Gifting The Best Man: Should You Or Shouldn't You?

Wedding traditions vary across cultures, but in Western cultures, it is customary for the best man to receive a gift from the groom. This is to show appreciation for the best man's support and participation in the wedding. While it is not required for the best man to buy a gift for the groom, it can be a nice gesture to show appreciation for being chosen as the best man. The gift can be something small or symbolic, like a heartfelt note or a unique token of their friendship.

Should the best man buy a gift for the groom?

While it is not required for the best man to buy a gift for the groom, it is a thoughtful gesture and a nice way to show appreciation for being chosen as the best man. The gift can be something small and symbolic, like a heartfelt note or a unique token of their friendship. It is also an opportunity for the best man to express his support and congratulations to the groom.

The best man plays a crucial role in the wedding process, from planning the bachelor party to offering emotional support. He is the groom's go-to person and can help him navigate the maze of wedding rituals. Therefore, it is understandable that the groom would want to show his appreciation with a gift.

When choosing a gift for the groom, it is important to consider their interests, hobbies, and personality. The gift should be something meaningful and thoughtful, reflecting the unique qualities of the best man. It can be a practical gift, such as a personalised toiletry bag, a stylish wallet, or a durable travel mug. Alternatively, the best man can opt for something timeless and classic, like a personalised pocket watch or cufflinks.

However, it is worth noting that the best man may have already incurred expenses for the wedding, such as travel costs, accommodation, and attire. Therefore, it is not expected for the best man to go overboard with an expensive gift. A simple, thoughtful gift that falls within their budget is more than enough.

Ultimately, the decision to buy a gift for the groom lies with the best man, and there is no obligation to do so. But if they choose to, it can be a wonderful way to celebrate their friendship and mark the special occasion.

What are some unique best man gift ideas?

When it comes to unique best man gift ideas, it's important to consider their interests, personality, and hobbies. Here are some creative and thoughtful options that will make your best man feel appreciated and special:

Personalised Gifts

A personalised gift adds a special touch and serves as a lasting reminder of your friendship. Some ideas include:

• Custom rocks glass with whiskey spheres
• Monogrammed handkerchiefs
• Custom bobblehead figurine
• Engraved grilling tools
• Personalised pocket watch
• Customised map
• Custom bar sign
• Engraved whiskey decanter set
• Personalised photo album
• Custom money clip
• Personalised barware, such as engraved whiskey glasses or a monogrammed decanter

Gifts for the Outdoorsy Type

If your best man loves the outdoors, consider gifting them:

• Adventure gear, such as a camping hammock, durable backpack, or multi-tool set
• Fly fishing rod kit
• Camping survival kit

Elegant Accessories

Help your best man elevate their style with elegant accessories such as:

• Cufflinks, perhaps with a design reflecting their personality or personalised with their initials
• A stylish wristwatch, with a personalised case or strap
• A high-quality leather wallet, personalised with their initials or a heartfelt message

For the Connoisseurs

If your best man is a whiskey or wine connoisseur, they might appreciate:

• A set of high-quality whiskey glasses, perhaps with unique designs or personalised engraving
• A nice bottle of their favourite wine, or a unique vintage
• A personalised wine opener or wine glasses
• A whiskey smoker kit with an engraved decanter set
• A homebrew starter kit
• A personalised marble wine chiller

Experience Gifts

Instead of a physical item, you could treat your best man to a memorable experience:

• A whiskey-tasting tour
• A sports game
• A spa day
• A hot air balloon ride
• A day of rock climbing
• A thrilling driving experience
• A stargazing experience
• A cooking class
• A wine-tasting tour at a local vineyard or wine region

Practical Gifts

A practical gift is always a good idea, as it shows your appreciation and ensures your best man can use and enjoy the gift. Some ideas include:

• A personalised toiletry bag
• A stylish wallet
• A durable travel mug
• A set of monogrammed shaving tools
• A grooming kit

When is the best time to give the best man his gift?

