Gifts for technically not bridesmaids

That should be good. Maybe get a little water bottle with their name? And drop a fav alcohol in it?

I think a mani/pedi is a great gift. If you're already a giver and just love having excuses to buy your friends gifts then sure, add something small to it.

But considering your budget...

A Thank You card might suffice. If they don't already know about the mani/pedi, you could give them each a card of thanks with a note about taking them to get spoiled. Or when you take them to the salon, give them each a small bag with nail polish and hand lotion or cuticle oil, etc. to make a theme out of it.

The good news is they already know they're not bridesmaids so they're likely not expecting anything at all. So anything you do, even if it is a small gesture, will be appreciated.

TBH, you don't ever need an excuse to give a friend a gift. 😉

I also don’t have a bridal party but my best friend is serving as “first assistant to the bride”(like DOC).

I found a handbag by her favorite designer at a very reasonable price and I’ve been filling it as I go with some of her favorite goodies as well as some of my favorites. I’m planning on leaving it in her hotel room and she will see it when she arrives.

I would say that if you decided to just stick with the mani/pedi that would absolutely be okay! If you really wanted to do something more, you could still keep it small like pp said maybe a personalized water bottle, or you could do a tumbler, makeup bag/clutch (check Etsy!) I think it’s completely up to you what you would like to do. Personally I wanted to go big with my bridesmaid proposals, but I’ve decided to frame a photo of us as the gift with just a card saying “will you be my bridesmaid” maybe if you have any photos you could do that!

Obviously, tastes differ. But I cannot imagine ever considering someone providing me with a mani and pedi, whether worth $50 or $300, that I would consider a trade for Hank you gift. It is an act of grooming, and very short lived, and clearly something chosen because you are doing it , and like company, not like a more thoughtful personal gift. For a thank you, that does not have to be expensive, choose like it is that person's birthday. Something just for that person, showing you appreciate them as individual, a friend. Not anything to go with grooming for your wedding, or something to wear in your wedding pics. Those are sort of in the same category as a man who gives his wife housekeeping tools. Much needed and useful, yes, but something that says, I appreciate the way you keep house, and this will help you do it easier/better. When a personal gift of affection is wanted. Whether a hard to find DVD, or something pretty, or a hammock, or blown glass Christmas ornaments or home baked cookies not to be shared, something not about grooming for your wedding . Show you notice their personal preferences, likes and dislikes.

I would shop for them like it's their birthday