Demystifying Best Man Gifts Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts

As the wedding day approaches, the role of the best man becomes more crucial than ever. Aside from planning the infamous bachelor party and keeping the groom in check, the best man is also responsible for giving a heartfelt and meaningful gift to the groom.

However, with so many ideas and options out there, it can be easy to make mistakes when it comes to best man gift etiquette. That's why we're here to guide you through the dos and don'ts of giving a gift to the best man.

After all, you want to show your appreciation and gratitude, not leave a bad impression. So, let's dive into our list of mistakes to avoid and the proper groomsmen gift etiquette.

Mistakes to Avoid: Do's and Don'ts of Best Man Gifts Etiquette

Do: Consider Their Interests

When choosing a best man gift, it is essential to consider their interests. Think about what they enjoy doing in their free time or any hobbies.

Are they into sports? Consider personalized sports memorabilia or tickets to a game. Do they love to cook? Look for unique kitchen gadgets or a high-quality cookbook. By considering their interests, you can find a gift they will genuinely appreciate and enjoy.

Feel free to get creative and think outside the box when brainstorming the best man's gift ideas.

Don't: Give Generic Gifts

When giving gifts to your best man, it is important to avoid generic gifts that lack thought and meaning.

Generic gifts can be impersonal and insincere, which differs from the message you want to send to your best man who has been there for you throughout the wedding planning process. Instead, take the time to choose a gift that reflects your best man's interests, personality, or hobbies.

This shows that you value and appreciate their unique qualities and that you put thought into their gift.

Related: Explore our collection of cool groomsmen gifts to steer clear of generic choices.

Do: Personalize the Gift

When it comes to choosing a best man gift, personalization is key. By adding a personal touch to your wedding party gifts, you are showing your appreciation for your groomsmen or best man and acknowledging their unique role in your special day.

Not only do they make the gift more special, but they also serve as a lasting reminder of your friendship. So, when searching for groomsmen gifts, remember to make it personal!

Don't: Make it All About You

When choosing a best man gift, it is important to remember that it's not just about you. While you want to show your appreciation for your best man, it's essential to consider his preferences and interests as well.

Avoid selecting a gift solely based on what you would like or what you think is cool. Take the time to think about what your best man would genuinely appreciate and enjoy.

So, when it comes to groomsmen gifts, make sure it's not all about you but about celebrating your special moments with your favorite guys.

Do: Consider the Budget

When selecting the best man gifts, it is essential to consider your budget. While you want to show your appreciation for your best man and groomsmen, it is also essential to stay within your means. Remember that it's the thought and effort that counts rather than the price tag.

There are plenty of budget-friendly options available that will still make your wedding party feel special. By setting a budget and sticking to it, you can find the perfect groomsmen gifts without breaking the bank.

Don't: Choose Something Inappropriate

When selecting a best man gift, it is essential to avoid choosing something inappropriate. Remember that this gift is meant to show your appreciation and celebrate your friendship, so it is crucial to consider the context and the relationship you have with your best man.

Stay away from anything that could be offensive, controversial, or embarrassing. Avoid gag gifts or anything that may not align with their personal preferences or values.

Remember, your best man is an essential part of your bridal party, so choose a gift that is thoughtful and meaningful to them.

Do: Give a Practical Gift

When it comes to giving gifts, practicality is always a good idea. A practical gift not only shows your appreciation but also ensures that your best man can use and enjoy the gift.

Think about the daily needs and hobbies of your best man when selecting a practical gift. Some groomsmen gift ideas include a personalized toiletry bag, a stylish wallet, or a durable travel mug. These gifts are not only thoughtful, but they are also practical and will be used long after the wedding day.

So, consider giving a practical gift your best man will genuinely appreciate and find useful.

Don't: Wait Until the Last Minute

When choosing the best man gifts, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is waiting until the last minute. It is understandable that with all the wedding planning, it can be easy to forget about selecting gifts for your best man and groomsmen. However, leaving it until the last minute can lead to rushed decisions and potentially generic gifts.

Take the time to plan and think about the interests and preferences of your male members. This way, you can find the perfect groomsmen gifts that indeed show your appreciation for their support and their essential role in your big day.

So, don't procrastinate on this vital task and ensure that your best man feels valued for his man duties at your wedding party.

Do: Remember the Presentation

When giving your best man his gift, remember the presentation. Taking the time to create an aesthetically pleasing and thoughtful presentation can make the gift for your wedding party members even more special.

Consider using a nice gift box or wrapping paper and add a personal touch with a handwritten note or card. You could include a small token or trinket symbolizing your friendship or a shared memory. Also, you could check out these groomsmen proposals to pop a question in style.

Putting effort into the presentation shows that you genuinely value your best man and appreciate his role in your wedding.

Don’t: Exact Match with Groomsmen Gifts

One other idea is to give that best man a little something extra on the side. Keep it consistent with the main groomsman gift, but bolt on a little diddy that lets him know he's the man. It could be a pair of socks to wear on the big day, a tie bar that pulls his digs together. Rather than wrack that brain trying to figure out the perfect distinct best man gift that separates, keep it equitable and tack something small on. 

We wanted to know what most future grooms do, so we polled 1000 of our customers recently to find out what they did, and here is what we are seeing:

Did you purchase a gift for your best man that was a bit more special than the other groomsmen?

