When it came time to start coming up with ideas for the Polka Dot Christmas Gift guide, I could hardly believe a year had passed and today I am so excited to kick them off officially with Polka Dot Christmas Gift Guide – Bride & Bridesmaids Gift Ideas!
The gift guide is designed to have a wedding twist, gifts you can give the brides and bridesmaids in your life not only at Christmas time but also on your wedding day, for a pre-wedding party or just because you think they’re pretty darn wonderful. I’ve worked hard to make sure there are gift ideas for all kinds of personalities and all kinds of budgets, each something thoughtful, that hopefully can help you find the perfect gift for your favourite people.
This year we had so many gorgeous items, I’m doing a little showcase over on Instagram so make sure you are following for more gift ideas and closeups of some of my favourites. Stay tuned for our gift guide for the groom & groomsmen and the couple & newlyweds!
Spider + Lily Penny Lane Clutch in Cowrie ($89), The Mrs Box “The Margaery” Ring Box ($US75), Glasshouse Fragrances Amalfi Coast mini Candle ($29.95 Part of Amalfi Coast Luxury Travel Pack $29.95) Tilkah “Stardust” Studs in White Opal ($29), The Mrs Box “The Scarlett” Ring Box ($US75), Tilkah “Sushi Kiss” Studs in White Opal ($49), Colour Theory Mini Lipgloss Set ($15 Available at Amcal), Alex Miles Sixty Secrets For A Happy Bride ($20.90 Available at Booktopia) Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel ($18.50), Cristina Re Words Of Wisdom Mug “You Are Beautiful” in Blush ($19.95) Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick in Gorgeous and Clara ($43 each Available at Sephora), Lisa Eldridge Face Paint ($44.25 Available at Booktopia), The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter ($23.95 Available as part of Fruity Body Trio), Ted Baker Slim Bow Small Tablet Case in Cream ($89.95)
A clutch is such a perfect gift for the bride or bridesmaid and one like this Spider + Lily Penny Lane Clutch in Cowrie ($89) can work for carrying wedding day essentials right through to a good night out. My favourite thing about this clutch is it’s gorgeous design- so many stunning, bright colours make it so versatile and such a statement piece.
The Mrs Box “The Margaery” Ring Box ($US75) has topped my gift idea list all year long. What better gift to give a recently engaged friend than a stunning velvet ring box for her brand new rings? The Margaery is gorgeous neutral cream shade and the perfect tone for lovers of subtly and chic styling.
Glasshouse Fragrances is always on my list for a good gift and I love this Amalfi Coast Mini Candle ($29.95 Part of Amalfi Coast Luxury Travel Pack $29.95) for dreams of long Summer days and balmy Summer nights The cosmetic case is a really nice quality and comes packed with goodies, a perfect gift for the bride to take on her honeymoon or as a thank you to your bridesmaids.
I love how subtle yet beautiful these Tilkah “Stardust” Studs in White Opal ($29) are. They make a gorgeous gift for a bridesmaid who wants something different and beautiful that work with almost any look.
The Mrs Box “The Scarlett” Ring Box ($US75),is another shade of my beloved ring boxes. I love the Autumnal and Winter tone this deep burgundy red brings to life. Perfect for a Christmas lover to keep their brand new rings treasured and safe.
The simple stud of the Tilkah “Sushi Kiss” Studs in White Opal ($49), is perfect for the girl who loves simple with an unexpected twist. These versatile little pretties are just the ticket for day time to night time and special occasions and would suit even the most plain jewellery lover.
Fun goodies like this Colour Theory Mini Lipgloss Set ($15 Available at Amcal), are a fun stocking stuffer or gift for bridesmaids on the wedding day as a thank you when paired with other trinkets. With ten different bold bright colours, there’ll be a look for every day of the week (and then some!)
Alex Miles Sixty Secrets For A Happy Bride ($20.90 Available at Booktopia)is a fun gift idea for the bride. Informative and fun it gives a fresh take on wedding planning turning what can be a stressful experience into something a little more light hearted. Books always make great Christmas presents and this is one of my top picks for brides this year.
Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel ($18.50) is one of my favourites for the festive season. It’s rosy Christmas colour and Turkish delight rose scent makes showering positively delicious and a good little stocking suffer for your favourites.
Know someone who needs a daily reminder of how wonderful they are? I love this Cristina Re Words Of Wisdom Mug “You Are Beautiful” in Blush ($19.95). Not only does it make a great gift, but its a nice reminder to one of your favourites that they are so very loved.
Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick in Gorgeous and Clara ($43 each Available at Sephora), are the perfect treat for someone who needs a little luxury. These lip sticks would make delicious wedding day colours (does anyone else’s favourite lipsticks bring back memories?) and carry on beyond.
For the makeup lovers out there, this one is the perfect gift. Lisa Eldridge Face Paint ($44.25 Available at Booktopia), is not so much about technique and applying makeup as it is a history and exploration of the creative art form itself. Any fan of Lisa’s will appreciate the depth of research she has undertaken for this book (I love it so much this is the copy I purchased for my best friend!)
