Bridesmaid Tote Bags

MrsG2B83

So, I went out and bought some tote bags for my bridesmaids. In hindsight, I probably should have just gotten them makeup bags but the totes have been bought, paid for and ironed on so there is no looking back now.

So here I am with 9 HUGE tote bags and I don't know what to put in them. I'm on a tight budget so I was thinking of creating the Bridesmaids Survival Kit (I saw it online and thought it was really cute but I can do it for WAY cheaper than $20) and a small personal gift. I want to get my MOH something extra special since we've been best friends since third grade and she's been putting up with my wedding mess all this time. I might have  to stuff the rest of it with tissue paper so that the bags won't look so empty. I want to give these to the ladies at the rehearsal dinner (that's the only time they'll ALL be together).

Will that do?

tldh

You're getting married in May.  Stock up now on discounted beach towels, flip flops, sunblock, etc. and make it a summer based tote.  Do something that they will actually be able to use after the wedding.

MrsG2B83

You just gave me the PERFECT idea when you said "towel". Maybe I could rework it into a spa bag with everything in their favorite color (I gave them all a bridesmaid survey to make sure I knew their tshirt size, shoe size and favorite color). Thanks for the inspiration!

mbcdefg

What do they like? My MOH likes to cook so I got her a cookbook and an apron, and my BM is a library science grad student so I got her a few book-related things.

stina93446

I like where malphabet is going with this. You could totally get them something that they'll like. They don't have to match. If one of your girls doesn't like spa dates(which some don't) then your gift idea will be crap for that particular person. If one likes movies, you could get them a gc for a free movie rental or a month of netflix and some popcorn in the bag....

SassyBrass

I'd agree and suggest going for something more personal for each person rather than the same thing. I mean, unless they are all into the same stuff, then more power to you.
Think of what they might like- a cool coffee mug with coffee, a drink shaker with swizzle sticks and a cocktails recipe book, pedicure set stuff, a new yoga mat, etc.
Be creative since you have time, and definitely think of things they will use. I know bath stuff is good for some people, but thats the "I didn't know what to get you" go to gift. I can't tell you how many sets of unopened bath stuff I sold at yard sales. It's good for a filler, but don't make it the entire theme.
Factor in the time of year, location of your wedding or their home town, etc.

MrsG2B83

Problem is: I'm kinda stuck on what to get them. Some of them are obvious (one loves organic food, another is crazy about Mickey Mouse, another is a writer).

But some of them are tough. My 17 y.o. sister has expensive taste and I've been buying generic gifts for my FSILs for years.

I'm gonna have to do some snooping....

aerinpegadrak

For the sister with expensive taste, check eBay.  The book I bought for each of my attendants retails for $80-90, I got them all for around $30 each.

For the FSILs, does your FI know what they would like?  Do they have spouses you could ask?  What about asking FMIL for ideas?

mbcdefg

Gift cards are always an option. Some people are truly just too picky to shop for. At least with a gift card, they can pick out what they want.

You have a TON of time to worry about this, so don't feel pressured to come up with something ASAP. We were getting gifts for people up until the day or two before our wedding.

aesisson88

another gift idea is Ribbon gift albums! I do these for family members that live OOT and for people I am not sure what to get. you can find them @ www.ordermygift.com they go over great and there is no price tag! then if you want the gift to be "the same" it looks the same and they can choose different things