Wow, this is a bit tricky to figure out, due to several factors! The problem with gift cards for restaurants is that Canada and the U.S. don't have a lot of the nicer restaurants in common. Sadly, our Olive Garden restaurants closed some time ago.

So I'm thinking another option might be to give them a gift card for one of the big box home stores, like Home Depot or Lowes, so they can purchase something for their new residence.

Problem is, although you can purchase a gift card for use in Canada through homedepot.ca, it might not be interchangeable in both countries (whether used in store or for online purchases) because of the difference in our money. If the couple bought something in one country, but had a remaining balance on the card and eventually wanted to use it in the other country, the balance would have to be converted into the money of wherever they were shopping. I don't know if there's back into American money before the purchase was rung up.

I'm thinking that it might be easier to just give them a cash gift after all but you could call one of those stores and check it out.

While a nice idea, it's not readily doable. While Ottawa is a fair sized city, it does not have chains like Ruth Chris, Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel (although Toronto does). It does have chains such as Bed Bath and Beyond and Starbucks, but there could be problems with gift cards usage due to, for example, currency exchange. I would keep it simple, especially if the new couple are bound for an international posting soon.

What about an Amazon gift card?

I was asking DH about this. The issue is where you are ordering from, isn't it? Although, I bought something off Etsy that came from England, and so did DS. But my kids' Canadian cousins gave them iTunes cards, but they didn't work here. I can't remember what we ended up doing, maybe they just waited till we went to Canada and downloaded, or else did tradesies with the cousins.

Thanks a lot for ideas and suggestions! I will call Bed, Bath and Beyond and Starbucks to find out about their gift card policies.

If the gift card idea doesn't work out, we'll give a cash gift. Basically, I wanted to give them some sort of a special treat. Something the young couple wouldn't be very likely to splurge on. They're in their early 30's, work for non-profits and are of modest means. On top of changing jobs, the bride will have to wait for her Canadian residency to be finalized.

Please keep your ideas coming!

A beautiful card with U.S. $

Especially with the possibility of moving overseas shortly. They would be able to use the money in Canada (with bigger bang for the buck) or in their new posting.

I agree with cash and a thoughtful card.

We always give a check for a wedding. Lately, for showers I cannot attend, I have given Amazon gift cards.

$100 US dollars = $129 Canadian dollars.

Yes, it makes for a *very* nice bonus for Canadians, especially if they're going to be travelling overseas, too : )

What about a hotel gift card to a nice international chain of hotels?

Thank you so much for all your ideas and suggestions! After some research DH and I settled on an Eddie Bauer gift card. Eddie Bauer honors its cards both in the U.S. and Canada, regardless of where the card was purchased.

The brand definitely fits the young couple's active, outdoorsy style. Eddie Bauer also sells luggage and outdoor gear which is a big plus. Need I add that my friend and her man chose to have an outdoor BBQ wedding in a nature park? Casual dress - T-shirts, shorts and sandals are fine.

Besides, I liked the message on the gift card!

What a wonderful idea!

Excellent solution!