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Recently a friend of mine sent out a tweet asking for gift ideas for her bridesmaids in which she added “…and don't say jewelry.” Which got me to thinking, what are some unique bridesmaid gifts that aren't jewelry!? Even a check of the ‘ol Offbeat Bride archives brought up mostly jewelry suggestions, so let's fix this. Although many of these ideas are intended for the more feminine-leaning bridesmaids, groomsgirls, and nonbinary bridesmates, you might find ideas for folks of any identity here! That in mind, here's our jewelry-free unique bridesmaid gift guide, from me to you.
Unique bridesmaid gift idea #1: Jewelry cases
Ok, look we know we said NOT JEWELRY, but this isn't jewelry… it's a case for jewelry. Or medications. Or other tiny little thingythings.
Unique bridesmaid gift idea #2: Silk face masks
Truly the unique bridesmaid gift of our times… the silk face mask. Because nothing says “thanks for standing with me during my pandemic wedding” than silk on your face.
Unique bridesmaid idea #3: A pashmina scarf
Bridesmaid gift idea #4: Personalized flasks or wine tumblers:
This was the winning decision generated from my friend's Twitter inquiry. Someone suggested “monogrammed flasks! Boys get them, why shouldn't the girls?!” I like this hot pink one that can be engraved, but I'm also into these wine tumblers. I love the idea of using your cheeky nicknames for your bridesmaids instead of their actual names.
Bridesmaid gift idea #5: Jammies or robes!
Bridesmaid gift #6: Fashion accessories
Fascinators, belts, headbands — your girls can wear them at the wedding as well as in everyday life. The DIY inclined can make them themselves using our tutorial or check out all of our awesome fashion accessory vendors to get some gift inspiration.
Unusual bridesmaid gift #7: Custom pottery:
In our last post about bridesmaid gifts a couple of commenters mentioned personalized dishes. Plus it gives them a place to put all the baubles that you won't be buying for them.
Unique bridesmaid gift # 8: The gift of adventure!
What about something like surf lessons or take the girls zip-lining. This idea would be perfect for a destination wedding — find something to do unique to the area and take your gang on a group trip. Not ones for adventure? Do a spa day or something — mani-pedis, or massages for all! Your friend will have fun and it's great for group bonding.
Bridesmaid gift #9: Unexpected bath bombs
Bridesmaid gift #10: Personalized Snuggies!
No seriously, I know they're silly and all but they're also comfy! And if you get the pink one the purchase benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Also, how funny would it be to get them monogrammed? Ooh! And maybe this is just the photographer in me, but think of the crazy photo opportunities at the wedding! Go on — think about it — I dare you.
Idea #11: Earth-friendly, reusable tote bags:
Perfect to fill with your own personal “wedding survival kits,” or all the gear they're gonna need to get ready for the wedding. And then when the festivities are over they can keep 'em in their car to use when they go antiquing on the weekends or general shopping outings.
Bridemaid Gift Idea #12: A wand
So maybe you're having a fantasy or Harry Potter-themed wedding… a custom wand could be lovely. But then there's also the Hitachi Magic Wand. Those babies should make for one happy, and less-stressed, bridal party!!
Bridesmaid gift idea #13: Buy them their bridesmaid dresses:
Same thing with the shoes… take 'em out shopping as a group if you're going for a the same dress for everyone look, or make it a one on one outing where they get to chose the dress of their choice (in a certain price range of course). And who doesn't love a new dress!?
Of course it goes without saying that every one is different, and no one knows your buddies better than you. So, if they'd be happier getting a Lightsaber USB Thumbdrive than a bath bomb, keep that in mind. But whatever you get them (if you even get them anything) I'm sure you're bridal party will be touched no matter what.
About the Author: Megan Finley Horowitz
When Megan's not writing, traveling, and sleeping, she's eating like the fate of the world depends on it. (You're welcome, world!) You can snoop into her personal life over on her website The Dash and Dine!
