Bridesmaids can have tough jobs. They counsel the bride. They help with wedding plans. Hand holding and emotional support is another bridesmaid duty. Basically bride-to-be, your bridesmaids are your right hand during this whole wedding process. What better time to express your appreciation than with bridesmaid gifts!

Bridesmaid gifts can be fun, practical, frivolous, useful or all of the above. Remember, your bridesmaids have known you through all the good times as well as the not so good times. When you were crying about breaking up with an old boyfriend, who was there to listen and dry your tears? Who witnessed your humiliation at the hands of a karaoke machine? Who jumped for joy when you announced your engagement? Your choice of bridesmaid gifts can symbolize your history with each other.

Traditionally, bridesmaid gifts were to use for the actual ceremony itself. Little evening purses or jewelry that matched the bridesmaid dresses are often traditional choices in bridesmaid gifts. In this case, you could pick something that would be appropriate for everyone. A necklace and earring set that complements the bridesmaid dresses is a great choice. Bracelets or anklets are another good selection for bridesmaid gifts. A pretty long-flowering scarf in place of a necklace could be an elegant choice as well.

Taking the jewelry concept one step further, consider having the bridesmaid gifts handmade. There is a rising trend in beaded jewelry. You can make the bridesmaid gifts yourself or have someone else do it. Visit a local bead store for ideas and take a swatch of the bridesmaid dress with you. Look at the various beads and see what complements the dress colors.

Select the beads you feel would work the best. You also have to decide on silver or gold clasps. If you think you are handy enough to make the bridesmaid gifts, go for it! Otherwise, you can ask the bead store manager for contacts of people who could craft them for you, at the fraction of the price that you would buy them completely made! Your bridesmaid gifts would be a personal gesture that they would enjoy and wear over and over again.

Some brides chuck the idea of traditional bridesmaid gifts and go for something else. Keepsake photo albums and picture frames are popular, especially if engraved with something personal. Elegant compact mirrors are treasured bridesmaid gifts because they can be carried in their purses and used forever. How about a beautiful quilt or lap throw blanket with a special message embroidered on it? Those particular bridesmaid gifts are definitely unique and special. Plus, your bridesmaids will remember you every time they use those items.

Perhaps the bridesmaid gifts you can give could be a service like a day at the spa. A massage, manicure, pedicure, hair session and make up are a special treat for your friends. And it is another excuse to get together with them before the big day!

There are a multitude of choices in bridesmaid gifts. Just remember, your bridesmaids will be your friends no matter what, through sickness and in health. (That sounds familiar!) With some careful thought and planning, the bridesmaid gifts you decide on will be cherished forever.