Best Man Gifts: Thoughtful Ideas To Thank Your Best Mate

The best man plays a crucial role in a wedding. He is usually a close relative or friend of the groom and is responsible for planning the bachelor party, giving a speech, and ensuring the groom and groomsmen are where they need to be on time. The best man also holds the wedding rings and acts as a point of contact for the groom's side of the wedding party.

With all these responsibilities, it's only right that the groom gives his best man a thoughtful gift to show his appreciation. This gift can be given at the groomsman proposal, the bachelor party, or after the wedding. It could be something personalised, like a pocket knife, flask, or set of sunglasses, or an experience, like a fun outing or meal.

Practical Gifts

Toiletry Bag

A spacious toiletry bag is a great practical gift, allowing your best man to store all his grooming essentials in one place. You can also include a straight razor and a customised case to make it an even more thoughtful and practical gift.

Wallet

A classic wallet is a stylish and practical gift. A quality leather wallet is always a good option, and you can make it extra special by personalising it with your best man's initials or a meaningful symbol.

Watch

A watch combines functionality and style. A sophisticated and elegant timepiece with a comfortable and durable leather strap will make a perfect statement piece for your best man.

Pocket Knife

A pocket knife is a versatile and practical gift. You can make it extra special by personalising it or including a bottle opener. Your best man will appreciate its practicality and durability.

Flask

An engraved flask is a traditional and practical gift for your best man. It can be used to store alcoholic beverages, juices, or sports drinks. You can even include a collapsible shot glass that pops out of the side, making it perfect for parties.

Backpack

A quality backpack is a practical gift that your best man can use for work or travel. Look for one made from durable and comfortable material, with sufficient storage space and pockets for electronic devices, keys, and other essentials.

These practical gift ideas will show your best man how much you appreciate him and his support on your wedding day.

Personalised Gifts

Classic Gifts with a Twist

A personalised wallet, watch box, or leather toiletry bag are all thoughtful gifts that can be customised with your best man's initials or a heartfelt message. You could also get them a set of cufflinks, engraved with their initials or a custom design that matches the wedding theme. If your best man is a whiskey enthusiast, you could gift them an engraved decanter set with glasses, personalised with their name and the wedding date.

Practical Gifts

For a practical gift, consider a high-quality leather wallet or a stylish wristwatch, which can be engraved with a personal message. A personalised beer or bottle opener is another useful gift, perfect for those who love a cold drink. If your best man is a golfer, you could gift them a personalised air mesh sports cap, embroidered with their initials.

Sentimental Gifts

For a sentimental gift, create a personalised photo album filled with memories you've shared. You could also gift them a customised map of a place that holds significance, such as their hometown or the wedding location. A personalised acrylic block or print is another unique way to commemorate your special day and thank your best man for their participation.

Gifts for a Group Experience

Outdoor Adventures

Plan an outdoor adventure for your best man and his friends to enjoy. This could include activities such as skydiving, white water rafting, bungee jumping, or a hot air balloon ride. For the nature lover, consider a bioluminescent kayak adventure or a scenic plane tour. If your best man is an adrenaline junkie, you could even organise a race in a supercar or a NASCAR, or let them take control and learn to fly a plane or helicopter.

Dining and Drinking

For the foodies and wine connoisseurs, a gourmet dinner cruise, wine tasting, or a subscription to a monthly food or wine club would be an excellent choice. You could also opt for a more interactive experience, such as a cooking or cocktail-making class, where your best man and his friends can learn new skills while enjoying delicious food and drinks.

Sports and Games

If your best man is a sports enthusiast, treat him and his friends to tickets to a game or, for a more hands-on experience, a day at the golf course. For a more relaxed day out, you could take them to a Brazilian steakhouse or, for the beer lovers, a brewery tour and tasting.

Cultural Experiences

For a cultural experience, you could gift tickets to a show or performance, or a visit to an art gallery or museum. Alternatively, for a fun and creative group activity, try a paint-by-numbers kit for adults or a sculpture-making class.

Remember, when choosing a group experience, it is important to consider your best man's interests and hobbies to ensure that he and his friends will genuinely enjoy the gift.

Gifts for the Groom

Gifting the groom is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation and gratitude for all the duties they have performed in the lead-up to your wedding. Here are some gift ideas for the groom:

Practical Gifts

Practical gifts are always a good idea as they show your appreciation and ensure that the gift is something that the recipient can use and enjoy. Here are some practical gift ideas:

• A personalised toiletry bag
• A stylish wallet
• A durable travel mug
• A card case
• A shaving kit
• A laptop case
• A water bottle
• A mini fridge

Experience Gifts

Instead of a physical gift, you could treat the groom to a memorable experience. This could be an activity that you do together, such as:

• A whiskey-tasting tour
• A sports game
• A spa day
• A fishing, hunting or camping trip
• A meal at a restaurant

Personalised Gifts

Adding a personal touch to your gift can make it more special and serve as a lasting reminder of your friendship. Here are some ideas for personalised gifts:

• Engraved sports memorabilia
• Tickets to a game
• A high-quality cookbook
• Cufflinks
• A watch
• A pocket knife
• A beer mug
• A flask
• A wine glass
• A wine chiller
• A cigar case
• A poker set
• A vinyl record
• A photo collage

Gifts to Enjoy

You could gift the groom something that aligns with their interests and hobbies. For example:

• Golf clubs
• Headphones
• A guitar
• A camera
• A gaming chair
• A cookbook
• A coffee machine
• A cocktail shaker
• A beer cooler

Gifts for the Best Man's Interests

When choosing a gift for your best man, it is important to consider their interests and hobbies. Here are some gift ideas that cater to different interests:

For the Outdoorsy Type:

• A cool fly fishing rod kit for the best man who loves spending time in nature.
• A golf gift set, including clubs, bags, and other accessories if they enjoy a round of golf.
• A survival knife for the adventurous type, featuring a seatbelt cutter, a serrated blade, and a glass breaker.
• A homebrew starter kit for the best man who loves a nice cold beer.

For the Stylish Best Man:

• A stylish leather duffle bag for the best man who is always on the move.
• A set of elegant cufflinks to elevate any outfit.
• A leather messenger bag for the best man who carries around a laptop or other work items.
• A reversible scarf to add a touch of class to any outfit.

For the Tech-Savvy:

• A pair of noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones for an immersive listening experience.
• A sleek and stylish smartwatch to help them stay active and connected.
• A portable espresso maker for the best man who needs their coffee on the go.

For the Foodie:

• A set of kitchen knives for the best man who loves to cook and experiment with new recipes.
• A jerky gift basket with bold and exciting flavors for the best man who loves to snack.
• A set of engraved grilling tools for the master of the barbecue.
• A set of personalized beer mugs for the best man who enjoys a cold brew.

Remember, when choosing a gift for your best man, it is important to make it personal and thoughtful. Consider their unique interests, personality, and hobbies to find a gift they will truly appreciate and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions