For the Ushers
The groom in similar fashion, and with the same engraving, makes his gifts to the best man and the ushers. In gold, he may choose tie pins and clips, cuff links, money clips, key chains, toothpicks. Pencils and fountain pens are appropriate, or silver letter-openers, with the box or the article bearing the signs of the occasion.
Other Gifts to the Bride
In addition to any more substantial contribution to the hopes and happiness of the newlyweds, the parents of the groom should give their daughter-in-law-elect a gift that she will wear on her wedding day. This will usually take the form of a brooch or clip. A flower design is always appropriate; more playfully accordant is a clip of a four-leaf clover or of bells, in diamonds.
Perhaps the most touching among the wedding gifts is that which comes to the bride from the grandmother. In many cases, it will be a jewel that grandmother wore on her own wedding day; it is thus not only a precious but a tender link that helps bind the family through the generations.
Parents’ Days
When time comes around for Mother’s Day, then Father’s Day, we realize that all through the year our parents’ love reaches out to us and deserves our grateful thoughts. Every day is a day to honor one’s parents. They have shown us that love is the one gift one need not earn. “Home,” says the poet, “is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.”
But on the special day set aside for Mother, children may combine to give her a bracelet on which charms commemorate happy family times, or list the names of children, grandchildren, and—if the years are generous—great-grandchildren. A tree of life, a family tree, or various brooches, make excellent gifts.
Gifts for Father are likely to be simpler. Gold cuff links suggest themselves, shaped in his initials. A gold pencil or pen, a key ring, or—if it does not seem too much like a hint!—a money clip, may all be appropriately inscribed, as a tribute to the person commonly called the head of the family.