Happy Friday: Frugal Wedding Basket
Sent from reader, Kristen:
Hi Collin.! I just wanted to share the frugal wedding gift I recently created for my cousin’s wedding shower! I took a laundry basket, weaved a burlap ribbon through it, and filled it with goodies I scored for free or close to it!
I also came up with a little story for her future! And yes, I wish I could take credit but all credit goes to Pinterest!
HAPPY FRIDAY! 😀
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Thank you so much for the wonderful idea! I was trying to think of something to do for a young couple who are just starting out and this is perfect!
This was for a really young couple and they LOVED it!! She said it was her favorite gift and I really think she meant it!
This is a great idea! My aunt gave me a big basket full of her favorite Method cleaning supplies for my bridal shower. It was thoughtful, über helpful and got me hooked on Method 😉
I recently did a similar thing for my SIL’s baby shower with freebies or super deals from using coupons- filled a storage tote full of diapers, wipes, baby wash, pacifiers, unscented detergent, stain stick, Clorox wipes, etc. and wrapped it in cellophane w a pretty ribbon. OOP it would have cost $100+…but that’s not what this Hipster paid! 🙂
Kristen, this is a wonderful addition to the registry gift that you bought for them. I think about all the little free samples that I sign up for and I’m thrilled when they come. This would give me 1,000 times the happiness, especially knowing that it came from the bottom of someone’s heart!
Yea not something I would want for a wedding gift … this is more for a housewarming.
We gave them something from their registry too 🙂 this was just for fun for their new apartment
We got them something from their registry too.. this was just for fun for their new apartment!
I would have loved it as a wedding gift! Much better than all the random things people purchased not on our registry. Great idea!!
I agree Suzyq!! I have been married 9yrs and still have stuff that was given random not on the registry stored in my basement. I would have love this very much!
I agree Suzieq
I agree as well. All the stuff I actually use. 🙂
I would love it either way. It was a wonderful idea AND things you NEED to start off a new life together. These “little” things really add up at the register.
I will back you up monika. 😉 I’m glass this specific couple enjoyed but it would;t work for my friends and I either. Bridal shower games etc. maybe. Many people are coupling now and many of us are also brand loyal plus it feels awkward to give something not asked for and to walk in the house with an awkward gift. lol We were recently invited and I was impressed by the online invite. The gift registry can be given online in any amount ranging from $20 and up towards their honeymoon. I love that I can give how much I want or make multiple gifts until the wedding day. Way too many people trying to be frugal when a wedding and wedding day is once in a lifetime. Make it special and make it count. 😉
TOTALLY disagree with you there. It is not MY job to pay for YOUR (the new couple) life. Not at all. NOT AT ALL.
Lol I agree smellyann. I am happy to share your special day with you but you should never EXPECT a gift from anyone. You never know their financial circumstances.
Everyone here is getting agitated at one another, but we’ve all come from different places where traditions and norms vary. Weddings cost money as well so I surely would expect a gift. Where I come from, it would be considered rude and cheap for someone to give a gift like this one. I know that my friends and family would be insulted, and they’re not even “rich” or “wealthy”. To others, this is a fantastic and useful gift. Either way, you shouldn’t be commenting such angry things. We were all raised differently so obviously the expectations are different.
Agreed
Wow. I would appreciate any gift given!! Appreciate what you get and be thankful!
AMEN! Can’t stand it when people expect certain things, if they want something that bad they can buy it themselves..not all of us are made out of money! Would have loved this as a gift and the little note was the icing on the cake!
Umm.. We also got something off their registry..
You don’t have to explain yourself to the jerks commenting here. You said it was a shower gift and it was really cute!
Once in a lifetime? HA! Where do you live?
haha thats great. sad but true
So people can’t be frugal when purchasing a gift but the bride and groom can be by asking people to pay for their honeymoon?!?
Id rather be frugal than selfish
Amen! Wonderful idea
It’s a wonderful idea! And monika…its the thought that counts.
