Son's marrying his live-in SO...WHAT gift should

I give them? They're already living together, and have been for 2 yrs now; she's not even having a shower, as she doesn't need the "stuff." They don't have a lot of money, average income--but I think giving money (from the mom/mom-in-law) is tacky and impersonal. I was going to knit them an afghan but do absolutely not have the time, and I wouldn't buy one from someone--that kind of gift has to come from me. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm really not a creative gift-giver, and have absolutely no idea what to do about this. Thanks.

It would help to know your budget; my husband and I lived together 7 years before we got married (married now for 26), and while we had lots of "stuff", most of it was from yard sales and second hand stores so we really appreciated all of our new gifts.

Is there a room in their home they want to re-do? A piece of furniture, new dinner settings, nice silverware? Do they like to entertain? A new gas grill for barbecues, maybe some outdoor furniture?

Is there someplace they always like to go, such as a theatre or sporting events? Maybe season tickets or box seats to a game. Is their honeymoon planned? Maybe you can chip in on that.

It doesn't sound like they have children, but if they do, you could make up a book of "time" certificates so you can watch the kids for them while they are out - I'm sure that would be really appreciated too. Not sure how close you live to them.

Good luck!
K

Gift cards to the local grocery store (one they use often), restaurants, department store etc.

We combined households (did not live together before marriage) and had lots. Relatives gave us money...I used to buy new bedding etc. It was nice to have something "new" that was ours and not mine/yours.

Di, my recommendation was going to be new bedding. How funny.

Not sure of your budget either, but how about a night or two away, depending upon what you can afford.

Congrats on your new DIL!