If you enjoy shopping, selecting the right gifts for attendants can be a pleasure rather than a chore. More than just a gesture of thanks, these items can be mementos of your shared times together, especially your big day. On the other hand, if you’re having trouble coming up with appropriate gift ideas, shopping can be a frustrating experience.
Engraved items continue to be popular choices. Such personalization shows you’ve given extra consideration and thought to your gift choice. In the years to come, engraved items take on the role of keepsake, perhaps more so than other gifts. Possible engraved items for either groomsmen or bridesmaids might include:
Gold or silver business card holders
Leather-bound date books
Quality ink pens
CD cases
Letter openers
Small desk clocks
Calculators
Let’s face it, women are easier to buy for than men. Haven’t you faced the same dilemma every Christmas for as long as you can remember – what to get for those men in your life? Thank goodness my big brother took up golf, now I have a much easier time! But don’t panic yet, we have suggestions:
Sports theme – ballgame tickets, (in the really good seats) sports equipment, professional lessons, a set of playing cards or poker chips with cards in a wood case
Food, fun and alcohol theme – beer of the month, fruit of the month or coffee of the month, gift certificates to their favorite restaurant, mail-order steaks or seafood, shot glasses, monogrammed beer steins, grilling utensils, movie tickets, computer games
Handyman theme – high end Swiss army knife, mini tool kit, emergency tool kit for the car, books on home repair or car repair, screwdriver set
Men’s traditional theme – money clip, cuff links, shaving kit, wrist watch or pocket watch, leather wallet, road atlas, flask
NOTE: For your female friends, cast tradition aside and be creative. You need not buy the same thing for each female attendant. In fact it shows more initiative if each gift is unique and matched to the person. As a starting point, keep in mind their passions and hobbies.
Relaxation & pampering theme – spa treatments, a salon visit on the wedding day, silk pajamas, gift basket of bath salts, aromatherapy candles, a sampler of herb teas with matching mugs, a deluxe vanity set, gourmet chocolates, monogrammed bathrobe, plush slippers
Home & Garden theme – a matched set of gardening tools, imported flower bulbs, cookbooks, monogrammed hand towels, a set of matching picture frames, table linens, deluxe picnic basket, fondue set, ceramic mixing bowls, cutlery set, food processor, crock pot, bread machine
Make-it-yourself theme – (“Crafty” types can make these items from supplies found at any hobby store) soaps, bath salts, fruit jam, scrapbook, hand-knitted scarf or sweater
Women’s traditional theme – make up, jewelry, purses, keepsake boxes, lace hankies, silver compact, personalized stationery or note cards
Wondering how much to spend? A recent survey found most couples spend on average about $38.00 per attendant.
If you expect to mail order merchandise or buy items that will be personalized you’ll need to make arrangements approximately 10-12 weeks before your wedding date to ensure that everything arrives in plenty of time.
Whether you plan to present the gifts at the rehearsal dinner, or some other occasion, make sure you take a few minutes to personally thank those nearest and dearest to you.
Finally, if you have them in your wedding party, it’s appropriate to give small tokens of appreciation to the flower girl and ring bearer.