Awesome gift for a wedding or housewarming
….
I want one!!!!
This is a great idea!!!! So cute and creative!
Very creative. I love getting gifts like that.
This is a neat idea!
My aunt did this for me for my wedding shower a couple of years ago! I LOVED it! She wrapped up each individual item for the “story” and I had to unwrap them as she spoke…it was such a fun time!
More of a shower gift than a wedding gift, I think.
It was a shower.. A wedding shower! Sorry I thought y’all could figure that out haha
I think it’s fantastic! You did mention in your original post to Collin that it was a shower gift. I think it’s a very thoughtful gift whether it be a shower or wedding gift!
She said it was a wedding shower gift in the post
It’s a wonderful gift either for a shower or a wedding gift! Geeze. It’s the thought that counts!!
Ooh, a baby version of this would be a cute gift for a baby shower! Pamper your baby, give her lots of Hug(gies), tell her she’s your special One(sie) — could have a ton of fun with that kind of thing. Maybe one day when this couple has a baby.
They also had a baby one where I found this one! 🙂
Hey visitor3! I love the idea! Can you think of a couple more lines?
I made a “new” mom basket like this for my friend. It had a little story list and included things to help in the hospital. To name a few it included chocolate, tissues, ibuprofen, marbles (in case she lost her’s) socks, and a new penny with the year of the baby’s birth. She loved it and said it was one of her favorites!
Guys, come on usually everyone is so nice and non critical on here.:(. She gave a thoughtful gift who are we to judge. For any occasion, shower, housewarming or wedding coodoes to you for remembering this couple as they begin their journey. How does that saying go, never remember any gift that your giving and never forget any gift that you receive, or something like that. No need to criticize here people. Sometimes best to just keep it to yourself. Don’t we want people to feel comfortable sharing their great ideas, how can they if we criticize and sometimes hurt someone’s feelings…
That is such a cute idea!!! 🙂
What were the reeses, bic pens, and hamburger helper in there for? Cute idea…I just couldn’t figure that out.
There was a bunch of stuff that wasn’t on the list. The list was very short but there was a ton of stuff down in there lol
I love gifts with thought and effort…anyone can put money in a card but time and thought are priceless…love giving and getting these kinds of gifts!
I love getting practical gifts like this. I’d rather get stuff I need anyway as opposed to some tchotchke that will gather dust!
EXACTLY!!!
Adorable idea! Great job!
So cute! Never heard of a wedding shower.. Is that a new thing?
Are you serious? You’ve NEVER heard of a WEDDING SHOWER? Are you kidding me?? You guys are all being so negative to poor Kristen! This is cute, creative and thoughtful, and if you read all the comments, she gave them a wedding gift off their registry, too. GOOD JOB, Kristen. Way to go!
Ah well, someone has to be negative! 🙂 doesn’t bother me! Just thought it was a cute idea to pass along.
Kristen, you didn’t even have to get them anything off their registry . Your gift was absolutely, thoughtful, adorable and creative. Please don’t take the negative comments to heart. Some people always look to criticize and to be negative, it’s too sad.:(
That was a legit question on her part. I’ve attended many engagement parties and the such…but my group of friends and family don’t really hold wedding showers. Wouldn’t it have been easier to just say what it was?
I did, actually..
Yes, you did! I guess they don’t teach reading comprehension in schools anymore, lol! People sound like fools!
Not to mention this wonderful thing called GOOGLE where you can find the answer to any question you have about anything or what anything is 😉
Sometimes they’re called Bridal Showers. Maybe you’ve heard of that term.
Super gift, Kristen!
Ahh Yes yes..I’m familiar with bridal showers. Just never heard anyone call it a wedding shower;) thanks for the clarification:) I thought maybe it was the new hip thing like the “Sip and See” instead of a traditional Baby shower.
Carla’s comment wasn’t rude at all! She complimented and then asked a question. I think everyone is so edgy they aren’t reading well…
I always appreciate a gift whenever someone gives me something..no matter when it’s given! I think it was an awesome idea! 😉
very nice gift.