• - 54% of grooms bought their best man the same gift that they got their groomsmen.
• - 29% of grooms bought their best man something different than what they bought their groomsmen.
• - 17% of grooms got their best man the same gift as their groomsmen but added an extra gift on top of it.

By and large, most guys keep it equitable. There are no playing gift favorites in over half of this large sample size. Close to a third do something special for their best men by amping their gift to the best man. 

If you are going to go for it, make sure you do it tastefully, prop up that best friend, but don't overlook how you appreciate the rest of your groomsman crew. Keep it sentimental when you're handing out gifts at rehearsal dinner.

Do: Include a Handwritten Note

When giving groomsmen gifts, remember to include a handwritten note. It may seem small, but a heartfelt message can turn a regular gift into a special present.

Express your gratitude, share memories, or let your best man know how much their friendship means to you. A handwritten note adds a personal touch and creates a memorable experience for your best man.

It shows that you've put thought and effort into their gift, and it will be something they cherish for years to come.

Don't: Expect a Gift from Your Best Man

Now, wedding day weekend isn't all about giving when it comes to your best man. It can also be about receiving.

Does your best man owe you a little something for being nominated the best man of your life? This is another one of those gray zones regarding wedding etiquette. Does the Best Man give the groom something? Now, being a best man is often expensive enough. There can be travel, a tux, a hotel, or a separate wedding gift.

We hit the polls with our guys once again to see if they received a wedding gift from their Best Man. Here are the results:

• - 54% of Best Men did not get the groom a gift.
• - 31% of Best Men got the couple that was getting married a gift.
• - 15% of Best Men got the groom a gift.

As you can see, in most cases, no wedding gift was given by the best man. So don't sweat it, best man. It should not be expected on top of everything else you're sinking in. Be there for your groom, throw a kick-butt speech, and you'll nail it. Anything more than that, and it is gravy.

Unique Best Man Gift Ideas to Make Them Feel Appreciated

Now that we've covered the do's and don'ts of best man gifts let's explore some wedding gift ideas that will make your best man feel appreciated and special. Here are some creative and thoughtful best man gifts that your best man will love:

1. Personalized Golf Balls

If your best man enjoys hitting the links, consider getting him some personalized golf gifts. You can have his initials or a special message engraved on each ball, adding a personal touch to his favorite pastime.

2. Adventure Gear

If your best man loves the outdoors, consider giving him adventure gear such as a camping hammock, a durable backpack, or a multi-tool set. These wedding party gifts show that you support his adventurous spirit and value his interests.

3. Cuff Links

Help your best man elevate his style with elegant cuff links. You can choose a design that reflects his personality or opt for personalized ones with his initials or a wedding date.

4. Customized Watch

A personalized watch is a timeless gift that your best man will cherish for years. Consider engraving a heartfelt message or his initials on the back to add a special touch.

5. Custom Money Clip

A stylish and practical gift, a custom money clip is an excellent option for the best man who likes to keep his cash organized. You can have his initials or a meaningful symbol engraved on the clip, making it a personalized and helpful accessory.

6. Nice Bottle of Wine

Treat your best man to a bottle of his favorite wine or choose a unique vintage that he can enjoy on a special occasion. Pair it with a personalized wine opener or wine glasses to complete the groom's wedding party gift.

7. Whiskey Glasses

If your best man is a whiskey connoisseur, he'll appreciate a set of high-quality whiskey glasses. Look for ones with unique designs or personalized engraving to make the gift extra special.

8. Experience Gift

Instead of a physical item, why not treat your best man to a memorable experience? Whether it's a whiskey-tasting tour, a sports game, or a spa day, an experience gift allows you to create lasting memories together.

9. Personalized Artwork

Commission a custom piece of artwork that represents your friendship or a significant moment in your life. This could be a painting, a caricature, or photo collage. These personalized gifts are a unique way to showcase your appreciation.

10. Grooming Kit

Help your best man look his best on your wedding day 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'll appreciate.

11. Personalized Barware

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

12. Subscription Box

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

These best man or groomsmen gift ideas will show your best man how much you appreciate him and his support on your wedding day. Choose something that aligns with his interests and personality and remember to add a heartfelt note or card to make it even more meaningful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do you give your best man a gift?

Yes, it is customary to give your best man a gift as a token of appreciation for their support and participation in your wedding party. It's a way to show gratitude and acknowledge their role in making your special day memorable.

Q2. How much do you spend on a best man gift?

There is no set amount that you have to spend on a best man gift. The amount you spend should be based on your budget and the level of your relationship with your best man. It's the thought and effort that counts, so focus on finding a gift that is meaningful and personalized.

Q3. Should the best man buy a gift for the groom?

While it is not required for the best man to buy a gift for the groom, it can be a nice gesture to show appreciation for being chosen as the best man. The gift can be something small or symbolic, like a heartfelt note or a unique token of their friendship.

Q4. Does the best man get the couple a gift?

It is not expected for the best man to get the couple a gift, as their role is primarily to support the groom. However, if the best man feels inclined to get the couple a gift, it can be a thoughtful gesture to celebrate their union. Ultimately, it is up to the best man's discretion.