. What should they say? A DVD? A cd? A pony? How specific should they be?\n\nPerhaps if you can discern their favorite store, a gift card from that store would be quite nice. Present it in a homemade card. Craft something, perhaps, if you have that kind of talent.\n\nPersonally, I'd rather not have a physical gift. It's just one more "thing" I have to find space for and I recently got rid of a lot of stuff to create more space. I prefer to keep it simple: buy me ribs and a couple of ice cold beers. Light a candle placed at the top of a German Chocolate cake, sing to me, join me for that cake (with coffee), then let me nap.
514738
By them a nice music Cd or a good book, what their sexual orientation is, should be irrelevant to what you could give them as a gift. They are normal people after all, why should they be given something "lesbian" as if they were something strange? If they are your friends you should know that.
966620
A gift in return for a gift can be a slippery slope and might lead to an uncomfortable cycle of "thank-you" gift giving. However, nothing is more appropriate than a well picked and well thought out card to express your thanks for her thoughtfulness. I suggest you go to www.quotationspage.com and pull out a nice quote about giving. This will show that you really took the time to think about her actions.\nAnd when her birthday rolls around, yes - it would be perfectly appropriate to give her a small token as a remembrance of her gift.
900639
Make something yourself! A box of cookies, a cake, anything enjoyable that you make. Its about the sentiment behind the gift: the actual gift is secondary.
434469
I have been in your situation.  And while you do have a year to give a gift, it didn't feel right to me to be at the wedding without a gift.  \n\nHere's what I did.  I bought a bottle of champagne and a couple of candles.  I put them in the same box with a suggestive note about the honeymoon.\n\nAnother time I took a look at the registry and discovered the couple had actually picked some smaller, more affordable items (salt & pepper shakers, sheets).\n\nDon't sweat it.  These are friends, and surely don't expect large gifts from everyone.
736607
I agree with the Big Lots bit;  it's amazing what you can find.  Also, I just posted this to a question above, but it works here:\n\nAn inexpensive but personal gift for someone is a recipe basket. It's useful for people who like to cook. Basically, you write up a favorite recipe from your home (perhaps one that you inherited), go out and purchase all of the non-perishable items needed, and then pack all of it up in a basket. You can get baskets at yard sales and secondhand shops for almost nothing. Put on a ribbon or a bow, and you have a very fine and thoughtful gift. \n\nAlso, making cookies or baked goods and delivering them is always appreciated.  You can also gear the items to the tastes of the recipients.
921704
I've been in this exact same situation recently. The bride was my best friend from college, so I still bought something that they could use but that wasn't super expensive. Buy something off of their registry but pick something that you think relates more to whichever party you are closest too. i.e. if you are great friends with the bride buy something you know that she would like but that the groom could care less about and vice versa. I know it sounds a little harsh but if it should happen not to work out then your friend or relative is more likely to get to keep your gift.
1104422
usually they have a gift registry where the couple lists things they need.  The best thing to do is to call her up ans ask "are you registered anywhere?" If not just give them some money .
822227
A handmade card.  A single flower.  A small trinket gift.  \n\nor\n\nA small favor that makes a big difference.  Anything to make their life easier for a moment.\n\nor\n\nWords of encouragement or anything to make that person feel special.
634117
Something that you made yourself is always a good gift for your mom. For your friend, get her a spa treatment for after she has the baby, (and a good babysitter, lol) she will thank you :-)
812230
It's not supposed to be about bringing the right gift, originally they brought live turkeys for goodness sake! If you can make a desert or something traditionally english take that! If not stick with the wine and tell them about asking what to bring on the internet, it's the thought that counts after all and you'll have a conversation starter!
334398
What a thoughtful gift giver you are....\nThere are all sorts of great sugar free candies available now, but I would limit to one, or maybe two items of candy.\nHow about some personal items like bath salts, nail polish, a gift certificate for a facial, movie pass or dinner at Applebee's (they have weight watcher selections now).\nPerhaps a new video or CD, or an offer to help with something.  \nI'm sure the recipient of your gift will be blessed because you thought of them.\nGood job!
842300
No such thing as a "worst present".  Appreciate what you are given. Some people get nothing, and might be grateful for what you class as a "worst present".