My uncle's widow (close in age to us 60+) is re-marrying, about which we are all delighted. The wedding invitation requests 'no presents please', but as we are unable to go and share their celebration -owing to grandchildren minding - I would like to think of something appropriate to mark the occasion. Anyone got any ideas?

In a similar situation, but with a slightly younger couple I sent a boxed set of a bottle of pink champagne and two glasses. I cannot remember where I bought it but a good search online might locate such a set.

Jo Malone do some wonderful scented candles,you can get them for different occassions and they last such a long time a beautiful present.

If they really mean no presents how about a donation to a charity close to their hearts? I did that for a friend (MacMillan) who had BC a few years ago. Alternatively theatre or concert tickets, a rose bush with a suitable name or voucher for dinner somewhere nice?

Thanks for the suggestions. I like the idea of a charity donation but will have to give some thought to what might be suitable.

What about a luxury hamper you can have them delivered suitably wrapped.

When a cousin who had worked for a NGO in Africa married her long-time partner who isn't short of cash, I donated some goats for Tanzania (I think) through Save the Children. The family donated chickens for me one Christmas.

Or plant a tree -The Woodland trust does this I think.

When one of DD's friends got married, her DH- to- be had lost both parents to cancer so they asked for donations to Cancer Research instead of wedding presents. A lovely gesture and I imagine a meaningful amount.

A rose bush from David Austin.

My dgc gave me a rose called Special Occasion for my 80th birthday.

There is a lovely climbing/rambling rose (can't remember which) called "Wedding Day" and also one called "Congratulations. I believe it is a good time of year to but and plant roses, but of course bear in mind if they have a garden or indeed actually like roses!

I also like the idea of champagne or wine, I think Moon Pig do them with personalised lables?

Can see I'm not the only one thinking of something nice for the garden. If they dont have a garden how about somthing from your grandchildren? Get them to do a picture or a large Wedding card.

I agree about the roses, but unforfunately they both hate gardening and have only a small 'back yard'!

Think it will probably be something donated on their behalf - I'm rather taken with Send a Cow, but not sure we can manage a whole cow!

How about "buying" them a book in the British Library? You can choose a subject that suits them and the cash preserves their book. They are invited to visit their book! Present given, but not present in their house

Yep, Moonpig do personalised bottles of wine and champagne

www.moonpig.com/uk/WinesAndSpirits

Meant to add, I think under the circumstances a "token" present to mark the occasion would be the thing, and speaking personally, I would have loved the personalised wine/champagne thing!