Nifty Wedding Gifts for Under $50

Annie's recent post about money-saving wedding ideas reminded me that wedding season is upon us. While we all love watching family and friends get hitched, and the party that inevitably follows, being a good guest can get costly. And stressful, when you start worrying about "The Gift."

How much do you need to spend? Does it have to be on the registry? What on earth is a ramekin and why do they want it?

Answers: Not as much as you think, no it doesn't, and I have no idea. Read on for thoughtful and creative gift ideas the new Mr. and Mrs. will love, all priced under $50.

Frame It

Got a favorite photo of the bride and groom? Perfect! Order an enlargement, buy a classy frame and you're done! Better yet, a photo they've never seen before from the actual wedding, shower or rehearsal dinner would be a lovely surprise. We've got a Snapfish code that'll save you 20% off all prints. Then visit Target.com for the Frame Stock-Up Sale and you're good to go. If you don't have a flattering photo of the blissful couple, framing their wedding invitation is also a good option that oozes thoughtfulness.

Deck the Halls

This is a particularly good gift for younger couples. Recent college grads and other twenty-somethings usually don't have a ton of festive decorations, unless you count that neon green Guinness sign that used to hang at the frat house. And please, don't count that. Post-Holiday sales offer insane bargains on ornaments and figurines, as well as cheery platters and stemware and the like. This year, hit the mall the week after Christmas and snatch up some elegant decorations to use as gifts for upcoming weddings. If the next wedding is soon, shop the Lenox "12 Days of Christmas in July" sale. You'll get gorgeous decorations for a song, and the cache of the Lenox name to wow your recipients.

A Very Good Year

It's a fun idea to give the happy couple a bottle of wine with a note that says it's for their 10th or 20th anniversary. It's also an expensive idea, as wines with that kind of staying power cost big bucks. (And please, do not cheap out and stick a $10 supermarket bottle in there. You don't want them cursing you over a bottle of vinegar on their 20th anniversary.) I prefer to get creative with my wine gift giving, avoiding that whole longevity angle.

Perhaps a bottle of The Jester Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99) with a note reminding them to keep laughing, even through the hard times. Or Three Rings Shiraz ($18.79) as an homage to their wedding bands + engagement ring. Don't get too cute--a bottle of The Prisoner for the groom probably isn't going to go over that well with the bride. Foolproof: Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee. It may not be the most creative, but it's always an appropriate choice and will only set you back $32.99. Add one of our wine.com coupons and make it even more affordable.

The Last Resort

If the recession has hit you hard and even these under-$50 gifts are out of reach, never fear! You still have options. Hit up the dollar store for kitchen gadgets and goodies and tie them up with a bow. Make up a honeymoon survival kit with sun block, Dramamine, a beach towel and whatever unmentionables you can think of. You can offer to help clean up after the reception or offer to babysit any present or future children.

Bottom line: the bride and groom want you to be part of their big day. Stop stressing about the gift, and go and help them celebrate!