My husband’s other cousin is getting married next month. He has two cousins that he’s close to, and one got married in July, so it’s a busy wedding year for us (must be even more so for his aunt, with both her sons getting married within three months!). Anyway, we spent quite a bit of money on the first wedding ($150 for a tux, plus $25 for a shower gift and $100 for a wedding gift).
So now it’s time for round two. My husband isn’t in this wedding – as far as we know – so the tux won’t be an issue. I’ve already sent a $25 gift certificate for the bridal shower, which is this weekend. I decided not to go to the shower… I missed the other one because I was working that weekend, and I would only know a few people, since I know both of these girls through their husband/fiance’s side of the family – I don’t know any of their girlfriends. Plus, it would be 100 miles round trip to get to the party, and there are other things I’d rather be doing.
But I found a great wedding present. I was at my favorite thrift store last week and stumbled across a Picnic Time backpack – brand new. All the utensils and napkins are in their original holders – it’s never been used. From what I can find online, it’s worth about $50, and I got it for $4 – awesome! I’m going to buy a nice bottle of wine to go in the wine holder part, and then we’ll buy something small – maybe $20 or so – from their gift registry and put it inside the open compartment in the backpack. If we can find something picnic-related on their list, that would be all the better. Anyway, I’m thinking we’ll be able to spend less than $50 and end up with a gift worth $100.
Jenn @ Frugal Upstate says
Wow, how great is that! I love it when you find just the perfect thing thrifting (or garage saleing)
It just gives you a thrill, doesn’t it!
Anon says
We have two weddings this year, too, and then ours is in April of next year. I’m already trying to figure out how to keep gift-spending reasonable.
Hilda says
What a deal!!! Are you not tempted to keep it for yourself? I’m sure I will be.
Diane says
Very thoughtful and frugal. Although I have to say, I have two of those, both gifts, and I used one only once. Perhaps that’s why you got it unused from the thrift store. I hope the happy couple takes more picnics than I do because it really is a cleverly designed gift.