Now that summer is almost here, it feels like there is a wedding or baby shower every weekend. Having been both a bride and bridesmaid (multiple times), I now have lots of experience buying and receiving generic gifts. I think it's a sweet tradition to show your appreciation for the people who so lovingly spend their time being in your wedding and throwing you a shower, but there's a lot of pressure when it comes time to actually shop. A limited budget makes things all the more stressful because it's hard to afford six of anything, much less something that people will want.
Luckily, there is an (almost) foolproof options that will not sit in a drawer next to a novelty wine glass.
The Monogrammed Tote
I have both given and received these as gifts, and each time they are a hit with the women who receive them. A durable, stylish tote can be used for years and the monogram trend is back and bigger than ever. You can get great bags for under $25, or splurge on some truly gorgeous options.
What was your favorite bridal party gift? Or, if you dare to admit it on the internet, the worst?
Best is easy...an Elsa Pereti necklace. I love it! Worst....not sure. I must have blocked it from memory!
ReplyDeleteI have given several of the Ballard Designs totes for gifts as well and people always love them! The monogram option makes it seem like you spent lots of time on them when it takes very little time to order them online!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the monogrammed totes- I have one from being a bridesmaid and a bunch more that I've received as presents. While it's not a BAD gift, I have no less than 5 monogrammed towel wraps from being in weddings..sigh.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I haven't been in a wedding (other than my own last year!) since I was a flower girl at my aunt's wedding so I can only speak to what I gave my bridesmaids: a necklace from Macy's that was originally $150.00 marked down to $15.00 each, a pashmina wrap and a clutch for the wedding day :)
ReplyDeletethat is a cute idea! something to remember for my bridesmaids next year. xoxo jillian:: cornflake dreams
ReplyDeleteBest bridesmaid gift I ever received was a pale pink pearl necklace. I think the best part was that she didn't buy everyone the same thing; she really considered our individual tastes. I would have loved a monogrammed tote too!
ReplyDeleteBest - The Write Plate. :) Worst - beach bag (plain, no monogram) and a Bath and Body Works lotion. So impersonal, and the bag was almost too large to be functional. I would have loved a monogrammed tote.
ReplyDeleteI gave transluscent pink swiss army knives, which were monogrammed and fit on keychains. I was just out of college and couldn't afford to spend a lot. I got one for myself and use it all the time still, but I guess it depends on your taste!
I don't think I've gotten a bad gift. Jewelry is always nice. For one baby shower I gave little wristlets from etsy with gift cards in them for some place that each girl liked, a page of scrapbooking stickers and some chocolate bars. For another shower I gave really nice bottles of tequila. ;)
ReplyDeleteI got one of these as a bm gift and I still am in LOVE with it! Such a perfect gift!
ReplyDeleteAll those totes are great and you can fill them with fun little goodies as well. Perfect gift.
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