Wedding gift question
 

So none of the previous wedding gift threads discussed this and my internet search concluded with the options of giving cash or a gift card so I figured I'd ask you all. I'm in the bridal party for a destination wedding (the second marriage for the bride, first for the groom). The couple already lives together and have two kids. They haven't registered anywhere and since they've been living together for some time, I can't imagine they need random household stuff (i.e. platters, serving bowls, etc.). Any suggestions for a gift besides cash or a gift card? I'm planning on spending about $100.

The old stand by would be charity donation. You could also get them a service that you know they would enjoy. For a bride I would thing a facial or mani/pedi gift certificate. For the groom maybe something specific to a hobby he has. If they have a shared hobby that would be best. :)

I know they like camping, but I'm not sure what a good "camping" gift would be. I haven't camped since I was a kid. Any campers know of a fun new camping item???

No Dick's in SD. REI would be a good place though. Are they the tent on a beach/mountain type or the let's go to the river/desert type?

I think beach/mountain type. I was looking at REI's website and was considering getting them a portable grill/stove thing.

I thought this hammock looked cool. http://www.rei.com/product/708210

http://media.rei.com/media/708210_350Prd.jpg

Have you asked the bride if there's anything she would like or needs? If you're in the bridal party, you're in a position where you're close enough to her to be able to ask. Then, maybe you and the others in the bridal party can go in together for a gift.

I know you said no gift certificates, but I think a great gift would be a gift certificate to a restaurant or spa in their honeymoon destination.

How much would it cost to sponsor a night at their favorite camp ground? It's a little more unique than a night at a local bed and breakfast-though that might be a nice gift as well-a night away from the kids with no travel.

I absolutely agree with this. I had friends who had been living together for many years and did not want to register for household goods, if fact, didn't register for anything at all. A group of us got them a snorkling trip in Tahti (where they were honeymooning) through the hotel they were staying at.

REI's a sacred place for outdoors-loving folk. I was at the flagship Seattle store twice last week while they were having the big sale. Anyway, if they like to camp, maybe get them a season pass to national/state parks, which they sell at the stores. People are particular about things like day packs, sleeping bags and event tents, though, so I wouldn't get that specific.

I worship REI. They sell these fantastic running socks that are heaven for your feet. And cheap bike shorts.

That's neither here nor there, but yeah, a gift certificate to REI or the Parks membership would be awesome I think. If you wanted to dress it up, you could buy two ponchos and s'more fixins and box them up so they'd have something to unwrap.

Thanks for all the suggestions! They aren't going on a honeymoon so paying for something there is out. But the other ideas are great, I need to go to REI this weekend.

Good luck! Another idea-- you can purchase an annual national parks pass for both of them -- good at any national park. Great for day trips and hikes.

REI has an insanely generous return policy. If you buy them gear they can easily return or exchange it. I'm leaving tomorrow for an archaeology dig in Alaska and got all my gear through them. They will send any returns or exchanges I need to the middle of freaking nowhere, and even if I am out with the bears and bison, use the stuff and it isn't that great, I can still return it.

Plus the membership allows for dividends, which is nice for more gear next year.