I had a fun conversation with my adult nephew recently. He told me of a most unusual gift that he consistently gives for all gift-worthy occasions. Batteries. For birthdays, for Christmas, for baby gifts. And he gives an assortment of them. At first, I was shocked at how he could offer such an impersonal gift, but he went on to explain his reasoning.
“Everybody needs batteries,” he said. He further explained that batteries are expensive and are never a fun thing to buy. I would have to agree. I mean, I’d much rather buy a book or pair of cute shoes. He went on to say, “When someone needs a battery for something, they will remember with great joy that they already have some and they don’t have to make a run to the store. They will think of my love for them.” My nephew is an incredible human. I wish everyone could know him.
When my husband and I got married, we didn’t have access to premarital counseling – if it even existed. Bookstore shelves were not overflowing with resources as they are now and we didn’t have Amazon. So, when our oldest two children got married, I encouraged them to seek wise counsel, and I purposely chose gifts for them that they would likely not buy for themselves. While most married couples focus on the wedding, I want to set our kids up with tools for a healthy marriage.
Well, in case you haven’t noticed, wedding season is here!! The invites are coming in, and it’s time to go shopping. The couple will happily accept gifts cards and purchases from the bridal registry are okay. But why not give something they didn’t know they needed and something they will replay your love and thoughtfulness to them over and over?
Here are a few unusual gift ideas for you to consider this wedding season.
Quality Sheets
I love buying good sheets for people. These are something that has historically been at the bottom of my shopping list for myself, and I think that’s the case for most people. Some couples put these on their registry so be sure to get what they’ve asked for but if they didn’t, get the best, softest, five-star rated sheets your budget can handle. They will be grateful every time they slip into bed at night. (Insider pro tip: These sheets are amazing! I have them on all of our beds in our home and guests ask me where I got them. They are so inexpensive you could get several sets.)
Financial Peace University
Dave Ramsey’s Online Course is a surprising gift that can help a newly married couple set their financial future off to a great start. They can work through the program at home at their own pace.
Fireproof Safe
I think this is SUCH a great gift idea! It comes with the image of building a “fireproof” marriage and will enable the couple to store their most valuable possessions safely and securely. They are also pricey and not something that couples want to spend money on, especially young couples who are just starting out. Be sure to get one that is sizeable enough to hold important documents and such.
The Circle Disney
I know that might sound strange to get an internet filter gadget as a wedding gift, but I believe every home should have one of these. (Read this article.) Purchasing The Circle for the couple can spark open and honest conversations about safe and wholesome internet activity and in the long run, could serve to protect their hearts and their future children’s hearts.
Marriage Conference Registration
In fact, this would be an excellent wedding gift and if you’re close to the couple, give them another one for each anniversary to come. To find out what might be a good conference, check with the church they attend or gift them registration to Family Life’s Weekend to Remember.
Other options could include Kirk and Chelsea Cameron’s, The Heart of Family online course and an evening with Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott at Fight Night. The options are endless so do your research. There is way too much wrong information out there, and they won’t need any help in getting tripped up. Satan is waiting on the warpath for them already.
Professional Counseling
Giving this gift might prove to be a little tricky because it’s probably going to need to be cash. But if you can trust the couple to not blow it on batteries or sunscreen, give them enough money for one or two professional counseling sessions. And if you haven’t been lately, each session will roughly be around $150. I’m a firm believer in obtaining professional counsel and have significantly benefited from it in my marriage. Typically, it’s money that keeps couples from going.
Shutterfly Gift Card
This gift card is such a fun and easy gift that I know for a fact that a newly married couple will enjoy. We’ve given this gift to couples to make a photo scrapbook of their first year together or maybe from their wedding day or weekend. They’ll have these memories to back on in their many years to come, and their grandchildren will likely thumb through the pages as well.
And then there’s the gift of batteries. Of course.
To be sure, praying for the couple who is getting married is the best gift you could gift them. I like to keep wedding invitations somewhere visible for at least their first year of marriage. When I pass by, I take notice of it and pray for them. I’m inclined to believe that at any given moment, they could use some prayer support.
Happy wedding season to all! May God’s blessings abound to the givers and receivers.
Andrea Stunz is a committed wife, an incredibly blessed mom, a grateful mother-in-law and a ridiculously proud Gimi. She is a seasoned traveler from south Texas. Having visited countries all over the globe and lived in Brazil, Singapore and the UK, she finds hope and comfort in a beautiful sunrise and a good cup of coffee. Andrea is a self-proclaimed stumbling pilgrim who is ever so grateful for grace. She longs to encourage others in their stories by sharing a part of hers because “a story worth living is a story worth sharing”. Find more of her work over at andreastunz.com.
See more of her contributions for allmomdoes here.
