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Let's talk about bridal shower gifts! I'll admit, I'm usually one for getting something off of the bride & groom's registry. Quick, easy, and only a few clicks and you're done. However, I've realized that for close friends or family, getting just another casserole dish isn't very fun. If you're wanting to get something personalized & extra special (maybe for your sister or your best friend), here are a few of my favorites!
Local Finds
First up: a few local shops here in Central Illinois. We have such an amazing small business community. I try to support them whenever I can!
Être Design & Co.
Whitney & Alisha are two local artists that make beautiful custom lettering & watercolor items. They have a wide variety of greeting cards, prints, and bookmarks on their website! A unique idea for a personalized gift is a simple hand lettered print. You could ask the bride & groom if they will have any specific readings during their ceremony, or find out what song they will be dancing to for their first dance. This will mean so much to them!
I'm in love with this idea (engaged friends, if you're reading this, your gift might be spoiled!) You can contact Être Design & Co. through their website and work with them to design a special hand lettered print! They also do custom invitation suites - so gorgeous! If anything, you should follow them on Instagram to see their beautiful work!
So Chic Boutique
With boutiques in both Peoria Heights and Morton, So Chic Boutique has become a popular destination for local gift shopping. Sara is such an inspiration to small business owners! So Chic does have an online shop, but there's just something about shopping in person that I love. They are also always posting new items on their Instagram.
I absolutely love both wedding planning and Kate Spade, so naturally I was SO excited about this Wedding Planner. The Minimergency Kits have all sorts of last-minute items in these tiny pouches - a nail file, earring backs, stain remover, and even a min sewing kit! So Chic currently carries the Minimergency Kit for Bridesmaids on their online shop (brides, take note!). I found the Minimergency Kit for Brides here!
I also wanted to include So Chic's wide variety of recipe tins and books - there are so many to choose from! Having a kitchen themed bridal shower is becoming more and more popular, so this is a way to support local businesses while still adhering to the shower theme!
Blessed Carta
Blessed Carta is another small business here in Peoria. Brittany offers hand lettering art and specializes in event and wedding lettering. Her work is beautiful and she loves to work on customized pieces! I love her "We decided on forever" print - all you need is the date your couple got engaged. Again, a daily reminder of special verses from the couple's ceremony would be such a thoughtful gift as well - you'll just have to do some investigating ahead of time!
To order, you can contact Brittany at Blessed Carta through her website or direct message her on Instagram. She is seriously the sweetest person to work with. I'm thinking about getting a print for my husband for our anniversary. Her pieces are perfect for gallery walls as well!
Vinyl For Dayz
I've known Katie at Vinyl for Dayz since high school! She is a 5th grade teacher and does personalized signs, decals, and gifts in her free time. This is a perfect option for someone who doesn't want to go all out on a big ticket personalized item, but still wants to get a little something special for the bride!
Are these ring coasters not just perfect for showing off the bride's new ring? You can browse Katie's most recent projects on her Instagram and order through her Etsy page!
Baked Blessings
It's no secret that I have a huuuuge sweet tooth! Personally, I would love if someone gifted me a dozen of Lisa's beautiful cookies for any occasion. My sister-in-law ordered cookies from Lisa for my baby shower and they not only flawlessly decorated, but they tasted good, too!
A personalized gift is not something the bride is usually expecting, so even just a half dozen of Lisa's cookies would be so memorable to her. You could also buy these cookies to serve at the bridal shower or as the bride is getting ready on her big day! I didn't know cookies could be so perfect until I scrolled through Lisa's Instagram. You should note - she only takes orders through her website or over the phone!
Online Finds
Next, I wanted to showcase a few online gifts that I love. Shopping locally is ideal, but if you're not local, here are a few ideas!
Savor
I absolutely love this small company! Savor is a small business owned by two women who wanted to provide an elegant and modern way to store memories. This is perfect for preserving special items from your bride's wedding day! You can follow them on Instagram (and drool over their gorgeous photos) and check out their website here. They have a Wedding Edition Keepsake Box that comes in either a blue and blush combo or a slate and ivory combo. The binding says "You + Me" and "We" … How cute!
Their Wedding Edition Box also able to be personalized to include the bride and groom's names or their future shared last name. A couple of my friends and I recently gifted the personalized box to our friend from high school. I love this option and definitely think it is worth it! This gift is ideally split between a few people, as it is a little pricey. (Bonus - follow this link and get 20% off your order!)
Elegant Bridal Hangers
This is a gift I received at my bridal shower! Customized hangers are definitely a hit with brides (and in most cases, their bridal party as well). My hanger was from Elegant Bridal Hangers through Etsy. It said "Mrs. Ralph" and was so special for my wedding day! It was my first time owning something with my future last name on it, and it was such a fun surprise. Note that the production time is 4-6 weeks, so order ahead of time!
Local Finds - Keep in Mind for Later
Lastly: Local shops that are currently not taking on new projects, but will be in the future! I'm so bummed because these two local businesses were the inspiration for this blog post! Keep an eye on their social media to see when they're going to be accepting new work.
Lil & E Watercolors
Marisa at Lil & E Watercolors is a local artist that creates beautiful and timeless watercolor art. I am so in love with her customized watercolor wedding portraits! This would be a great gift following the wedding, or you could give a gift card and the couple can work with Marisa after their wedding. If you'd rather give something tangible, she also does watercolor letters. Just let Marisa know the first initial of the bride and groom's future last name and you're set!
You can find Marisa's recent projects on her Instagram, @lil.and.e. She's so incredibly nice and her Instagram stories are so relatable! She's currently not accepting any new work, but keep a close eye on her Instagram to see when she will be opening back up! To order a customized print from Marisa, you'll have to DM her on Instagram. She also has an Etsy shop!
Wild Racks & Pallets // Old Garage Metal Co.
Heather has two small businesses here in Central Illinois! You can find her work on Instagram @wildracksandpallets and @oldgaragemetalco. Heather is a local artist that specializes in custom doormats, wooden decor, hand painted canvases, and metal signs. She is so talented and willing to work with customized orders! These gifts are perfect for the relative or friend that you want to surprise with something special, fun, and unique. Trust me - newly engaged brides love seeing their new last name on their gifts!
She's currently not accepting any new work for the next 4-6 weeks, but you can also keep an eye on her instagram for bridal showers later in the season! To order a gift from Heather, you can either to message her on Instagram or message her on Facebook (Wild Racks & Pallets) (Old Garage Metal Co).
Thank you all so much for reading! Hopefully this will 1) help you find a very special and thoughtful gift for any close friends or family that are engaged and 2) encourage you to shop local and support small businesses!
Thank you!
Madeline