Bridesmaid gifts that don't suck?

Following. I suggest checking Pinterest it's been helping so much so far

I feel like you are better off checking with your BMs than with internet strangers. For instance, I've seen a ton of people say they are giving make-up bags to their BM and they loved them and use them all the time. 2/4 of my ladies literally never wear makeup (and neither do I) my point being what works for others won't always work for you.

ETA generally the advice I've seen is "shop like it's their birthday".

I ordered orgami owl necklaces that were personalized to each girl and a gc for a spa day. ( no the necklace is not to wear at the wedding) .

My bridesmaids gift boxes have the listed items inside:

1.) Sephora nude lip kit

2.) Alex and ani bracelet to represent each girl

3.) Clutch

4.) bath bombs

5.) hair ties

6.) personalized wine glasses

7.) stud earrings

8.) fuzzy socks

9.) nail polishes

10.) wedding jewelry (not a gift)

11.) EOS lip balm

12.) face masks

13.) personalized decorative box

14.) hand written note/card thanking them

15.) gift certificate for Starbucks.

All things I know they'll use.

ETA: I bought these things little by little! Not all at once. I find it easier to start doing it earlier so you aren't spending a ton of money at once.

What's your budget? The answers will be different depending on how much you're able to spend.

I think you really have to know yours girls for this, because you'll know what they like and appreciate more than strangers. I've received a tote bag before with my initial on it (which I did like), and I've received jewelry before for a few different weddings... which was intended as a gift and simultaneously intended as the jewelry we were supposed to wear on the wedding day, and it wasn't really my style, so I never wore it again.

Fun stuff that can be used or eaten (spa day type stuff of edible stuff like sweets/candy/wine) I personally think is best, rather than taste-specific stuff (jewelry, accessories, etc.).

I'm doing pandora bracelets with charms for each girl. They can add to it and it's something they wouldn't get themselves

I got tote bags, then inside a bottle of their favorite wine, a pair of fuzzy gloves or socks (winter wedding), a notebook, a stress relief bath bar from bath and body works, a "winter essentials" kit (tea bags, hot chocolate, hand sanitizer, etc) and a mug from anthropologie. They were all the same gift but I picked different designs based on what the girls would like.

ETA one of my bridesmaids was in like 5 weddings in the past 2 years and said this was the best she received because it was actual stuff she could use not just monogrammed or personalized boxes or things that were cute but not practical.

I've been following the advice to shop for them like I'm shopping for their birthday.

Example: One of my bridesmaids is getting a French bulldog puppy 4 days before my wedding. I bought her the following as part of her gift since she is a coffee addict and loves Frenchies. I plan to add a Starbucks gift card to go with it.

Nice satin bathrobes that say bridesmaid on the back to get ready in. Also champagne flutes that say "bride tribe"

@Jessa have you had your wedding yet? If not, I would recommend you buy additional gifts for your girls. The robe that says bridesmaid is really a prop for getting ready, as is the bride tribe flute - those wont likely be reused, ever. I would say think about buying them some more personalized items they'll appreciate beyond your wedding day.

Ooo I second @mstomrsa!! I've done everything little by little. I've also watched for sales. That's helped more than anything!

I'm getting them things from their amazon wish lists and shopping like it's their birthdays. I'm aiming for non wedding day gifts as they are photo props and not actually gifts.

@jamie those are the cutest mugs! Omg!

Thanks @Bemyguest! I just scored those this weekend from TJ Maxx in the clearance section for $8. I was super excited!! I am hoping to find some other cute gift ideas for a great price too. I've been buying little by little.

Jessa, sorry to burst your bubble, but those aren't gifts, they're props.

I'm getting mine Golden Girls squad goals t-shirts, a "no ugly crying" handkerchief, and Kate Spade passport holders (we're having a DW) I was able to get on sale during the holidays. It's an odd assortment of things, but I think they'll enjoy them.

@KG That shirt is afuckingmazing! I want it.

@MsToMrsArmstong thank you! I got it from the etsy shop below:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/272754416/golden-girls-squad-goals-tee-shirt-funny

Anything for the wedding wouldn't be considered a gift really, it's more of a prop. Your BM's deserve gifts that are just for them.