Let’s be real: your bridesmaids have been there through everything. The group chats. The emotional breakdowns. The dress fittings that turned into wine tastings. They’ve held your hair, held your hand, and probably held their tongue more than once. So, when it comes time to thank them, you can do better than a generic trinket or “bridesmaid” accessory they’ll never wear again.
Your girls deserve gifts that are useful, thoughtful, and a little bit fabulous. Here's your guide to bridesmaid gifts they’ll actually use — and love.
Self-Care Surprises
Wedding stress doesn’t just affect you. When you’re thinking logistics and budgets, your crew needs to recharge too. Think of this category as “Thanks for being my emotional support human, here’s something to help you not combust.”
- Bath salts or bath bombs – Bonus points for a scent that matches your wedding flowers or destination. Lavender if you're chill, eucalyptus if you're stressed, glittery disco bomb if you're extra.
- Face masks – Sheet, clay, gel, or gold leaf. Fancy is fun.
- Shower steamers – Like a bath bomb, but for adults with jobs and no tubs.
- Sleep spray or silk eye masks – Because beauty sleep > blenders or late night benders.
- Silk scrunchies or hair clips – Small but mighty. Ideal for a morning-of wedding touch-up kit or bachelorette recovery kit.
Pro Tip: Bundle these in a cute pouch or box and slap a sassy label on it: “For post-bachelorette recovery.” They’ll get the message (and thank you later).
Adventure Gear
For the destination darlings or the girls who double as your travel agents, give them something they can pack, tag, and brag about.
- Personalized passport covers – Monogrammed if they’re classy or with stamps and memories from your favorite trips if you’re creative.
- Luggage tags – Bonus if they match the wedding color palette or include a little inside joke.
- Travel cosmetics or toiletry cases – Filled with mini essentials in a customized case.
Daily Indulgences
Think everyday upgrades they wouldn’t necessarily splurge on themselves but will use religiously and think of you every time.
- A Stanley cup or custom tumbler – A fancy water bottle is always practical and fashionable. Bonus if you match the color to your wedding theme or bridesmaid dresses.
- Scented candles – Think luxe over basic. Go for wood wicks or hand-poured soy in chic containers. Want to go all out? Print custom labels with inside jokes.
- Jewelry – Something wearable beyond the wedding day. Think stackable rings, a subtle friendship bracelet, hoops, or a dainty necklace that matches their bridesmaid dress but doesn’t scream bridesmaid.
- A Polaroid or disposable camera – Let them document the madness from their POV. You’ll treasure the blurry snaps later.
Experiential Gifts
Let’s be honest — the best memories don’t come in a box. They’re in the chaos of shared experiences. So, consider gifts that come with an invite:
- Spa day or massage: Group booking, please. Let them relax while you pretend to not be stressed about your seating chart. Bonus if there are hot springs near you.
- Concert or comedy show tickets: Something fun pre or post wedding that keeps the celebration vibe alive or takes your mind off planning.
- Wine tasting or mixology class: It's giving sophisticated, but still slightly unhinged. Perfect balance.
How Much Should You Spend on Bridesmaids Gifts?
Spoiler: there’s no magic number. But here’s the real wedding math: Think about how much you're asking of them. Are they flying halfway across the globe for a weeklong affair? Buying a $300 bridesmaid dress they'll never wear again? Attending six different events? Then yeah, maybe budget more than $15 and a bag of gummy bears. A chill backyard bash is a lot different of a scope than a full-blown destination wedding.
On average, most brides spend between $75–$150 per bridesmaid, depending on how many they have and what else you’re covering. If you’re already paying for their hair, makeup, nails, or dress, the pressure is less. But if they’re footing most of the bill, use your gift as a way to even out the effort. And remember, it’s just about showing appreciation in a way that feels sincere. Not performative. Not Pinterest-y. Just... you. You should also consider what relationship you have with each person. Not everyone needs to get the same gift. A MOH that’s your sister or bestie who was your first call when you got engaged? Probably a little more significant and sentimental than the friend you haven’t seen in 10 years or your groom’s cousin.
When to Give Your Bridesmaids Gifts
There are three prime gifting moments: the bridesmaids’ boxes when you make the initial ask, the bachelorette party, and the wedding day. If your gift includes anything they’re expected to wear or use (like jewelry, robes, or matching clutches), give it ahead of time so there’s no confusion. It’s a gentle way of saying “wear this” without sounding like a bridezilla. If the gift is more sentimental — something to spark memories or set the mood — the initial ask or the morning of is prime bonding time while you’re all getting ready. Or, split the difference and give a few small surprises at each. Either way, make it personal and intentional — not an afterthought tossed between bouquet duty and bustle fixes.
Don’t Forget the Packaging
Look, the gift is important, but the presentation? That’s the first impression. You want them to open it and say, “Omg” before they even see what’s inside.
Ideas for cute bridesmaid gifts or proposal boxes:
- A tote they can reuse
- Beautiful gift boxes with a handwritten note
- Monogrammed pouches with their names or initials
- Matching travel bags (for destination weddings = chef’s kiss)
Slap on a little tag like “Can’t say ‘I do’ without you” or “My forever hype girl” and suddenly, it’s a moment.
Bridesmaids Gifts They’ll Remember
Bridesmaid gifts aren’t just about checking a box — they’re about recognizing the people who are holding you up, holding you together, and holding back tears (yours and theirs) on your big day. So give them something they’ll actually want, use, and rave about.
Because bridesmaids don’t have to do all they do. They choose to. And that kind of love? Deserves more than a bride tribe sash.