The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter ($23.95 available as part of Fruity Body Trio), makes a great stocking stuffer for the body butter lover in your life. This fruity combination has three minis of the best fruit inspired scents and doubles as a pampering treat,
The Ted Baker Slim Bow Small Tablet Case in Cream ($89.95) is a favourite for the style lovers. The cream patent leather with black bow effortlessly protects the tablet while looking super chic. I love this idea as a thank you for your bridesmaids.
Jasmine & Will Monogrammed Boyfriend Shirt in White with Hot Pink ($129), Cocktail Traders “Gin Lover” Gift Set ($69.95 contains Moore’s Vintage Dry Gin, The Spirited Candle Company British Gin candle and Stewart & Claire Negroni Lip Balm), Laura Ashley Croquet Set ($99.95) Anderson “Gypsy Queen” Candle ($40 Available at From The Owl) Kate Spade Sweetheart Slim Bee ($99 available at Papier d’Amour)
Whether it’s for getting ready on the wedding day morning, or a gift for the bride with her new initial this Jasmine & Will Monogrammed Boyfriend Shirt in White with Hot Pink ($129) is one of my favourite gift ideas. Super comfy with its size and stylish with design, it’s a great gift for your favourites.
The cocktail lover in your life will love the Cocktail Traders “Gin Lover” Gift Set ($69.95 contains Moore’s Vintage Dry Gin, The Spirited Candle Company British Gin candle and Stewart & Claire Negroni Lip Balm) so such a fun gift box for your favourite. It does triple duty – a great base for cocktails, an unusual and memorable candy and a handy lip balm. How can you go wrong?
Planning a Summer full of garden parties? Pick up this colourful Laura Ashley Croquet Set ($99.95) and pop it under your tree. I dream of days with champagne coupes and croquet with sweet floral dresses and can’t imagine a better way to spend a pre-wedding party!
Anderson “Gypsy Queen” Candle ($40 Available at From The Owl) with its wooden wick is a fun (and reusable!) gift for the girls in your life. I love the look of this candle in the fun enamel mug and it’s sure to go down a treat whether it’s under your Christmas tree or gifted on your wedding day.
The Kate Spade Sweetheart Slim Bee ($99 Available at Papier d’Amour) is one of those things you can never have too many of. Just big enough to hold your essentials (cards, phone and lipgloss) it’s the perfect little addition for a girl’s night out (and a brilliant gift idea, and yes the two I own both have polka dots all over them).
Colour Theory Snowflake Eyeshadow Palette ($15 Available at Amcal), Beysis Custom Printed Nailpolish in Red ($18), The Body Shop Shimmer Wave in Coral ($32.95) , Kate Spade Strut Your Stuff Flamingo Coin Purse ($119 Available at Papier d’Amour) ,Lush Magic Wand Reusable Bubble Bar ($10.50) , Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection 101 Triangle Face Brush ($59) 202 Angled Liner Brush ($39) and 300 Tapered Brush ($59),, G.H Mumm Rosé ($64.60 Available at Dan Murphys), Ted Baker Patent Matinee Purse in Pink ($199) , Kate Spade Wedding Bells Just Married Ravi Clutch ($579 Available at Papier d’Amour), Musq Candle in French Pear ($59) Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Glastonberry ($48). Beysis Custom Printed Nailpolish in White ($18) Papier d’Amour Flamingo Gold Foiled Print ($30) combines two of my favourite things – flamingos and gold foil!
The Colour Theory Snowflake Eyeshadow Palette ($15 available at Amcal) is a great gift idea for one who can’t get enough eye shadow, because it will never run out (plus do we need to mention how fun the packaging is?)
Beysis Custom Printed Nail polish in Red ($18) are one of my favourite new brands I discovered this year. Not only can they custom print messages on nail polish bottles for you (which make a great gift for bridesmaids for all your favourite ladies or even as wedding favors) they can even customise the colour! This classic red is always a favourite.
The Body Shop Shimmer Wave in Coral ($32.95) is a gorgeous addition to a Summer makeup collection. Pair it with a beautiful brush, or gorgeous lipstick for a Christmas gift with all the trimmings. The perfect Summer glow.
If you are anything like me, you love a good flamingo and I for one would love to see this Kate Spade Strut Your Stuff Flamingo Coin Purse ($119 Available at Papier d’Amour) , under my tree. Perfectly sized to carry coins or little essentials!
Lush Magic Wand Reusable Bubble Bar ($10.50) is the sweetest little gift for the love of pink, sparkle and stars. Oh and pampering, because what’s better for a quiet night in than a decadent bath?
Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection 101 Triangle Face Brush ($59) 202 Angled Liner Brush ($39) and 300 Tapered Brush ($59),
It’s champagne, do I need another reason to include G.H Mumm Rosé ($64.60 Available at Dan Murphys), on my list? I think not!
