Wedding Ideas and Inspiration Blog

Posts tagged bridesmaid gifts

An Itsy-Bitsy, Pretty Crafty Etsy Round-Up

Just a few cute little finds from Etsy land… Let’s start with an Etsy newcomer, Talent Show. They have adorable totes that would be perfect as a beach tote for summer (and would also make excellent bridesmaid gifts).

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Lately, I’ve been obsessed with these frame gardens. I don’t understand how they work, but I just love the look of them as an alternative to a garden in a small outdoor space. This one by So Succulent is pretty fantastic.

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I saw this from Little Print Garden and just had to share…And yes, I choose both.

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4th Year Studio is one of my new favorite invitation companies, and their Etsy page is just a tiny taste. I love these bright Braille note cards.

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I want these even though I am fairly certain I would just waste them while pretending to be a librarian. I would also need one of those noisy librarian stamps, too, but I digress… Knot and Bow has so many fun things, but these library cards are definitely on the top of my shopping list.

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Sponsored Post: Wedding Party Gift Suggestions and a Gift Bag Giveaway from Beso Bisou!

Weddings are pretty much gift-giving marathons. Which is awesome, because who doesn’t love a gift? But for people involved in a wedding, there are so very many gifts to remember: bridesmaid gifts, wedding gifts, shower gifts, groomsmen gifts, bride and groom gifts…the list can go on and on. For brides and grooms, knowing what to give their very best friends can be difficult amidst the chaos of wedding planning, so here are a few helpful suggestions:

First, be old-fashioned in a cool way and send your prospective wedding party cards asking them to be in your wedding. Yes, you could just send an email. But emails are for ordinary things and real mail is special. Send both your groomsmen and bridesmaids a witty card.

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Second, when in doubt, be practical. Give your groomsmen something they will actually use, both on the day of and the game day the following week, like a beer cooler. Give your bridesmaids something they will need, like a mini-emergency kit for the bridesmaid that stains just always manage to find.

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Third, don’t forget clever little details for yourself. “I Do” stickers in sparkly blue are both adorable and check one thing off your “something old, something new” checklist. And add a little something special to your rehearsal dinner with unforgettable champagne flutes.

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And to start you off on your gift giving, Beso Bisou is giving away a terrific bag filled with goodies in a bride’s tote bag (“I Do” panties and shoe stickers, bride “minimergency” kit, thank you cards, and champagne flutes), valued at $100. To enter (you must be in the U.S.), leave a comment on the post about the best bridesmaid gift you have received (or hope to!). And for all readers, Beso Bisou is giving 20% off all purchases through 2//7/2012. Just enter the code: DELIGHTFUL at checkout!

Etsy Round-up: Gifts For Your Bridesmaids

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Coming up with original gifts for your bridesmaids can be hard. Often these ladies have been invaluable to you during your wedding planning, and it may seem like some gifts are just too impersonal to express your gratitude. The best gifts are usually ones with sentimental value, so rather than focus on getting everyone the exact same thing, instead take into account their unique tastes and personalities. The following are a few ideas to help spark your creativity, and inspire you to give simple gifts with meaning.

Did you and your bridesmaids all grow up together as children of the 1980s? Buy them different lunchboxes or boardgames from your childhood. For a bridesmaid luncheon, pack them lunches filled with kiddie junk food and juice boxes.

If all of your bridesmaids love jewelry, but have different taste in colors and styles, try having simple bracelets made that might incorporate their love of wood, metal, or favorite charm.

Especially if your bridesmaids appreciate candles, purchasing unique candle holders can be a fun gift. Buy different pieces for each bridesmaid that may recall their college days in New York City , their love of Russian literature, or long-standing affection for polka dots. Fill them with their favorite scented candle.

Pottery is an excellent purchase because of how long it can last (unless, of course, you share my clumsiness). Dig around to find pieces that somehow reflect each person’s style, such as a dimpled bowl for your friend with the fantastic smile or the perfectly square bowl for the perfectionist of the group.

Vintage shops are cool places to go to find unique gifts that you wouldn’t be able to recreate anywhere else. Collect items for your bridesmaids based upon their favorite era: an apron and cocktail shaker for the girl who dreams of being June Cleaver or a collection of disco vinyl for the 1970s enthusiast.

Happy shopping!

Photo: Crafty Clementines

Bridesmaid Gift Ideas: Books They Will Love

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For those of you who haven’t yet purchased your bridesmaid gifts, you may want to consider indivdualized gift baskets. Fill the baskets with each woman’s favorite things, such as candy, bath products, and beverages. Also nice to include is a book tailored to their interests, such as the following:

For the vegetarian: Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating. Mark Bittman outlines issues with the food and agri-business industries in America. Encouraging a more plant-based diet and organic lifestyle, Bittman’s writing is extremely approachable and informative.

For the history buff: Encylopedia of the Exquisite. The author, Jessica Kerwin Jenkins, explores the history of all things whimsy and great, such as champagne, red lipstick, and ambrosia. This book is sure to delight anyone that appreciates the fun and frivolous.

For the guilty-pleasure reader: One Day. British novelist David Nicholls weaves a terrific summer read for any true romantic. The story focuses on the evolution of a relationship between two college students over the subsequent twenty years. Will they end up together? Will it end in tears? A little of both?

For the spiritual friend : Traveling Mercies. Anne Lamott’s heavily autobiographical work focuses on her spiritual journey, as well as the early formation of her social activism. Filled with poignant moments and highly-relatable content, this very honest memoir is her most famous work to date.

For the epicurean: My Life from Scratch. Gesine Bullock-Prado (yes, she is Sandra Bullock’s sister) pairs the story of her departure from Hollywood to start her own bakery with some of her own terrific recipes (warning: don’t read if on a diet, it will only end badly).

For the avid traveler: The Lost Continent. Legendary travel writer Bill Bryson delivers a wildly funny series of anecdotes from his great American road trip. While this book is very sarcastic in tone, it celebrates the best of travel: meeting interesting people, seeing amazing sites, and being able to share the stories with everyone you know.

For an extra personalized touch, make sure to include a note in the front of the book, telling your bridesmaid why you selected this book for her and how happy you are that she can share in your wedding day.