What have been your favorite non-cliche thank you gifts as a bridesmaid/groomsman?

For many people, the "typical" bridesmaids gifts (jewelry, totes, tumblers, etc) don't get thrown away, but rather kept! If I were given a tote bag as a bridesmaids gift, I'd definitely appreciate it and use it often, because I frequently use tote bags for various things in general. One of my friends brings a tumbler with her everywhere, and so I know she would appreciate receiving a tumbler with a fun design as a gift. There are also many people who wouldn't find a tote bag (or jewelry or tumbler, etc.) as useful, but it totally depends on the interests of the person receiving it.


I think my favorite gift that I received for being in someone else's wedding party was a handwritten thank you note with a couple photos of me and the bride from the wedding! It was personal, kind, and I felt appreciated. Another favorite gift that I got was a pearl necklace that I've worn multiple times since that friend's wedding.

When we were groomspeople for one of our friends' wedding last year, we got a shipment of vegan chocolates and vegan cheese (the groom, our close friend, is vegan and knew we were looking to expand our knowledge of available places to get these even though we're not). That was super nice and appreciated! They were also super delicious.

For my bridesmaids and man of honor, I packed their thank you bags with things very specific to their interests, as if I was shopping for their birthday or for the holidays (so video game themed things, gift cards to some of their favorite places, art supplies, etc.)

Well, I will start off by saying, I have kept several of the “cliche” wedding party gifts I’ve been given; specifically tumblers (as a coffee addict, I can never have too many of these!), a necklace, a hair piece, and a really nice travel jewelry case (I take it with me on every trip!). My favorite personalized gift was a necklace from a wedding I was in on Halloween. The bride gifted us each a Halloween themed necklace, but each one was different, and was chosen specifically for our personal style. For my wedding party gifts, I went a little nontraditional. I wrote each member a heartfelt card, and included a $100 visa gift card in each. At first glance, it may seem impersonal, but since my wedding was a destination wedding, I wanted each of them to be able to buy something special or have a unique experience while there. So, instead of choosing something for them, I gifted them the means to choose what would be most enjoyed.

My faves have been just not paying to be part of the party. I don't need a book, or a gift card, or a tumbler, or whatever, but it's been AMAZING when ppl spend that money on my BM dress or even the hotel stay that night. I'd rather have my out of pocket costs lessened or taken away than receive a kitchy "thank you" gift.

I once received a custom makeup bag. The Bride picked fabric to match our personalities. For my own WP (1 person), I gave my sister diamond earrings.

I know plenty of people who've kept the "typical generic Amazon/Etsy" gifts they received from being in weddings. One of the more unique gifts I got for my bridal party was a bottle of their favorite wine from the winery we visited for my bachelorette party. I got stickers from Etsy that said "Pairs well with Bridesmaid/ Maid of Honor duties" to stick on the bottles as well. I felt they were a fun nod to the wonderful bachelorette party they threw me as well as a way to give them something that said "bridesmaid" that wouldn't become useless after the wedding.

I had a beach wedding and got my bridesmaids anklets (each their own style) to wear on the day of the wedding and beyond. They wore them for the whole summer after that.