Crappy wedding gift: 3 ways to save money and save face when gift-giving
I haven’t gotten married yet, but being 36 years old, I’ve been to a lot of weddings. Is it me or are they freakin expensive? Airfare for 2, hotel room, and then, the gift. A few weeks ago I attended a wedding of someone who does not read The Schtick. I spent $737 on airfare and $595 on a hotel room for 2 nights. For a gift, I gave this couple a bottle of Romanelli Olive Oil. I feel it’s very valuable considering it comes from trees in my dad’s backyard. And then…I got the Thank You note last Thursday.
Dear David:
Thanks so much to you and your lovely girlfriend for attending our wedding. It was great seeing you both. Please remember we are registered at Pottery Barn and Bloomingdales. As for the bottle of olive oil, we wish you would have kept the $12 and used for a haircut or shave before our wedding ceremony.
*****
I know what you must be thinking and I agree: why criticize a gift before you know its true value!! That bottle of olive oil is $25, not $12.
Whether as a wedding gift, a Father’s Day present, or something special for a big birthday, don’t feel like you have to spend oodles of cash. Choose something packed with meaning, and quality. As Oscar Wilde said, “A cynic is the man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
Following are 3 tips to save money and save face when gift-giving:
1. GIVE A GIFT OF YOURSELF
A wise one said, “The only true gift is a gift of yourself.” The Romanelli Olive Oil actually does exist. It’s handpicked and hand pressed from olive trees in my dad’s backyard. Each drop will dazzle your palette. You can find a bottle by visiting here.
2. GIVE THE GIFT OF LOVE
The Buddha said, “Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.” Sometimes the pomp & pluff of a fancy gift pales in comparison to striking love in the heart of another. And there’s no better way than a sweet, handwritten card to say in so many words, “This might not be a fancy gift but please know that from the place in me of love, light, and peace, I salute that place in you…”
3. GIVE THE GIFT OF HUMOR
Sometimes a good laugh is worth 10 trips to the spa, such is the healing power of laughter. Gordon Allport said, “So many tangles in life are ultimately hopeless that we have no appropriate sword other than laughter.” Whether a copy of a funny book or taking your friend/s out for a night on the town, don’t underestimate the fact that sensory pleausures, no matter how simple, form some of our greatest memories. And we know all too well, material pleasures are fleeting. Memories are priceless.
By David Romanelli
www.YeahDave.com
I invite you check out my book Yeah Dave’s Guide to Livin’ The Moment for a fun, inspirational reminder to live each day to the fullest!
For more information about David Romanelli, visit Shine from Yahoo!