Best Groomsmen Gifts Ever

You can’t flip through a magazine or surf the web without being bombarded with some type of “The Best Of” list. From the best places to live, the best barbershops, the top universities and premier pizza shops, it’s always reassuring to know that you’re making a solid choice, a pick that other people validate by some criteria or another. When a newly engaged couple starts planning the Big Day, the quest for “bestness” is magnified exponentially. Typically, the bride, who sees the wedding as the culmination of all her romantic, knight in shining armor dreams, is the one pushing for perfection. If it was up to most guys, wearing jeans, eating barbeque and skipping the floral arrangements would be just fine for a wedding scenario. But, in the end, the usually bride gets her way and the couple joins together to put their best foot forward in an effort to impress guests with their fine taste and hospitality. One of the tasks of the groom will be to seek out and purchase the groomsmen gifts, please do not leave this up to the bride unless you want your boys to be blessed with smelly spa baskets (she’ll say, ‘men need bath salts and facial masks, too’) or fussy photo frames (undoubtedly filled with a photo of the recipient looking uncool). Instead, we have compiled a list, yes a ‘best of’ list of the five best-selling groomsmen gifts that your friends will actually appreciate. Personalized Shot Glass: Tequila, rum, vodka, scotch – a guy can never have too many shots or shot glasses to hold ‘em all in. Just call a taxi if you’re drinking away from home. Personalized Beer Mug: Enthusiasts of ale will find favor with a great big beer mug engraved territorially with their name. Multi-Function Tool: Loaded to the max, these sporty groomsmen gifts will satisfy the inner outdoorsman of any guy. Pop the top off a beer or saw off your own arm if caught under a bolder. Engraved Cufflinks: Not as fussy as you’d think, most guys don’t even own a pair and have been secretly wishing to give off the dashing double agent vibe. Personalized Mini Whiskey Barrel: Wow your buddies with a completely unique pick in groomsmen gifts. Scaled down in size, but not usability, this awesome way to age spirits will make anyone feel like a master distiller.

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Eat, Drink and Get Married (Especially Drink)

Attention, grooms. Speak up and be heard about your preferences on the most important part of your wedding reception _ the adult beverages. If the bride has taken charge of the wedding cake details down to the last dark-chocolate-with-raspberry-filling detail, then by all accounts of fairness the selection of liquor should be appointed to the groom. Just like the cake and the reception food, the choices you pick for beverages reflect on the overall style of your wedding. ?xml:namespace> Beer: This is always the go-to choice for the groom who is no-frills. Beer can be incorporated into the menu and is sure to quaff the thirst of your wedding attendants and old college fraternity brothers _ toss in personalized beer mugsand it can be your groomsmen gifts! Consider using local beers that capture the spirit of your location for out-of-town guests. But, unless you are having a wedding reception where beer universally fits the mood, such as at a BBQ or the groomsmen are wearing Lederhosen, it is probably best to include other libations. ?xml:namespace> Champagne and Wine: It is traditional for the bride and groom to be toasted during the reception with a glass of champagne served to each guest. For the guests that choose not to consumer alcohol, it is always a nice gesture to have a sparkling juice available so that they do not feel left out of the festivities. Wine is also an expected choice for weddings, but can also be used in an unexpected way. Consider having a wine-tasting area set up at the bar where guests are served small portions of several various types of wine. ?xml:namespace> ?xml:namespace> Signature Drinks: Creating a signature cocktail a fun way to show your personality and tie in the theme of the event. It can be a tried-and-true drink, like a hot toddy with monogrammed swizzles, or a completely new recipe. Think of a fun name for the drink and serve in fitting barware, even personalized glasses that can be taken home as a wedding favor. For example, a drink made with Blue Curacau could be served in a hurricane glass and called ñSomething Blue.î Or, a white chocolate and vodka concoction could be poured in a cocoa-rimmed martini glass and named the ñNow Married-tini.î With so many choices and so little time, you may want to start your taste testing now!

