One of my cousins is engaged, and the ceremony is in a couple of weeks. I’d like to get her something, but I can’t figure out what’s appropriate for an engagement, as opposed to a bridal shower or wedding gift.
Any suggestions?
Re: Engagement Gifts
give her perfume...
Re: Engagement Gifts
a small piece of jewellery? a pair of earrings perhaps or a bracelet?
or you could get her a nice kaam wala suit or a sari. money is always appropriate too.
clothes may not be very safe cuz some people have really different taste unless u know her really well, how about a nice sweater? its winter after all...perfumes are always good, i gave my best friend a really elegant bracelet for her engagement and some perfume....how about a handbag? or picture frame for engagement photos.
Re: Engagement Gifts
I would suggest giving some money or small jewelry if you have the financial ability to do so. If not then go with accessories..ie, purses, stylish scarves, handbags,.... What girl doesn't love em?
Re: Engagement Gifts
Perhaps a gift card for a shop she loves shopping in or as someone said accessories would be really cool too. I also like the idea of some small piece of jewellery like earrings. A pre-paid spa visit would be totally great. Or a dinner for the new couple in some nice and chic restaurant.
Re: Engagement Gifts
Congratulations to your cousin.
I'm not sure if she and her fiance will be interested, but you could get them enrolled in the Almaghrib seminar 'Fiqh of Love-marriage in Islam'. all the information is on the almaghrib website (just google it).
If not then a pretty jora is it.
Re: Engagement Gifts
Adree wid Sgc that Money is always very appropriate gift oru can give her Photo frame aur Photo Album,
clothes may not be very safe cuz some people have really different taste unless u know her really well,l...perfumes are always good
hahaha, xlusively, i was going to say perfumes aren't always the safest as its a really personal thing and the same perfume might smell completely different for different people, but for clothes, i've seen sahar's taste, and honestly she can give me a jora anytime she likes! ;) (hint hint)
speaking of perfumes though, are there any safe bets out there? i mean, something thats a winner for mostly everyone? hrm.
Re: Engagement Gifts
hmmmm,a wrist watch perhaps?or a home thing maybe, something for the home like a pretty vase or painting..
Dior Pure Poison
Chanel No 5
DKNY Women
Dolce & Gabbanna The One
simple, light floral fragrances tend to be universally liked!
Re: Engagement Gifts
Hi all,
Thank you very much for the suggestions. Most of the suggestions are gifts for her, as opposed to gifts for them. Do you think that’s the best way to go? Is it appropriate? I say this now since I’ve become more aware of the fact that it’s usually brides that get all the gifts (as hubby has often noted 
). Should we be welcoming him into the family with the gift?
Giving money: I know that this is the most practical of gifts. It’s probably what all the parents and such will give. I just feel weird giving it to a cousin with whom I’m pretty close. It feels like something older people give to someone younger (I guess I am old now 
). I wanted to give her something more personal.
Giving clothes: I definitely think I know what she would like, but living where I do, there don’t seem to be a lot of nice options here. We do have nice sari shops in the area, and she does wear saris well, so perhaps that’s a good option. (SGC – LOL, I can take no credit for most of my desi clothes. It’s usually keen-eyed Ammi, Nani, MIL, chachis, phuppos, khalas, and mumanis who do the shopping.)
Giving jewelry: Again, I think I could find something nice to give her. My main concern is that it’s a gift for her, not a gift for them. But I think it would work.
Giving perfume: This seems pretty personal to me, which is not a bad thing. But I think thatpeople are much more particular about scent than anything else. A variation on this that may work would be like a Bath and Body works pampering set that I think would be nice.
Giving dishes or items for the home: I actually had a really cute idea for this, but it feels more appropriate for a wedding gift, rather than an engagement gift.
Giving albums/frames: Okay, so here’s an idea that I had. We are both HUGE Princess Bride fans (if you do not know what that is, please please please do yourself a favor and watch it!). Hubby and I were thinking of getting a frame engraved with “As you wish” on it, and taking a photo from the mangni and having it printed that evening or the next morning, and giving it to her/them as a keepsake.
Okay, so good options seem to be:
- sari
- small jewelry item
- pampering gift set of some sort (lotions, sprays, mani pedi stuff, etc)
- frame with “As you wish” engraved with a photo from the mangni
Any additional thoughts?
Re: Engagement Gifts
the frame idea is way cute, but then it also seems like a "from you to her" only gift, but you know what, you should do that anyway! its one of those i'll cherish forever gifts.
if you're looking for a couple gift... how about concert tickets to their favourite band? or a few pairs of movie tickets (10 or so) along with gift certificates for drinks and popcorn? its the kind of thing they can use while they get to know each other better and will be able to invite chaperones if needed.
Re: Engagement Gifts
A gift rest for both of them for a nice rest: not sure if thats appropriate but that should cover both of them. Or perhaps you and your husband can take them out for dinner, would be a good time to get to know the guy too.
hahaha, xlusively, i was going to say perfumes aren't always the safest as its a really personal thing and the same perfume might smell completely different for different people, but for clothes, i've seen sahar's taste, and honestly she can give me a jora anytime she likes! ;) (hint hint) speaking of perfumes though, are there any safe bets out there? i mean, something thats a winner for mostly everyone? hrm.
lol i was thinking that right after i submitted it i was like perfume is not exactly safe....think the scents from chanel perfumes are classic and universal but yeah i know it really does depend.
sahar the frame idea is really good you can get it engraved at things remembered?
another thing is they had this one jewlery set at things remembered and a heart key and my cousins got it engraved with her and his name and the date that was pretty cute.
Re: Engagement Gifts
Gifts for couples (the men) are always harder. Here are some:
1) As mentioned, tickets: movies, concerts, or theater?
2) My favorite choice: Cufflinks for him, accessory of choice for her.
3) Digital photo frame
4) Watch for him, jewelery for her? Or is that a wedding gift?
5) Money clip w/ his initials engraved (if he uses it, I know not a lot of desi's do)