It seems like we are always looking for excuses to celebrate! It’s always so fun to share the excitement of life events with friends and family. But it can also be a bit confusing in terms of gift etiquette. Do you give a bridal shower and a wedding gift? What should you gift at an engagement party? If you’re anything like me, you just don’t feel right showing up empty-handed. So I called in the expert to answer all gift-giving questions! Event planner, Andrea Guzman from Concierge de la Cascades, has planned her fair share of events – everything from weddings and bridal showers, to fundraising events and more! She knows a thing or two about party etiquette so I figured she’d best answer the questions on gift giving do’s and don’ts. Read along so you too can become a gifting pro!

Bridal Celebrations

Engagement Party

Gift is optional. If you would like to bring the couple a gift, a bottle of wine is appropriate. Home gifts are also ideal.

Bridal Shower

Gift is required. The best option is to choose from the registry. Most future brides and grooms put quite a bit of thought into the registry so the best bet is to stick to it. Cash and gift cards are also appropriate.

Bachelorette

Gift is optional. This is an opportunity to have fun with the it and get a bit creative. Fun, sexy gifts are great, or gift card for a couple’s massage would be a great treat!

Rehearsal Dinner

No gifts. Since rehearsal dinners generally take place within a few days of the wedding, a gift is not required and oftentimes there isn’t a designated place to put it. If you and the bridal party are ok with it, a quick toast might be more appropriate.

Wedding

Gift required if you were invited, regardless of if you attend or not. Ideally you want to stick to the gift registry. Personalized gifts such as his and hers keepsakes are also ok. Cash and gift cards are always welcome. If you do not attend the wedding, you should send a gift within 2 months of the wedding.

Baby Celebrations

Gender Reveal

Gift is optional. If you’re going to bring a gift, it is generally something personal and meaningful. Cash and gift cards are generally not a great gift for these occasions.

Baby Shower

Gift is required. Mama-to-be will most likely have a baby registry and it is best to stick to it. Gift cards or cash are also always welcome. If you are unable to attend, sending a gift is usually a great idea.

Birthdays

Gift is required. It doesn’t have to be a very elaborate gift, unless you want it to be. Clothes or age-appropriate toys are ideal. My favorite gifts for baby are books! We have story time each night before bed and he’s starting to pick out his favorites so I like to keep his bookshelf stocked up!

Baptism or Christening

Gift is optional. This is an event where the gift is completely optional. Usually something meaningful, like a keepsake, is appropriate.

Andrea’s Gift Etiquette Advice

Spend what you feel comfortable with.

But as a general rule, the closer you are to the hosts, the more you should spend. Below is a breakdown:

• Coworker or distant family friend or relative: $50-$75
• Relative or friend: $75-$100
• Close relative or close friend: $100-$150

Gift Cards

While Andrea mentioned that giving a gift card to someone you’re very close to might feel impersonal, a note expressing why you got it for them, explaining a thoughtful reason, will leave you in the clear.

Always Include a Card

Seems so obvious but you’d be surprised how often I’ve opened gifts and had no idea who they were from. The hosts will likely be receiving a lot of gifts and it’s important to let them know who the gift is from.

Gift Receipt

You’d be surprised how often hosts receive duplicates of things or realize that toaster oven they added to the registry was the wrong color. So, whenever possible, be sure to include a gift receipt!

No Gifts, Please!

If the couple says no gifts, it’s ok to respect their wishes. If you decide to bring a gift anyway, make sure it’s meaningful.

When in Doubt, Ask!

Reach out to the hosts’ closest friends and family for ideas. Or if you’re considering a particular gift, it’s ok to run it by someone to get their opinion!

Do you have any other great tips or advice for gift-giving etiquette? I’d love to hear from you! Let me know! Comment below if you have any questions regarding gift etiquette!