I get the necessity of a registry…and I am no stranger to purchasing off of one. But for a bridal shower it’s hard for me to bring myself to buy the spice rack and feel excited about it, no matter how much the bride and groom might genuinely want or need it.
For me, buying a present for someone I love brings me true joy. Just the thoughtfulness of racking your brain trying to come up with a gift that is guaranteed to get a smile. And then wrapping it up until it’s nearly too pretty to open and placing it gingerly amongst the stark white and black of the Crate and Barrel boxes or pineapple adorned William Sonoma bags. And the sheer enjoyment you gather from the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ of the guests as they perk up from their cupcakes to take a look at something they hadn’t already seen on the registry (and don’t know the price of). Really, does it get any better than that?
Why yes, it does: When you take it a step further and make your own gift. Nothing says “you’re special to me” like 12 hours of hard DIY labor, am I right?
Well, not according to my aunt, who so bluntly informed me, “the shit on the registry is there for a reason. Some people don’t appreciate homemade crap.” Which actually does make sense. Just because I’m addicted to pinterest and think my creations are worthy of an Etsy account, doesn’t mean the gift will be warmly received. How many times have you felt burdened by a present? That sweater your grandma gave you that you feel obliged to wear every damn Christmas even though it’s itchy as all hell. Or that hideous decorative wreath your friend probably regifted to you.. but that you have to keep out of fear she’ll notice it’s absence and feel offended. Think of how much more impossible it is to toss something homemade? I could keep start an entirely new blog of gifts I feel burdened to drag with me throughout my life. I get it. And my aunt has a valid point. …But I’m not ready to hang up my glue gun just yet.
My solution is to purchase something off the registry (in this case a skillet) and then personalize the rest of the present with some DIY love:
…Like a hand painted sign with the couple to be’s initials ( or new shared last name)! I used a wooden heart bought at MIchaels and painted on it with acrylics.
And a wedding countdown chalk board written on with metallic permanent marker. Make sure to give a piece of chalk with the gift! This is the best because they can toss if after the wedding without guilt!
A purchased or homemade wifey tank is great because it’s something that the bride can wear on the honeymoon! Free seat upgrades and cocktails anyone?
Thank you cards! No one can have enough of these… but especially brides. Believe me, this gift is always a W, homemade or store bought.
Bachelorette Party Flippy Floppys. Virtually burden free. Either she wears them or she doesn’t, but it a totally toss-able no-pressure gift. Tutorial Here
Anything with the new couple’s last name or new initials: mugs, cups, ornament, hanger, etc. possibilities are endless!
All wrapped up and ready for the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’!
