You've already picked your wedding date and the close friends you want to be by your side on your special day, but there's still one thing you need to do: sort through bridesmaid gift ideas! While you don't have to go all-out with a bridesmaid "proposal" gift basket (though those are super cute), I'm a firm believer in showing people how much you appreciate them (and their time) by sometimes surprising them with a gift or two. Don't know where to start? I've got you're back. Here are 12 sweet bridesmaid gift ideas, from adorable accessories to beloved beauty products, that'll be remembered for a lifetime!
One really lovely bridesmaid gift you can gift someone is this compact instant camera! It has a built-in selfie mirror, comes with flash control for the perfect exposure, and will totally remind you of all your fave Instagram pics circa 2014. Plus, your friend will get super cute pics in less than 10 seconds!
If your maid of honor can't stop talking about Bridgerton, surprise her with a sleep set that she can comfortably lounge in while binge watching every season. The drawstring shorts have an elastic waist so she'll be able to adjust them as she pleases.
Who doesn't love fluffy slippers? They'll definitely be appreciated the morning of your wedding as you and your bridesmaids are getting ready, but I'd like to think their wear goes way beyond one day. And when they're personalized, your bridesmaids will know you took great care to get this thoughtful gift for them.
If you want, you can even get yourself a pair so everyone can take cute and coordinated 'getting ready' pics!
Everyone could use a little self-care, especially the bridesmaid who seems to have her hands full with everything from Pilates to being a full-time entrepreneur. She'll find 12-weeks of pages geared towards tracking her goals, habits, and anything she's extremely grateful for.
The bride isn't the only one who should get something shiny and sparkly! Surprise your matron of honor — or any of your bridal party — with these gorgeous earrings the morning of your wedding to let her know how much you appreciate her.
They're hypoallergenic and nickel-free, so she doesn't have to worry about having an allergic reaction while wearing them.
Have a bridesmaid who can't get enough of customizing virtually everything she owns? Show her that you've noticed by surprising her with this 'Tie the Knot' bracelet! It's made of waterproof stainless steel, comes with a personalized charm, and has a high rating of 4.7 stars on Mint & Lily!
I'm sure we all have that one friend who complains about misplacing her favorite dainty necklaces and earrings. Take the weight off her shoulders by gifting her this plush velvet jewelry box!
Did one of your bridesmaids enjoy your bachelorette party a little too much and has dark circles the morning of your wedding? Tell her not to panic because you've got a tiny gift for her in the form of Topicals Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks! They're hydrating and plumping so all signs of the night before will disappear after tosses these on!
Bridesmaid gift ideas roundup wouldn't be complete without a little booze — especially when it's a pretty bottle of rosé that's budget-friendly! It tastes like crisp rose with notes of ripe strawberry, citrus, and stone fruit so she'll be sipping on something that feels delicious as well as refreshing.
You can never go wrong with a pretty box of gluten-free macarons! Some of the flavors your bridesmaid can enjoy munching on are:
It's not cliché to carry around a stainless steel tumbler anymore, especially if you have a bridesmaid who's known for slipping into her walking shoes and keeping up with her water intake on a daily basis. This one's a little less pricey than a Stanley, which really helps if you're buying one for every bridesmaid.
If you're having a destination wedding and don't have a huge bridal party, surprise them with their very own BÉIS Atlas Pink carry-on roller suitcases! This expandable suitcase has a welcomed TSA lock, 360 degree wheels, and has the best interior organization I've ever seen.
I'm sure this will be one of the top bridesmaid gift ideas your wedding party will thank you for!
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Lead image via Etsy
I truly feel like I’ve been living under a rock when it comes to what’s good at Whole Foods. Turns out, they’ve been hiding some really impressive deals on groceries in the shadows, but I’m here to shed some light on ‘em. Whole Foods offers savings every week, and I’m fully convinced that my local Whole Foods will be seeing a whole lot more of me from now on.
Kaboompics / PEXELS
Tuesdays and Fridays are the main days of the week that Whole Foods offers savings on their groceries. The first amazing deal for Tuesdays is BOGO 50% off packaged soups – perfect for this time of year!
They’ve got every kind of flavor from minestrone and chicken noodle to Italian wedding and broccoli cheddar. Their packaged soups average out at about $9 per 24-ounce tub, so saving 50% on one when you buy one is pretty good, especially for meal prep purposes.
Lukas / PEXELS
You can take $2 off two kinds of Whole Foods’ rotisserie chickens every Tuesday. Their classic rotisserie chicken goes for $9 while the organic version sells for $13. I love using rotisserie chicken for soups, sandwiches, wraps, and pastas, so getting a whole chicken to use for recipes all week long for just $7 is so nice!
Nadin Sh / PEXELS
Sometimes you just do not feel like cooking on a Friday evening after work – that’s where this Whole Foods savings hack comes in! Every Friday, you can get a large cheese pizza for $8. While there’s nothing wrong with a plain cheese pizza (nostalgia galore!), I’d take advantage of this deal then bulk up my slices with various toppings like peppers, pepperoni, and olives.
