From personalised keepsakes to beauty gifts that will make getting wedding-ready on the day all the more fun, here’s our ultimate edit of presents your special crew will love
When it comes to weddings, the bride and groom are, of course, the main players. But what is a wedding without a dream team of bridesmaids behind you? They’re your best friends; the ones who keep you calm, helped you find the dress and partied like it was 1999 at your hen do. So, they really do deserve that perfect bridesmaid gift; something that shows your gratitude and says ‘thank you, I love you’.
Whatever your budget and whoever you’re shopping for, we’ve got you covered, with inspiration for buying the perfect gift. Scroll on for our top tips and present picks.
When should you give your bridesmaid gift?
The choice is yours. Getting ready with your crew is a big part of the day, so the morning of your wedding ceremony could be the ideal moment for giving your bridesmaids their gifts. Before the mascara goes on – in case of tears – pull out the presents and let them know how much they mean to you.
Want to make the feel good vibes of your wedding day last that little bit longer? Save giving your gifts to the bridal party until you’re back from your honeymoon. The perfect excuse for a reunion, we say.
What makes the perfect bridesmaid gift?
When it comes to choosing gifts your bridesmaids will cherish long after the wedding’s finished, you could go small and thoughtful or big and glitzy – as long as it’s special to them, they’re sure to love it.
You could go all out and get a beautiful fragrance or an eye-catching hair accessory that they can wear on the big day. Or you could make it personal, with a photo-adorned tote bag or a carefully chosen make-up product.
What if you wanted to give something to your bridesmaids after your wedding? A framed picture of an off-the-cuff moment could be the perfect keepsake or, for an extra special gift, an experience day could be a great way to treat them to a bit of pampering (spa day anyone?)
How much should you spend on a bridesmaid gift?
You don’t have to spend a fortune to find something truly worthy of your friendship. Set yourself a budget depending on how many bridesmaids you have; think about whether you want to get them all the same thing or something different and consider whether you might spend more on your maid of honour, if you have one.
It’s also worth taking into consideration how much your bridesmaids will be spending on the wedding themselves; on things such as the hen party, hotel room, dress, wedding present and travel expenses
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Camera
• Available in five colours
• Built-in selfie lens and selfie mirror
• Film developing time: around 90 seconds
• Credit card-sized prints
For a dose of nostalgia, buy your bridesmaids these nifty little Fujifilm Instax Mini cameras. With six colours to choose from, you could coordinate them to the shade of your bridesmaid dresses. Not only is this a fun, stylish gift, but it’s practical – giving you all the chance to document those unforgettable moments you make together on your wedding day.
Boots Pearl Wedding Jaw Clip
• One size
We all have good hair days and bad hair days, but whatever their tresses are up to on your big day, claw clips add glamour to any updo. A quick twist, held up by an embellished accessory, is an easy way to instantly transform from drab to fab – which is why this classic pearl clip has made our list of best bridesmaid gifts.
Activity Superstore Indulgent Spa Day for Two Gift Experience
• A spa experience for two
• Hundreds of venues in the UK
• Valid for 12 months from date of purchase
For a real showstopper of a gift, treat yourself and the ‘maids to a spa day. Nothing beats unwinding and kicking back with your favourite people, especially after all the wedding planning – and it gives you something to look forward to after the excitement of your special day. With hundreds of locations across the UK to choose from, finding a venue that’s convenient for all of you should be easy.
Personalised Tote Bag
• Stylish tote bag, designed by you
• Double-sided, full surface printing
• Sturdy material
For a personalised present that’s both unique and practical, look no further than creating a bespoke tote bag for each of your bridesmaids. Fully customisable, choose just one snap or create a collage of some of your favourite moments. A great way for them to carry their treasured memories, wherever life takes them.
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Skincare Collection
• Five-piece gift set
• Presented in a beautiful floral box
To give your wedding party a dose of well-earned pampering, why not give them a skincare routine? This five-piece set of heroes from No7’s radiance-boosting Protect and Perfect line includes a 25ml day cream, 25ml night cream, a 30ml serum, 15ml eye cream and 10ml Retinol Night Concentrate. Housed in a gorgeous floral box, it’s certain to go down a treat.
Kylie Skin Lip Oil
• Size: 6ml
• Contains vitamin E and coconut oil
• Vegan-friendly
Finding a make-up product that suits everyone is a tricky task, but not impossible. Case in point: this glorious gloss from Kylie Cosmetics. Infused with coconut oil to condition and smooth lips as well as provide shine, this great gift provides a slick of glam in an instant. Each time your bridesmaids take it out of their make-up bags, they’ll think of you.
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum
• Size: 50ml
• Fragrance family: floral
The best perfumes are those that have the power to evoke memories of people, places and events. Give Lancôme’s popular La Vie Est Belle perfume to your bridesmaids, to wear on your wedding day, and it will conjure up all the emotions each time they smell it afterwards.
Real Techniques Au Naturale Brush Kit - 9 Piece Set
• Nine-piece set
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
Whether you’re hiring a make-up artist or doing your own make-up on your wedding day, nothing feels more luxurious and special than new make-up brushes. Kit your beauty-loving bridesmaids out with their own gorgeous set to say thank you. This nine-brush set includes powder, shading and full coverage brushes.
Stylpro Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer Gift Set - Mermaid
• Fits all brush sizes
• Vegan-friendly cleanser
The gift that keeps on giving? One that makes someone’s life easier. And this make-up brush washing kit that cleans and dries make-up brushes in as quick as 30 seconds, is a game-changer. Suitable for any size brush, to help remove all types of dirt and foundation build-up – it’s the ultimate time-saver.
Boots Satin Plait Wedding Headband
• Made of satin
For gift ideas for bridesmaids or flower girls, you can’t go wrong with hair accessories and this silky headband is just the thing to add a twist to any hair do. Glamorous and understated, this timeless piece will pull together a sleek, stylish look for the big day and beyond.
Sixtrees Park Lane Rose Gold Photo Frame
• Fits either a 4 x 6ins or 6 x 8ins photo
For a personalised bridesmaids’ gift idea that’ll stand the test of time, print out a picture of your ‘maids and you on your wedding day, and pop it into an elegant frame. Simple but super effective in our experience, this keepsake’s guaranteed to take pride of place on their mantelpiece for years to come.
