A bridal shower is usually a great occasion for all the members of the bridal party and sometimes those who are not to pamper the bride and “send her off” in style. The maid of honor or one of the bride’s closest friends is traditionally the host of this gathering, and may want to get all the guests together to get one great big gift for the bride or each guest may want to get an individual gift for her. This may also be the occasion when the bride gives all her attending guests a gift. You may also find some circumstances when the mother of the bride and/or the future mother in law get or give a gift as well.

With such a wide range of gift givers and options for those who would get a gift at this bridal shower, it begs the question: what are the appropriate gifts available?

That would depend on the recipient and the gift giver. So let’s tackle each gift giver and some of the appropriate gifts they may select.

The party host, who may well be giving an individual gift to the bride, may want to get her something personal. You could put together a really great gift bag consisting of some of the bride’s favorite things, and something that reminds her of your friendship. If for example your bride likes to take luxurious baths and pamper herself, you can put together some bath salts, candles and a manicure set. You could also add some glass coasters that have pictures of some memorable times with you or all the guests if this is a group gift. Perhaps a set of hankies for the wedding day should a few tears be shed. There are also monogrammed cosmetic travel bags, plant able gifts for the gardening enthusiast, and even chocolates for the sweet tooth.

The guests at a bridal party can also be give gifts to show the brides appreciation for their participation in her wedding and shower. The options can be as simple as a pearlized white tealite candles, or tea infuser favors or even bath salts. The bride could also give her bridal party matching gifts like “pink polka dot purse” manicure sets or leather stiletto key chain or compact velvet mirror with photo frame, and include a picture of the bride or a picture of the bride with each bridesmaid. These are great gifts that would be well received and provide a wonderful memory for the recipients.

Mothers and mothers in law may give a different gift altogether. The mother of the bride would of course have a very personal relationship with the bride and this would mean some of the gifts she would give are a little different. She might get her daughter a bridal shower chest and fill it with personal gifts and memorabilia that maybe she got form her mother and now gets to give to her daughter. Maybe also a monogrammed jewelry pouches with the pearls that she will inherit from her grandmother. Mother in law may also give a jewelry pouch with some earrings or other jewelry gift that she may want to pass on to her future daughter in law.