Nadin Sh / PEXELS
Ooh, fancy! Every Friday, Whole Foods’ wild caught oysters go for $1 a pop. Buy a dozen for just $12, and you’re golden. This deal would be perfect for a bougie at-home date night.
Pixabay / PEXELS
This is another great date night pick! Buy one packaged sushi roll, and get another 50% off on Fridays only. From rainbow rolls to California rolls, this Whole Foods savings hack has my cravings going crazy.
Minchephoto Photography / PEXELS
Got a hankering for a sweet treat? Don’t fret – you can shop a whole family-sized serving of tiramisu at Whole Foods for just $10 every Friday.
Kseniia Lopyreva / PEXELS
The death of the work week and start of the weekend is obviously a cause for celebration, and Whole Foods has you covered with $12 bottles of Presto prosecco every Friday. Cheers!
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As cute and clever as store-bought greeting cards are, there's something incredibly thoughtful that can be felt in a homemade birthday card from a friend or loved one. Not only does the act of creating DIY birthday cardsgive you the chance to slow down from the business of life and reflect on what you cherish most about the people you're celebrating, but the one-of-a-kind touch will be super memorable for your recipients as well.
Even if you're not the craftiest person, don't fret, because we've put together a straightforward guide on how to craft your own DIY birthday card for your besties and S.O.'s. Step into the world of DIY magic as we embark on a quest to create birthday cards that will leave your recipients in awe. From unexpected pop-up surprises to mind-bending interactive features, discover fresh ways to make birthday cards burst with fun and excitement. Prepare to unleash your inner artist as we dive into all the tips to help you craft unique and captivating birthday cards. And keep reading for some thoughtful text ideas to ensure that your birthday wishes are just as fun as the card design they're on.
Image via Karolina Grabowska/Pexels
Before embarking on your DIY birthday card adventure, gathering all the necessary supplies is essential. A well-prepared crafter is a confident crafter! So, let's make sure you have everything you need to bring your imaginative card ideas to life.
Image via George Dolgikh/Pexels
The card design will function as the first impression that sets the tone for the entire experience. A well-designed card can evoke emotions ranging from joy and excitement to nostalgia and warmth, leaving friends and family in awe of the thoughtful gesture.
Handmade Watercolor Design:
Express your artistic side by creating a handmade watercolor masterpiece for a genuinely one-of-a-kind birthday card. Start with a blank cardstock or watercolor paper as the base, and let your creativity flow. Use watercolors to paint a vibrant and personalized design, such as flowers, balloons, or a recipient's favorite hobby or color palette. Add a heartfelt birthday message inside to complete the card.
Pop-Up Surprise:
Add an element of surprise and delight to your card with a pop-up feature. Cut out a simple pop-up mechanism using cardstock or colored paper and attach it to the inside of the card. Then, unleash your creativity by designing and cutting out fun shapes, such as cakes, candles, or balloons, and attach them to the pop-up mechanism. When the card is opened, the surprise element will make the birthday celebration of your loved one even more memorable.
Quilled Creations:
Quilling is a paper art technique that involves rolling and shaping thin paper strips to create intricate designs. Use quilling techniques to create beautiful and delicate patterns, flowers, or even personalized messages on your birthday cards. Experiment with different colors and shapes to bring your design to life and make it truly unique. The recipient will appreciate the time and effort put into crafting such an elegant and artistic card.
Hand-Stitched Greeting:
Consider incorporating those skills into your DIY card if you enjoy sewing or embroidery. Use a needle and thread to create hand-stitched designs or patterns on fabric or cardstock. You can stitch the recipient's name, a birthday message, or even cute motifs like balloons or cupcakes. The texture and charm of a hand-stitched card will make it a cherished keepsake.
Interactive Slider Card:
Create an interactive slider card to take your birthday card to the next level. Use cardstock to make a slider mechanism that reveals a hidden message or image as it is pulled. Write a heartfelt message or attach a memorable photo that slides out when the recipient pulls the tab. This interactive element adds a playful touch to your card and makes it truly engaging.
Image via June/Pexels
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As a bonus, consider creating a DIY envelope to complete the package. Choose decorative paper or repurpose materials like magazine pages or fabric scraps to craft a unique envelope that adds creativity and thoughtfulness to your handmade card. Personalize it by adding hand-drawn designs, stamps, or calligraphy for an extra special touch.
So, there you have it! DIY birthday cards offer endless possibilities for fun, creativity, and the chance to unleash your imagination. With just a few simple steps, you can create customized and sincere cards that will bring joy to your loved ones on their special day. Remember, the beauty of DIY is that there are no limits or rules. Let your creativity run wild, experiment with different techniques, colors, and textures, and, most importantly, have fun. Happy crafting!
For more crafty ideas, check out all of our DIY ideas on Brit + Co.
Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.
If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.
The Noshery
These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)
Broma Bakery
French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)
Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)
Fancy Peasant
These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)
Very Eatalian
The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)
Cooking Classy
These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)
Olivia’s Cuisine
If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)
Cilantro Parsley
These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)
Chef Lindsey Farr
The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)
Life, Love and Sugar
In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)
Saveur
You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)
A Healthy Life for Me
These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)
Fancy Peasant
These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)
Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.
