The Best Wedding Gift Ever
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Every year millions of people log onto the wedding websites of their friends and family and peruse the endless list of cutlery, dishes, hand towels and home decor, hoping to find that one perfect and unique wedding gift that feels like something you would give them, in the hopes that your own personal connection to the item somehow makes the gift more personal to them. And how many times do you spend all that time perusing the wedding registry, only to log off and decide to give them money instead? Guilty!
Ten plus years ago, my husband and I tied the knot in Southern California. We were wine people, and beach people, and hiking people, and basically a young couple from SoCal that just wanted to be outdoors all the time. But, of course, our registry full of household items didn’t reflect this. I mean, maybe the pattern in the dishes reflected our style, or the blues and whites of the linens reflected out coastal lifestyle, and the endless number of wine glasses on our registry might have hinted to our love of wine. (Although, the invitation to our wedding at a winery might have been a bigger clue.) But no where was there something that spoke to the fact that on our first date we went surfing, or that our honeymoon was going to include hiking through the redwood forests of Northern California and skiing at the top of Mt. Hood in Oregon.
For those reasons, one wedding gift stood out from all the others as something that truly reflected the nature of my husband and I’s relationship and the connection we had to the outdoors. It seemed so simple, but I never would have thought of it. My friend gifted us an insulated picnic basket with two acrylic wine glasses, two melamine plates, two cloth napkins, and an insulated wine bottle carrier.
To this day, thirteen years later, that little picnic basket goes with us everywhere. And its one of the gifts I can say, without a doubt, that I remember exactly who gave it to us. And, every time we pull it out of the back of my Mom-Mobile, I still think of my friend from San Diego and I wonder how she is doing.
Five reasons a picnic basket is the best wedding gift for your friends and family
A picnic basket is classic romantic, and also just classic. Like a Chanel suit, it will never go out of style.
A picnic basket represents stepping away from the everyday, escaping the screens and distractions, and reconnecting with your husband or wife. Its about a life before complications, in nature, focusing on what matters.
A picnic basket is timeless. For us it started as something we took to picnics at wineries and the beach when we wanted some romantic time away. Thirteen years later it is something we use to get our kids out into nature and connect as a family.
A picnic basket is fun and creative! You will love picking out the perfect basket and all the accessories to go with it as you think about the love birds’ style and things you think they would enjoy.
A picnic basket comes in all price points, so regardless of your financial situation, you can find a basket that doesn’t break the bank. And if you are looking for the Ferrari of picnic baskets, they have those too!
There are so many fantastic picnic baskets to select from, so I have posted some of my favorites below.
Things to consider when selecting picnic baskets as a wedding gift
Is it insulated? Make sure the new couple can keep all their goodies chilled or warm, depending on the type of picnic.
How heavy is it? I recommend a picnic basket for two, so it doesn’t become too heavy or cumbersome. Also, it just reinforces the idea of a romantic getaway for two. Save the picnic baskets for four until PK, (post-kiddos).
What is the material? While the wicker picnic baskets have a nice nostalgic element to them, sometimes its nice to have a more durable material. So think about the kinds of places your favorite couple like to roam and buy accordingly. Are they Napa people? Or Joshua Tree people? Those are two different kinds of settings that call for two different types of picnic basket.
Is it big enough? Think about the types of activities your favorite couple like to do and typical food they might bring along. Is there enough space for multiple containers and an ice pack? Also makes sure its not too big. You don’t want the picnic basket to be cumbersome.
Luxury Picnic Baskets
Luxury picnic baskets are nice because they typically include everything your romantic couple could need for their picnic adventure, from wine glasses to coffee service to cutlery and cutting boards. I recommend selecting a picnic basket for two, so that the picnic basket doesnt become too cumbersome.
Rustic Picnic Baskets
I think of a rustic picnic basket as something waterproof or water-resistant and made from a more durable material. Plus, the options below include backpacks…all the better for trekking deep into the woods for the perfect views.
Affordable and Stylish Picnic Baskets
There are so many fun and functional picnic baskets for an affordable price. Any of the options below offer a classic, or even vintage feel, at reasonable prices.
Picnic Basket Accessories They Will Love
Pick a more basic picnic basket and then you get the fun of picking out complementary accessories tailored specifically to your romantic couple. Blankets, picnic trays, and wine coolers are just a few examples of the fun options available to choose from. And don’t forget the ice pack!
My favorite items below are the Juliska melamine dinner and salad plates. Our wedding dishes were the Juliska Berry and Thread pattern, so the plates below are a great complementary dish, perfect for a romantic post wedding picnic.
And whatever you choose for your picnic themed wedding gift, just know your family or friends are going to be delighted and so excited that you picked them something so thoughtful and creative.
