Bridesmaid + Parent gifts, help?

Re: Bridesmaid + Parent gifts, help?

• Lauderdale Pink member

  

  August 2014

  First, I would love and cherish such a gift. If somebody actually sat down and picked out a bracelet for me based on specific meaning or attributes, I would be deeply touched. Second - if you want to get a similar bracelet for FMIL and FSMIL, then go about it in the same way, find the charms that most remind you of these two ladies. Third- Take a deep bow and pat yourself on the back for being a very thoughtful, considerate person. Best of luck

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• JaxInBlue member

  

  August 2014

  I think your sentiment behind choosing the bracelets is very nice and very personal.  However, I would not get jewelry for anyone who doesn't wear jewelry.  You've identified your FI's mom as someone who doesn't wear jewelry, so I would find a different gift for her.  (If you want to stick with the moon-and-back theme, there are a lot of non-jewelry options on someplace like Etsy - there's this print or this key chain, which kind of fits with the idea of the bracelet.)
  
  I would think about whether or not all of the members of your party would appreciate not just the sentiment but the actual piece of jewelry.  I would be touched that you picked a bracelet with such care, but, honestly, I probably wouldn't wear the bracelet as I find them inconvenient to wear to work and tend not to wear much jewelry on the weekends.  So it would sit in my jewelry box after your wedding ended.  Maybe think about who might prefer a necklace or earrings more before you make final selections, or if another item would be better suited to the recipient.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• southernbelle0915 mod

  

  August 2014 edited August 2014

  I really hate charm bracelets. I'm sorry, it's not to be mean.. I would just never wear something like that. Also, I realize the charms are different/specific, but I kind of equate this to getting everyone the same gift but in different/their favorite colors. Plus, they're super cheesy, IMHO. "Best friends" "Mother/daughter"... it's like those cheesy picture frames that say stuff like "sisters are forever".
  

  
  

  On top of that, they look expensive. I'd allocate the money elsewhere. For your SIL, maybe get her an bible engraved with her name. I literally can't tell anything about anyone else here, but something specific for each person.

  
  

  ETF: spelling

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• JCbride2015 member

  

  August 2014

  The sentiment behind what you're doing is very sweet.  I'd be touched that you chose the charms specifically for me.  (although I Googled and it looks like you can't have done that-- Kohl's just sells them already put together, no?)

  
  

  However, since you asked if we would like it, no-- I personally really dislike charm bracelets.  I also feel the need to point out, that these bracelets look like replicas of those Alex + Ani bracelets that teenagers wear all up and down their arms.  IMO it is just not an adult look.

  
  

  Do these women already wear charm bracelets?  If so, then I'm sure they will like it.  If not, I'd put that personal thought into a non-jewelry gift.  And if some women would like the bracelet and others wouldn't, remember they don't all have to have variations of the same thing.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  "I'm not a rude bitch.  I'm ten rude bitches in a large coat."

  
  

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• thisismynickname2 member

  

  August 2014

  I definitely think you know everyone's taste best and follow your gut.  I think these are very pretty and the charms are small enough that the "cheesy" part isn't obvious to anyone but the wearer.  I don't wear bracelets to work because they get in the way, but personally I'd wear these on an evening out.  

  
  

  I think you have the right thought behind these gifts.  

  
  

  I find that people who aren't "jewelry people" still own very simple pieces for the occasions they dress up. Perhaps that'll work in this case.  I don't think gifts need to be something that someone will use every day. If someone is reallllllly not a jewelry person then yes, find something else sentimental. 

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• mysticl member

  

  August 2014

  I love jewelry.  However, I have a toddler so I don't wear jewelry very often because he will grab at it, especially bracelets.  

  

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• NYCMercedes member

  

  August 2014

  If you give the parent gifts privately, which you should, then there should be no problem giving two moms a similar gift and the third mom something entirely different.

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• holyguacamole79 member

  

  August 2014

  I also think the sentiment is very nice.  I don't wear bracelets because I spend all day on a laptop and they bug me, though.  So I would never use it.
  

  
  
  
  
  

  

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• doeydo member

  

  August 2014

  Those aren't my taste.

  
  

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• BMoreBride6 member

  

  August 2014

  julybride2015 said:

  JCbride2015 said:

  
  

  
  

  However, since you asked if we would like it, no-- I personally really dislike charm bracelets.  I also feel the need to point out, that these bracelets look like replicas of those Alex + Ani bracelets that teenagers wear all up and down their arms.  IMO it is just not an adult look.

  
  

  It might be a regional thing, but Alex and Ani bracelets are HUGE in my area. It's not just teenagers, it's everyone.  I've noticed even very professional woman wearing them.  Of course, anything done in excess (like an entire arm full), is going to look silly and immature.  I have three and I think it's the perfect balance.  

  
  

  OP, the best way to think of gifts is to give people something they would want and use.  If you think people are not going to wear these in the long run, then don't get them.  You'e better off getting them a gift card to a store they enjoy.  They'll get more use out of that then a bracelet that isn't there style.  

  They are very popular here as well...and actually for some with mid20's and up!
  

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• Viczaesar member

  

  August 2014

  Personally I would hate it and never wear it.
  

  
  
  
  

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• jacques27 member

  

  August 2014 edited August 2014

  Unless you know they LOVE that style of jewelry and already wear bracelets, I would find something else.
  
  I personally have never seen a charm bracelet I thought was cute or would be willing to wear and I think jewelry with words/sayings on it looks tacky.  I'm picky about my jewelry and these wouldn't fit with my personal style.  Obviously, not everyone feels that way or these wouldn't be popular, but if you're looking for a cross-section of people to poll, it's clear these are not universally loved based on this thread. 
  
  I also wouldn't get jewelry for anyone you already know doesn't like jewelry - it makes it seem like a thoughtless token gift because you felt obligated.  I'm not a fan of the "I love you all the same, but with different charms and colors" gift.
  
  Personally, I would:
  1. Consider getting a meaningful charm for anyone who already owns a charm bracelet (such as getting them a Pandora charm if they already own a Pandora bracelet), but not get a bracelet for someone who doesn't routinely wear them or isn't into jewelry.
  2. Go personal with the gifts, as if I were shopping for their birthday and not making a mass purchase for all my wedding peeps.  For instance, a daily devotional guide for the SIL with a sweet message from you in the front. 
  3. For the parents, if you can't think of a more personal gift, then if you're having a photographer arrange to have a few special photos arranged to be taken (whether that be your parents together, or you with your mom, and FI with his mom(s) or you and FI and each of the moms, or a candid of a sentimental moment etc.) and then present them with a nice framed photo along with a heartfelt letter after the wedding.
  
  But mostly, just ask yourself, "What do they like?"  If you have to ask the internet if the gift will be liked, then it's probably not the right gift to be giving.
  

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