The best time to give the best man his gift is before the wedding. It is entirely up to the groom how long before the wedding they choose to give the gift, and it can be given at the wedding rehearsal dinner or even the bachelor party. If giving the gift during these events is not possible, the groom can give it to the best man on the wedding day before the ceremony.

It is worth noting that the gift should be given in person rather than by mail, unless the best man is unable to attend the wedding. It is also advisable to buy the gift at least a month before the wedding, rather than a few days beforehand, as this will limit the groom's options.

When giving the gift, the groom may distribute it individually or in groups. If the best man is receiving a more expensive gift than the groomsmen, the groom may want to distribute the presents more discreetly to avoid making the other groomsmen envious.

The gift should be something that the best man will appreciate and find useful, and it should reflect the groom's gratitude for the best man's support and participation in the wedding. It is also a nice touch to include a handwritten note with the gift to express the groom's gratitude and share memories.

What is the appropriate price range for a best man gift?

When it comes to the appropriate price range for a best man gift, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The amount you should spend depends on various factors, such as your budget and the level of your relationship with the best man. However, it's important to remember that it's the thought and effort that count, not the price tag. Here are some tips to help you determine an appropriate price range:

• Consider your budget: It is crucial to set a budget and stick to it. Weddings can be expensive, so you don't want to break the bank with the best man's gift. Determine how much you are comfortable spending and work within that range.
• Think about the relationship: Consider how close you are with the best man. If he is a childhood friend, a family member, or someone you have known for a long time, you may want to splurge a little more to show your appreciation.
• Personalization: Adding a personal touch, such as engraving or monogramming, can make a gift feel more special without necessarily increasing the cost significantly. Consider opting for personalized gifts like engraved cufflinks, a custom artwork piece, or a monogrammed journal.
• Practicality: A practical gift that the best man can use and enjoy is always a good idea. Think about their daily needs and hobbies, and choose something that aligns with their interests. For example, a personalised toiletry bag, a stylish wallet, or a durable travel mug can be both thoughtful and affordable.
• Group gift: If you are part of a wedding party, consider joining forces with the groomsmen or other members of the bridal party to purchase a group gift for the best man. This can help spread out the cost while still showing your appreciation.
• Experience vs. physical gift: Instead of a physical item, you can treat the best man to a memorable experience, such as a whiskey-tasting tour, a sports game, or a spa day. This option allows you to create lasting memories together without worrying about a specific price range.
• DIY gifts: If you're crafty, consider creating a personalised DIY gift for the best man. For example, you could put together a scrapbook or photo album of your favourite memories together. This option allows you to give a thoughtful and meaningful gift without spending a fortune.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a gift that comes from the heart and shows your appreciation for the best man's role in your special day.

What are some ways to make a best man gift more personal?

There are many ways to make a best man gift more personal. Here are some ideas to help you create a thoughtful and meaningful gift:

Consider Their Interests

Think about what the best man enjoys doing in their free time and choose a gift that aligns with their hobbies and passions. For example, if they are into sports, consider personalised sports memorabilia or tickets to a game. If they love cooking, opt for unique kitchen gadgets or a high-quality cookbook.

Add a Personal Touch

Add a personal touch to the gift to show your appreciation. Engraving, monogramming or customisation are great ways to make the gift unique to the best man. You could engrave their initials, the wedding date or a special message on items such as cufflinks, pocket watches, wristwatches or leather wallets.

Create a Customised Gift

Commission a custom artwork piece that represents a special moment or memory shared with the best man. Alternatively, create a personalised photo album filled with memories and include heartfelt messages to accompany the images.

Choose Something Practical

A practical gift is always useful and shows your appreciation. Think about the best man's daily needs and hobbies, and choose something they can use long after the wedding. Some ideas include a personalised toiletry bag, a stylish wallet, a durable travel mug or a high-quality grooming kit.

Make it Memorable

Instead of a physical item, opt for an experience. Treat the best man to a memorable day out, such as a whiskey-tasting tour, a sports game or a spa day. You could also plan an adventure day, such as a hot air balloon ride, rock climbing or a driving experience. These experiences will create lasting memories and show your appreciation.

Frequently asked questions