I decided to take a cue from Mrs. Bluebell and get my matron of honor the exact same thing that Bluebell got her ’maids- an LL Bean tote bag. I’m original like that!
The bag will be a medium size, with long straps and a zipper top (like Mrs. Bluebell gave), in “natural” and olive green.
Obviously, not this color, but the size is about the same.
It’s taken me awhile to decide what to get my gal. She’s a mom of a six-year old and a four year old, and seems to constantly be carrying someone. This ruled out the hand-held short strapped bag. Living in Hermosa Beach, they’re always at the shore. A zipper topped bag seemed a better idea than an open top, where things can easily fall out of it (or have tiny hands put something disgusting in while she wasn’t looking). The small size was adorable, but didn’t seem useful for her. She needed a bag big enough to store two sets of beach clothes, some snacks and sunscreen and sunglasses. The large bag seemed huge, as my matron of honor is tiny!
As for choosing the color, I had three colors in mind: dark green, olive and cocoa. I emailed my FMIL to ask her what color she thought would be better, and it turns out my matron of honor’s favorite color is olive! There ya go.
Now, here is where I stop biting off Mrs. Bluebell’s gift: I’m getting my matron of honor a picture frame, and when the wedding comes around, I’m going to have the photographer take a family portrait of them, since I know they don’t have many. So, the frame will be in the bag with a note describing the rest of the gift, and voila! Done!
This is a picture frame I love:
Tanner Picture Frame
I really hopes she likes it, my FMIL said she’s always wanted one! With a little monogram put on it, she’ll be styling. Now, if only we can decide what to get for the best man!
Awesome. I would love to receive this!
They are a little more expensive, but these frames from Pottery Barn allow you to monogram the mat, too, which I love.
Wow, I LOVE the tote idea! 
Haha. But seriously, almost all of my bm’s have told me they use theirs alllll the time!
And the frame idea is sooo sweet; I’m sure she’ll love it!!
I always give the LL Bean tote as a new baby gift too … monogramed with the baby’s name or monogram. Since little ones require lots of stuff, it’s always been a very appreciated gift!
I’ve learned that if you call LL Bean and place the order with them over the phone, you can customize your thread color. For example — you can do the cocoa tote with pink thread, or navy tote with light blue thread. It’s another fun way to make something even more personal!
[...] My aunt loves shopping, but I think it would be weird if I got her a gift card. Perhaps I should just have some flowers sent to her house? Maybe an awesome Harry and David gift tower? My future mother in law loves mermaids and scrapbooking, something I don’t think goes together! Maybe I could find a nice scrapbooking set for her, since she’s told me about how expensive that habit is. My future sister in law, I don’t know. I used up all my good ideas on her already. [...]
Mrs. Kiwi, Los Angeles
Age and Occupation in 06: 27, Bookkeeper
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, P.E. Teach/Coach @ private schools in LA
Engagement Date: March 31, 2006
Wedding Date: November 3, 2007
Venue: Radisson Hotel
About Me: I'm a bookkeeper who failed high school algebra. I'm currently living in Los Angeles, literally a street over from where I grew up with Mr. Kiwi, my honey of three years. We have a jumbo mini-dachshund (seriously, he's huuuuge), and we're planning an autumn themed wedding on a shoestring, paid for by ourselves. The wedding date is my late grandma's birthday, I needed her there somehow, and that seemed like the best way for us. I can't believe I'm a Bee! I couldn't be more proud!
that is such a thoughtful gift! i know she’ll totally love it!