Very creative! Happy Friday!
Cute idea but it seems a bit too frugal for the occasion. Cute though.
Omg we also bought something from their registry lol
Clearly people cant freaking read! It was a SHOWER gift, for their new home together! NOT a wedding gift, which she got from their freaking registry! WOW PEOPLE JUST WOW
Frugal, are you kidding, do you know how much time, effort and expense (if non couponing ) would go into this. So judge mental:(. She did a sweet and thoughtful gift, couldn’t u just keep the negative comment to yourself.
Frugality isn’t a bad thing, it just has its place. I’m a couponer; I’m all about saving money but my frugal ways don’t have to be impressed upon others. You have a great day Casey.
Don’t worry. People on here are normally catty and don’t respect people’s opinions. Some must live in bubbles. lol. I hear you though. It was strange to me also. I just see myself walking in with that in hand. Maybe if they had a housewarming dinner or so. Meh! Couponing has become such an excuse in so many areas.
I just made something similar minus the note. Wish i would have that creative mind 🙂 Anyways, my brother and his Girlfriend loved it.(They just moved in together and are out on there own at age 18 & 19 plus baby 4mths old) Said it saved him tons of money and it trip to the store they had planned foe the cery next morning!. This moRning I did a diaper run too. Will make a goody basket for baby now 🙂
I LOVE the idea! Very practical and creative. The poem is darling. Way to go, Kristen!
Cool, it’s always nice to get gifts that are useable. And often people do not have money to buy much so something like this is great
I knew as soon as I saw this post that people would start about it being to frugal or its not appropriate! Give me a break! My kids have more manners then some of you posting! It is the thought that counts! It’s a super gift idea.
AMEN Meg! My boys do too and they are in grade school!!
For real! Some of the comments disgust me thoroughly. It’s like a car wreck, though… I can’t look away! Geez. To EXPECT a gift, ever, is so tacky and gross. Personally, my Hubs and I eloped and got maybe 2 gifts, and we were perfectly thrilled with that. We never had a wedding/bridal/elopement/whatever you want to call it shower, and because we were military and no one knew us when we moved (and moved and moved), we never had a baby shower for any of our 4 kids, either! And I’m fine with that and would have adored this gift. /rant
well, we got something from their registry but these are two kids 19 and 21. we knew this would be much more useful for two kids in college!
I thought the point of this site was to be frugal? Right? Lol anyways meg, thanks for the sweet comment!
You have no reason to defend yourself, Kristen. I’m your new biggest fan! LOL
There’s no reason to defend your gift. I don’t care if you got it for free, it is a nice gift! I signed up for the free diaper genie from Sams the other week with the full intention of giving it at the next baby shower. I’m not spending a dime on it but it is still a great gift and one that saves the new parents a good deal of money if they wanted one.
I did this same gift basket idea for a friend who had just graduated college and was getting married and buying a house. She constantly tells me that this was the best shower gift that she got and I know that she means it because she still brings it up almost ten years later. It doesn’t matter how much it costs me, it is the thought that counts and adding up the cost of that gift basket that I gave, I’m sure it was worth well over $75 before coupons. It saved her a lot of money because setting up a house is expensive on every front!
Kristen, don’t be surprised if in 10 years she tells you that is still her favorite gift! She won’t remember who gave her the bath towels from her registry but she’ll remember who gave her that and how much she loved it!
It is frugal if you are a couponer. All the stuff in the basket would amount to quite a big dollar amount if you are not. Price of the gift shouldn’t matter in any case.
Loved your gift basket idea!! I have several of my own wedding gifts in storage bins in my basement, I’ve been married 10 years and have yet to use any of them! Perhaps I could trade for a cutting board or a picture frame, lol!
More than the basket I just adored how she put everything in the basket and more beautifully on piece of paper#!
So creative!!!
