best and worst bridesmaids gifts you've received!?

I'm thinking about doing this for my BP and flower girls - make them each a little "wedding survival kit" including things like: lotion, Asprin, mini bottles of wine, a bottle of water, safety pins, bobby pins, and things of that sort.

And since everyone is traveling (just a 30 mile drive) to the hotel and venue - I am also going to do the luggage tag.

I am also going to include a pair of earrings from the "Eversolovely" shop on Etsy - as their "big" gift.

FutureMrsP, that is an awesome idea! Where are you getting the luggage tags from? (I think I want to buy one for myself for when I travel haha)

My SIL gave all her girls a Coach clutch (which I use alllll the time!)

She paid for all of us to get our hair done.

And she gve us a pretty black necklace which I have worn a couple more times.

I was in another wedding were I didnt recieve anything and to be honest I didnt even realize till just now. It didnt bother me because I thought you do if you can and you dont if you cant which is fine.

Let me just say that you can do a nice gift without breaking the bank. I see tons of people going all out, doing these whole bags full of gifts, jewelry, gift cards, robes, etc., etc., but honestly, one nice thing is enough. I bought my ladies pretty silver lockets (designs I thought they'd like, nothing engraved or anything), and they weren't terribly expensive at all, and they all seemed to really like them.

I think that's the key, though: It's not about how much you spend, but it is about making an honest effort to give something they'll like, something that shows you care about them. Random impersonal stuff etched with the wedding date doesn't show any real thought or care. But a small, nice gift you think that person will like, that's what you want to give and get, and it doesn't have to be expensive.

@Ashley - I found something very similar on Etsy - I am obsessed with Chevron so I am going to order then in a complementary color...

I actually think this post is quite helpful in he context of these forums. Since many of us are in the process of thinking about purchasing something this has given me a few ideas. Thanks!

I know everyone here (mostly every here) is usually lighthearted in their posts, but to see people say they "didn't like" a gift just rubs me the wrong way. Now to say "this was my favorite BM gift" is totally different. The wording is what threw me the most.

Best - diamond earrings and Coach bag (not from the same bride)

Other brides just paid for my hair and make-up which is my opinion is pretty darn good too.

I don't have any "worst" gifts.

Ive only been a MOH in one wedding, never a bridesmaid, and the whole wedding was only $2800 so she didnt give gifts

Another few cents from me:

The worst gift you can give is one without any regard to the receiver. Don't get me some cheap gift you found at the last minute because you felt you needed to "give me something"; don't get me scented lotions when you know I'm allergic to strong smells and perfumes; don't get me something with my name on it when you know I hate wearing name tags -- that sort of thing. It's a great argument against getting everyone the EXACT same thing.

I don't think anyone is disrespecting the spirit of the gift. I'm not a big jewelry person. So when all these other ladies are saying "Jewelry was beautiful!" I'd be like, "It's pretty and all, but I'm never gonna wear it." Know your audience, gift accordingly. I'm a bigger fan of the heartfelt notes than random trinkets.

I painted a little box with a bow on top, and it will be filling it with all of the make up that I'd like them to wear the thing plus their bracelet earrings and necklace. Of course they can wear the make up in the future I got eyeshadow primer, waterproof mascara lipstick blush , eyeshadow, and liner...should I add anything else?

Edit: I also put a little scroll with the history of the bridesmaid in it.

I didn't even know they gave gifts until the first wedding I was in.

My sister eloped and called me last minute to be the MOH. Didn't recieve anthing but honestly I was just happy to be one of three people invited (mom and dad).

My first time as a Brides maid I got a wine glass decorated in puffy paint with my Zodiac sign and attributes to my sign. I had mentioned going shopping to buy a necklace for the dress so the bride got all of us brides maids these HUGE pearl necklaces and drop earrings. I'll never wear them again but terribly sweet Also she started crying when she handed them out it was special.

My best friends wedding when I was the MOH, her mother bought my dress, paid to have it altered, paid for my hair and let me create my own bouquet for the wedding. Best gifts ever because I was so poor.