Combine pale pink and rose gold and I’m pretty sure you’ll make most pretty darn happy. The Ted Baker Patent Matinee Purse in Pink ($199) is a winner this Christmas with gorgeous detailing and plenty of storage for all you need.
The ultimate gift for the bride to be has to be the Kate Spade Wedding Bells Just Married Ravi Clutch ($579 Available at Papier d’Amour). Not only is it gold and glittery but it notes the status quo boldly and with glamour. What more could a bride want?
Musq Candle in French Pear ($59) has to go on the list for the candle lover in your life. This elegant scent is just the ticket for the lover of beauty and the brand? it’s all about being as natural and refined as possible. The candles are natural soy and free of nasties, so they really take the term “luxury candle” to a new level.
If there was a makeup brand on everyone’s lists this year it was Charlotte Tilbury and this Matte Revolution Lipstick in Glastonberry ($48) became a cult favourite. It’s funny to me, how makeup can bring up so many wonderful memories so gifting this one to your bridesmaids to wear on your wedding day? It’s a win win all round!
Customise your bridal white polish with Beysis Custom Printed Nail polish in White ($18) is a chic, modern shade and such a fun way to wish your favourites well wishes or ask them a very special question.
Enough with the flamingos? Oh no, we’re just getting started Dotties! I love gifting prints and this Papier d’Amour Flamingo Gold Foiled Print ($30) combines two of my favourite things- flamingos and gold foil!
Spider + Lily Kara Fringe Bag in Strawberry ($329), OPI All Stars Mini Pack ($44.95 Available at David Jones), Tilkah “Wanderer” Necklace in Silver ($59), ghd V classic styler in limited edition arctic gold ($270), D&D Letterpress Wedding Planning Kit ($45), Blacklist Studio C’est La Vie Notebook ($29.95 Available at From The Owl), Tilkah “Wanderer” Bracelet in Silver ($49), L’Staj Liquid Lady Collection ($85), Enrobe By The Fusion Movement Personalised Hello Sailor Robe ($69), Zakkia Concrete Diamond ($15 Available at The Depot & Co)
This Spider + Lily Kara Fringe Bag in Strawberry ($329), is so beautifully designed that for the bohemian bride it might be just the present to pop under the tree. Colourful fabrics, fringing and enough room to fit all her wedding planning essentials!
If you love the classics, then the OPI All Stars Mini Pack ($44.95 Available at David Jones),has all the boxes ticked. From the cult favourite Lincoln Park After Dark to the neutral and perfect pink Bubble Bath and classic Big Apple Red. I love this gift idea for your bridesmaids or for the bride to be who is having trouble picking her wedding day nail colour!
Jewels always make a wonderful gift for bridesmaids and this Tilkah “Wanderer” Necklace in Silver ($59) would make a wonderful addition to your bridesmaid’s style on your wedding day and is versatile enough to be worn every day! The long chain is bohemian in style with the silver shark’s tooth charm and the double strand makes it look effortless.
A classic ghd V classic styler in limited edition arctic gold ($270) is always going to go down a treat and the chic and stylish gold colour makes it a gorgeous gift for the ones in your life who love straight hair (or a perfect curl). An indulgent, but very welcome gift for your favourites (and so perfect for the festive season in this metallic shade).
For design lovers, this D&D Letterpress Wedding Planning Kit ($45) is one of my favourite wedding discoveries of the year. Beautifully designed and letterpress printed it includes everything from thank you cards, a guide on tying a tie, an emergency kit list and a wedding planning guide. A sweet gift for the newly engaged couple.
Does the bride to be in your life need to get herself organised? This fun Blacklist Studio C’est La Vie Notebook ($29.95 Available at From The Owl) is lovely enough to carry with her all day to make sure not a single thought is forgotten, and versatile enough to keep well beyond the days of wedding planning are over. The copper imprint? A lovely daily reminder.
I love the bohemian vibe of the Tilkah “Wanderer” Bracelet in Silver ($49) is a fun little gift that would make a gorgeous addition to a bohemian style wedding day look or wedding by the sea. It’s simple and modern look makes it something that can be worn well beyond the I Do’s.
L’Staj Liquid Lady Collection ($85) is a luxurious treat for your lipstick loving friends. The luxurious feel of these liquid lipsticks (which have a great collection of colours and amazing pigment) is akin to opening a decadent box of chocolates and you can rest assured, one will never get bored with many colours to choose from!
Want to gift the bride, or as the bride your bridesmaids, a luxurious personalised robe on your wedding day? Meet Enrobe By The Fusion Movement Personalised Hello Sailor Robe ($69),The sage green of “Hello Sailor” is one of my favourites (not least because it goes so perfectly with the navy personalised embroidery!) and makes what has become somewhat of a traditional gift, all the more stylish.
This Zakkia Concrete Diamond ($15 Available at The Depot & Co) makes a fun home accessory but also a modern ring holder. Gift this one to your favourites for a little stroke of abundance. A fun stocking stuffer and unique little piece to gift this year.
Photos by Talia Cain for Polka Dot Bride
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