Bridesmaids gifts - tote or cosmetic bag?

hayleyjeanmccann

I can't decide which to get...I already bought large vera bradley totes (too big for a purse, more of a large beach bag), but am debating if I should exchange them for vera bradley makeup/cosmetic bags since this might be more practical. If you were a bridesmaid, would you rather get a very large tote or a small makeup/cosmetic bag?

bunni727

To be honest, I probably wouldn't use either. Vera Bradley is pretty taste specific, but you know if your bridesmaids actually like it.

But in theory, I like totes better than cosmetic bags.

hayleyjeanmccann

They all are fans of that designer, the specific pattern/color I chose is tailored to them. Thank you for your responses.

Maggie0829

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_bridesmaids-gifts-tote-or-cosmetic-bag?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:37Discussion:2530e7e2-4b50-4b0f-b259-2ad1aaefa3b6Post:53cc6fdd-736c-417e-8a5a-e6edbf57cadf">Re: Bridesmaids gifts - tote or cosmetic bag?</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know how strangers could answer that for you.  I wouldn't use either.  Regardless of the designer (whom I don't care for), I already have a zilliion totes and makeup bags.  Why don't you get them EACH something tailored to their own personal intersts/hobbies/tastes instead of matching gifts?
Posted by jcbsjr[/QUOTE]

I agree with this.  I hate matchy-matchy BM gifts.  They are so inpersonal.

brittneyh4

I agree with PPs, but I would prefer a tote over a cosmetic bag if I had to choose.

TiffannieF

I always get new cosmetic bags when Lancome and Estee Lauder have their free gift with purchase special.  I never switch my cosmetic bag so now I have 4 just empty sitting in places...so I'm not sure if I would like the cosmetic bags.

For me personally, I would prefer the tote.  However, I suggest investing your money on something that is unique to each girl that she would actually want/use/need.  Shop as if it were their birthday...that would be a better thank you gift then a generic bag that you got everybody else.

Kate61487

This is really going to depend on your girls.  Like several PPs I wouldn't use either, personally.  I don't like large tote bags (I stick to a wristlet 99% of the time).  As for the cosmetic bag - once upon a time that would have been a great gift for me, but then I got one that works really well for me, so I certainly don't need another.

On one hand I'd assume the smaller bag is cheaper - so if you go that route you could also get them something else a little more personal.  On the other hand there is ZERO reason to have more than one cosmetic bag; you don't change them to match your outfit so if they, unlike me, like large totes they'd get more use out of that

banana468

If you know that they like Vera and you know they like the patterns then I'd go with totes over cosmetic bags.  However that's my personal taste.

welches79

Since you know they'd all enoy it, I'd go with the tote, personally. You have more options to use a larger bag vs. a smaller one.