5 Thoughtful Bridesmaid Gift Ideas to Show Your Appreciation

Your bridesmaids have been with you through all the planning, the dress fittings, the laughs, and the late-night chats about wedding details. They’ve kept you calm, cheered you on, and made sure everything runs smoothly. So now, it’s your turn to spoil them a little.

Giving bridesmaid gifts is the perfect way to show your appreciation and say a big thank you for all their love, time, and effort.Whether you’re going for something chic, sentimental, or budget-friendly, there are plenty of creative ways to make each bridesmaid feel special. 

In this guide, you’ll get some of the best bridesmaid gift ideas to pick the perfect presents for your bridal party.

Bridesmaid gift-giving etiquette: What you need to know as a bride 

There aren’t strict rules about bridesmaid gift-giving, but here are some thoughtful guidelines that can make your gesture feel more meaningful. 

When to give your bridesmaid gifts

Most brides choose to give their gifts on the morning of the wedding, during the getting-ready moments. It’s a lovely way to kick off the day with excitement and gratitude. 

However, you could also hand them out at the rehearsal dinner or after your hen do if that feels more personal.

How much to spend on bridesmaid gifts

There’s no set amount, but it’s best to choose something that suits your overall wedding budget. Many brides spend between £30 and £100 per bridesmaid, depending on the gift and how many bridesmaids they have. 

What matters most is the thought behind it – not the price tag.

Add a personal touch

A small personal note can make even a simple gift feel incredibly special. Include a handwritten card or a short message telling each bridesmaid how much their support and friendship means to you. 

Your bridesmaids will remember these heartfelt words long after the wedding.

5 bridesmaids gift ideas that show you care 

The best bridesmaid gifts are thoughtful, personal, and tailored to each personality. Here’s a closer look at five popular bridesmaid thank you gifts, along with variations to suit every style and budget.

1. Personalised jewellery 

Personalised bridesmaid gifts are a great way to show your appreciation. A delicate necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings engraved with each bridesmaid’s initials, birthstone, or the wedding date makes a timeless keepsake.

Consider the following options: 

• Charm bracelets. Add charms that represent each bridesmaid’s personality or your shared memories.

• Stackable rings. Engrave each with a meaningful word or date for a subtle, stylish touch.

• Coordinated sets. Give matching earrings for the wedding day, paired with personalised necklaces they can wear afterwards.

These gifts work for both minimalist tastes and those who prefer statement pieces, and they serve as a lasting reminder of your friendship.

How to make it more affordable: Buy one type of jewellery in bulk and personalise each with engraving for a thoughtful touch. You could also shop on platforms like Etsy where independent sellers sometimes offer personalised jewellery at more budget-friendly prices.

2. Matching robes or pyjamas

Perfect for getting-ready photos and relaxing moments on the wedding morning. Soft satin robes or cosy cotton pyjamas in colours that match your wedding theme are both practical and cute.

You could also personalise the items with embroidered initials, names, or subtle details that reflect each bridesmaid’s personality.

For example, choose a different thread colour for each person, add a small heart or star motif, or stitch their favourite flower or symbol onto the sleeve. Little touches like these make the gift feel thoughtful and one-of-a-kind.

3. Pamper gift sets

Help your bridesmaids unwind before or after the wedding with a little self-care. Think scented candles, bath salts, face masks, or luxury hand creams. Wrap them beautifully and include a handwritten thank you note for a personal touch.

If you’re short on time, you can buy premade pamper sets. There are plenty of lovely options online or in gift shops that come packaged and ready to go.

If you’d like to make it more personal (and more affordable), try creating bridesmaid gift hampers from scratch. Buy a small basket or box and choose items that suit each bridesmaid’s tastes. For example, a lavender-scented candle for a bridesmaid who loves floral scents. 

Bridesmaid hampers could also include small extras like their favourite chocolate, a mini bottle of prosecco, or a custom label with their name. Finish each hamper with tissue paper, ribbon, and a personal note for a thoughtful handmade touch.

4. Keepsake boxes

A keepsake box is a thoughtful way to hold memories and small mementoes, like photos of you together or a note about your friendship. Every time your bridesmaids open it, they’ll remember how special the day was. 

You can find a beautifully crafted bridesmaid gift box online or in homeware shops. Many can be engraved with names or initials, or designed to match your wedding theme – from rustic wooden boxes to elegant velvet-lined ones. 

You could also design bridesmaid gift boxes yourself. Start by choosing a plain box and decorating it to suit each bridesmaid’s taste. For example, you might paint it in their favourite colour, line it with patterned paper, or tie it with a ribbon that matches your wedding palette. 

