Weddingbee boards

Sorry for the length . . .

I am getting a little frsutrated while coming up with bridesmaid gifts.  Everytime I think of something that might be good, my mom shoots down.  She, obviously, doesn't have a say, however it's kind of nice to get a second opinion . . . and it's always disappointing when that second opinion backfires :)

My criteria for a gift is - something practical, that they can use again and something general enough that it can suit all tastes (we all have very different tastes).  From what I know about them, jewelry wouldn't work - their tastes vary from a simple pendant to something fun and chunky.  Coach wristlets, which I know are very popular on the boards, wouldn't be of any interest to them.  None of them particularly are into monograms.  I know that all makes it a little difficult to come up with great ideas.

One idea I had was make-up.  Sephora and even Gilt Groupe both have great make up deals.  I could do different high end mascaras, eye shadows, bronzers, etc. that I know they've eyed up before but wouldn't necessarily buy themselves.  Easy to select . . . they all love make up and I know their skin tones, etc.  My mom said she didn't think it was special enough or something that would necessarily be memorable in the long run.  Strike one.

Another was PJs.  More specifically, Victoria's Secret Long Janes.  She said that she didn't think they would be very flattering and definitely not for my friend who will have just given birth 4 months prior to the wedding.  And generally didn't like them.  My fiance agreed.  Strike two.  Maybe other PJs that aren't quite so form fitting with a tank top would work?

So, I am asking for your help before I hit strike three!  What are your thought of the above.  Should I go with them despite objections, or do you have any other fun creative ideas for me?

Yea, I think I want to give them something practical because I have been given so many BM gifts that I don't use.  Namely jewelry to wear for the wedding that usually ends up in a drawer.  I really thought PJs would work, because I know that I love anything comfy!

However, jewelry in each of their tastes could work.  Gift certificates could work, but it's a little difficult since we're all spread out in different states. 

I could do a little gift box that reflects their interests.  One loves baking, one loves cooking and eating (especially spicy food), another likes crafting (particularly sewing) and one likes photography (although she hasn't practiced much lately and her Christmas gift this year was entirely photography themed).

I have the same question. I'm thinking of getting them a necklace and earings set that they can wear on my wedding day. The other popular gifts are beach totes, personalized totes, pink flasks.. and I forget the rest! So many options. I think you should get them something personalized that's what I would want. That or jewelry.

A Tiffany's necklace would be a cool idea for my MOH, especially since I was budgeting more money towards her gift.

My newest idea is to get some kind of fun tote bag that represents each girl and fill it with PJs & a tank top (I love Old Navy PJs and they have tons of patterns), possibly a gift card towards them getting their nails done somewhere close to their home, and maybe some nail polish and make-up.  That way it combines all of my ideas from above but it gives them something that they can carry around and remember me and the day by.

What do you think?