Bridesmaids are indispensable for most brides - they help with wedding planning, organise the hen party, and offer support in so many ways in the run up to the big day, and on the day itself. It's no surprise, then, that many brides want to give their bridesmaids a little something as a thank you for all their hard work! Bridesmaid gifts can range from handmade and personal, to pricey and elaborate, but, in most cases, brides are looking for ideas that are thoughtful and affordable that will bring back lovely memories of the day for their best gal pals. Without further ado, we’ve rounded up the best bridesmaid gift ideas, featuring lots of unique, alternative and easy-to-personalise picks!
Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
1. Jewellery
If a luxurious bridesmaid gift idea is what you're after, then jewellery is the obvious choice, but there are affordable options, too. A personal gift that your girls will absolutely love, if chosen well, jewellery can be a gift they'll wear forever. If your bridesmaids all have different tastes, don't be afraid to buy them each a different piece of jewellery, just be sure to stick to a similar budget for each. You'll find gorgeous jewellery bridesmaids gifts at Aoife O'Mahony, MoMuse, Chupi, Voltaire Diamonds, Commins & Co. , Natasha Sherling, Paul Sheeran, McCaul and Bespoke Diamonds.
2. A Pair of Pretty PJs
A fabulous pyjamas set will not only look gorgeous in your getting-ready pictures, they're also a lovely gift from the bride to the bridesmaids, that they can rewear over and over. Find out our favourite spots to shop for wedding pyjamas here.
3. A Custom Illustration or Print
What better way to pay homage to a lifelong friendship with your besties than with a custom art print or illustration? For gorgeous personalised prints, check out Dusty Boy and Etsy, and for custom illustrations, check out The Wedding Illustrator, The High Press and Linda Byrne.
4. A Personalised Trinket Dish
A sweet gift for your bridesmaids (or flower girls!), a pretty trinket dish is a perfect place to stow all kinds of treasures. Look to gift and home stores such as Lisa Angel, Oliver Bonas or Folkster for cute finds.
5. A Vintage Copy of their Favourite Book
A vintage copy or a beautifully bound copy of their favourite book would make a wonderful gift for your bibliophile bestie or bookworm sister. Check out Penguin and Book Depository for new editions or, for more unique and vintage editions, Etsy, eBay or your local bookstore. Adding a message to the bookplate, or popping in a personalised or handwritten bookmark, is a nice touch.
6. Personalised Mug
A sweet personalised or initial mug is a practical gift they'll use for years to come - it means your pal will think of you every time they have their morning cuppa! You can find lots of great options on Etsy, as well as at many of the popular high street homewares brands.
7. A Dried Flower Bouquet
While we adore fresh flowers, they aren't the most practical gift to give your bridesmaids on the morning of the wedding, so dried flowers are the perfect alternative. You can find gorgeous Irish-designed forever bloom bouquets at New Moon Blooms, The Garden and The Crate.
8. Customised Tote Bag or Basket
As practical as it is pretty, a cute personalised bag is handy for storing those last-minute bits and pieces that you'll need at the reception. Also, your girls will appreciate getting a gift that they'll use again and again, post-wedding. For custom totes check out Wedding Star, and for personalised baskets check out Craftdina on Etsy.
9. Silk Eye Mask
This one is perfect to help your bridesmaids get some restful beauty sleep after dancing the night away! You can also go one step further and personalise it with your bridesmaids' names. For custom name eye masks, check out I Know The Queen and HA Designs, for bridesmaid designs check out Katie Loxton and Primark, and for luxe silk versions, look no further than the Slip Silk Eye Mask.
10. Luxury Candle
A luxury candle is a great gift that's easily sourced from local gift stores and department stores. It's also one that you can be sure each bridesmaid will be happy to receive! Step this one up a notch by personally selecting a different scent for each of your besties. Íon Candle Co creates bespoke candles in Ireland, and uses sustainable, eco-friendly materials, while Jo Malone, Cloon Keen Atelier, Stories Parfum and Neom all have great luxury options too.
11. A Handwritten Note
This is probably our favourite gift on the list and it doesn't have to cost you a thing! Of course, if you don't love your own handwriting, you could always type it up and print it, or, hire a calligraphy artist like Arcadia Script to put your cherished words on to paper.
12. Personalised Makeup Bag or Pouch
A personalised pouch or makeup bag makes the loveliest keepsake, as well as a little handy clutch or bag that they can keep close on the special day. You'll find lots of stylish options on Etsy, or from brands such as Katie Loxton, or Azurina.
13. A Personal Gift Card
While it's always nice to have a small physical token to give to each of your bridesmaids, gift cards and vouchers for experiences are also a thoughtful way to show your gratitude. A gift certificate for a massage, their favourite nail salon, or a gift card for their favourite coffee shop will always be appreciated. This is also a great bridesmaids gift idea for destination weddings - packing bulky gifts in your luggage is far from ideal!
14. A Bottle of Champagne or Their Fave Cocktail
We reckon any bridesmaid would be very happy indeed with a bottle of bubbly, or their favourite tipple! As an extra special touch, you can have their bottle personalised with a sweet message at Craft Cocktails or at Moët & Chandon.
15. Cozy Socks
Okay, so it may not seem like the most exciting gift, but after a weekend of dancing, a cosy pair of socks will be very much appreciated! Go fancy with cashmere from Avoca, The White Company or Madigan, cute with an initial design from Sweet Pea & Violet, or a bright and bold with a personalised pair chosen for each gal from Happy Socks.
16. A Pretty Personalised Robe
Along with PJs, a pretty bridesmaid robe is another great choice for a bridesmaid gift idea. Ideal for wedding-day photographs, they make a beautiful keepsake too. You can find gorgeous, budget-friendly versions on the high street, and from Irish stores such as Hana Lee Studios and Not on the High Street.
17. A Custom Gift Box
A great option for brides limited by time, there are many fantastic services now offering bespoke bridesmaids gift boxes filled to the brim with gorgeous little treats all wrapped up beautifully ready for the lucky recipient! You can choose from carefully curated pre-made options or, build your own with items such as champagne snipes or mini gin bottles, trinkets, jewellery, robes and more. Check out Hana Lane Studios and Evenstone for great Irish options.
18. A Makeup Brush Set
As ideas go, a new set of beauty tools is a bridesmaid gift that everyone will appreciate but not necessarily invest in for themselves. Cared for correctly, good makeup brushes can last for years, this special gift will remind your bridesmaids of your special day every time they get ready for a night out. This Spectrum brush set available from Team Hen (€18.95) covers the makeup needs of the face and eyes, and the collection comes housed in cute packaging. We have a whole other post on beauty gifts for bridesmaids here!
19. Instant Camera
If you're looking for a fun and unedited way to capture your hen party and your wedding prep, an Instax Mini 12 camera from FUJIFILM (€89.95) is a cute gift for your gals. The photos they snap will make for sweet instant keepsakes you can both cherish forever. They come in so many cute colours, even have a selfie mode, print quickly and can be used long after the day is over.
20. An Artisan Scarf
A fabulous idea for a winter wedding, a locally-made scarf is something your bridesmaids can snuggle up in and wear forever. We love this hand-woven triangle style from Irish luxury weaver Fiadh or opt for a printed scarf in silk twill from Éadach by artist and designer Sara O’Neill.
For lots more bridesmaid inspiration pop over to our bridesmaid section here and we even have gift ideas for groomsmen, as well as for flowergirls and junior bridesmaids. Be sure to sign up to our newsletter too!