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Beer Flights Take Off

So many beers, so little time. Did you know that beer is the third most widely consumed beverage in the word over water and tea? The Chinese alone drink more than 45 billion liters a year! From pale ales, stouts and lagers, it’s hard to decide on just one type of beer let alone which brand to guzzle among the seemingly endless array of suds pumped out by major and micro-breweries. No doubt if you’re serving alcohol at your wedding, the bride has agreed to let you serve your favorite beer. Now pull the beer theme into other aspects of your wedding with beer-inspired groomsmen gifts. Here’s a novel beer gift idea. A new trend in restaurants and brew pubs around the country is to offer the indecisive beer drinker several types of beer at once, served in smaller glasses. Often called a ‘beer flight,’ this is a scaled down solution that allows you to sample a variety of craft beers without committing to finishing off full-sized servings (and possibly getting drunk in the process). It’s similar to a ‘wine tasting’ and many establishments serve the beer flights with flair – a progression of beers in smaller glasses lined up from lightest to darkest. A beer flight is a great way to start off your bachelor party festivities, or even to present as tasteful groomsmen gifts that the guys are bound to use with gusto in their own homes. We’ve found a really awesome, handsomely crafted beer flight sampler that will provide your buddies a means to enjoy a four-fecta of ales. The natural-finish wooden paddle has carved out spots to hold four 5-ounce pilsner-style beer glasses and can be personalized with two lines of text. A refreshing choice in groomsmen gifts and perhaps a set of beer mugs that your friends have not even yet seen the likes of. One, two, three, four beers for your boys!

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Horse Drawn Carriage Rides for Christmas Wedding

Guys, one of the most romantic things you can do is arrange for a horse-drawn carriage ride as party of the wedding festivities, perhaps after the reception as you make your newlywed getaway under the sparkling lights of the city or twinkling stars of the country. ItÍs even a festive way to make a grand entrance to the wedding with the bride and groom in one carriage and paired up groomsmen and bridesmaids in subsequent carriages. Arranging for a surprise carriage ride also makes a grand gesture as gifts from the groom to the bride and also a good place to pop the question if youÍre not already married. In New York City, the quintessential ride winds around Central Park and will set you back about $150 for a 45 minute ride, well worth it for the memory. But, the Big Apple isnÍt the only place you can be hauled around behind horses, there are usually horse and carriage companies in nearly every big city in the downtown area as well as in quaint, historic smaller towns and even mountain resort destinations. In fact, at some in some of the ski towns, you can actually arrange to have a sleigh pull you around over the snow; canÍt you just hear the sleigh bells jingling?! If you have a destination bachelor party planned, hit the ski slopes by day and then head into down for dinner via carriage and set up the guys with the perfect choice in groomsmen gifts _ personalized flasks filled with a bit of something to warm up with. We have some tips to remember when planning a horse-drawn carriage ride. First, many carriage operators will not take the horses out for rides in extreme weather, youÍre usually safe between 20 degrees and 89 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in the summer, it could get cool in the evening, so bring your own blankets if youÍd rather not use the ones provided (if even provided). DonÍt be loud or act teasingly to the horse and whatever you do, donÍt feed the horse -- remember the Seinfeld episode where Kramer fed Beefarino to the horse and the situation got a little smelly?! Bring your camera to have the driver photograph you, and speaking of the driver, donÍt forget to tip him.

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Weird Places to Wed and Groomsmen Gifts to Match

