Gift for Engagement Party?

I agree that it was tacky to include registry cards but I agree with some others that you should take something. I don't think it needs to be an expensive gift- my favorite engagement gift to give is something I got that I loved. A crystal ring holder (you can get at Macy's in a good brand like Lenox for under $20). And the great thing is, you could have more than one (I have one in my bedroom and one in the bathroom so if she gets more than one you can always use it although I have not seen a lot of people get more than one. Everyone I have done this for loved it and it is a pretty place to put a new ring to keep it safe! Wine is always nice too but I think the ring holder is a little more intimate.

That is very tacky to register for an engagement party. Yes you still should give a gift.Go to TJMaxx and get a $20 crystal vase , take off the tag and wrap it beautiffully. you won't be empty handed and it will be something they will have from you. have fun !

I recently found some inexpensive wine at Target with "love themes". We purchased 2 bottles and gave it with a wine carrier as an engagement gift.

I agree with Lisa it is very tacky. It is like the party is a gift giving venture.
If you would like to get wine, go to a liquor shop and ask the owner what he would recommend. Give the proprietor what you are able to spend. You can get some nice wine for under $20.
Don't spend what you don't have.

I personally think registering for an engagement party is horribly tacky. I really didn't receive many gifts for mine, and I didn't even expect to receive those. With that being said, I have bought some of my closer girlfriends engagement gifts. I know there is the obvious bottle of wine, which is a great gift. I typically buy a ring holder, it is more then likely something no one else will get them and it directly correlates with getting engaged.

The scary thing about this is.... it is early in the planning stages and the future bride & groom may have already brought about some dissension. Not everyone is so thoughtful when it comes to how expensive a wedding can be for the families and friends who attend.

So sorry but you and your husband could have made the decision to not be part of the wedding party, or maybe your husband should have been the only one to stand up. So, as far as expenses, unless the future couple was aware of your financial concerns and offered to pay for some of your expenses, unfortunately, this is going to be a bit of an expense for you.

However, I'm with you on receiving a "registry suggestion" for an engagement party. Perhaps some people would think this was commomplace but, I've never seen it. A smaller, thoughtful gift, like you describe, is all I have ever done. "Registering" seems a little ridiculous UNLESS this IS their big bridal shower that they are having. Otherwise, it falls into that whole "asking for gifts" category, which I do think is rude. And... I'm with you... a nice bottle of wine with a cute card "like fine wine, may your love get better with age"... or a cute picture that you may have taken of them or of your family and them, framed, is a nice token gift. Yes, you probably have to show up with something.

Yes, I enjoy wine. Just personal message me with a $$$ amount, white, red, or what they would like and I may be able to help you.

Good luck.

I would react to this party as I do to every other party invite: I never show-up empty-handed. I bring a thoughtful, token gift for the hostess (inexpensive bouquet of flowers, very small box of specialty chocolates, inexpensive -- but excellent quality -- sparkling wine, etc.) I would never, ever shop from a registry for an engagement party. Unfortunately, your sister in law has not been taught this is socially inappropriate. I'll bet you'll see a lot of this between now and the wedding.

Regarding an inexpensive, but good quality, bottle of sparkling wine/champagne, go to a store such as Binny's or Sam'w Wine and ask for help. Just tell them how much you want to spend and they will have it. They can show you a reputable bottle for as little as $8 (and I'm not talking about the cheap, low-end brands like Asti Spumante.)

EDIT: I just thought of an excellent, inexpensive sparkling wine: Chase-Limogere Brut (California) is only $7.99.

Why dont you give her the gift of the SPA. I am a mother of two whom loves going to the spa. So I came up with a mobile spa that caters to brides and mothers. Let me know if anything interests you for futher details. I am located in Lombard but travel anywhere. My website is www.abellabeauty.com or for a complimentary spa escape for you and friends it is www.beautipage.com/abellabeauty

Looking forward to hearing from you.
I am also a makeup artist for brides so pass it along to your friend whom is getting married. I bet she would appreciate a bit of a referral.

My bio and pictures are on the website if you would like to see it.

Kind regards,

M. Zucchero
Mother of two
###-###-####