Last week we talked about creative gifts for the guests to give the newlyweds – this week, something creative and thoughtful for a Bride to give her Groom…or in this case, fiance. We’ve seen a variety of these gifts between Brides and Grooms the day-of over the years, with watches probably being the most popular. And sure, what man doesn’t love a good watch. However, you just got a gorgeous engagement ring…give him something thoughtful in return!
I see this particular gift being given two ways..
1. Once you’re engaged, fill the notebook up with quotes, letters, photos, tickets – a scrapbook of sorts. But use each of those pages and memories as the reason, and write it across the top. Go to a lot of concerts together while you were dating? You’re reason is surely, “I want to marry you because you have the greatest taste in music.” Is one of your favorite pictures of you two one of you dancing your hearts out at a friend’s wedding? Well clearly, “I want to marry you because no one else can keep up with me on the dancefloor.” Get creative and fill the pages as much as possible. Then during the peak and hype of event planning, quietly give it to him, to remind each of you why you’re moving in this amazing direction together.
2. Once you’re engaged, fill it up with some initial reasons why you want to marry your studly man. Shouldn’t be hard, but don’t fill the notebook up. In your last entry before giving it to him, explain that one thing you love is sharing your thoughts with each other so now the book is his to write in, and give back to you someday soon. It’s a fun little back and forth and when you start leaving it in unsuspecting places, it truly becomes an anticipated gift that you are both excited about. Once it’s full, tuck it away somewhere and bring it back out on your anniversary every year to look back through all the reasons why your relationship is so special!
This is definitely a BUY or DIY project. As indicated in the link above, Journaling Jane on Etsy has some great already made stamped notebooks, that are great for this gift to your groom concept or many others (bridesmaids, anniversaries, birthdays, just regular ol’ journals). However, being a little DIYer myself, I can’t help but be inclined to make the cover myself.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 5×7″ notebook with solid cover (kraft paper does seem to be the coolest – Barnes & Noble has THIS one
- A ruler
- A pencil and eraser
- Small letter stamps
- Ink Pad
Any other materials for decorating the cover (although I’m a big believer in simplicity with these things – let the thoughts inside be the amazing detail and beauty of the book)Be patient when stamping. Practice a dozen times on regular paper before stamping on the actual notebook…you’d be surprised how hard it is to line stamps up in a perfect line!
