Here’s what I’ve learned: in lieu of gifts is a gift for everyone. The couple gets what they actually need. You get to skip the mall madness. And the planet gets one less plastic spatula in a landfill. Win. Win. Win.
So next time you see those four magic words on an invite, don’t panic. Read the request. Laugh at the poem. And then show up with your happy face and open heart. That’s the one thing they really wanted anyway.
Unless they asked for a toaster. Then, uh… ignore everything I just said. Just buy the toaster. Some people really love toast.
