Giving Back

Let those in your wedding party know how thankful you are by thinking a little bit outside the box when you chose their gifts. We have ideas suitable for guys and for gals, some that you can personalize and some that are perfect as-is. Use our guide as a little bit of inspiration before you set out shopping for the important people in your wedding.

For the Groomsmen

Poker Buddies
Poker chip and card sets make for great gifts that bring fun-and an excuse to continue to hang out for guys' night-long after the wedding. $49 and up. Just for Him, 1334 E. Battlefield, 417-886-8380.

Smokin' Hot Gift
The Colibri Maestro II cigar lighter and cutter has a torch-light flame, attached guillotine-style cigar cutter and a removable cigar band decoration. Engrave the brushed gunmetal and silver plate with each groomsmen's initials. $60. Things Remembered, Battlefield Mall, 417-883-7088. Head to Just for Him for a variety of cigar lighter and cutter combinations from $35-$100. Just for Him, 1334 E. Battlefield, Springfield, 417-886-8380.

Boys Will Be Boys
Walkie-talkies can make a fun gift for groomsmen. Talk to your best guy friends from up to 10 miles away on the Motorola Talkabout. $73.99 for two. Best Buy, 3450 S. Glenstone Ave., 417-886-5118.

For the Bridesmaids

Perfect Match
Customize a perfume for each bridesmaid. Choose from more than 100 scents to mix including lavender, vanilla, almond, citrus and botanicals to match the personalities of each member of your party. Spray cologne, 1.7 oz. $30; Perfume oil, .50 oz., $20; Hydrating body mist, 4 oz. $10. Bath Junkie, 1618 E. Republic Rd., 417-889-8200, bathjunkie.com.

A Gem for a Gem
Jewelry is a more traditional gift, so instead of going simple, choose a more stylized necklace from the B. Tiff New York line, available at Phorm. B. Tiff also makes nontraditional initial charms. Phorm, 330 East Walnut Street, 417-864-7771.

A Little Something to Carry
Embroider a tote bag. Pick each bridesmaid's favorite color or coordinate the monogrammed totes with your wedding colors. Tote bags range from casual to contemporary to more business-appropriate. For your traveling bridesmaids carry-on-sized luggage can be purchased and personalized for $80. Canvas totes cost up to $30. Embroid Me, 1307 S. Glenstone Ave., 417-447-3948.