What to Look for When Choosing Gifts for Best Man and Groomsmen
You want to find gifts for your best man and groomsmen and you want them to show appreciation. Your wedding party has spent time and money to be part of your wedding. You need ideas that show genuine appreciation and match each person.
A gift for the best man and groomsmen is a gift given to the men in the wedding party to show appreciation. The best groomsmen gifts are personal, practical, or consumable. They should not be generic items that could be for anyone.
What to Look for in Groomsmen Gifts
1. It Shows Appreciation
The gift should show genuine appreciation for their time, effort, and support.
2. It Is Personal
A gift that matches each person interests is more meaningful than a generic one-size-fits-all gift.
3. It Is Quality
One quality item is better than several cheap ones. Quality shows you value them.
4. It Is Consumable or Practical
The best groomsmen gifts are things that will be used or consumed, not things that sit on a shelf.
5. It Is Within Budget
Groomsmen gifts should be within a reasonable budget, usually $25 to $50 per person, with the best man getting a slightly nicer gift.
Groomsmen Gift Ideas by Category
1. Consumable Gifts
| Gift Idea | Budget | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| A nice bottle of whiskey or spirits | $30 to $60 | A special bottle |
| A set of craft beers | $20 to $40 | For the beer lover |
| A set of whiskey glasses | $20 to $40 | Practical and special |
| A box of artisan chocolates | $15 to $25 | Classic and always welcome |
| A gourmet food basket | $25 to $50 | Thoughtful and consumable |
| A specialty food item | $10 to $25 | Matches their taste |
2. Practical Gifts
| Gift Idea | Budget | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| A quality wallet or card holder | $20 to $40 | Practical upgrade |
| A nice pocket knife or multi-tool | $25 to $50 | Always handy |
| A quality keychain | $15 to $25 | Small and personal |
| A nice travel mug | $15 to $25 | Practical for daily use |
| A quality water bottle or thermos | $15 to $35 | Practical for daily use |
| A nice pair of socks | $8 to $15 | Practical and fun |
3. Personalized Gifts
| Gift Idea | Budget | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| A custom engraved wallet | $25 to $50 | Practical and personal |
| A custom engraved keychain | $10 to $20 | Small and personal |
| A custom engraved glass | $15 to $25 | Practical and personal |
| A custom engraved multi-tool | $25 to $50 | Practical and personal |
| A custom t-shirt with a message | $15 to $25 | Personal and fun |
| A custom hat or beanie | $15 to $25 | Simple and personal |
4. Experience Gifts
| Gift Idea | Budget | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| A nice dinner out together | $30 to $80 per person | A shared celebration |
| A brewery or distillery tour | $30 to $60 per person | A unique outing |
| A golf outing together | $50 to $100 per person | For the golfer |
| A concert or show | $50 to $100 per person | A fun celebration |
| A weekend trip together | $100 to $300 per person | A memorable celebration |
5. Style Gifts
| Gift Idea | Budget | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| A nice tie or bow tie | $15 to $25 | For the wedding day |
| A quality belt | $20 to $40 | A premium upgrade |
| A nice pair of socks (premium) | $10 to $15 | Practical and fun |
| A quality watch (entry level) | $30 to $50 | A milestone keepsake |
| A nice cologne (small) | $20 to $40 | A special luxury |
Best Man Gift Ideas (Slightly Nicer)
| Gift Idea | Budget | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| A custom engraved watch | $50 to $100 | A milestone keepsake |
| A nice bottle of spirits (premium) | $40 to $80 | A special bottle |
| A spa day or massage | $50 to $100 | Relaxation after the wedding |
| A nice dinner out | $50 to $100 | A shared celebration |
| A custom engraved item (premium) | $40 to $60 | One of a kind |
| A weekend trip together | $100 to $300 | A shared adventure |
Groomsmen Gift Ideas by Budget
Under $15
- A nice pair of socks.
- A custom keychain.
- A nice pen.
- A specialty food item.
- A small candle.
- A nice card with a handwritten message.
$15 to $25
- A nice travel mug.
- A custom engraved glass.
- A custom hat or beanie.
- A nice tie or bow tie.
- A box of chocolates.
- A set of craft beers (small).
$25 to $50
- A nice bottle of whiskey or spirits.
- A set of whiskey glasses.
- A quality wallet or card holder.
- A custom engraved wallet.
- A nice pocket knife or multi-tool.
- A gourmet food basket.
- A brewery or distillery tour.
How to Choose the Right Groomsmen Gifts
1. Make It Personal
The best groomsmen gift matches each person interests. Take the time to choose something specific for each person.
2. Show Appreciation
The gift should show genuine appreciation for their time, effort, and support. Include a handwritten note.
3. Choose Quality
One quality item is better than several cheap ones. Quality shows you value them.
4. Choose Consumable or Practical
The best groomsmen gifts are things that will be used or consumed, not things that sit on a shelf.
5. Give the Best Man a Nicer Gift
The best man has extra responsibilities, so his gift should be slightly nicer than the groomsmen gifts.
FAQ
What are good gifts for the best man and groomsmen?
Good groomsmen gifts show appreciation and are personal: a nice bottle of whiskey, a set of whiskey glasses, a quality wallet, a custom engraved item, a nice pocket knife, or a brewery tour. The key is choosing something that matches each person.
How much should I spend on groomsmen gifts?
For a standard groomsmen gift, $25 to $50 per person is common. $50 to $100 for the best man. A group experience (dinner, trip) can be $50 to $300 per person. The thought and personalization matter more than the price.
How do I make groomsmen gifts feel personal?
Make it personal for each person, show appreciation, choose quality, choose consumable or practical, and give the best man a nicer gift. A gift that is specific to each person is more meaningful than a one-size-fits-all gift.
Should I give the same gift to all groomsmen?
You can, but personalizing each gift is more meaningful. If you give the same gift, choose something universally appealing and add a personal note for each person.
References
- The Knot. “Groomsmen Gift Guide.” theknot.com.
- Brides. “Groomsmen Gift Ideas.” brides.com.
- Real Simple. “Groomsmen Gifts.” realsimple.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Groomsmen Gift Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Today. “Groomsmen Gift Ideas.” today.com.