Best Man's Gift: To Match Or Make Unique?

The best man has a lot of responsibilities, from planning the bachelor party to ensuring the groom gets to the altar on time. So, when it comes to gifts, should the best man be treated differently from the groomsmen?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, it is generally considered good etiquette to give the best man a gift that is a little more special or unique compared to the groomsmen. This could mean spending a bit more on the best man's gift or adding an extra gift on top of what the groomsmen receive. However, it's important to strike a balance and not play favourites too much, as all the groomsmen are important and have contributed to the wedding.

When it comes to gift-giving, it's essential to consider the interests, preferences, and personalities of the best man and groomsmen. Adding a personal touch through customisation or thoughtful presentation can also make the gifts more meaningful. Ultimately, the goal is to show appreciation and celebrate the special moments shared with these important members of the wedding party.

Best man gift ideas

The best man plays a crucial role in the wedding process, from planning the bachelor party to keeping the groom calm and collected. It's only natural to want to get him a thoughtful gift to show your appreciation. Here are some unique and creative best man gift ideas to make him feel valued and special:

Personalized Golf Balls

If your best man is a golf enthusiast, consider getting him a set of personalized golf balls. You can have his initials or a special message engraved on each ball, adding a unique touch to his favourite pastime.

Adventure Gear

For the outdoorsy type, gift him some adventure gear such as a camping hammock, a durable backpack, or a multi-tool set. These gifts show your support for his adventurous spirit and appreciation for his interests.

Elegant Cufflinks

Help your best man elevate his style with a pair of elegant cufflinks. Choose a design that reflects his personality, or opt for personalized ones with his initials or the wedding date engraved on them.

Custom Money Clip

A custom money clip is a stylish and practical gift for the best man who likes to keep his cash organized. You can personalize it further by engraving his initials or a meaningful symbol on the clip.

Nice Bottle of Wine

Treat your best man to a bottle of his favourite wine or a unique vintage that he can savour on special occasions. Pair it with a personalized wine opener or a set of wine glasses to complete the gift.

Whiskey-Tasting Tour

Instead of a physical item, why not gift him an experience? A whiskey-tasting tour will create lasting memories, and if you join him, it's a great way to spend quality time together.

Personalized Artwork

Commission a custom piece of artwork that symbolizes your friendship or a significant moment in your lives. This could be a painting, a caricature, or a photo collage. Such a personalized gift is a unique way to showcase your appreciation.

High-Quality Grooming Kit

Help your best man look his best on the wedding day and beyond with a high-quality grooming kit. Include essential items like a luxury shaving set, skincare products, and a stylish toiletry bag. It's a practical gift that he will surely appreciate.

Personalized Barware

If your best man enjoys a good drink, consider gifting him a set of personalized barware. This could be engraved whiskey glasses, a customized cocktail shaker, or a monogrammed decanter. It's a stylish and functional gift for any beverage enthusiast.

Subscription Box

Treat your best man to a subscription box tailored to his interests. Whether it's a coffee sampler, a book club subscription, or a grooming kit delivery, he'll enjoy the surprise and convenience of receiving curated items regularly.

When choosing a gift for your best man, it's important to consider their interests, personality, and hobbies. Adding a personal touch, such as engraving or personalization, will make the gift even more special and show your appreciation for their unique role in your wedding.

Groomsmen gift ideas

The role of the best man and groomsmen is crucial to a wedding. It is customary for the groom to present his best man and groomsmen with gifts, and while this can be the same gift, it is often considered that the best man's gift should be a little more special. The best man has more responsibilities than the groomsmen, so a more extravagant gift is usually appropriate. Here are some gift ideas to consider:

Personalised Gifts

Personalised gifts are a great way to show your appreciation as they require more thought and add a unique touch. Ideas include:

• Cufflinks with the recipient's initials
• A personalised money clip
• A pocket watch engraved with their initials and the date or a custom message
• A custom-engraved decanter and tumbler set
• A photo-printed golf ball set
• An embroidered toiletry bag
• A personalised beer mug or whiskey glass

Gifts Based on Their Interests

Consider what the best man and groomsmen enjoy doing in their free time and choose gifts based on their hobbies and interests. For example:

• Sports memorabilia or tickets to a game
• Kitchen gadgets or a cookbook for those who love to cook
• A subscription box tailored to their interests, such as a coffee sampler or a book club subscription
• A nice bottle of wine or a set of whiskey glasses for the whiskey connoisseur
• Adventure gear such as a camping hammock or a multi-tool set for the outdoorsy type
• Stylish sunglasses for the fashion-conscious

Practical Gifts

Practical gifts are always a good idea as they show your appreciation and are also useful to the recipient. Some ideas include:

• A stylish wallet
• A durable travel mug
• A garment duffle bag, especially useful for a destination wedding
• A monogrammed travel set including a passport cover and luggage tag
• A hanging toiletry bag

Experience Gifts

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

• A whiskey-tasting tour
• A sports game
• A spa day
• A round of golf

Remember, when choosing gifts for your best man and groomsmen, it's important to put thought into their unique qualities and consider their interests and preferences. You want to show your appreciation and celebrate your friendship, so choose gifts that are thoughtful and meaningful.

