10 Jul Bridal Shower Hostess Gift Ideas

According to the one true wedding etiquette expert, Emily Post, a bride is not required to give hostess gifts to those throwing a shower on her behalf, BUT, she does go on to say it is a very nice gesture and should be considered if at all possible. Whether or not you decide to gift or not, at the very least you must send them a hand-written thank you note expressing your gratitude. Afterall, putting together a shower takes some time, effort and expense.

Here are some great hostess gift ideas and many will fit even the tightest of budgets.

Fruit and Cheese Basket – pick up an inexpensive basket, fill it will some delicious fruits and cheeses, seal it up in a clear basket wrap, top it off with a nice bow and thank you tag and you have something beautiful!

Soy Candles – there are so many sites online that have wonderful recipes to make some amazing soy candles. Fill some votives with your soy concoctions, tie a ribbon around three of them and you’ll have a beautiful gift set.

Loafs of Bread – everyone loves a fresh loaf of bread and even if you don’t bake bread, you can purchase various types from bakeries inexpensively. Bakeries like Panera Bread have some yummy choices… just call ahead and place an order so they are sure to have exactly what you want and when you want it.

Homemade Jams are extra special because the recipient knows it took you some time to make it. Most grocery stores carry those cute little mason jars in bulk and cost very little. If you don’t think you have the time to commit to making your own, check out all the wonderful flavors usually available at your local farmers market.

Baked Goods are always a hit. Picture a clear gift bag filled with ooey gooey chocolate chip cookies. Tie it off with a cute ribbon and don’t forget the thank you tag.

Candy Towers are easy to create. Look for inexpensive glass jars and fill them with several different candies. By layering the candies, you get a beautiful presentation.

Flower Arrangements are perfect thank you gifts. If you can’t afford to have them sent or created by your local florist, consider purchasing bouquets at your grocery or farmers market and create your own arrangements. Potted plants are another great option.

Personalized Stationery can be inexpensive if you look for notecards with just one initial rather than all three. In the southeast, stores like Tuesday Morning always have some beautiful yet very inexpensive stationery options.

Reusable Shopping Bags are another great option… your hostess is sure to remember to bring her cute shopping bag along for the weekly grocery run over those ugly boring ones. A pretty umbrella is another splurge to gift someone with.

Embroidered items – is your hostess a fan of the pool or the beach? Consider a nice beach towel with their initials embroidered on it. Does your hostess love to cook? Have a nice apron embroidered for them. Another option is a pretty makeup bag.

Glass and pitcher set – do you have a hostess who loves to entertain? Look into some beautiful margarita or martini glass and pitcher sets. She is sure to use these over and over again.

Costume jewelry is a great idea for your fashionistas.

Massage and spa treatments are always a big hit.

Still stumped? There’s always good ol’ gift cards… bookstores, coffee shops, deli stores and movies are sure to please anyone.