Bridal Shower Gift Ideas

Bridal shower gifts have an interesting history. The concept originated in Holland. The idea was to ensure that the bride-to-be is well prepared to start her home. If a Dutch bride were unfortunate enough to have her father disapprove of her choice of husband, he would not offer a dowry. Her friends would then "shower" her with gifts so she could still be married to her groom, without the help of her father.

However, in modern times the purpose of a shower is two-fold. Ostensibly the shower is held to provide the bride-to-be with gifts to help her set up her new home. However, the bridal shower also provides an opportunity for the women who surround her to provide a sense of support, as she enters into this new phase of her life.

The Maid-of-Honor traditionally hosts a bridal shower. In earlier times it was considered improper for a family member to host a shower, because it would seem as though the family was requesting gifts. However, in today's society, showers are accepted as being an integral part of the wedding celebration, and family members often host bridal showers.

Here are some ideas on presents that you can give on the occasion of bridal shower.

• You can gift a variety of things that are needed in honeymoon. These include edible body paints, herbal bath grains, ''Just Married'' bumper sticker, ''Do Not Disturb'' sign, flavored body massage oils etc.
• You can gift kitchen accessories to the bride. These may include utensils, pressure cooker, food processor etc.
• You can gift bone china crockery items to the bride. These items may include Dinner set, tea set etc.
• You can give personalized gifts such as jewelry items, designer clothes, cosmetic hamper, footwear, purse etc.