Gifts from uninvited family/friends

I think that would be nice. Adding that little touch, letting them know that would have been (even if it’s not true) invited if COVID wouldn’t have ruined things.

I was married pre covid and we had people send us gifts that weren’t invited. It made me feel so uncomfortable and bad! We sent thank you notes as well as thanked them in person.
I think including something in your thank you note about covid affecting your guest list is a nice idea.

I don't think that it is necessary to mention why they weren't invited. They probably guessed and still wanted to have the pleasure of gifting you a wedding present. You could mention how much you are looking forward to seeing them once it's safe to do so. This hints at the reason without being forward.

View Quoted Comment Yes, I like this idea!

It's very common to receive gifts from those who aren't invited or who were invited but can't attend. They want to share your joy. Accept the gifts graciously with prompt thank you's. Do not say a word about Covid restrictions or space limitations as it has no place there. Thank them for their generosity and leave it at that.

Did they send the presents before or after they found out that they were uninvited from the wedding?

Gifts are not like a ticket, pay up for coming to the wedding. People who are close to a couple are expected to show wishes for a happy marriage by giving a gift, including some to help make a home. It usually is the case that most guests invited are people close to the couple, so they would want to give gifts. But couples cannot always afford to entertain everyone close, and may have a small wedding. And often they do not invite those who cannot possibly attend. In which case, those close but not invited, still may send gifts. We have big families, enough so we could only have up to 180, leaving out many people and all their kids. We received 40 from individuals or families not invited, 6 shower gifts from people far out of range, and those in addition to at least one gift from everyone who attended.

View Quoted Comment Thank you for this. Indeed you are correct. The people invited are usually closest and those invited usually give a gift but I guess that they are not mutually exclusive. I appreciate the insight. I felt bad to have a wedding this year and wanted to discourage gifts because I know so many have it hard financially. We very blessed and have what we need but simply wanted to get married to move our lives forward, starting a family, but I was told that people would give gifts if they could and not to discourage people because they love you.

I have received shower gifts from a few wedding invitees even though our shower was cancelled. I asked my mom what to do and told her I felt bad and she said "No way! Everyone feels bad for you that you weren't able to have a shower!" I would view any gifts from non invited guests (or for non existent events!) as kind gestures that deserve a thank you note but not necessarily a guilty explanation.

No need to explain, just simply thank them for the gift.

I gift for a lot of things I'm not invited to. Like this year one of my best friends' son is turning 3. There's no party because of COVID but I'm still sending the little guy a gift. Just be sure to thank them for the gift and say hope to see you soon in the future and you'll be good!

View Quoted Comment This is exactly it. I have never understood why so many people feel bad to get random gifts. The neighbors whose kids you baby-sat for, former coworkers, relatives who won't have room for you any more than you did for them, still enjoy the giving of a gift.