Do you take a gift to an engagement party?

It drives me crazy how everything is a gift giving thing. Moving in together and having a housewarming party: Gift! Engagement party: Gift! Bridal shower: Gift! Wedding: Bigger Pricier Gift!

ETA:  Yes, I bring a gift.

I wouldn't go out of my way to bring a gift, I would bring a card. If I had a nice bottle of wine on hand, I would bring that too.

I would probably go with a card. But since I don't drink and people seem to *always* give me bottles of wine, I would probably regift one in that circumstance.

Ive never been to one either, so I googled it. Here's what Emily Post said:

" the past, engagement gifts were not obligatory or expected, but it has become the custom in many parts of the country to bring a gift to an engagement party. Close friends and family usually do give the couple an engagement gift, either when the engagement is announced or at the engagement party."
and

Some people bring presents; others don't. Should I bring a gift to an engagement party?

"In the past, engagement gifts were not obligatory or expected, but it has become the custom in many parts of the country to bring a gift to an engagement party. Close friends and family usually do give the couple an engagement gift, either when the engagement is announced or at the engagement party. An engagement gift is really a goodhearted gesture of affection, and it need not be expensive or elaborate. Something simple such as a cookbook, picture frame, or a good bottle of wine – intended to help the couple establish a collection – makes a great engagement gift.
Couples who are conscious of taxing their friends’ budgets may ask the host to pass the word to guests not to bring presents. As a guest, if you really aren’t sure what to do, call the host and ask. Ultimately, your decision whether to give an engagement gift depends on your relationship to the couple, your budget, and local custom."

Miss Manners says No.  She also has a lot to say about "marriage Tax" or the question of how many gifts you need to give to a couple....showers and weddings, etc.

My mother's generation had a rule that a shower or engagement gift meant you didn't have to give a wedding gift. Or vice versa. At least that was rule among her social group. Now it seems like every event calls for a gift. It gets expensive!

I've only been to a few (many years ago) and I've always taken a small gift, stationery, a wedding planner, gc for dinner. I don't think brides use paper so much anymore, so I'd probably give a bottle of wine (or a gc).

This is what I do.

I'm another that would bring a bottle of wine ... everything is better with wine  

Don't think I've ever been to an engagement party, but it would depend on how well I knew the couple. Probably I'd just make a card for them.

I have only been to a few and they are usually for closer friends but I always bring a nice picture frame and a card. 

Yes. I bring a gift and a nice card celebrating their engagement (something I would send anyway). I don't bring wine to events anymore because it's just so tired and boring and expected. I'm over wine (or alcohol of any kind) being the go to gift for people. To me, it takes so little imagination. So I tend to bring other things, more tailored to the person it's given to. One couple I brought them a big box of chocolate another a big collection of nuts, but I've also given flowers and potted plants (orchids being my favourite).

You don't have to give one, and I certainly wouldn't make it a massive gift, but something nice to do. I also don't see the problem with gift giving. Invitations are a request, not a summons... which means gift giving is always optional.

We were in a similar situation, so yes, perhaps that's why. The people pushing me to register ended up being those who did decide to purchase from it, so at least I registered for a reason.

I felt so weird registering and basically telling people what to buy me. I have trouble doing that for a holiday, so it was very out of character to register for such expensive things. 

Wow- that's generally my budget for a gift unless it was family.

I agree, it is expensive!  We have had to rsvp "no" to engagement parties, showers etc. because we just can't afford it.  We are saving for college for 3 kids (one in school now) and retirement, so that's where our priorities are in terms of money.  I wish just a card was acceptable, but it seems that a gift is the way to go these days.