Friends Renewing Vows--Gifts?

I don't believe in the obligation to give a gift. If there is something that you want to give to them, then you can feel free to do it at any time, whenever you want. Wanting to give a gift is nice. Having to give a gift is...non-existent. All the previous posters have the right idea, as far as I'm concerned.

They can renew any time they want. Maybe their marriage needs the boost. Who knows? Their call. That has nothing to do with you, though.

I would agree with the other moms who said no gift necessary, however, if you want to get them something, I would make it romantic, like a massage certificate for 2 or a gift card to eat out or movie tickets.

5 years? They have not even forgotton who gave them what at their wedding and still know where the pictures are! Holy cow. A card may be pushing it, a hug is more like it, and a big thank you for the "expereince." Seriously? 5 years? Uhg.

M.

That seems odd to me. I thought couples renewed vows at big "milestone" anniversaries... like 25 years or something?

I'm not sure a gift is appropriate. I agree a card should cover it. Or maybe keep their child overnight for them so they can enjoy the night?

I think a nice card covers it.

I agree, a nice card would be fine. If you want to get them something, maybe a gift card for a favorite restaurant of theirs?

Www.etsy.com has lots of handmade gifts that are fantastic. I bought a beautiful turquoise inlaid cutting board for a gift recently that was unique and so pretty. Something different like that maybe depending on their taste?

If you would like to get them a gift certificate out to eat, go here and get a 25.00 one for only 10.00.....use the code Sunny............it only lasts until the 5th, but it will let you pick a restaurant in your area.......http://www.restaurant.com/index.asp?prti=1647&aid=107...

I think that would be more than nice......take care

I would just give them a card.

My husband and I are planning on renewing our vows in 2 years when we hit ten years. I think it is great for couples nowadays to recognize that they have made it, and are still in love and planning on staying together. Especially with the divorce rate now, it is great to hear people are still taking marriage seriously.
I think a small gift, one thats personal, would be the best thing you could do. Maybe a scrapbook or something similiar for memory making would be great. If you aren't into the scrapbooking thing, you can find a portait studio in your area and get a gift certificate so they can have a family portait done!
Are they going on a second honeymoon? you can always get them a little something to take with them, or if they are staying home, candles and massage oil in a "honeymoon at home" gift basket would be great, take the baby and give them a night of newlywed bliss.

Personally, I would do a card and a gift card for dinner out. Or another option...something engraved with their monogram--like a tree ornament or door knocker or a picture frame from Things Remembered.
Even though there are those who think 5 years is not a milestone (in 2010, it seems to be!) it is an EVENT taking place that you are INVITED to and a gift IS appropriate.
But I think the gift should focus on something a little more personal that a toaster! lol

When I was unsure I called to make sure.

Here is a link for traditional anniversary gifts year by year. http://honeymoons.about.com/cs/shopping/a/anniversarygift...

While no gift is necessary, a gift is always appropriate if the giver wants to give it! Maybe find out exactly how long they have been married and get them a clever gift for that year. Five years is wood. So if they have been married five years, you could get them a cool carving, like something for the wall, or a wooden candle holder etc. But a card is also perfectly fine. They are inviting you into their relationship and I think card would be a lovely gesture. :D

My husband and I renewed our vows for our 10-year anniversary. I don't think we received any gifts, nor did we expect any. I think we did get a nice greeting card from a close friend. And another friend took some photos and developed them for us. So, I would say, pick out a nice card.

Restaurant gift card with an offer to babysit.

Seriously, they didn't think to say "no gifts, please" on the invitation? I agree with some of the previous posters ... 5 years is great and all, but doesn't really seem like an event worth making a big fuss over. It's not like this is a big milestone anniversary. I think the gift of your attendance should be sufficient, but a card or little token would be plenty if you don't want to go empty-handed ... no more than what you would bring for the host/hostess of a party.

I've been to several of these events, although they were all for people married much longer so they were considerably older. I've seen cards given, and a few gifts, but the gifts were usually from the couple's children. Mentioning gifts (even no gifts) on an invitation is considered to be poor etiquitte, which is why your friends didn't say anything about gifts.

If I were in your shoes I think I'd take a card which you could place on the gift table if there is one. You can carry the card in your purse so it will remain hidden if there's not a place to put it. If you want to or feel the need to include a gift card it would be easy to have it tucked in the card. Be sure to get one that you will enjoy in case there is no gracious way to give them the card (no gift table or attendant,other gifts given etc).

I would say that you don't need a gift. If that were the case then I would renew my vows every year. Ha! No seriously, if you want to get something, get something small. A gift certificate to their favorite restaurant should suffice.

Hi J.,

Congratulations to your friends on their anniversary. The BIGGEST gift you can give them is your continued friendship and being there at the ceremony. Most folks probably don't expect anything more than that. They might appreciate a congratulatory card to mark the occasion if you feel you want to do more.

Parent Coach J. B.