10 Unexpected gift ideas for your whole bridal party (that they'll actually love)
Show your BFFs your gratitude and that you get them too.
Selecting who will stand next to you on your wedding day is rather significant. Your bridal party, those who have been by your side, literally and figuratively, during important times in your life, – deserve a special token of thanks. Some brides and grooms go the custom route, engraving pendants, bracelets, watches, etc. Others go practical with something to be worn or used on the big day. We've gone with a mix with our ideas for bridal party gift ideas below. You know your people best – use these as inspiration and choose the perfect thing to let them know just how much you appreciate them not only on this day, but every day.
Why give one gift when you can give a dozen? Gift of the month clubs are a creative way to shower someone with what they love best, whether it's beer (one of the most popular), socks, coffee, chocolate, even hot sauce! They can be pricey, so perhaps save this gift for a best man/maid of honour, or you can always go with a shortened subscription of three, six or nine months.
Gourmet Gift of the Month Club, range of prices, amazingclubs.ca
This gift needs no explanation – except maybe why it's branded for men! The cute, compact kit includes a mini-toothbrush and toothpaste, a sleep mask, eyes cream to keep bags at bay and restorative bath oil for a soothing soak. Actually, I bet the happy couple could use this just as much as the bridal party.
Men's Society Overindulgence Survival Kit, $35, chaptersindigo.ca
I gifted my bridal party individual pyjamas because who doesn't love high quality PJs they might never buy for themselves? This cotton nightshirt is super soft, with a menswear-inspired silhouette – honestly, I might just wear this all summer with woven slides and a braided belt!
J. Crew Nightshirt in End-on-End Cotton, $89, jcrew.com
Everyone needs a classic, well-crafted leather belt. This is a men's version from Canadian company Frank and Oak; perfect to wear on the wedding day since dark brown is warm, rich and goes with everything. You could add a personal touch with leather engraving to include the date, a monogram or an inside joke.
Frank and Oak Classic Leather Belt in Dark Brown, $49.50, frankandoak.com
These delicate 14k gold-plated earrings are designed to match the 12 constellations of the zodiac. They're pretty enough to wear on the wedding day, yet understated enough to become everyone's favourite pair. It's a unique way to personalize jewellery, beyond engraving.
Wanderlust + Co Zodiac Earrings, $50.12, wanderlustandco.com
What a cool tool! Small enough to fit in your pocket and practical for everyday life, this credit card-sized tool has 11 uses including a bottle opener, can opener, saw blade, screwdriver and more. It's made from brass-coated stainless steel, so it's meant to last and is strong enough to take on tough jobs.
Gentleman's Hardware 11-in-1 Multi-Tool, $21.70, amazon.ca
Are you even Canadian if you don't own something with a Roots logo? The classic Salt and Pepper line is beloved for its comfort and staying power – seriously, I have a friend who's had one for over a decade! This slightly updated version has a convenient media pocket and earbud holes, but with all the original cozy quality as before. Perfect for lazing about the day after, and extra ideal for weddings with a rustic, cottage vibe.
Roots Salt and Pepper Original Kanga Hoody, $80, roots.com
Vancouver-based Etsy shop Field Trip makes adorable items you can personalize. These plastic and metal iPhone and Android cases come in 14 sizes with a painterly floral pattern and space for a monogrammed letter. Personally, I wouldn't want my whole name on my phone for the world to see (memories of stranger danger training as a kid!), but an initial is just the right amount of thoughtful.
Field Trip Custom Phone Case, $21, etsy.com
Socks have enjoyed a burst of creative design the past few years. It's one way to show personality and inject some oomph into a staid suit. Yo Sox is another Canadian company whose mission is to provide funky, high quality socks at an affordable price. This bundle includes three pairs of men's dress socks – and they have plenty for women, too. Plus, they're antimicrobial to prevent odours, and the reinforced toe and heel means they'll last longer.
Yo Sox You Stay Classy Men's Crew Bundle, $30, yo-sox.ca
Here's a convenient and cute way to transport your fave accessories. This leather case is lined with anti-tarnish material to keep baubles shiny, and the zip-around keeps them secure. A thoughtful gift that will be used for many years to come – plus you could personalize it with leather engraving.