To some brides and grooms getting hitched in a chapel is just so predictable. Why marry in a place where you spend so little time (insert lightening bolt strike), when you can take your vows in a place where you feel more at home. We've recieved reports of some wild and wacky places to get hitched, as uncommon and unique as the couples themselves. Plus, wouldn't you love to shake it up for your buddies, the groomsmen who are usually bored to tears in a traditional ceremony? Pick one of the weird places to wed and treat your wedding party to our coordinating suggestions in groomsmen gifts. Hamburger Joint: Your wedding guests are going to flip for a ceremony and reception combo in the local hamburger joint. After your I-do's under a canopy of checkered tablecloths, your friends and family can chow down on burgers, fries and frothy shakes served up in those red plastic baskets. For groomsmen gifts, the guys will appreciate their own stainless-steel spatula engraved with the details of the day. Zoo: Get hitched in front of the Love Bird exhibit; the guests will be a flutter with the aviary ambiance. Or, go savannah style with your wedding, lions sunning themselves in the background. Whatever section of the zoo you choose (please, not the snakes), it's going to be hot and sticky. Quaff the thirsts of your buddies by presenting pre-filled flasks as your groomsmen gifts. Airport: Maybe you're a pilot or a flight attendant -- or a jet-setting traveler. Tying the knot at the airport is unusual, but has a unique benefit. You'll be just that much closer to making the signature bride and groom getaway - just hop straight on a plane and head toward your honeymoon. Travel accessories will make fitting groomsmen gifts, from personalized passport covers to dopp kits Brew Pub: The nerves of an anxious groom will definitely be soothed if he is wed near the production of beer. While it's not okay to get married under the influence, there's no reason to teetotal afterward -- celebrate with the suds! Your friends will be high-fiving you all night, wondering how you pulled this venue off. Of course, personalized beer mugs or tavern signs make toast-worthy groomsmen gifts for the pub wedding.

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Robot Says, "You May Now Kiss the Bride"

The bride was blushing in white, the groom quite dapper in his formal, black tuxedo, and the official joining the two in holy matrimony -- a robot! This recent wedding, held in Tokyo, Japan, was typical in so many ways except for the 4-foot robot named "I-Fairy" which helped the happy couple say their "I do's". According to manufacturer Kokoro Company, this was the first time that a robot has conducted a marriage; and we bet not the last in robot-happy Japan! Those Japanese seem to always be one step ahead when it comes to all things high-tech, they have some of the most advanced robotic and artificial intelligence technologies in the world. With robotic research typically supported by the government, robots are common in factories and, in the last decade, becoming more and more present in peoples every day life. Honda has a small human-like robot and recently teddy bear and pet robots have been designed to provide companionship for the elderly and children. So, why not an I-Fairy for your wedding?! According to the Kokoro spokesperson, she has 18 degrees of motion in the arms and can repeat pre-programmed movements and sounds. Not the most advanced robot on the market by any means, she will come dressed for the event, wearing a wreath of flowers around her head. However, don't think you'll be saving money by cutting the services of a human minister or justice of the peace out of the event -- I-Fairy will set you back $68, 000! That's the price of an awesome wedding experience including the groomsmen gifts and bachelor party; so unless she cooks, cleans, irons and walks the dog, we're passing!

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Aging Whiskey At Home, Worth the Wait

Yo, ho, ho and a barrel of booze! Grooms who enjoy the deep, mellow taste of barrel-aged alcohol and have a 'do-it-yourself' attitude are going to love our latest find, personalized whiskey mini-barrels! Fill 'em up with your favorite spirit such as whiskey, rum, tequila, wine and even plain ole moonshine and then just kick back and wait for the magical process to begin. You'll hardly be able to wait and share your new secret recipe with bachelor party revelers or wedding reception guests. Plus, when given as groomsmen gifts, the guys are literally and figuratively going to be intoxicated by your gesture. Made completely from American white oak (except for the steel hardware), these whiskey barrels 'breathe' to allow the alcohol to seep into the medium charred interior and become infused with the rich, deep flavors and aromas inherent to the timber. Age your liquor as long as you like, anywhere from three weeks to three years is common! If you've heard that some fine whiskies are aged for decades, they are - although Jack Daniels is only aged about four years. However, a nice perk of these mini-barrels is that the aging process is put on fast-forward because there is a higher spirit-to-wood ratio than found in those huge barrels. These groomsmen gifts will give your best man and other wedding attendants something to look forward to once your wedding extravaganza has come to the end. After a pal gets his own personal barrel set up at home (some prep required, instructions included), all he needs to do is pour his un-aged spirit into the barrel and wait. Waiting for these barrels to do their thing may sound like waiting for grass to grow - but, it's actually much more entertaining because there are 'quality control' issues that need attending. Every so often, the contents will need to be tasted and evaluated to determine if the flavor is on target. It's not uncommon for about 25-percent of the whiskey to disappear over the aging process. Professionals call this the 'angel's share' and it is a combination of evaporation, absorption into the wood and, ahem, quality control samples. So, if you're looking for unique groomsmen gifts, these baby-sized barrels (1-liter, 2-liter and 3-liter) are definitely going to deliver full-sized enjoyment. Not only a new productive pastime for the recipient, but when displayed on the included stand, a handsome focal point in a home bar or man cave - especially when burnished with a personalized name, initials or special message. Another groomsmen gift idea to go along with these barrels - a personalized flask to carry his at-home aged spirits wherever he goes!