Gift presentation

The presentation of the gift is just as important as the gift itself. It is a way to show your best man and groomsmen that you value and appreciate them. Here are some tips to consider when presenting your gifts:

• Timing is key: It is best to present the gifts shortly before the wedding, such as at the rehearsal dinner, on the morning of the wedding, or a few weeks before the big day. This ensures that you are properly thanking your crew for everything they have done leading up to the wedding, including the bachelor party.
• Consider the budget: The amount you spend on gifts should be based on your budget and the relationship you have with your best man and groomsmen. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money, even a small gift with a thoughtful note can go a long way.
• Personalize the gifts: Adding a personal touch, such as engraving or personalization, makes the gift more special and shows that you put thought into it. It could be their initials, the wedding date, or a meaningful symbol.
• Practicality is important: A practical gift is always a good idea as it shows your appreciation and ensures that the recipient can actually use and enjoy the gift. Consider their daily needs, hobbies, and interests when choosing a practical gift.
• Avoid generic gifts: Opt for gifts that reflect the recipient's interests, personality, or hobbies. This shows that you value their unique qualities and that you put thought into choosing a gift that is meaningful to them.
• Remember the presentation: Take the time to create an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Use nice gift boxes or wrapping paper, and consider adding a personal touch with a handwritten note or card. You could even include a small token that symbolizes your friendship or a shared memory.
• Include a handwritten note: While the gift is important, don't underestimate the power of a heartfelt note. Express your gratitude, share memories, or let your best man and groomsmen know how much their friendship means to you. It adds a personal touch and creates a memorable experience.
• Don't wait until the last minute: Planning and gift shopping can take time, especially if you want to include personalization. Start the process early to avoid rushed decisions and generic gifts.
• Consider their interests: Think about their hobbies and what they enjoy doing in their free time. For example, if they are into sports, consider tickets to a game or personalized sports memorabilia. If they love to cook, look for unique kitchen gadgets or a high-quality cookbook.

Budgeting for gifts

Determine Your Budget

Start by assessing your financial situation and decide on an amount you are comfortable spending on each member of your wedding party. It is not necessary to spend a lot; even a small gift with a thoughtful touch will be appreciated. You can also allocate a portion of your wedding budget specifically for these gifts to ensure you don't overspend.

Personalization vs. Generic Gifts

Personalization adds a special touch to your gifts and shows that you value your best man and groomsmen's unique qualities. Consider monogramming or engraving their gifts with their initials, wedding role, or a meaningful message. However, avoid making the gifts all about you; choose gifts that align with their interests, personalities, and hobbies instead.

Timing of Gifts

It is customary for the groom (or couple) to present gifts to the best man and groomsmen before the wedding. Ideal times include the rehearsal dinner, the morning of the wedding, or a few weeks beforehand. This timing ensures you can properly thank them for their efforts leading up to the wedding, including any bachelor parties or other pre-wedding events.

Gift Ideas

When it comes to gift ideas, consider the interests and hobbies of your best man and groomsmen. Here are some suggestions:

• Personalized cufflinks, pocket watches, or money clips
• Stylish accessories such as sunglasses, wallets, or toiletry bags
• Alcohol-related gifts, such as engraved bottles of their favorite liquor, whiskey glasses, or a cigar humidor
• Experiences, such as a whiskey-tasting tour, a sports game, or a spa day
• Practical gifts like a subscription box, a nice bottle of wine, or a craft beer subscription
• Unique items like personalized golf balls, quirky cufflinks, or a ticket stub diary

Remember, it's not about the price tag but the thought and effort you put into choosing gifts that reflect your relationship with each person.

Timing of gift-giving

The timing of gift-giving is an important aspect of wedding etiquette, and it can be tricky to navigate. Here are some tips and suggestions for when to give gifts to the best man and groomsmen:

• It is generally recommended to give gifts before the wedding, ideally at the rehearsal dinner or bachelor party. This way, you can express your appreciation for their support and contributions to the wedding preparations.
• If giving gifts at the rehearsal dinner or bachelor party is not possible, the groom can present the gifts to the best man and groomsmen on the wedding day before the ceremony.
• Avoid giving gifts too early, as you want to ensure your thank-you cards are timely and reflect your gratitude for all their efforts, including the bachelor party.
• It is not necessary to wait until after the wedding to give gifts, as it is important to surprise your guys on such an emotional day.
• If you are the best man or a groomsman, there is no expectation to give a gift to the groom. However, if you feel inclined, a small token of your friendship or a heartfelt note is always appreciated.
• When it comes to the cost of gifts, it is more important to consider your budget and the thought behind the gift rather than trying to impress with an expensive gift.
• Personalization and thoughtful presentation can make a gift even more special and show that you value your best man and groomsmen.
• If you are giving the same gift to all the groomsmen, consider adding a small extra gift or personal touch for the best man to acknowledge his additional responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions