How do you choose a gift the newly married couple will love? How much should you spend on a wedding gift? Should you mail your gift ahead of time or bring it to the ceremony?

Some couples provide instruction and registry information to make gift-giving easier. But the modern way of online invitations, virtual wedding parties and DIY weddings can make being a wedding guest fraught with indecision.

The experts at Wendell August Forge have put together some great wedding gift ideas to guide you through the process.

How Much Should You Spend on a Wedding Gift?

The general starting point for a wedding gift is around $100 – with lots of caveats. If you’re doing the bride’s makeup or tending bar at the reception, a gift is not required. If you’re a close relative or dear friend of the bride or groom, something more expensive is certainly appropriate. The bottom line, however, is to consider your own budget and what you’re laying out to attend the event – e.g. airfare, etc. – to calculate how much you should spend on wedding gifts.

Should You Mail or Bring Your Gift?

The coronavirus has upended a lot of plans and made virtual wedding showers, engagement parties and ceremonies a common occurrence. If the event you’re attending is virtual, mailing your gift ahead of time is the best choice. If you’re attending in person, you can decide whether to carry your gift with you or send it. Just make sure to send you gift early enough so that it arrives before the wedding date.

For Sports Fans: Did the bride and groom meet while cheering on the Ohio State University Buckeyes? Are they the most die-hard 49ers fans you’ve ever met? Did they grow up in Pittsburgh and claim black and gold runs in their veins? Show them you support their college or NFL team with unique licensed items, like pilsner glasses or an ice bucket that sports the logo of their favorite team.

For New Homeowners: Welcome the newlyweds to their new home with practical gifts they’ll use every day. Whether it’s a beautifully carved metal serving tray or a set of personalized napkin rings, a piece of useful kitchen or tableware is always a meaningful wedding present. Check the couple’s registry to see what they’re in need of and to avoid duplications.

For Blended Families: Sometimes a wedding does more than unite two individuals. When people with children get married, they’re creating a whole new family. Honor that joyfully blended group with a personalized family Christmas ornament that includes their name. Either as the main gift or as a thoughtful tag on a larger present, this small gesture will mean the world to them.

For Nontraditional Newlyweds: Whether you’re celebrating an older couple or a same-sex couple, nontraditional newlyweds deserve very special and personalized wedding gifts. An engraved picture frame or treasure box is always meaningful. A handcrafted butcher block is perfect for the couple that cooks together. A simple slice of unique marble etched with the word “Love” makes a thoughtful statement for any newlyweds.

For the Couple Who Has Everything: When a couple’s been living together for a while, they may not need any housewares or décor. For those newlyweds that are simply impossible to buy for, consider a gift card for something indulgent they might not have thought of on their own. Skip the chain restaurants and online marketers and opt for purveyors of artisanal gifts, like handcrafted artwork.