Bridal Party Gift Ideas: Coming Clean

Right now, one of the most popular bridal party gift ideas going is the beauty basket. It’s thoughtful, pretty, affordable, great-smelling and can be personalized in endless ways.

Most bath and beauty shops offer pre-packaged gift sets as well as tons of individual items that brides can mix and match. Look for bath gels, soaps, lotions, powders, potpourri, massage oil, candles, eau de toilette, hand cream and sunscreen, among lots of soothing products. What many brides really like about this pampering present is that they can customize it to their attendant’s tastes. Your maid of honor is a freesia fan? Select a boxful of items scented with their sweet smell. Got a sister who’s a good-skin fanatic? Put together a basket packed with jojoba and vitamin E.

Did we say basket? While a top choice for this gift bundle, there are lots of other imaginative "containers" you can go with. Try a hat box, fruit or vegetable crate, beach bucket, flower pot—you get the idea. Again, it’s all about personalization, so shop around. Some stores even have baskets geared just for gardeners and romantic aromatherapy kits.

And let’s not forget the men in your event. Though not nearly as extensive, grooms can also find stuff for the guys in their party. Shaving kits lead the hot-item list, followed by hair, shower and skin boosting products.

In your own city you’ll probably discover at least one "body boutique" to suit your Big-Day gift needs. Ones we like: Crabtree & Evelyn, Bath & Body Works, Aveda, Victoria’s Secret and The Body Shop.