10 Practical Bridesmaid Gift Ideas

In our opinion, some bridesmaid gifts are weird and end up sitting on a shelf or drawer for years, eventually ending up in the trash. Why not give something useful and practical?! Sometimes gift giving to bridesmaids gets overlooked all together... But yes, it is traditionally proper to present your bridal party (bridesmaids & groomsmen) with thank-you gifts that are different than the guest favors. Got any good ideas? If not, check out this list of great bridesmaid gift possibilities:

#1 - Gift Certificates/Gift Cards

Now these are practical and useful! Consider gift certificates/cards from stores & sites where they'll need to purchase wedding-related items, i.e., accessory stores, shoe stores, hair salons, spas, etc. Or, a gift card from their favorite store or restaurant will do just fine too!

#2 - Their Ceremony Jewelry and/or Accessories

Giving your bridesmaids a necklace and earring set is perfect for so many reasons. Ladies love jewelry, it's great for future use, they need some for your wedding, and it would all be matching. Perfect! Another accessories idea would be gloves and a brooch. So classy...

#3 - Framed Wedding Photo Keepsake

Since we're all busy these days, sometimes keeping up with events slips through the cracks of our lives. Have your photographer take photos of you and each bridesmaid separately. Present a lovely frame to each bridesmaid with a personalized thank-you note, and the promise of a future, special photo for their frame. Sure this will sit on a shelf, or hang on a wall, but it will certainly be treasured! Personalized Photo Frames.

4 - Spa Services

You know this will be appreciated and practical...

#5 - Purses, Clutches or Bags

A nice, new bag, purse or clutch is always a welcome addition. Personalized bags are a nice option.

#6 - An Overnight Stay at a Hotel, B&B or Resort

This sounds nice right now... Purchase a one-night's stay for your bridesmaids to enjoy some relaxation time. If you have an out-of-town wedding, this would also come in very handy right at wedding time.

#7 - Cosmetic Bags Filled With Goodies

Get your gals some personalized color & makeup goodies that they can put to use right away!

#8 - Personalized Glassware & Wine/Sparking Cider

Anything personalized is wonderful. But personalized for your bridesmaids... not with your wedding info on it! A quality bottle of wine or bubbly sparking cider would go great in glassware or flasks with their engraved names!

#9 - Elegant Table Decor From Your Reception

Go "green" - Put your centerpieces to good use! Depending on what you choose to decorate your reception tables with, some items would make great gifts for your bridesmaids. Examples - square plates with personalized candles and river rocks, wreaths, candelabras, exotic live plants, etc.

#10 - Scrapbooks or Memory Albums

Start them out with some pre-wedding photos and any programs, napkins or other customized printed items from the wedding. Later, give them copies of your professional wedding photos to add in!