Every Xmas and birthdays, everyone in my boyfriend’s family (who we are close to) gets gifts like these. Usually it’s body care and personal item centered. They know we coupon and get the stuff for next to nothing. I’ve never received anything in return nor do I want them to feel obligated since I know they can’t afford it. They know we paid next to nothing for it, it saves them on having to go out and buy it and they love it. Even his college age kids get this and a few other small things (usually clothes, xbox games, shoes). Would I give this for a wedding gift??? NO. For a bridal shower? Heck YEAH! Especially if you have to shell out $$$ for a wedding gift and whatever other cost you will have to incur to attend the wedding itself (clothes, travel, etc.).
wonderful idea! I’m stealing it!
But for a couple of years I give similar Christmas gifts to my in-laws, because they are in their 80s and never wanted anything
I’m usually so impressed by how kind and helpful hip2save commenters are, but there are a lot of comments on this post that make me so sad:( How about if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all!! Kristen this is a darling idea! I would have been so grateful for something like this! Thanks for sharing your cute idea!!!
Well, I love reading comments like yours! 🙂 thanks!
Katie, I have a special name for people like that. Spiritual vampires. They’ll suck the happiness out of everything. Best to ignore them and move on.
I thought this was cute and would love to have gotten something like this. 🙂
We’re from NJ…cash only! Especially if you’re spending a ton of money per person.
Love this! I’m very practical and have lived on my own for 15 years. If I ever find some dumb guy to marry me in my advanced age, I would much prefer a gift like this. I have every kitchen, bath, bed, etc. item I could ever need. I literally need or want for nothing. I would love something consumable. Throw in some condoms and lube and I’d think I hit the jackpot!
Kristen,
You did right by your friends. Super sweet idea.
OMG LMAO! Classic.
Omg!!! Rolling on the ground. You’ll have to invite the neighbors of some folks I know. My friend’s neighbors are EXTREME couponers and have a stockpile that fills a very organized three car garage. Back when there was a KY moneymaker of some sort, they had cases of it and the wife came over to offer the ladies some of it. There were a bunch of us ladies at my friend’s house. She was pretty “aggressive” about it and was offering some to my friend’s mom who is also a great grandma. Apparently, she is a great neighbor who always shares but the KY was a bit much.
Awesome idea!!!!!!
I did something similar for my sister when she graduated high school. I had here a big Rubbermaid tote with shower gel, deodorant, paper, pens, cleaning supplies, makeup, etc. She LOVED it!
Sorry but id be alittle annoyed if someone gave me this. Frugal or not, thats kinda sad to give a hamper full of products as a gift…just my opinion.
Well, then you would be ungrateful and spoiled. It’s a cute little shower gift for fun.
She also bought something from their registry. This was an extra gift. I think it was creative.
Did you just say you would be annoyed by a gift someone gave you because it wasnt this right one? Yeah…thought so. Ill just leave that alone and let you realize what you all sound like.
I agree Todd and I don’t mind being part of the minority voice on this post.
Ohh good! You don’t mind being a stuck up snobby sounding idiot?
So your being mean because people don’t agree with you. It’s not appropriate for this. I wouldn’t want this … where do y’all live where this is okay for a bridal shower. Unless she is OCD I don’t get it. Usually a bridal shower reflects her personally. For example, my bestie loves to pasta and is new at cooking so I made her something like this https://gushevents.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/pasta-gift-basket.jpg.
Monika, if you do not like this idea, why are you continuing to follow and comment on the post??
Where do we live? We live in the world where times are hard and every little bit counts. If you have ever struggled in life or had a hard time trying to make ends meet, you’d understand why gifts like these are sincerely appreciated by those who live in the world where things are earned and not given, and who are undoubtedly humble. If she says they enjoyed it, then instead of criticizing the gift why not compliment it? She unexpectedly and creatively gave them a gift instead of buying something that people “expect”. To me, it’s surprises like those that mean the most because it comes from the heart.
Right on Todd. Visiting family members for the weekend. Sure why not? It feels too much like cleaning out the freebies I didnt want to begin with.