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Searing Steak With Style _ Groomsmen Gift Suggestion

The entire month of May is dedicated to sizzling up good food on the grill, itÍs National Barbeque Month! According to a consumer poll by the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association, enjoying the company with family and friends (94%) combined with the desire to be outside (22%) is the reason why barbeque season heats up this time of year. And really, the launch of the outdoor cooking couldnÍt be better timed considering how many soon-to-be-married couples are launching their pre-wedding entertaining schedules for all the important members of the wedding party. If you are hosting a bachelor barbeque this month, youÍll want to check over your gear and supplies to make sure everything is in order. Pull off the cover under which your grill has been hibernating all winter and give it a look-see to determine whether is still up to the manufacturerÍs safety guidelines. Anything rusty or wobbly needs to be repaired or replaced. Also, youÍll need to stock up with a freshly filled propane tank or plenty of charcoal briquettes along with all the other consumables you plan on grilling up. This year, why not break with tradition and try a new marinade or dry rub to shake up the taste buds of your carnivorous friends and family?! For the men at your backyard cookout, it is always a thoughtful idea to bring along personalized groomsmen gifts, especially BBQ gifts, to show your appreciation for their willingness to eat, drink and be merry at your upcoming wedding. Sure to make a searing impression with your groomsmen is a steak iron which can be used to make a personalized mark on beef, chicken, pork _ even tofu! There are many styles of steak brands to choose from including steak irons forged with the recipientÍs monogram letters or a sports team or military logo held near and dear.

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Thumbs Up for Multi-Function Tools _ Manly Groomsmen Gifts

Men werenÍt given opposable thumbs for nothing. Thumbs are called opposable because this digit can be moved around to touch the other fingers, enabling the grasping mechanism. YouÍve enjoyed the use of your opposable thumbs for many worthy tasks, popping the lid on a beer can, holding your golf club, and snapping to your favorite tune. However, the most important event you can thank your thumb for is using it to flip open the lid on the velvet ring box when you made the big proposal to your fianc_. You groomsmen are also sure to be quite pleased with the physical adaptation provided by the thumb. WeÍre not saying the guys are monkeys or anything, but they couldnÍt peel a banana if it wasnÍt for this first-rate finger. Chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans also all have opposable thumbs just like your loveably knuckle-dragging buddies. One choice in groomsmen gifts that is sure to get a round of Tim Allen-eque grunts and groans of admiration is a multi-function tool. Like a pocket knife but better, these must-have implements are outfitted with lots of gear such as a blade, a screwdriver, a serrated saw, a corkscrew, a flashlight and more. A total thumbs-up for groomsmen gifts, your friends will enjoy keeping a multi-function tool on hand for DIY projects, emergency situations and all those other unexpected times when you need a special gadget.

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Personalized Flasks Have Celebrity Fans

