15 Wedding and Shower Gifts Under $40

You paid for the ticket out, the hotel room, something decent to wear, and you still need to buy a gift. Unfortunately, the only thing left on the registry is a sofa. Your love for the new couple is big, but your bank account is shrinking. Here are 15 thoughtful picks for wedding and shower gifts on a budget.

Kirtsy This | Posted: 24 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

1-15 of 15

• Twig Servers

  

  Each of these handmade teak servers is unique, as they’re carved along the natural lines of individual branches.

  $25 at Crate and Barrel

  Kirtsy This | Posted 23 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Martha Stewart Collection Recipe Box

  

  Fill it with family recipes from mom, grandma, and Uncle Mike (he’s always so handy with the Cuisinart).

  $15 at Macy's

  Kirtsy This | Posted 23 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Martha Stewart Collection Whiteware Cake Stands

  

  They’re technically for cake, but hosts can use them to make fruit centerpieces, or to serve appetizers, sweets, and cheeses as well.

  $30 at Macy's

  Kirtsy This | Posted 20 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Steel Beverage Tub

  

  On it’s own, this gift isn’t terribly impressive, but throw in a few bottles of Corona, a bag of limes, some chips and salsa. They’ll remember that afternoon on the stoop forever.

  $13 at Target

  Kirtsy This | Posted 20 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Adagio Teas Glass Teapot

  

  Use the infuser to keep bits of tea leaf from sticking to your teeth, or remove it to brew fancy blooming teas that look like little sea urchins.

  $29 at Amazon

  Kirtsy This | Posted 19 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Cheese Tags

  

  Once you own cheese tags, you are officially grown up. Even if you still watch “The Hills.”

  $32 at Art Effect Chicago

  Kirtsy This | Posted 19 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Apothacary Jar

  

  $29 at Paxton Gate

  Kirtsy This | Posted 18 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Osaka Boxes

  

  Glossy white lacquer storage in several sizes. These handmade boxes tidy up desktops, jewelry, stationery, pocket change, and anything else that needs containing.

  $20 at CB2

  Kirtsy This | Posted 18 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Lucky Horseshoe

  

  Wrap it with a card that outlines all your good-life wishes. Then offer to climb a ladder and hang it above the front door. You old softie.

  $8 at Curiosity Shoppe

  Kirtsy This | Posted 17 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Sugar Creamer Set

  

  They already have their favorite mugs, but it would be nice if they didn’t have to bring the whole milk jug out when they have guests.

  $30 at Rare Device

  Kirtsy This | Posted 17 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Wallpaper City Guides

  

  Whether they’re honeymooning in Los Angeles or Istanbul, Wallpaper City Guides offer insider advice for the design-centric duo. Pair this guide with one from the photo-rich Eat Shop series, and you just saved them hours of online research.

  $9 at Amazon

  Kirtsy This | Posted 16 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Cedar Sake Cups

  

  Sake is the new champagne. These cups enhance your celebration lending a pleasant fragrance to cold sake.

  $35 at Canoe

  Kirtsy This | Posted 16 Jun, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Marimekko Bottna Serving Tray

  

  $35 at Finn Style

  Kirtsy This | Posted 14 Feb, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• One-Handed Pepper Mill

  

  This is the sproingiest little pepper mill on the market. I own one, and it always gets comments from guests.

  You hold it in the palm of your hand and use your thumb to press the button on top. This means that you can grind fresh pepper with one hand and wield a spatula with the other. Plus it has a little window that lets you know when you’re running out of pepper. Genius!

  $24 at MOMA Store

  Kirtsy This | Posted 04 Jan, 2005 by Margaret Mason

• Ona Pitcher

  

  This sleek, modernist pitcher by Crate and Barrel looks a lot more expensive than it is. It works great as a water pitcher or wine decanter, but it’s a pain to get orange juice pulp out of the handle. Still, it’s such a great piece that it’s worth an extra scrub. If you give it as a gift, tie a bottlebrush into the bow and you’re all set.

  $27 at Crate and Barrel

  Kirtsy This | Posted 04 Sep, 2004 by Margaret Mason

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