Today I was strolling around one of my favorite place, Stein Mart, picking up some small gifts for friends, and I started thinking about wedding party gifts.  How many times have you been a bridesmaid and gotten a silly little trinket that you've never used?  Why not be practical with gifts? My favorite gift I have received was at my cousin's beach wedding - she had a beach bag with a towel, flip flops, and assorted other goodies for each bridesmaid, but personalized to each girl's taste.  My bag was pink, with a pink print towel, and pink flip flops that I wore on the wedding day both before and after donning my Tiffany blue gown.  I honestly couldn't even tell you what else was in there, but I'm sure I use most of it on a daily basis!

What is her favorite perfume?  Favorite lotion or bubble bath?  What books does she love? In theory, your bridesmaids should be your closest friends, so you should have no problem putting together a goody bag for them. Do they love purses?  Shoes?  Don't feel like your gifts need to be "wedding" specific!

And just for inspiration (and fun!), here is a peek at the gift bag that Eva Longoria presented to her bridesmaids!

• Assorted Mints from Altoids $10.00
• Baccarat Crystal Heart Bracelet $225.00
• Casio Cameras $300.00
• Chic In Paris: Style Secrets & Best Addresses by Susan Tabak $28.00
• Dearfoam Slippers $25.00
• Deborah Lippman Nail Polish Kit $80.00
• H. Stern Earrings $1,000.00
• Hayden Harnett Makeup Bag $65.00
• Kacey K Pendants $1,050.00
• Poivre Piquant and Piment Brulant Fragrances from L'Artisan $170.00
• Laura Mercier Cosmetics $99.00
• Lierac Skin Care Products $119.00
• Laurel Denise Necklace $108.00
• LG Chocolate Phone $150.00
• Longchamp Bag $120.00
• Luca Luca Gift Certificate $500.00
• Madame Paulette Spot Cleaning Kit $50.00
• Phaidon Paris City Guide $9.00
• Phyto Hair Care Products $92.00
• Sally Nails Manicure Kit $12.00
• Swarovski Crystal-Encrusted iPod Shuffle $150.00
• Totes Umbrella $25.00
• Piper Heidsieck Champagne $5.00
• White & Warren Wraps $200.00
• Flora Nikrooz Nightgown $200.00
• Alain Mikli Sunglasses $500.00
• Michel Cluizel Chocolate $75.00
• Plantronics Headsets $53.00
• Lia Sophia Red Crystal Deco Ring $150.00
• Lia Sophia Clear Crystal Baguette Bracelet $1,500.00
• Lia Sophia White Cabachon Earrings $200.00
• Lia Sophia Crystal Ring $75.00
• Lia Sophia Crystal Panel Bracelet $675.00

That's right, total value is over $8,000!

(source: OK! Magazine)