Bridesmaid gifts are a tradition and should be selected carefully. Gone are the days of boring generic bridesmaid gifts. Charm your friends who have done you the honor of being with you on your special day. Your maids deserve better than a boring key chain or a string of fake pearls. Keep each individual maid in mind when shopping, and remember that there is no rule saying you have to give them all the same gifts. Here are some innovative ideas to help you get started!

You could choose to buy her a set of videos, films that include her favorite actor, or film era or theme. Tickets to a musical or dinner show might be a great choice also. You could choose a subscription to her favorite magazine, a gift card to a favorite bookstore or theater, computer games, a special edition of her favorite novel; maybe a signed edition, a new camera, or some interesting game sets.

You could offer lavish gifts. Perhaps some silk pajamas, a beautiful robe, or a designer handbag. Personalized stationary is a great choice for a writer, a monogrammed set of towels, a spa gift certificate, designer makeup, or a beauty gift basket. If you are crafty, and you're sure your maid will appreciate something handmade as much as you do, there is a world of options. You could make some handmade jewelry, custom soaps or candles, homemade bath products, a personal scrapbook, or even a hand painted vase.

If your maid has a particular hobby or passion, use it! If she loves antiques, check out estate sales and the like for an antique piece of jewelry, Depression glass, or maybe an antique lace scarf. Dance classes might be a great choice; something exotic like ballroom, or salsa. If she is a fitness nut some new workout gear would be a great choice, or a personal trainer.

If she's a wine and food lover, a gift certificate to a gourmet restaurant might be well received, or a bottle of wonderful wine. French Press makes delicious elegant coffee; some delicious chocolates or a deluxe picnic basket could also be great choices.