Top 10 Worst Wedding Presents Ever
Wedding season is always a busy time of year, and if you're lucky enough to be invited to several weddings, you may find yourself searching for the perfect wedding gift more than once.
A thoughtful wedding present doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, I think most couples would appreciate a meaningful gift chosen especially for them far more than something expensive that has clearly had very little thought put into it.
But what should you definitely not buy?
I've been doing lots of research into weddings and have come across some fascinating – and rather strange – stories about wedding presents that couples have actually received.
So, if you're looking for some inspiration for what not to buy, here are my top 10 worst wedding presents ever!
1. A Cat
A cat might be a lovely present for the right person, but perhaps not when the groom is allergic to fur!
Giving someone a pet as a wedding present is certainly memorable, but it's probably best to leave decisions about new four-legged family members to the couple themselves.
2. A Mop
Very practical, I suppose.
But while a mop might be useful, it probably isn't quite the romantic wedding present most newlyweds are hoping to unwrap on their big day.
Perhaps save the cleaning supplies for their first anniversary?
3. An Air Freshener
An air freshener might be a perfectly acceptable household purchase, but as a wedding gift?
It's difficult to imagine the couple opening it and thinking, “This is exactly what we wanted!”
4. Edible Underwear
No comment needed.
Some wedding presents are perhaps best left to the imagination, and edible underwear definitely falls into that category!
5. A Single Tea Light
This wasn't just any tea light, though.
Apparently, it was beautifully gift wrapped.
There's something almost impressive about going to the effort of wrapping one tiny tea light as a wedding present. At least the couple could probably use it!
6. A Framed Invitation to Someone Else's Wedding
This one has to be particularly awkward.
A framed wedding invitation can be a lovely keepsake – when it belongs to your wedding.
Receiving an invitation to somebody else's wedding as your wedding present is definitely going to leave the happy couple wondering what went wrong.
7. A Re-Gifted Tray – Complete With the Original Card
Re-gifting isn't necessarily a terrible thing. If you have something lovely that you know someone else would enjoy, why not?
But this particular wedding gift came with a slight problem.
The original card to the person who had previously received the tray was still attached.
That's one way to make sure your secret re-gifting doesn't remain a secret for very long!
8. A Pack of Unbranded Nappies
Nappies can be an incredibly useful present – if the couple has a baby.
Unfortunately, this particular couple didn't have children and weren't planning on having any.
It's certainly one way of encouraging a newly married couple to start thinking about their future family!
9. A Plunger With “Taking the Plunge” on the Card
You have to admire the effort behind this one.
The bride was apparently “taking the plunge”, so the guest decided that a toilet plunger was the perfect wedding present.
It's certainly memorable, although I'm not sure it's something that would make it onto most couples' wedding gift lists!
10. A Pink Knitted Doll Toilet Roll Cover
And finally, we have the pink knitted doll toilet roll cover – complete with the toilet roll.
I'm not sure what else needs to be said about this one.
Perhaps it was intended to be a thoughtful handmade gift, but I'm guessing it wasn't quite what the newlyweds had imagined receiving on their wedding day.
What Makes a Good Wedding Gift?
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to avoid appearing on someone's list of worst wedding gifts ever!
You don't have to spend a fortune. In fact, I'd always choose a thoughtful gift over an expensive one.
Think about the couple and what they enjoy. Do they love entertaining? Are they keen travellers? Do they enjoy cooking? Or would they appreciate something they can keep as a reminder of their wedding day?
A personalised wedding gift can be particularly special because it can be created specifically for the couple. Adding their names, wedding date or a personal message can turn an everyday item into a meaningful keepsake.
At CalEli Gifts, we have a range of personalised wedding gifts designed to help you find something that feels personal to the happy couple.
What Is the Best Wedding Present?
There really isn't one answer.
The best wedding present is one that shows you've thought about the couple and chosen something especially for them.
So, whether you spend £20 or £200, put a little thought into your choice – and you'll hopefully avoid giving the couple something that ends up on a list of the 10 worst wedding presents ever!
And whatever you do, please don't give them a mop.