How to Buy a Bridesmaid's Gift

Purchasing a gift for your maid-of-honor and bridesmaids may be a simple thing. Or, it may be as confusing as anything else you do to prepare for your wedding. If you aren’t sure what to buy, use the ideas below to help sort it out.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Find out if the recipient has allergies to any foods, scents, or metals. The worst gift for someone with eczema, for example, is scented body lotions and creams that will irritate their skin.
2. Consider the recipient's lifestyle, likes, dislikes and fashion sense. Think about jewelry. By far, this is the most popular bridal party gift. If you do opt for earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet, be sure that it suits their personal style.
3. Go for a personalized item. Jewelry, T-shirt, bags, books—just about anything can be personalized. If you’re looking to make your bridal party gifts special, have their name, the wedding date or an inscription put onto the gift for posterity.
4. Mix things up by going for something different. Offer a spa day as a gift, or a basket of very nice perfumes and creams. If your recipient is more into literature than lotion, consider giving her a first edition of her favorite book.

Tips & Warnings

• Just like anything else on your wedding list, finding a gift should be an enjoyable experience. Make it fun and you’ll relax enough to find a great gift in unexpected places.