7 Things You Should Avoid Giving as a Wedding Gift 

Oh, the pressure of finding the perfect wedding present! It has to be special, sentimental, thoughtful, useful, rare, and expensive – the list goes on and on. Can you imagine a gift that ticks all those boxes?

One false move could make you the pariah of the wedding party and you’ll forever be known as the guest who bought “that gift.” 

You’ll be excluded from future guest lists, your friends will abandon you, and you’ll end up living as a goat in Nepal. The last part was a bit dramatic, but you get the gist. 

Instead of advising on what to purchase, we’ll do one better and suggest wedding gift faux pas to avoid.

#1. Items Not on Their Gift Registry

First of all, let’s address the elephant in the room. Gift registries are there for a reason. Many couples start from scratch and rely on their bridal presents to lighten the financial burden.

If a particular item has already been accounted for, why not give the lucky couple cash or a gift card? It’s a thoughtful gesture they’ll appreciate more than the waffle iron gathering dust on their kitchen counter.

#2. Pressure Cooker

Unless it’s on the gift list, a pressure cooker is giving the Trad Wife aesthetic. The recent spate of explosions is a major red flag to avoid it at all costs.

You’re probably asking, can a pressure cooker explode? That’s a big fat “yes”! Thankfully, Debbie Aflalo lived to tell the tale.

The Dominican beauty queen tells the New York Post that she suffered second-degree burns after her pressure cooker exploded. She was reportedly using it when the silicone ring flew off the pot.

Pressure Cooker Explosion Lawsuit

The increase in pressure cooker injuries in recent years has led to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) releasing an analysis of the risk of burns caused by pressure cookers.

Consumer Affairs explains that pressure cookers operate at elevated temperatures. It uses steam to reduce food preparation time. A valve is designed to serve as a safety mechanism, preventing explosions or ruptures.

Unfortunately, a defective pressure cooker and malfunctioning parts can result in dangerous accidents, according to TorHoerman Law. For this reason, consumers are filing personal injury claims and lawsuits against manufacturers.

#3. Self-Help Books

Unless you’re Oprah or Gabor Maté, you have no business giving out unsolicited advice masked as a self-help or relationship guidance book.

Some couples may see it as an insult, so don’t expect any “thank you” note in return.

While we’re on the topic of books, religious texts are a big no-no. Gifting a Bible or any scripture was acceptable a few years ago, but these days people are on their spiritual paths that align with their thoughts and beliefs. 

#4. Pets

Yes, a puppy is adorable, cute and cuddly. 

Event planner Sacha Patires tells Kiplinger that newlyweds are just settling into married life and don’t need the responsibility of a pet. Plus, it puts a huge financial burden on them.

They may not be ready to be pet parents but they like the idea of it. As an alternative, you could gift them something animal-related.

#5. “Forever” Items

The old saying goes, “Something old.” It doesn’t mean you should take it literally. 

Gifting the happy couple your grandma’s china tea set which has been in the family for generations sounds like a lovely thought. For them it’s just more clutter and unwanted stuff they didn’t ask for.

Be mindful about choosing “forever items” for tradition’s sake. We know you want to be unique in your gift offering, but rather leave it for another milestone event.

#6. Gym Equipment

“You guys like gyming so I got you a treadmill.”

It’s an impressive present but all they hear is, “You’re out of shape and letting yourself go.” Even the best intentions can be misinterpreted. 

Giving the bride and groom things like a gym or exercise equipment is the quickest way to get lost in translation.

Don’t be that person.

#7. Home Decor

There are so many ways this could go wrong, especially for a couple living together for the first time.

Moving into a new home requires some thought decor-wise. It’s a blank canvas waiting to be filled with happy memories. Gifting something as simple as a vase could mess with the Feng shui or make everything else appear mismatched.

The same applies to art. These are personal pieces that require thoughtful thinking and should not be taken lightly.

After reading this, your head’s probably bursting at the seams. Who would have thought wedding gift etiquette would be this complicated? 

Start with referring to the gift registry. If all else fails, it’s time to book that flight to Nepal.