Photo: Charity Maurer
It’s that time of year — your refrigerator is filling up with wedding invitations, and between shower gifts and wedding gifts, well, your wallet is hurting. Don’t worry — you’re not alone! According to a 2016 survey by RetailMeNot, the average person spends anywhere between $45 to $195 on a wedding gift. But it’s not as simple as that. Your relationship with the bride and groom often dictates how much you’re willing to pay. Take a look at these country-wide averages, and the perfect gifts to match the budget:
Photo: Courtesy of Heys America
Immediate Family
Turns out, your sibling’s wedding is the most expensive one you’ll attend this year. The average person will spend $195 on their brother or sister. Looking in that price range? Instead of writing a check, consider sending them a bottle of champagne every night to their hotel honeymoon suite, or buying a one-of-a-kind experience on their trip through Honeyfund. Or, go for the ultimate jetsetter’s must-have, and an essential for the honeymoon, a really good piece of luggage. (Orion 30-inch Deep Space Luggage, $199, Heys America)
See More: The Worst Gifts You Could Get a Bride
Photo: Courtesy of JeanetteZeis
Best Friends
In a close second comes your best friend’s wedding. While you’re probably spending a lot of extra money on their shower and bachelorette, you’ll also most likely spend around $159 on the wedding gift. Go off the registry with something custom for this price range, like a personalized cake stand. (Personalized Wedding Cake Stand, $160, JeanetteZeis)
Photo: Courtesy of UncommonGoods
Extended Family and Friends
For extended family, most Americans spend an average of $94 on gifts, while a friend’s wedding will cost about $89. If you fall into one of these two categories, try a beautiful gift for their home together, with a subtle personal touch, like a custom vase. (Personalized Faux Bois Vase, $90, UncommonGoods)
Photo: Courtesy of Kate Spade
Acquaintances and Coworkers
Slightly surprised you even got an invite? Most people will spend between $45 on a present for an acquaintance, but go slightly higher for a coworker at $63 (maybe it’s the fear of seeing them every day!). Writing a check to a coworker might feel awkward, but don’t worry — it’s easy to find a gift to fall into this bill: Look for something on their registry that they can use often and well, like a serving platter or gorgeous picture frame for their wedding photos. (Take the Cake 5×7 Frame, $50, Kate Spade)
Source: Bride
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