Uncommon gifts for wedding attendants

By Kandace Power Graves

Traditional attendants' gifts of jewelry to match bridesmaid dresses, a professional makeup application, cufflinks or engraved key chains are always appreciated. Gifts that reflect the wedding couple's unique style and are fun, however, can bestow an additionally personal touch.

Women always appreciate purses, especially when they're handmade, embroidered and beaded and come in a range of stylish colors, $35 each, from Sabai (3115 Magazine St., 899-9555; 924 Royal St., 525-6211).

Improve their point of view with an intricately carved red oval mirror, $40.60, available in a variety of colors and shapes, from Old Metairie Trading Co. (1519 Metairie Road, Suite A, Metairie, 828-1920).

Guys love this gift: carved wood pill boxes that fit inside each other and come in a variety of finishes to hold a range of tiny treasures, $25. Please either gender with a gift that combines the beauty of carved natural wood and the functionality of a small storage space all in a box with an attached lid that swivels to either side to open, $35, all from Sabai.

Give your wedding attendants something weighty for their support, like an antique iron finial that's been made into a paperweight or decorative piece, $24 (white) or $25 (fleur di lis), from Old Metairie Trading Co.

Share a toast with your attendants with this great, affordable party favor (or an accent for a centerpiece for reception tables): gel candles in champagne glasses with suspended bubbles and decorated with white netting and bridal flowers, $10 a pair, from Crafts by Carla, By appointment, 392-2777.

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