Pick a Smaller Registry Item

• When selecting a gift for a couple, the best place to start is usually their wedding registry. Because many couples today are registering for a combination of both high and low price-point gifts, it is likely you could purchase several small items, such as tools needed for the kitchen or even hand towels. Remember: these are the items the couple has indicated they need and want. Cost is not a factor, but instead helping the couple fulfill their registry is most important.
  
  Another cost-saving option is to get a group of friends together who can pitch in a few dollars and purchase a larger gift. This enables you to lend your name to something of significance, yet not pay a high price all by yourself.
  
  

Select Something Needed

• Perhaps there are few small registry items left or nothing is really striking your fancy. If this is the case, consider other small items that a newly married couple may require. Select basics such as picture frames, coffee beans, candles, movie gift certificates, magazine subscriptions or a small gift card to a local restaurant. Give a gift that is both useful and inexpensive.
  
  

Make Your Own

• If funds are especially tight and you have some creative talent, consider making a present for the wedding shower. Options could include scrapbook pages of the couple when they first met. If you are particularly skilled in the kitchen, create a cookbook or recipe box filled with favorite recipes for the newlyweds to enjoy. You could also make a recipe for which you are famous, then attach a recipe card to the item that will help the bride or groom re-create the recipe.
  
  If you own your own business, including a voucher for merchandise or services. Offer to prepare a home-cooked meal for the couple or run errands on the day before or of the wedding. Remember that your time can be as valuable a commodity as your money: utilizing this asset not only saves money, but it allows you to be a useful part of your loved one's wedding.