The guys and gals in your bridal party are your “ride or die” friends. They have been beside you through all the ups and downs, supporting you through thick and thin. They celebrated your engagement with the loudest cheers, they will be hosting your bachelorette and stag do’s, and are likely to be assisting with chores on your Wedding To Do List too.
Whilst the focus of your big day is on your partner, you will also want to let these special friends know just how much they mean to you, and how much you appreciate them. Knowing what to buy your nearest and dearest isn’t always easy.
If you are looking for some inspired wedding gift ideas for your bridal party, here are some guiding principles when starting out on your gift shopping:
- The gift you give should be thoughtful and chosen with the recipient in mind. Think about their personal sense of style, what they value, and whether your gift is something they would enjoy / wear / use. Personalised gifts are well received because it shows the extra level of planning and care that went into choosing the item.
- Get them something useful. Rather than choosing something that will just gather dust, consider a functional gift like a make-up bag with their initials on it, that they will use every day!
- Choose something enduring that will add lasting value to the recipient. Obviously, you know your friends better than anyone and if your bestie has been coveting a designer bottle of gin, or they have a nougat addiction, then by all means get them that bottle of gin or artisanal nougat. But my recommendation is to try and find a gift that will be around in years to come to remind them of your special connection. A timeless keepsake is the holy grail of gifting!
- Plan ahead! Give yourself enough time to make sure the items reach you well ahead of schedule, especially if they are being ordered from another province (or overseas) and if they are being customised, this potentially adds to your lead time.
- Packaging is paramount! The smallest and most inexpensive gifts can look luxe and bespoke if you take the time to wrap them beautifully. You don’t even have to use expensive boxes, gifts bags or fancy store-bought cards. Brown paper packaging can look really classy (not to mention eco-friendly) when tied with simple twine and some greenery from your garden.
- And please always include a handwritten card or note.
Here are 11 of my favourite gift ideas available in South Africa
If you look online, you will find heaps of gifting options from all over the world, but if you are searching for the perfect gifts for your bride tribe and want to support local businesses, here are some of my favourite gift ideas available from some amazing South African businesses.
1 Photo keyring
This leather-bound keyring from Print with Loop can be personalised and filled with ten of your favourite images. It’s super cute and sentimental.
The leather strap keyring from Print with Loop can be engraved with a personal message and given on its own, or added to a gift box for that special added touch of customisation.
3 Wooden keyring
Handcrafted from solid Blackwood by the Print with Loop team and sustainably sourced from the KZN Midlands, this little solid wood keyring can be engraved with your own unique message on 1, 2, 3 or all 4 sides. Give it as a stand-alone gift, or add to a gift box of other goodies.
This bespoke, Print with Loop folded wallet is fashioned from full-grain, vegetable tanned leather and is the ultimate everyday carry for a stylish, minimalist man.
Print with Loop has nailed it again with this sweet little photo pocket book. Filled with 10 of your favourite images and lovingly bound in a personalised leather cover, the pocket photo book makes for a treasured keepsake.
6 Fridge art
A carefully curated collection of photo memories is a fun way to thank a bestie for all the memories you have created together over time. Especially if they are a fridge photo fiend! I l love the high quality fridge magnet options available from Skwe.
7 Ladies Mug & Mask Box
Inside this pretty pamper box from the crew at To Be Gift Boxes, you will receive a mug, face mask, ‘Loved’ leather keyring, lip balm and card.
This stylish pamper box from To Be Gift Boxes includes a soap bar, bubble bath and salts, bath bomb, leather ‘Loved’ keyring and uber cute coral-coloured mini cosmetic bag.
With this option from To Be Gift Boxes, you can choose your own selection of goodies and personalise each box for your bride tribe. Select from a really stylish catalogue of pamper products, robes, glassware, cosmetic bags, clothing, alcohol, snacks, coffee plungers, hip flasks, mugs – and more. Then add a cute card and hey presto!
A watch is a really classy idea to give as a gift and it can be engraved with a special message like, ‘A friend is what the heart needs all the time.’ We are a fan of all Hashtag Bamboo’s unique wooden watches in our family. They have a range of watches, rings and more for both men and women.
11 Stylish sunnies for your super cool friends
SA based business, 30 South, make the coolest eyewear for sports fanatics and general weekend wear. If you have friends that like to look cool but who also enjoy supporting local brands, then this is a great option to consider.
If you are happy to exercise some creativity and willing to go to the extra effort, you can, of course, create your own bespoke gift boxes filled with items that have been chosen with the specific recipient in mind.
I would love you to share your favourite local buys so that I can update my list with some fabulous new suppliers to feature.
My parting words on the topic of gifting:
It’s not about how much you spend, it’s about how much of your heart you put into it. Whatever you give, give it with love.
