Does a wedding gift have to be something both people would use?

Yes, it should be for both of them.

I can't think of any type of clothing that would qualify as a wedding gift.

Typically it is best to just go ahead and get them something from the registry. In your case, get him the shirt and something small from the registry, like an $8 fork.

If you don't know the girl at all, the shirt is fine. If you know the girl, at least get them something small.

I think registries are so outdated, but if they have one, use it. My cousin was restoring an old house and had lumber and shit on his registry, which I thought was cool. With people getting married so late these days, typically they already have two sets of fairly nice housing crap.

I just generally write a check to them and let them do what they want with it. Registry is the other option I'll choose but that is rare.

A shirt is definitely not a wedding gift.

You can get them this shirt:

http://hideyourarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/6.jpg

TiredMommy wrote:

If you don't know the girl at all, the shirt is fine. If you know the girl, at least get them something small.

This will ensure the bride has no desire to get to know you.

Weddings and gift registries are for the most part for the ladies. I would say that that the majority of the gifts that I got at my wedding are not used by both of us. I feel that most of the gifts we got were to make our house nice and are used exclusively by my wife. I'm appreciative for all of the gifts but if it was up to me I would rather my friends and family save their money and...pay for their dinner at the wedding (even though the in-laws paid for the entire wedding). Buy your friend the shirt and if you want to avoid any possible conflict give it to him the day before the wedding.

Seriously, just give cash. I'm the age that I'm going to loads of weddings right now it's exactly what everyone wants.

a) you can think of it as subsidizing the party

b) you can think of it as giving the married couple a leg-up towards a house

c) you can think of it as giving the gift that was missed by everyone else (they can go and buy it)

The problem with registries in 2014 is that most married couples have already lived together for a couple years. They don't need a toaster, a blender, a fondue pot. They already have the two former and don't want the latter.

End the stigma. Give cash. Trust me, they'll thank you.

Dolla Dolla Bills wrote:

Seriously, just give cash. I'm the age that I'm going to loads of weddings right now it's exactly what everyone wants.

a) you can think of it as subsidizing the party

b) you can think of it as giving the married couple a leg-up towards a house

c) you can think of it as giving the gift that was missed by everyone else (they can go and buy it)

The problem with registries in 2014 is that most married couples have already lived together for a couple years. They don't need a toaster, a blender, a fondue pot. They already have the two former and don't want the latter.

End the stigma. Give cash. Trust me, they'll thank you.

This is the wedding and not the shower, right?

Cash is what's mostly given at weddings where I live. Gifts of goods are really only given during the shower. Customs vary around the country, I realize.

to answer your question; NO it does not have to be something both would use. For instance, my wife registered "us" at places for china and other stuff I had no say or interest in. However, I quickly discovered that I could register us at places like Sears and Home Depot.

Wedding day - we got 6 (no joke) six, serving bowls, a bunch of vases, china, blah blah blah. But then I saw it- a package that had a Home Depot car attached. It was/is a great 100 piece socket set in it's own suitcase. Awesome!!

I thank that guy everytime we see him.