Homemade Wedding Gifts

If you are headed to a wedding and are unsure of what gift to get the bride and groom, think seriously about creating them a classy homemade wedding gift that is totally unique. It doesn't have to be difficult or expensive, or require expert skills, anyone can create unique presents for the newly wedded couple.

Creative homemade wedding gifts should be tailored towards the bride and groom - something the couple can use in their new married life together, or be reminded of their special day. If you have a particular skill that could prove useful to the couple on the actual occasion, say baking, makeup or organisation, offer your services to them as their wedding gift! It will be much appreciated, and reduce the stress that they will undoubtedly have on the day.

The next step is to think about your friendship with the newlyweds, and to find inspiration there. Does the groom have a particular love for spicy food? Then make them some hot sauce and a chilli chutney. Does the bride adore hummingbirds? Make them a hummingbird printed teatowel. The more personal you can be, the more the couple will appreciate the gift.

If they don't have a wedding list, or you want to save some money, or make them something really unique, then here are some ideas to contemplate:

     1. Family Recipes
To make a wonderfully special gift, compile a collection of family recipes including all the favorites! Email and ask around friends and relatives and add them to a nicely decorated ring binder. Buy a wooden spoon to add for a bit of a hint and decoration.

     2. Jars of Herbs and Spices
If the couple are moving into a new home, chances are they won't have a fantastic set of beautiful spice jars. Get some cheap jars (often you can find them filled with things at your local value store!), wash them and dry them thoroughly. Then go about creating some awesome labels -use the name of the herb/spice and perhaps their names and the date in small lettering too. Then add really good quality ingredients to fill them up. Even try making your own seasoning blends too.

     3. Hamper of Goodies
Create them a personalized hamper of treats for their new life together. Popcorn, DVD's and chips for nights in, dominoes and Uno for games night, picnic basket with snacks for trips out, frisbee and hats (you could handknit these if you were feeling up to it!) for autumn nights. It may cost a bit more, but it's an easy 'homemade' gift that shows a lot more thought than purchasing from the registry list.

     4. Monogrammed Linen Napkins
A gift that not many other people will think of or spend the time creating, but will be truly enjoyed and used by the newlywed's. Buy some simple linen from a fabric store, then purchase some embroidery thread in a suitable color. Stitch on their initials or surname, and maybe a cute button or two, and then put a backing onto it to hide any scary stitching!

     5. Blanket/Quilt
A wedding quilt is something that will be remembered, and will last throughout their married life. Choose a simple design that can be used throughout the year and in any color room, or create a memorable quilt with different embroidered squares to remind them of their wedding. Or, for something a little extra special, why not try crocheting a brightly colored blanket that will be useful to them in many different ways and situations.

If you are really artistic, and already have some of your own artwork hung in your home, consider making some for the newly wedded pair. They'll appreciate something so unique and beautiful for their home. Be careful though, as art is a very personal thing - so unless you know the couple really well, or they've complimented you on your work before, be careful.

And if you want to spend a little money, consider buying them some good quality towels or sheets, or a proper London-made umbrella. These are things that will last the rest of their married life, but people don't always fork out for themselves - so it's lovely to receive. Plus, you can never have too many, so it doesn't matter if you double up!

Another great gift that is unique, but does cost a portion of money is to purchase them a set of tickets to the theatre, cinema or a show. You can give them a sweet card telling them to enjoy some time together in their first year of marriage. Or for something a little more pricey but still as thoughtful, buy them 5 bottles of wine, one for each anniversary - make sure to put cute notes on each bottle!

Find more ideas here:
 - Money Saving Mom's Frugal Tips - This is an absolutely fantastic resource. It has got plenty of original ideas, and tips from brides and grooms on their most used wedding gifts - very helpful!