What to get my bridesmaids?!

Carolinagirlsah

I am having the hardest time figuring out what to get my bridesmaids!  I have thought about the classic sterling silver rings square or oval with their initials engraved on them.  I've also thought about cute totes with their initial engraved on them as well. 

I guess I keep thinking I need to fill the bag with a few things if I'm not going to go with the rings but I just dont know what!  There are soo many things out there and half of the stuff I look at online I'm scared to ordered because I dont exactly know what kind of quality I'm getting. 

Anyone have any cute/simple ideas for bridesmaids??  What did you do??

Thanks guys!!!

trix1223

My answer to the same question on the WP board:

Remember when shopping for WP gifts that you are shopping for your friends, NOT for a WP. 

Anything to be used for your wedding:  jewelry, shoes, wraps, hoodies, hair stylist, manicures, etc. are not gifts for your friends:  they are to complete your "vision" of your wedding.

And honestly:  I don't need another tote bag, and I certainly don't need one filled with the "default" gift of body lotion.  IMO, nothing says "I have no idea what to buy you, so I'll go to Bath and Bodyworks and load up on the 5 for $10 lotions." like a "cute" tote bag with "stuff" in it.

WP gifts don't have to be, nor should they necessarily be, matchy-matchy or wedding related.

Someone who really knows me would get me a gc so that I could download a new book to my kindle.  Or they'd get me movie tickets~so I could see the new HP movie, or they'd get me socks, because my feet are always cold all winter long.

I'd rather have 3 pair of awesome socks than a bridesmaid tote bag filled with lotions that I'd donate to our local shelter.

What store or website would you go to for their birthday?  How about Christmas?  Good:  go there.  Shop for your friends.  Leave your wedding out of it altogether.

smellymm83

I'm making bath salts for my BM's with their fave scent.  For the girls I know don't like baths I'm getting the mix to make their fave drink.  I've got them totes so I'll be putting some little presents in there that I know each girl would really enjoy.

aerinpegadrak

Stop looking at "bridesmaid gifts."  Those suck.  Christmas is coming up, what sort of things would you be getting each of them?  Do that for your wedding too.  They don't all have to get the same thing.

vixey

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_moms-maids_bridesmaids-3?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:357Discussion:824934e2-4603-4e45-93f4-721e19ffee50Post:ec8ddf16-cef7-4396-ac88-453e02b7638e">Re: What to get my bridesmaids?!</a>:
[QUOTE]Stop looking at "bridesmaid gifts."  Those suck.  Christmas is coming up, what sort of things would you be getting each of them?  Do that for your wedding too.  They don't all have to get the same thing.
Posted by aerinpegadrak[/QUOTE]
This is excellent advice!  I hate that the wedding industry *cough*TK*cough* makes brides think it's necessary to get BMs matching tote bags with their names on them.  Just think of things you would get them for their birthday or Christmas.

bethsmiles

Shop for each of them individually as if it were a Christmas or birthday present. It will be easier for you and they will appreciate it more.

berkleighsmom

What about a make-up bag instead of a tote? I found some really cute make-up bags on Etsy that come in all different patterns. I am choosing a pattern for each girl based on her favorite color. The seller is going to put their names on the outside for me. I know that is weird wording but it's not really a monogram-more like a label. Then I am going to purchase one or two products that she likes and put it inside. If you're not sure what she likes, pick something out at Sephora. They will give you a gift receipt and allow her to exchange it if necessary. I'm opting to do this instead of just purchasing a gift card because I think they are a little impersonal for this kind of thing.

I am suggesting a make-up bag instead of a tote because it is easier to fill and I think more useable. Just my opinion.

ehathewa

I got my girls super cute clutch purses from Macy's (and now I am totally jealous I don't own one) with some beauty scent products specific to each girl.  Lip balms for some, lotions for others.  Sephora is amazing

[Deleted User]

The Coach factory outlet online had wristlets that are usually $50 on sale for $30 so I bought a different one for each girl. Yes, it is all the same gift, but they are all a different color or shape. I will probably get a little necklace for each of the girls to wear as well.

music83lover2001

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_moms-maids_bridesmaids-3?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:357Discussion:824934e2-4603-4e45-93f4-721e19ffee50Post:5fe14547-a15f-49a3-b989-a78a832576a8">Re: What to get my bridesmaids?!</a>:
[QUOTE] Remember when shopping for WP gifts that you are shopping for your friends, NOT for a WP.  Anything to be used for your wedding:  jewelry, shoes, wraps, hoodies, hair stylist, manicures, etc. are not gifts for your friends:  they are to complete your "vision" of your wedding. And honestly:  I don't need another tote bag, and I certainly don't need one filled with the "default" gift of body lotion.  IMO, nothing says "I have no idea what to buy you, so I'll go to Bath and Bodyworks and load up on the 5 for $10 lotions." like a "cute" tote bag with "stuff" in it. WP gifts don't have to be, nor should they necessarily be, matchy-matchy or wedding related. Shop for your friends.  Leave your wedding out of it altogether.
Posted by trix1223[/QUOTE]

Couldn't have said it better myself!  Gifts for your BMs is to show appreciation for all they have done for you and your soon to be spouse, so get them something you know they really want and will like that THEY will enjoy, not something related to your wedding.