Groomsmen gift ideas?

[rr-nyc]

I bought my groomsmen sterling silver cufflinks and had their initials engraved. They all use them to this day.

[bassplayrr]

I purchased fountain pens relevant the recipient; a Mark Twain Conklin Crescent for my brother who's an author, a 1957 English Parker 51 for my dad (the year he was he was born in Liverpool), etc.

Pens are a classic gift, will last forever, and are less expensive than watches.

[bewithabob]

When I got married 20 years ago, there were 8 men in my wedding party for whom I bought gifts.

At the outset, I always thought best that the gifts I presented to my closest friends would convey symbolic meaning…representing the relationship, something that could not be consumed, but would provide a lasting memento for years to come. For the closeness we enjoyed would certainly change after marriage.

I hunted around for silver presentation boxes, which I had engraved with each person's initials, and then added a special verse, that was unique to the relationship I shared with each friend, brother or future father in law in my wedding party. The verse wrapped around the circumference of the outside of each box. Inside the box, was enclosed a pair of sterling Tiffany cufflinks of a baseball bat and glove, which memorialized the times we went as a group, to many Dodger games together, including Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. A great memory by itself.

At first, the cufflinks were the primary gift, but the box became an even bigger challenge and involved a great deal more thought, because it had to carry the gift, but be able to stand on its own, with a verse and the initials. I labored over whether I should buy silver or pewter, but it had to be silver, to match the cuff links. As I remember, the cost of engraving was almost as expensive as the item itself, owing to the different verses I chose and my requirement that the type had to be sized exactly to the circumference. The cufflinks were a small idea in comparison and took little if no effort, beyond a phone call to Tiffany.

This is the box I gave to my father-in-law. He always kept this on his dressing room table. It was returned to me by my mother-in-law, when he passed away a few years ago along with many items of jewelry and great personal sentiment that we shared over the years. Likewise, my best man rarely wore the cufflinks after my wedding day, but uses his box every day in his recording studio, filled with his private stock of guitar picks. As I visit other of my friends homes all these many years later, I see these boxes, and it gives me a warm feeling.

When I was best man to my brother, he presented me with an original Gelatin Silver Print Photograph by Henry Gilpin. It memorialized a special bond between us, as we shared an interest in large format photography. Today it hangs in my library.

Another friend to whom I was best man, presented me with a salvaged wooden mantel that had been made into a hat rack, symbolic of a joke between us that we were forever borrowing each others' baseball caps. I have that in my office, even now my hats are reclining on it.

Here is the little silver box…I have no idea what this would cost today, but as a presentation box, it was a labor of love. I hope this helps you with some ideas…and best wishes to you and your new bride!

[Lion]

So how does it feel to be married now and what did you finally decide to get for gifts???

[Jessa Bell]

I think the best groomsmen gift is caricature from photo!) It's so cool to bring all the groomsmen together on the drawing. Especially in funny clothing)) As for us, we ordered such a cartoon here: https://www.photolamus.com/ There are highly professional artists drawing in any style you want.

[chicagonoob]

I went with a set (4) of mongrammed rocks glasses for each of my groomsmen. Quite special for me to see my gift in their houses many years/houses/moves/etc. later!! As others have mentioned, whatever you decide to do, do not skimp on quality. Yes weddings are expensive, but years later you'll be glad you gifted a thoughtful and quality token of your appreciation for your buddies' friendship and support, commesurate with the importance of the occassion.

And by the way, CONGRATS!!!!

[Runnin' Rebel]

He's either almost 4 years being happily married or .......

[damcv62]

My buddy got us personalized flasks. They were nice, I had never owned a flask before and have found it useful on occasion.

[colpol]

I was a groomsman about 25 years ago

No present & was put on the spot to pay for hire of my outfit when trying on.

[OmegaJJH]

Are you guys aware this thread is from 2011 ???

[TK-710]

Originally Posted by OmegaJJH

Are you guys aware this thread is from 2011 ???

I am now!

[1William]

Mont Blanc pen. Classic and very usable.