Groomsmen play an essential role in supporting the groom throughout the wedding process, from planning and preparation to the actual wedding day. Groomsmen gifts serve as a way for the groom to express his appreciation and gratitude for their time, effort, and friendship. I get questions all the time about ideas for good groomsman gifts. Whether it’s a symbol of friendship, a commemorative keepsake, or a down-right ‘thank you’, give them something a) that they’ll appreciate, and b) something they’ll use.
For my money, I highly recommend something personalized. There is something about a piece of leather pressed with initials, or silver/brass engraved with a monogram that elevates any gift. And for this day, do that.
Here are some great ideas coming into wedding season:
From top left:
1. Colonel Littleton Front Pocket Wallet: My go-to recommendation for a groomsman gift. It’s affordable, and extremely useful. I’ve never gotten bad feedback, if that makes sense.
2. Sid Mashburn Brass Belt Buckle: The iconic brass buckle from Sid. A bunch of us have one, and wear it often. Add a fun monogram for each of your guys (and dads?).
3. Orvis Fish Flask: For the most part, flasks are overplayed. The majority of them are cheap, and the engraving looks like it was done at the mall. My dad gave me this flask for Christmas a couple of years ago, and I LOVE it. It’s heavy, sturdy, and carries just the right amount to keep warm while standing in a creek. Engravable.
4. Colonel Littleton No. 2 Possibles Bag: A great option for golfers. The brass tag can be monogrammed, and the medium size is just right for a valuables pouch on the course. A LOT cooler than that gross Crown Royal bag you’ve been sporting.
5. Hudson Sutler Charleston Garment Bag: The most overlooked piece of luggage is a good garment bag or suit cover. Extremely important and useful when traveling with hanging clothes. Get these bad boys embroidered with initials and let the good times roll.
6. Holderness & Bourne Littler Dopp Kit: If you are going to give a dopp kit, give a good one.
7. Sir Jack’s Sterling Engine Turned Money Clip: A great idea for a groomsman gift. Again – skip the cheap money clips in favor of something that will become an heirloom piece, and make for a great story for the rest of your live(s). Sir Jack’s has a great selection, and will engrave as well.
8. Gransfors Bruk Hunter’s Axe: Don’t laugh. I’ve seen these given as groomsman gifts, and they were a HIT. And immediately returned to hotel rooms before heading out to the bars.
9. Kingfisher Leatherworks Wingshooters Cartridge Bag: For the upland folks: a GREAT way to show your appreciation. These bags are made with extremely nice leather, an can have a brass plaque affixed to the front with engraved initials.
10. Customized Titleist Pro V Golf Balls: Nothing like losing golf balls that have your initials stamped on them. Whistle while you work…
11. Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner Knife: Similar to #8, a great gift that is often overlooked because of the inherant danger. Benchmade will personalize blades for you, so your guys will carry a top shelf knife that was made for them.
What did I miss?
Am I the only one that doesn’t really get the valuables pouches? They all look cool, but what am I doing with it? Instead of putting my wallet and keys in the golf cart, I stick it in the pouch?
I stow mine in my carry-on for business travel and keep collar stays, watch straps, usb stick, house key, etc. These types of pouches are a bit of a throwback, but when you have a high quality one, you look for reason to use it.
I went with Council Tool’s Hudson Bay Camp Axe for my groomsmen. You’re right. Can’t miss with a hatchet. Big hit. Cheers!
https://counciltool.com/shop/axes/sport-utility-axes/1-25lb-hudson-bay-camp-axe-14-curved-wooden-handle-sport-utility-finish/
My best friend gave us all a leather dopp kit with our initials pressed into it. Now that he’s passed, it’s my most cherished possession.
Since my groomsmen were asked to wear tuxedos, either rented or their own, I bought them each tuxedo shirts from Charles Tyrwhitt and stud/cufflink sets to wear in the wedding. It helped keep the look uniform but I think they all appreciated having a nice shirt and studs that they can wear again.