If you don’t want freebies, then why the heck are you on this site???
Kristen, what a great gift that is, I love getting gifts that are personal. Great job and idea for upcoming gifts we have to give.
This is so practical and useful! And thoughtful! I’d love to get something like this. I’ve been married over 15yrs and still have some random (but nice) gifts I’ve never used from my wedding. I remember after we got married and settled in, we took some of our wedding cash to Costco and bought stuff like paper towels, toothpaste, tp, soaps and other boring stuff but that’s what we needed!
Man, there are some clueless aholes on this thread! You’re all getting a lump of coal for Christmas, lol! It was a fun wedding SHOWER gift! It’s adorable and perfect for the occasion! I love this idea!
I am so disappointed with some of these comments. Why do people have to be so rude?
We are vegans and make our own cleaning products and such. We got something like this and had to donate it all. If you’re like Kristen and know your gift receivers well go for it! I like to stick to the registry because I hate returning things and figure others do too but pretty much everyone can use something like this so why not?!
Well then if you had a shower your friends should or would know that and would not make anything like this. The time in this is so sweet…..nothing like getting a gift that was purchased last minute with no thought.
***Did you hear about the wedding gift story (regifter.com) of the couple who got a toaster (or so they thought) and wrote the thank you note…we love our new toaster…use it every day…and had it in the back closet for years and then went to use it to step on and reach something on the closet top shelf only to open it and find a BEAUTIFUL handmade quilt.
You know, by saying that bit about last minute gifts with no thought you kind of negate your whole comment- a gift is something one should be grateful for- hand made or not. I’m not sure you even read my comment or if you just felt the need to reply to it instead of starting a seperate one to give your opinion. Very odd reply. I never said I wasn’t grateful, I said make sure and know your audience.
So very thoughtful. I absolutely love gifts that reflect how much the person was thinking of me and used their own two hands. I’d much rather have a few droopy daffodils from a friend’s yard than a dozen roses any day!
I had a similar idea for a close friend ( She is my daughters godmother but we lived far away from each other) I was a last minute guest since we had lost contact and all the good reasonably prices items or her registry were gone so I bought a photo album from Michaels and had my daughter help me decorate backgrounds to insert, and attached to the inserts I put gift cards such as Cheesecake Factory gift card with the saying ” First date night as husband and wife” and a Petco gift card for her fur baby, CVS gift card for “when its time 😉 ” and so on! and even her hubby said how much he loved the thoughtfulness 🙂 and I got all the gift cards with discounts or I earned gas points etc!
Serious question that the comments made me think of, when did it become the norm to give a shower AND a wedding gift…wedding gifts and shower gifts are for the same thing- the marriage. That’s just to much! If I go to the shower I take the gift then, if not I ship directly to their house from the online registry. I figure people don’t want to have to mess with gifts at the wedding.
I was grateful for all and any gifts we got where ever they were given. I guess my mother just raised me right. It was fun opening all the wedding gifts we got in the morning after our wedding!
I’m sure they’re grateful either way, I just figure everyone is so busy at the wedding they don’t want to have to get all the gifts to their car and such with all the hustle and bustle of new love and getting ready for honeymoon and guests and whatnot. Just a thought.
We are family, so we are going to all of it. The griddle was off their registry, this was for fun, and then after the wedding we will be hosting the reception. That’s a lot of time and effort right there ha
Im in the everyone go elope club, it is sooo much work if you’re family, LOL. I’m not saying it’s wrong to give two but it just see over the top and real common from the comments.
nope! we told them we’d give them money if they’d elope to save us the work lol and I’m about to get jumped on for saying that too ha
My parents offered us money, we took it girl! Lol
Not everyone is invited to the bridal shower AND wedding. Usually only those close to the bride or groom are invited to the bridal shower so those people, yes would purchase both shower gift and wedding gift.
….I thought the basket was nice and especially useful for a new couple starting out.