Then, fill it with small, meaningful items like a printed photo from your hen do or a dried flower from your bouquet.

To make it even more personal, add a little something unique to each bridesmaid – a charm, a quote, or a keepsake that reminds you of a special memory together.

5. Beautiful stationary sets 

Stationery is a simple yet elegant gift that’s both personal and practical. A lovely notebook or journal paired with a stylish pen makes a thoughtful set your bridesmaids can use every day.

Choose stationery that suits each bridesmaid’s personality, from sleek and minimal designs to soft pastels or floral prints. And for an extra thoughtful touch? Slip a handwritten note inside the notebook or envelope. Thank them for being part of your big day and share a favourite memory or inside joke. 

It’s a small, meaningful gift for bridesmaids that blends practicality with sentiment, showing them how much they mean to you.

FAQs about bridesmaids gifts

Should all bridesmaid gifts be the same?

Not necessarily! Some brides prefer to give matching gifts, like personalised robes or jewellery, while others choose something unique for each person based on their interests. 

A mix of both works well. For example, giving everyone the same base gift but personalising the colour, design, or name. 

What are some affordable bridesmaid gift ideas?

Thoughtful bridesmaid gifts don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Consider personalised stationery, cute mugs, scented candles, small pamper sets, or handmade trinkets to show your appreciation without breaking the bank. Even a handwritten note paired with a simple item can feel meaningful.

Shopping on platforms like Etsy or creating your own DIY hampers can also keep costs low while giving each bridesmaid a unique gift they’ll cherish.

Are there other gift ideas for bridesmaids?

Yes! This isn’t a definitive list. There are plenty of other interesting bridesmaid gifts that you could use. 

Here are some different bridesmaid gift ideas:

• Custom phone cases or other tech accessories

• Personalised tote bags 

• Mini photo frames with a shared memory

• Fun wine or cocktail glasses with engraved initials

• Travel accessories like luggage tags or passport holders

What about gift ideas for brides from bridesmaids? 

Bridesmaids often like to show their appreciation with thoughtful gifts. These gifts can be given at the hen do, rehearsal dinner, or on the wedding morning to make the moment extra special. 

Popular bridesmaid to bride gift ideas include personalised jewellery, memory books, or custom keepsakes. Heartfelt letters, scrapbooks, or small tokens that reflect your friendship are also common gift ideas for the bride from bridesmaids. 

You could also choose wedding gifts the bride can enjoy in married life, such as elegant home décor, a personalised recipe book, or a meaningful piece of artwork. 

What are some cute bridesmaid gift ideas?

There are plenty of cute bridesmaid thank you gifts, such as:

• Mini potted plants or succulents with personalised tags

• Fun patterned socks or slippers

• Decorative keychains with initials or fun shapes

• Personalised mugs or reusable tumblers with playful messages

What are small gift ideas for bridesmaids?

For small gifts, consider things like scented candles, travel-sized pamper items, or a handwritten note paired with a cute pen. These little gestures show appreciation without being extravagant.

Are there any DIY bridesmaid gift ideas?

There certainly are! DIY gifts allow you to tailor each present to the recipient, making it unique and memorable. Common DIY ideas for bridesmaid gifts include bridesmaid gift bags, homemade bath salts or candles, personalised notebooks, or crafting small keepsakes. 

Can I use gifts to ask people to be my bridesmaid?

Yes! Be my bridesmaid gift ideas (also known as bridesmaid proposal gifts) are quite common. Popular asking bridesmaids gifts ideas include: 

• A personalised candle with a “Will you be my bridesmaid?” label

• A mini champagne or prosecco bottle with a custom tag

• Cute enamel pins or brooches spelling out the question

• A small gift box with chocolate, a nail polish, and a note

Gifts for bridesmaids sorted, now find the perfect wedding venue

Your bridesmaids are more than part of your wedding party. They’re your closest friends, your support system, and the people who’ve been by your side through thick and thin. Use these bridesmaid gift suggestions as a starting point to thank them for their time, love, and support. 

Alongside showing appreciation for your bridal party, selecting the right wedding venue is one of the most important decisions for your big day. 

For a simply stunning, fully inclusive wedding venue in Lancashire, take a look at The Lawrence. Our hotel wedding venue offers everything you need in one place: in-house catering, on-site accommodation, and fully licensed spaces for your ceremony.

Your dream wedding is closer than you think! Contact our team today to start planning your perfect day.