Sort of off-topic - bridesmaid gifts?

KerryAnn

Good morning, Knotties!

I'm having trouble figuring out attendants' gifts - we were trying to do something individual and unique to each person - I'm kicking around a couple ideas, and wonder what you think!

For the girls, I was thinking Coach wristlets - slightly different for each lady - I know at least three of them really like Coach but don't have many bags.  That or I found this site where you can buy a single stock in a bunch of different companies - fun, individualized, and you get all the rights as a stockholder (single vote, dividends, etc.)

What do you think?  FI is taking care of his groomsmen gifts and doing golf and booze-related things.  Too easy!  LOL

Thanks!

akhensley81

Good morning!

I think the wristlets are a better idea than the stock. Typically the rule is to shop like it's their birthday. There's nothing wrong with getting them all something different.

That being said, my girls' gifts are kind of themed. I hit a massive sale at Victoria's Secret and got each of them a gift set of bath & body stuff. The sets are inside ADORABLE purses and each one is different. Then they each are getting a $30 gift card to a store they love. 1 iTunes, 1 VS, 1 Bath & Body Works, 1 Archiver's Online (scrapbooking).

[Deleted User]

Best advice is to shop for them as you would if it were their birthday. I think the Coach wristlets are definitely a better idea than the latter.

I was running out of time when I got my BM's gifts but I bought all of them a pair of earrings to wear for the wedding and then a few I got personalized cosmetic bags and SIL I got a Vera Bradley wristlet bc she very rarely carries a purse. Of course my MOH/sister I got a heart compact mirror which I bought at Things Remember and got it engraved with a sweet little saying.

AmoroAgain

I have bad opinions of the Coach wristlets thing so I'll just keep my mouth shuuuuuut.

KerryAnn

No, no - I want to hear them all, good or bad!  What do you think is wrong with them?

I've only been a bridesmaid once and I was 14 soooo... I'm a little clueless.  I don't want to get them all the same thing, and I know they really like designer stuff, but rarely purchase it for themselves (as much as we might love it, we're practical, frugal people with mortgages and stuff, boo!  LOL. Stupid responsibilities...  ))

My reasoning behind it was that I wanted to give them something they'll love, something they'll want to use, and something special that they would normally not purchase for themselves as a small thank you for everything they've done for me - and not just for my wedding.

If you think its a bad idea, what would you suggest?

Thanks everyone! 

marisah83

I have a Coach wristlet that is still in the gift box from three years ago...they are just not my thing.  If you think your BM's would like them though, go for it. 

I'm just having an MOH, but I got her a nice, big monogrammed shoulder bag, and I'm filling it with lots of stuff that she likes, such as her favorite cupcake flavored candle, bath products, and maybe a small photo album. 

baystateapple

You gotta shop like it's their birthday.  Personally, I love Coach, so I would love a Coach wristlet as a BM, but I know plenty of girls (like the majority of my BMs) who wouldn't be caught dead with one.

A lot of people say that GCs are impersonal, but I disagree -- I know I always love a GC to my favorite stores.

The best BM gift I ever received was a basket full of stuff that the bride had picked out exclusively for me -- cute coffee mugs, a sampler of different teas and coffees, a pair of earrings she thought I'd like.  To be honest, I don't even remember most of the presents I've received as a BM, if they weren't personalized.  It's better to spend the money on something you know they'd like.

brilibby4

I love coach but would never use a coach wristlet.  Not many adults carry wristlets because you can barely fit anything in them.  What would you buy these ladies on their birthdays?  I highly doubt you would get them each the exact same thing.  I agree with PPs about personalizing the gifts more.  If one likes music maybe an itunes gift card, nice new head phones, and a new ipod case.  If one likes to be pampered maybe a spa gift certificate and a nice set of lotions.  If one likes wine some nice wine glasses and a gift certificate to a wine tasting or make your own wine class.  Etc. etc. etc.  Think about their personal interests. 

andyandhillary

I don't like either.  The stock for the same reasons as PPs.  I don't like Coach wristlets because from my personal experience grown women rarely use wristlets.  When I'm out I carry a lot more than my wallet and a tissue and that's just about all you can fit in a wristlet.

I agree to shop as though it's their birthday but I also understand that's kind of tough because I don't buy my friends birthday gifts.  So, I got mine VS PJ sets (non-sexy kind).  I thought it was cute and different and could actually be used. 

LD1970

Ditto.  When I'm out, I either carry a full purse, or if I'm dancing I wear something with pockets (or pass my stuff to a friend) and carry only my drivers' license, my ATM card, and some cash.  That's it, the rest stays home.  I HATE to be encumbered when I'm dancing.

smore154

BAH! I'm glad someone else said something about the wristlets. I have mixed feelings on them as well. I own  two- I honestly only ever use one. And if someone bought me one, I'd probably never use it. I love the one I have and I'd most likely wait and return, or sell the one I got on ebay.

Now- if you wanted them to use these on your wedding day- that's another story. I'd obviously use it then and take that as my gift. I don't think you need to get all fancypants. Most weddings I hear about (or have been in) the gift has been the necklace or earrings the bride would like you to wear that day. It's always come with a nice note, or cute meaning behind it as well.

KerryAnn

Nope, they're not to use for the actual wedding day. I just thought it would be a nice gift.  Like I said, I know at least three of them are crazy about Coach.  I would use one if I received it as a gift.    I like small purses, and I know a couple of the girls always say they need smaller bags and clutches to stop carrying around so much stuff.

I guess I'll just keep it very individualized - maybe get the wristlets for the two girls I *know* for certain will like and use them, and keep thinking as far as the other three.

Thanks ladies!  I appreciate the input!

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

I like Coach, I just only use a wrislet at the gym. Then again, I don't go clubbing anymore, really, and if I got out in the evening I'd rather a small bag or clutch. But again, YOU know your BMs better than we do. If they'll use a wristlet and like Coach, then it's a great gift.

jenellsrevenge

Each of mine are getting a embroidered tote bag, and then inside will be another gift that they love.

The gifts aren't going to be super huge or expensive because I am also paying for the dresses, accessories and hair and make-up, but I still wanted to give them a little gift to say thanks!