By George, weÍll drink to that! Just leave it to those fun-loving celebrities to show us, the thirsty masses, an under-cover way to liven up a potentially boring formal affair. Whether you are walking down the red carpet or down the wedding aisle, carrying the coolest of personalized flasks in your coat jacket will serve you well in so many ways. Not only will you have a pint-sized pour of your favorite beverage on hand at all times, youÍll look quite sophisticated in an A-list sort of way when you so casually and charismatically pull the vessel from your pocket. DonÍt let the party stop in your tuxedo pocket; share the liquid festivities by treating each of your friends to one of his very own groomsmen flasks. A tasteful statement of friendship, especially when you pick out groomsmen flasks that are crafted with the recipientÍs personality in mind. At leather-wrapped flasks, sleek stainless-steel flasks, and even personalized flasks with cigar storage. And, with a classy monogram or name engraved upon each one, you are sure to be the topic of many pre-swig toasts _ ñand hereÍs to the groom who has shown me how to hold my liquorî! But what good are groomsmen flasks if there is nothing inside to send down the hatch? Sure you can top them off with old-school standards such as plain whiskey, rum or gin. But if you really want to make your groomsmen feel like the stars of the night, fill your personalized flasks up with alcoholic concoctions that youÍve mixed up beforehand. Mixing flask cocktails actually has a long history, from the mid-1800s to the 1960s, many popular libations such as gimlets, Manhattans and Sazeracs were sold pre-made in bottles _ today even the Margarita and Mojita come ready to walk out the door in glass bottles. Experienced flask mixologists recommend beginning your drink recipe with 3 ounces of a primary spirit and 1 once of a modifier; depending on your flask size, you can adjust the ratio. With this base you can add other ingredients, if desired such as a flavored simple syrup. A hint though, donÍt use egg whites in your drink, they tend to break down in the flask. In the same vein, citrus juices are not the best fit for a metal flask because you tend to give off that ñtinnyî aftertaste. Since you have a limited amount of room in the flask, experts also suggest not adding too much filler _ go as ñhigh-octaneî as possible!

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Trends in Groomsmen Attire

With all eyes on the bride, many grooms and groomsmen discount the importance of their appearance during the wedding festivities. Even though your eyes might be affixed on your stunning wife-to-be and your groomsmen may be ogling the bridesmaids, donÍt overlook the fact that plenty of other people will be focused on the style of the groom and his wedding posse. Here are some stand-out groomsmen attire trends for your stand-up guys: Bow Tie Be Gone: Many of todayÍs modern groomsmen are opting out of the traditional bow tie when it comes to the formal tuxedo look. Experts in the tux industry say that men are choosing long ties, such as cravats, in lieu of the classic bow tie. A thoughtful choice in inexpensive groomsmen gifts would be to gift each personalized tie clip to wear with their wedding ensemble. Tossing the Tux: In other weddings, grooms have given their groomsmen the exciting news that a tuxedo is not needed for the big day. Instead, a more casual and contemporary look is trending this year such as coordinating everyone in matching khakis and sports jackets and adding a unifying touch such as matching pocket squares, ties or socks. Even snazzy engraved cufflinks are a welcomed choice in groomsmen gifts that can be worn on your special day and for many years to come. For example, personalized cufflinks engraved with a monogram are the perfect pick for the executives in your line-up who are sure to wear them again to many important business meetings. Plus, if you get cufflinks that suit each recipientÍs personality, youÍll appear to be the thoughtful groom who doesnÍt give one-size-fit-all, cookie-cutter groomsmen gifts.

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Personalized Cufflinks - An Evolved Accessory

It makes evolutionary sense to see cufflinks at a wedding. Back in more primitive times, a man would attract a mate with his fine ability to club an animal over the head, start a fire and provide a cave as a place to hide. But thanks to supermarket meat counters, gas lighters, the invention of the wheel and other "modern" conveniences, men further up the timeline have had to find flashier ways to get the attention of women. It has been shown that the perceived affluence of a man has a positive impact on his status as marriage material. Whether you are rich or still aspiring for greatness, a pair of elegant personalized cufflinks peeking out from French cuffs will help you attract the opposite sex and get noticed as a sophisticated and successful man. So, of course, you'll want to keep up the image as polished provider and knight-in-shining-armor by wearing engraved cufflinks with your wedding day tuxedo. Today, the variety of personalized cufflinks for your wedding day is almost endless. From the timeless look of silver oval or square shaped cufflinks engraved with a monogram just like your grandfather might have worn to novelty cufflinks that summarize your own unique personality, wearing "man jewelry" is not at all as fussy as it might seem. Instead, sporting a pair of engraved cufflinks shows that you know how to bait the honey trap with sparkly, shiny things! Since you'll soon be settling down, why not share this insight into attracting women with "bling" by giving your buddies really nice engraved cufflinks as groomsmen gifts? You can choose a pair of these men's accessories that is specifically suited to each guy's interests or your bachelor party theme such as Vegas-inspired dice, all sorts of professional sports logos, miniature compasses and many more.

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