When my cousin got married a dozen or so years ago, I remember noticing that all the bridesmaids had the same earrings. Turns out, she got them all matching jewelry. I thought that was great and decided then that when it was my turn, I would get jewelry for my bridesmaids.
That part was simple. Figuring out what jewelry to get them wasn't as easy, but at least I knew, for sure, that it was going to be jewelry.
If you're looking for ideas, you're in luck. I put together a Top Ten Bridesmaids Gifts Ideas list.
Top Ten Bridesmaids Gift Ideas
1. Jewelry.
I always love the idea of jewelry for your bridesmaids. That way, they'll all have a coordinated piece. I got my bridesmaids an Alex & Ani necklace. I gave one to my maid of honor too, but I also gave her a matching pair of earrings. Knot jewelry is very cool too, since they're helping you tie the knot. If you're looking for ideas for that, check out our full post
here.
2. Bikini bag.
I so badly wanted to get my bridesmaids
bikini bags, so I'm not really sure why I abandoned the idea. They're perfect for summer weddings, especially if it's a destination wedding. When I go to the beach, I take a plastic bag with me so I can put my wet bathing suit in it before I go home. These bikini bags are so much cuter than a plastic bag.
3. Monogrammed spa robe.
If you're asking your bridesmaids to come over in the morning and get ready, a
monogrammed spa robe is perfect. I know that
satin robes are really popular for photos, but they're not that great for practicality. I have one, and the photos in it look cute, but I haven't ever used it since. I
tried but it's not the kind of robe you can lounge around the house in. Now, a spa robe, that's much better.
4. Hand painted wine glasses.
The morning of our wedding, I set out wine glasses with personalized wine charms, orange juice, and champagne for my bridesmaids for a mimosa bar. I didn't buy a glass for myself, so I ended up having orange juice (sans champagne) in a stemless wine glass we already owned. I was happy to have gotten the personalized wine charms for them, though. What I really would have loved, though, would have been
hand painted wine glasses. That's another gift idea that I had in the beginning, but I ended up not getting (and I'm sort of bummed I never did pick them up).
5. Personalized tote bags.
The morning of your wedding, your bridemaids have so much stuff. Their old clothes, their old shoes, a shoe box, a dress bag, a hanger, make up, hair accessories, etc. Help them out with a personalized tote bag. I love this idea so much I actually wrote a full post on it
here.
6. Coach wristlet.
I absolutely love all my Coach bags. They really hold up better than any bag I have. They're well worth the investment. If you live near a Coach Outlet, you can head there and pick up real Coach bags at a very discounted price. It's a lot better than getting a knockoff from Chinatown. If you can't get to a store, you can always order a
Coach wristlet online. Keep in mind all the items and parties your bridesmaids are paying for, plus all the time they're spending to help you. They deserve Coach.
7. Personalized beach towels.
I wasn't sold on these originally until I saw them. And now I'm obsessed with
personalized beach towels. Even if your wedding is in the winter, these are perfect. We live at the beach so I'm always looking for a towel. And when I stay at hotels, I make sure they have a pool. And then there's your friends who just tan in the backyard (guilty!). There's no one who wouldn't love this.
8. Foldable ballet flats.
I had a pair of
foldable ballet flats once upon a time and I brought them with me to every single wedding. They fit so nicely in this small bag that fits in your purse. Brilliant. Even if your bridesmaids don't use them at your wedding (because they already bought brand new footwear for your wedding), they'll definitely use them in the future.
9. Passport holder.
You know, this seems like a kind of silly, but it's actually a great idea: a
passport holder. My mom actually bought one for her and another for my dad last week. Too bad I didn't think to get them as thank you gifts for our wedding. They're one of those practical things that no one ever buys. They're a great thank you, for a destination wedding or not. Fill a "passport" with photos of you and your bridesmaids, little notes, or a thank you card.
10. Cosmetics bag.
I don't know a single woman who doesn't need a
cosmetics bag. They're very useful, but I don't buy them for myself ever. And I'm sure your 'maids can say the same. So a really cute thank you gift would be a cosmetics bag filled with emergency items: aspirin, clear nail polish, a nail file -- all the things she might need on your big day.
BRIDAL BABBLE: What are you planning to get your bridesmaids?
