Hand-made wedding gift, yes or no?

[Anonymous]

Usually I say no, but this sound lovely as long as it’s machine washable. Also, as long as you can give it and let go. Don’t ask to see a photo of it displayed in their home or inquire when you see them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Usually I say no, but this sound lovely as long as it’s machine washable. Also, as long as you can give it and let go. Don’t ask to see a photo of it displayed in their home or inquire when you see them.

This is a don't bet more than you can afford to lose situation. No matter how lovely the blanket, the couple may not want it and may not be the type to hold on to something they don't use. So if you can accept that it may end up at Goodwill, start your needles.

[Anonymous]

This sounds like a good idea…until you consider that maybe Aunt Betty is a quilter, and Uncle Bob is a woodworker, and Cousin Jim makes glass Christmas ornaments, and Cousin Jane has an Etsy shop and makes those stupid huge front porch signs that say Welcome, and your friend from college crochets…

[Anonymous]

Yes

[Anonymous]

Only if you are certain your taste is their taste. One of DH’s relatives made us a strangely shaped, barf-colored vase with little amoebas all over it. Ugliest thing I have ever seen. Everything she makes is like that. I assume she thinks they’re nice but no one else I know does.

And if you give something unique and handmade and they don’t display it whenever you come over, will you feel hurt? Then it’s all about you and not them. So don’t give it if that’s the case.

[Anonymous]

Go for it if you know their taste well and think they’d appreciate it. Our most treasured wedding gift that we snuggle with daily is an oversized ivory-colored crocheted blanket (yes, machine washable) from DH’s aunt.

[Anonymous]

Maybe, but also give a check. I have a family member who always makes quilts. They are not to my (or anyone’s) taste and honestly just a waste of her time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that a lovely idea and will be passed down as a treasured heirloom.

No, no it won’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like blankets, but people gave us handmade blankets for baby births and while they're beautiful, I don't really have a use for them (weird size, can't be washed). You should go into it knowing it might get attic-boxed or donated. Only put in the time if you're fine with that.

Somebody gave us hand painted decorative plates with our names and wedding date on them, and I have no idea what to do with them: can't donate because of our names, but can't use them for anything. I would honestly rather they gave us nothing, ungrateful as that sounds.

I have plates like those. We actually use them as birthday plates for everyone in our house. We all eat our birthday donut on the plate with a candle and sing.

I do agree that handmade things are hard to use. I don’t like that I can’t wash knit things but I do appreciate quilts. My in laws got a quilt for their wedding. Never used it. Their granddaughter is obsessed with it and sleeps with it nightly. So you never know.

So they kept it for 50+ years just because?

[Anonymous]

If you do, you have to give it with the understanding that while it could be loved, it could also be given to Goodwill immediately. A lot of people have strong feelings of how to decorate thier home and many do not like clutter. While the color of the wedding may indicate colors they like, it does not mean it is the colors they will use while decorating thier home.

[Anonymous]

I think it's nice but id also probably gift cash with it. My husband would probably say the handmade throw is enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was also going to say hard NO. But after reading, go for it. Full size, enough to decoratively lay at the foot of a king bed.

Do think about how/when you’re going to give it.

No, you do not know whether it will go with the newlyweds linens. Unless you know exactly the taste of the couple, you are asking to have your gift relegated to a donation pile or in the back of a closet because it cannot be returned. Don't put the couple in this position.

Unless they registered for linens and you could make it match?

[Anonymous]

Keeping in mind this is you calling yourself a gifted knitter, vs coming from others... I just don't know.

I've gotten many a handmade, hand-knitted something from a couple of family members over the years... who this is their go-to gift for every occasion. Quite frankly, their quality is not that good. I don't throw them away but rather put them in a box, container in the attic.

My vote is no. Or at least, give it with no strings (er, yarn) attached.

[Anonymous]

You have to know the bride and groom. I’d love it; some people won’t.

[Anonymous]

It’s great!! You just need to make sure you’re genuinely not attached to it after they gratefully receive it. You’ll never ask where it is or mention it again. I’m a knitter and I always tell people they shouldn’t hesitate to donate or trash whatever I knitted them when they’re done with it. I love knitting for people, but I never want them to be stuck with something they’re not using. It’s the love you put in it and that they feel when they receive it, and that isn’t trapped in the yarn itself.