Interesting. I’m from TX- everyone is invited to both it seems. I guess I better start buying 2 gifts from now on haha
Unless it is a couples shower, just ladies are normally invited to the bridal shower, correct? I also think the bridal shower (traditional, ladies one) is more for locals, with out of town/state/country friends and relatives traveling in for the wedding.
So, no, I do not think the guest list is the same for both events. There are certainly some (closest friends and family) who are likely on both lists.
I think since it is two separate occasions, I’d give two separate gifts if I attended both. That opens up another can of worms about “needing” to send a gift when you are NOT attending an event. (Personally, I’d still send a wedding gift, but not a shower gift, if I couldn’t attend.)
Wow, what a great gift! Good job.
My husband and I got married on a whim, so we had no registry for a bunch of stuff that would have collected dust anyway. With that being said, I wish someone would have given us something like this, especially for the first year of marriage when money got super tight. Good job, Kristen, and forget those negative Nancys.
Back when Wedding or Bridal showers came about, they were sometimes called “kitchen showers”. The idea of the bridal shower is to help a new couple set up a home. ALL of these items are completely appropriate for that. I don’t know how bridal showers have become about registries and buying expensive appliances and household decor. I am always very impressed when I see a registry that has everyday items on it. simple kitchen items, inexpensive dishes. I don’t know when people got the idea that their friends/families should be expected to fill their home with fancy brand-name matching decor. I think this is a perfectly lovely shower gift. And my standard WEDDING gift is a fire safe box for any important papers kept in the home. MANY couples have complimented me on this gift saying it is something they never thought about. (and it comes in handy to store any cash given in cards until the new couple has time to make it to the bank)
I love the idea of a fire safe box!
Super cute idea. It was practical gifts like this that I was most grateful for when I got married 🙂
I think it’s a cute idea for a specific couple that you know would appreciate it. Just like any present is not for everyone because each person is different.
This does make me think back to my wedding 10 years ago, we got a ton of stuff we asked for, so nothing was all that meaningful. However, one of our friends gave us a super cute wine rack, engraved bottle opener, wine glass rings, a bottle of wine, candles, bubbles, and romantic music CD and this cute note that was something like….what a beautiful wedding, not it’s time for you two to relax and enjoy each other. I thought it was super cute and quite frankly the only gift i still remember 🙂
Hi Kristen, my husband and I were married almost 15 years ago and I received a gift just like this at my wedding shower. EVERYONE (including myself) thought it was so thoughtful and creative. I definitely used everything in the basket and still use the basket today! Great gift idea and I’m sure your cousin will remember it like I did 🙂
Glad to make everyone’s Friday happy!!! I know some people think there’s nothing better than a good argument to kick off the weekend! ✌️
LOL! I feel sooo bad for you! Hey man, you got an Amazon card, they didn’t 😉 Also, people should realize, you said this was for family. People you know well, and know what they need. I seriously doubt you would give this as a gift to someone you didn’t know as well (like a coworker or acquaintance) Brush it off girl, these haters are just jealous, money hungry, gift grabby or just straight biotches ;p
That’s very true. I wouldn’t, just because I don’t know what they like or use. However, in this case I do. 🙂 glad someone here has some common sense!
Where is that darn “like” button! 🙂
Very well said. I think a lot of people are missing the “family” part. They should see the gifts exchanged in our family, all done out of love and humor!
Older ladies in my husband’s grandma’s church threw us a “pantry shower” with pantry staples, cleaners, mop, broom etc very practical things since we didn’t live together before the wedding. We loved it. Saved us tons & they gave us the nitty gritty stuff that’s not fun to buy.
I’d never heard of a “pounding” before, but got to participate in one. It’s where everyone brings a “pound” of something (or thereabouts), like a pound of sugar, a pound of cereal, etc., to help stock a new home’s pantry. Sort of similar to what you had. I’m sure not everything given was something the family wanted, but if it is a GIFT, you can do with it whatever you see fit (re-gift, donate, etc.) after kindly thanking the giver for their thoughtfulness.