Would this gift be considered bad taste at a wedding?

Question

My uncle is getting married at the age of 43 to a 48 year old woman whom I've never met. I have seen my uncle exactly once in the past six years. I have a lovely silver frame I am giving them but I thought about giving a basket of all natural biodegradable wonderful smelling home products. Air freshener, a plug in freshener, wipes, hand soaps, all-purpose cleaner etc. Personally this would be a gift that I would LOVE to receive. But I didn't know if it would be bad taste or not. Any thoughts?

i don't think there is a registry. it's a really really low key wedding. nothing sophisticated here. they've both been married before.

what about both?

Answer 1

Personally I would jump up and down and do cartwheels over the gift basket....the frame...ehhhh...I would put it with all the other frames that don't match my decor.
I love original gifts like this. I think gift registry shopping can be over done at times. Your basket idea is very original and something that can actually be used, not just another thing that has to have a place found to put it.

Answer 2

You Uncle and his fiance are at an older age where they already have plenty of cleaning supplies. Plus - the Bride probably has all the brands that she prefers to clen with, at home. And .. some people cannot use air freshners .. due to health reasons.

There is never a way to perfectly please a person with a gift .. it's usually a "shot-in-the-dark" whether anyone likes a gift or not. This is where the part comes in .. "it's the thought that counts, not the gift". Your Uncle and fiance should be proud that you considered them with any gift.

When you give a gift to someone .. try NOT to doubt your gift .. because when you DO doubt - it might be your gut telling you that you are actually giving a crappy gift. Otherwise -- you might beam at a great gift you are giving someone .. and you know it's great.

I know lots of people who definitely would like cleaning supplies .. and I know people who definetly would NOT like cleaning supplies for a gift.

The silver frame sounds more appropriate.

Answer 3

It does sound like a lovely basket and you are thoughtful to think of it.

Problem is, if you don't know your uncle or his fiancee very well, you don't know how they will react to this type of gift. It is, you see, a very personal gift for someone you are not on a personal level with. Some people may take offense to your gift, may be allergic to certain fragrances, or just do not use those types of products.

I believe the picture frame would be just fine. You could perhaps save the basket as a housewarming present after you get to know them a bit better.

Answer 4

I don't think it's in bad taste. In fact, I think the basket of cleaning items is more practical than the silver frame. Unless they've been living with their parents for 40 years, I believe your uncle and new aunt will have plenty of furniture and accessories to their disposal. Instead of adding another frame to their collection of picture holders, a gift basket will can be used and enjoyed almost immediately when they get back from their honeymoon and need to see to their every-day lives.

A frame is pretty, but may not be used. Cleaning materials most certainly will.

Answer 5

Picture frame.........no. I have a closet full of picture frames that people gave us for our wedding. None of them match so they can't be used at once, and while I am proud of my wedding I am not that much of a egomaniac that I want to put one on every single wall of my house. In a way it just says "yeah I don't care so um, have a picture frame"

Products.....I guess. It's a little strange and unless they are the environment type they won't even notice they are biodegradable....just wonder why you gave them a basket of stuff to make them and their home smell better. They might even be offended because you are implying they stink or something, and scents are very personal. If you have only met this guy once it's impossible to know what he likes.

If there is no registry the couple wants cash, especially for a second marriage when both already have homes established from someone who doesn't know them well. Your gift ideas are not in "bad taste" per say but don't expect the couple to be bowled over by them you know? Your money really would be better spent as a giftcard or straight money.

Answer 6

Is the bride having a shower? I think the basket of home products would be perfect for a shower gift. Then you could give them the silver frame as a wedding present.

So yes, I think both gifts are appropriate.

Answer 7

I'd go for the frame as a gift. It's a more traditional gift. The basket sounds more like a gift you'd give a woman at a shower or something.

Answer 8

I don't see any problem with getting cleaning supplies as wedding gifts especaially green ones! Talk to your uncle first and see if he thinks this ides would be chessy, and if in doubt the frame is always a classic gift that most people enjoy.

Answer 9

It's not in bad taste, but do not bring it to the wedding. Drop off the basket either before or after the wedding, and just bring a card to the wedding itself. No one wants to lug home a basket of stuff from a wedding.

Answer 10

Maybe instead of doing cleaning products do romantic things....
Candles, and soaps, some bubble bath and some massage oils or something... Then buy some rose petals and put in in the basket underneath the stuff....
That way they have all the makings for a nice night on their honeymoon