If you’re planning a wedding on a dime, expensive bridesmaid gifts might be outside your budget. But before you decide not to give the traditional bridesmaid gifts, consider budget-friendly options. Here are some bridesmaid gifts under $50, perfect for brides on a budget.
Remember, it’s not about giving the most expensive gift you can. Chances are, the girls in your wedding party are happy just to be part of your big day. Spare yourself the stress of feeling like you need to go beyond your budget to get a nice enough gift to honor your attendants. The value of the gift isn’t on the price tag, it’s the fact that it comes from you.
Bridesmaid Gift ideas Under $50
Personalized Beaded Compact – Things Remembered, $20
Every woman needs a compact mirror for her purse. Whether they wear makeup or not, this is something your bridesmaids will be happy to carry in their bags. And with a personalized inscription, she’ll think of you every time she uses it. Personalizing is a great way to make every member of your bridal party feel special, even if they’re getting the same gift.
Don’t forget to give your bridesmaids their gifts before your wedding day if you’re giving out personalized compacts. They’ll be able to carry them in their bags on the big day. This will be an especially helpful gift if you’re planning an outdoor or rustic wedding, since there may not be other mirrors handy.
Bridesmaid Gift ideas Under $50
Fragrance, $15-50
This is another can’t-miss gift. If you know your maid of honor’s signature scent, it’s easy to pick her up a bottle. If you’re unsure, you can guess at a scent or give out a classic like Chanel No. 5. Most designer fragrance starts at around $35 per bottle. Many retailers also offer fragrances, such as Victoria’s Secret, Bath and Body Works and The Gap. These scents are typically less expensive than their designer counterparts, without smelling bad or being poor quality.
If your wedding planning takes place during the Christmas season, keep your eyes peeled for the value sets offered by department stores. These will often feature a full-sized bottle of designer perfume plus shower gels and other accompaniments, for less than the price of the perfume alone. You can easily dress the gift up by placing it into a small basket or drawstring bag instead of using the box the gift set came in.
If you’re giving fragrance, consider adding an inexpensive atomizer (like this one) to make it travel-friendly. As a bonus, this will give your bridesmaids a way to freshen up their perfume on your wedding day too. If you’re shopping online, try Amazon and Sephora for a variety of fragrances at competitive prices.
Bridesmaid Gift ideas Under $50
Photo Frames – Things Remembered, $20-40
Whether it’s done by a professional wedding photographer or through candid snapshots taken throughout your wedding day, you’re going to be in pictures with your bridesmaids. Try giving a personalized frame showcasing one of these special moments. At around $20 each, you could get 2 for each member of your party – have your professional group shot in one, and a photo with just you and her in the other. Some examples of frames you might want to give include this cute Crystal Star Frame, or this “Friends” Frame.
Bridesmaid Gift ideas Under $50
Jewelry, $15-50 at Amazon
Jewelry is a classic bridesmaid’s gift. Bridesmaid gift ideas under $50 in the jewelry department might seem a little slim, but there are several nice choices available. One idea is freshwater cultured pearls. Try a pair of pink freshwater cultured pearl earrings for the girly-girls in your wedding party, or a simple pearl earrings and necklace set. Pearls are also considered traditional wedding jewelry, so a gift of pearl jewelry could wind up being a bridesmaid’s future “something old.
Bridesmaid Gift ideas Under $50
Silver Safekeeper Initial Jewelry Box by Lori Greiner – QVC, $17.50
Another appropriate-for-everyone gift is a jewelry box. Make it in the shape of your bridesmaid’s initial or select something that can be personalized and you have a thoughtful personal gift. The jewelry box linked above is lined with a special tarnish-free fabric, designed to keep your sterling silver jewelry tarnish-free for up to 40 years. If your bridesmaids aren’t much for jewelry, this would also be a cute way to store bobby pins or other odds and ends, or just to dress up a vanity or bathroom counter.
This gift also sets you up for your wedding party’s next birthdays. When their birthdays roll around, get your girls each a piece of silver jewelry to keep in the box. Then they’ll have 2 reasons to think of you every time they open the box.
Remember, your bridesmaids should be your nearest and dearest. If you’re on a tight budget, they’re probably pretty aware of it. Since bridesmaids typically foot the bill for their wedding attire, you could offer to pay for something in lieu of a gift. Offer to spring for their mani-pedi, wedding makeup or hairstyle. These would typically run about $50 each, especially if you get to save with a group rate
If none of these gifts seem right to you, consider getting creative. Make scrapbooks or knit them each a scarf in their favorite colors. Think about something each of your bridesmaids really loves, and indulge those passions. This could be anything from a nice bottle of wine to a book of poetry. Some other bridesmaid gift ideas under $50 include gift baskets, spa certificates or concert tickets.
