We were in a similar situation, I ended up doing place mats for all 4 couples - I did 6 mats per present - 2 I got really nice Japanese fabric cross hatched in gold thread - looked fantastic and both brides love them the other 2 I did I think it's spaghetti quilting with all my scraps - very fresh and also looks great - all very forgiving when in a hurry.
my DD & DS have been round for meals and they say they are being used all the time. I initialled the back with the date of the wedding. If they don't know each other you can do the same of all 3!
i agree with you re money or gift card but I know it's the done thing now!!!