An Easy Guide to Bridesmaid Gifts

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What to Give Your Bridal Party as a 'Thank You'

Bridesmaid gifts should be personal, fun and make them feel appreciated. Give your maids stylish gifts that they’ll love. Don’t feel overwhelmed by all the options; instead, have fun narrowing them down and making your decision! Here's how to get started.

Make It Special
Bridesmaid gifts range widely in terms of price, style and individuality. Some brides spend big bucks on lavish gifts. If you’re on a tight budget or just crafty, do-it-yourself gift-making is a fun activity for you and sends a message to your maids that's straight from the heart. If you’re buying something different for each bridesmaid, be courteous and spend roughly the same amount on each woman. Enclose a personal note with each present.

Bridesmaid Dresses & Bridesmaid Jewelry
Traditionally, bridesmaid gifts were wedding accessories such as evening purses or jewelry that matched their bridesmaid dresses. In some cultures it’s customary for the bride to give bridesmaid dresses and other wedding-day attire as bridesmaid gifts. Earrings, a necklace or bracelets that match their bridesmaid dress are always fabulous because they can show them off on the big day. When choosing jewelry, go for something on the conservative side to ensure they’ll want to wear it again. Plus, if the jewelry is too flashy it might detract attention from your ensemble.

Lavish Affection
Give your best girlfriends something to indulge in. These gift ideas will help them get pampered:

    Gift basket full of beauty essentials like scented body wash, lotion and foot scrub
    Makeup gift bag
    Gift certificate to a luxury spa (or if you’re on a budget, pre-pay for manicures or pedicures at a nearby salon)
    Gift certificate for a fun clothing or beauty boutique
    Offer to pay for them to get their hair and makeup done the day of the wedding

Homemade Treats
Homemade bridesmaid gifts are fun to give and receive. You can make the following gifts in the comfort of your own home:

    Soap
    Jewelry
    Candles
    Hand-bound photo album or scrapbook
    Knitted scarf or throw
    Holistic beauty treatments such as bath salts and scented astringents

Destination Wedding Gifts
If your wedding is taking place at an extra-special location like a beach, vineyard or in the mountains, add some spice to your bridesmaid gifts and make them destination-appropriate.

    Beach/Tropical Wedding
          Beach bag with sunscreen, aloe vera and beach towel (with initials monogrammed)
          Shawl to wear at the beach (it can get windy and chilly at night)
          Sunglasses and flip-flops
          Snorkel with mask and fins
          Disposable camera
          Gift certificate to rent a surf board and take a surf lesson

    Vineyard Wedding
          Necklace, bracelet and/or earrings with tasteful sterling-silver grape charms
          Beauty kit for post wine-tasting: under-eye concealer, anti-aging wrinkle cream, pain reliever, aluminum water bottles with monogram of their initials, multi-vitamins
          Basket containing two monogrammed wine glasses, cheese and fruit selection and a bottle of the vineyard's signature wine

    Mountain Wedding
          Ski resort passes
          Gift certificate to rent skis or snowboard and take a lesson
          Gift basket containing mountain gear like sunblock, lip balm, hiking maps, tourist info, hand-warmers, mittens, scarves and hats
          Pre-paid après-ski one-hour massages at a local spa

There very few rules and restrictions in the game of bridesmaid gift-giving, so have fun and spoil your girls in a way that fits your personality.