The best man organises the stag do, holds the rings, keeps the groom calm and then stands up in front of everyone to tell the story about the kebab. The least the groom can do is say thank you properly, and the traditional way is a gift.
It doesn’t need to cost a fortune. The best best man gifts are the ones that get used, or kept, long after the wedding: something he’ll pull out of a drawer in ten years and remember the day (minus the bits from the stag do he’d rather forget).
When should the groom give the best man his gift?
There’s no fixed rule, but these are the usual moments:
- The morning of the wedding. A popular choice. A quiet five minutes before the madness starts, and something useful to have on the day if it’s cufflinks or a hip flask.
- The night before. Good if the wedding party is all staying in the same place, and it takes one job off the morning.
- During the groom’s speech. Some grooms hand gifts over when they thank the wedding party. It’s a nice moment, but keep it quick.
What makes a good best man gift?
- Something personal. His initials, the wedding date or a line only the two of you will understand. Engraving turns a nice present into a keepsake.
- Something he’ll use. A hip flask, a decent glass or a wallet will see far more action than an ornament.
- Something for the day. Cufflinks or a tie he can wear at the wedding look great in the photos, and give him a reason to remember who bought them.
- A bit more than the ushers. If you’re buying for the groomsmen too, it’s normal to give the best man something a little special, or the same gift with an extra touch.
Best man gift ideas worth a look
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Engraved hip flask
For the nerves before the speech, and every wedding after this one.
Find it on AmazonBest man cufflinks
Something to wear on the day. Engrave his initials or the date.
Find it on AmazonEngraved whisky glass
A proper glass for a proper drink once the speech is done.
Find it on AmazonPersonalised wallet
An everyday reminder, with a message tucked inside.
Find it on AmazonEngraved keepsake box
Somewhere to keep the cufflinks, the order of service and the speech notes.
Find it on AmazonSilk tie and pocket square
Matches the wedding colours, and he’ll wear it again.
Find it on Amazon
A few tips before you order
- Order early. Personalised gifts take longer to make, and they usually can’t be returned. Check the spelling twice.
- Add a note. A few lines in a card saying why you asked him will mean more than whatever’s in the box.
- Don’t forget the rest of the party. If the ushers and groomsmen are getting gifts too, sort them all at once.
Are you the best man looking for something for the groom instead? See our gifts for the groom. For more engraving ideas, have a look at our personalised cufflinks and best man cufflinks.
