If you’re looking to do bridesmaid proposals or give gifts to your besties, it’s important to consider something they’ll use and enjoy. When I was planning my wedding, I wanted to select individual items that suited each bridesmaid’s style best, since a bridal party often has individuals with unique styles and preferences. I’m seeing a lot of questions about bridesmaid gifts that aren’t girly, since not all bridal party attendants wear jewelry, love the color pink, wear makeup, or like to wear frilly pajamas. To help, we’re sharing some non-girly bridesmaid gifts to help you pick something they’ll use, enjoy, and appreciate whether you’re popping the question or saying thank you for being in your wedding.
Let’s get started!
Why Non-Girly Gifts Are Important
When choosing gifts, reflect the individual personalities and styles of your bridesmaids.
Most traditional gender stereotypes highlight bridesmaids getting ready in ruffly bridal party robes or pajamas, wearing sparkling jewelry, and slipping on pairs of pink slippers. But that’s not for everyone. Why give gifts to bridesmaids they’ll never use again? Avoid purchasing items for the photo op; bridesmaid pj’s are fun, but if they’ll never be worn again they aren’t really a great investment. Or perhaps there’s an alternative style she may prefer, like a comfy oversized t-shirt with leggings. Consider each bridesmaid when selecting their gift, and remember, you don’t have to give the same gift to every attendant.
Personalized Options
When it comes to gift-gifting, you want the item to be special. Monogrammed items, custom jewelry, or personalized keepsakes are all terrific items to give as personalized gifts for your bridesmaids.
CUSTOM GIFTS TO CONSIDER
• This canvas tote bag, $25.
• She’ll love to wear this unique name ring, $22.
• Fill up this cool photo bottle for a fun proposal, $19.
• For the traveler: these luggage tags are a perfect gift item, $11.
• These fanny packs are a great gift for the bach bash, $5+.
• This decorative tray can hold keys, small jewelry, and more, $13.99.
• A travel cooler like this is fun for hiking and the great outdoors, $19+.
• Personalized polarized sunglasses are a perfect present, $13+.
• Ask her to help you tie the knot with pretzel earrings, $11+.
Practical Gifts
If you prefer something practical, consider practical gifts for your bridesmaids they can use on a regular basis. Items like a tote bag, comfy bridesmaid socks, reusable water bottle, a cute lunch bag, or travel set are items she’ll reach for on the regular – and think of you when she does! Here are some useful and meaningful present examples to consider.
GIFT IDEAS WITH PRACTICALITY
• Give her this awesome reading proposal box with gifties inside, $20+.
• These comfy bridesmaid socks, $10.
• This cowgirl themed bridesmaid proposal box, $28+.
• These heart keychains are a popular choice, $15+.
• A custom proposal box to put mini champagne inside, $49.
• Give her a plant bridesmaid box with custom message, $19.99.
• Wear an oversized t-shirt for a comfy getting-ready outfit, $27.
• Or this fun social club bachelorette tee shirt, $17.
• Custom Converse shoes for your bridesmaids, price varies.
• This leather toiletry bag is great for travel, $14.
• Everyone loves these funny candles for a bridesmaid proposal, $14+.
• These camp mugs are a fan-favorite gift, $19+.
• These pb & jelly keychains, $13+.
Experiences
Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t physical items at all: they’re experiences! Consider pampering her with a spa day, a cooking class, concert tickets, tickets to an art gallery, or movie passes. Even a gift card to her favorite store will allow her the fun of picking out exactly what she wants or could use.
Fun and Quirky Gifts
Think outside the box with fun and quirky gifts, like novelty socks, a fun craft kit, unique phone cases, unique home decor, or something else that will add uniqueness and a dash of personality to your bridesmaid’s gift. The bottom line: don’t be afraid to have fun with gift-giving! Those are often times the most memorable presents. :)
• This tiny duck bridesmaid proposal is a winner, $9.
• A simple and funny no ugly bridesmaid dress card makes an easy proposal, $4.
• Smells like bridesmaid anxiety candle, $11.98.
• This giant bread pillow is weird yet amazing, $22.
• Give her this friendship suncatcher, $49.
• These cat coasters are a funny home decor item she’ll reach for, $14.
• Add this frog mug to her cottage core collection, $18.
• Make her smile with this affirmation jar, $17.
• Or this custom plushie, $39+.
And with any gift you choose, include a card to go along with it. I love this one by Caitlin Considine for Minted. It’s perfect: “it’s not a party without you by my side”.
Now that you know what kind of gifts are available, it’s time to shop for yours! I hope these non-girly gifts for your bridesmaids help to select the perfect presents. Remember to consider their style and personalities when picking out the gift and have fun with it!
Start shopping now: choose an item above or click here for more suggestions.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
ON TO YOU: What are YOU giving as bridesmaid gifts? Tell me all about it in the comment box below. ↓