What is a good wedding gift for my brother? Is cash too impersonal as wedding gift?

Question

My only brother is getting married in a few months and I am trying to think of a good gift to get him. I am an unemployed college student so I don't have much money. I am hoping to find work soon and what I am thinking about giving him $1000 cash. Is cash too impersonal? My brother just bought a house and I think he is planning on taking a trip to Hawaii after the wedding so I am sure he could use the money. Also I am going to be best man at the wedding. We really don't know many people in this area so I doubt we will have much if any kind of a bachelor party (I really don't think he is expecting a party) so I want to make up for that with his gift. I am currently working on getting my pilots license so I would also like to take them on a trip some where maybe a few months after the wedding.

So is $1000 cash and a trip somewhere a good gift? Can anyone suggest a better gift?

thanks

I forgot to ask, Is $1000 too much, too little, or about right for my only brother? We are not exactly a poor family but we're for sure not the richest either.

Answer 1

I guess it depends on your family traditions. $1000 is very generous, but your brother might feel uncomfortable receiving such a large gift from a poor college student :) Also, it seems kind of impersonal for your brother. You've spent your whole lives together and you should have some idea of what he likes. It doesn't have to be for him and the bride. Give him something for just him and then get them a household item on their registry. Or buy the most expensive thing on their registry if you can afford it. That is usually the thing they want, but never get :) Oh and the trip sounds cool.

Answer 2

Good Gift For Brother

Answer 3

Cash or a gift certificate/card to the hotel where they are staying at the night of their wedding. If this isn't already paid for, and they are on a budget, this would be a nice gift for something for their wedding and take some edge off their budget. I highly recommend that!

Answer 4

Cash is a great gift because then they can use it for something they really need or towards their home. Most people give cash as a wedding gift because it's the easiest and honestly that's what a couple really hopes for.

Answer 5

I think the fact that you are putting this much thought into it as well as being his best man will mean more to him than any gift. I know that's how I would feel when I'm in this situation. But yes, 1,000 is a very generous gift and for sure something he can use.

Answer 6

I think that if you want to give him a gift of that level you should offer to pay for one of the wedding services... for example, my grandfather paid for the band for my mom's 2nd wedding instead of giving a "gift"..

I would give a more modest gift and take him out for a great bachelor's dinner for the 2 of you.. expensive steaks or lobster, whatever he likes.. and then get him a small but important item for his home like a framed print that you know he loves.. talk to his fiancee for help in choosing.. do the trip thing just b/c you want to.. IOU a trup sounds odd..

Answer 7

Cash is an excellent idea. In Asian cultures, most people gift cash, not a present. I got LOTS of cash for my wedding which helped to pay for the wedding itself!

Answer 8

I think cash always helps out when you're getting married and starting out together. You might want to give it to him in a creative way, like giving it to him on a money tree, or putting it in a big box for them to open it on their wedding night!

My husband and I were so grateful that we got cash!! It helped us out on our honeymoon!

Answer 9

WOW GOOD FOR YOU A $1000 IS REALLY A VERY NICE AMOUNT.

Answer 10

Cash is fine, but you don't need to give him that much if you don't have it.