Freakin' Fabulously Fun Flask Factoids

Scotch, scotch, scotch... I love scotch. But, we all know you can't just bust out a bottle of scotch anytime you want to do your Anchorman impression. That is why we turn to the shiny, indestructible and timeless symbol of sippin' booze in public, the flask. These time-honored groomsmen gifts found at GroomStand.com are fantastic mementos to remember great times and wonderful friends, but do you know the origin of this pocket-sized mini-bar? Leave it to GroomStand to inject some knowledge in your melon as we journey through the history of the flask. Way Back in the Day The first accounts of the flask in history are during the Middle Ages, where it was common to gut pieces of fruit to transfer alcohol. In the 18th century, it was regular for women boarding docked British Warships to smuggle gin in improvised pigs' bladders sown into their overcoats. Obviously, this did not last, or else you'd be looking for the GroomStand tuxedo black pig bladder, complete with lapel straw and personalized stitching. Prohibition and the Hip Flask The flasks that we know today were popularized in the later 18th century, and are called hip flasks because of their contoured curve engineered to discreetly hug the hip. This was an important feature as the widespread use of the flask became popularized in the 1920's when prohibition made alcohol illegal in the US. It was thought that removing alcohol was good for society and heavily backed by Henry Ford, who was concerned about the influence alcohol had on the workforce. Prohibition was also backed because of the war movement at the time, since most of the beer companies were owned by German-Americans Today, hip flasks are classic and tasteful groomsmen gifts. Most hip flasks are made from stainless steel, like this classic Textured Flask. Others have a chrome finish, like the Personalized Chrome Plated Flask with Cigar Holder, or some have a leather cover like the Personalized Black Leather Flask. Make your hip flask a perfect gift from GroomStand by engraving the recipient's initials with our free personalization!

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Flask + Lighter = Las Vegas

Why is it that a flashy, Personalized Zippo Lighter and Flask gift set can bring a guy so much pleasure and excitement? Yet as far as groomsmen gifts go there's something about opening up this high-end, brushed finished dynamic duo that warms the cockles. If you really want to know why this happens, then I'll paint a picture for you. I remember my friend, Hasaan, from way back when. Hasaan had never touched a drink, didn't smoke, was a really good mama's boy that always took the high road. One day on a whim, a couple of buddies from work decided to do an overnighter in Vegas. Now good old Hasaan had never been to Vegas. He'd always been intrigued by the photos and the bright lights of the city and was really hoping he could tag along. Now I knew this was a bad idea. This sweet natured kid was going to get a 36 hour crash course in debauchery at its finest and I didn't want to be responsible. Hasaan assured me that his values and morals were impenetrable. Yeah...right...that was until he realized that if he sat down to gamble they didn't charge for drinks. So he sat down to experiment with the one-armed bandits and a beautiful girl wearing next to nothing sidled up to him and asked him if he'd like a drink. "How much is a scotch?" - "It's on the house, honey." Well, that was the beginning of what led to a photograph I took at five am that would have killed this kid's poor mother had she seen it. I wish you could have seen the photograph. In it you'd have seen Hasaan filling a Las Vegas flask (that he bought with his gambling earnings) with free booze from the casino bar, while a three quarter burned cigarette smoldered from between his lips. His eyes were half closed, bloodshot, but he had a strange and peaceful smile on his face. It was one that would warm the cockles...just like this excellent groomsmen gift. Technorati Tags: groomsmen gifts, guy gifts, zippo lighters

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Five Weird Wedding Gifts Not on Your Registry, Guaranteed

We've told you time and time again how to pick out groomsmen gifts. But forget about the groomsmen gifts, what about bride and groom gifts? You registered with your fiancee, right? Here are five weird wedding gifts that prove registry is the way to go. Beyond Groomsmen Gifts: Five Weird Wedding Gifts Monkey Cake Topper - You spend hours picking out the perfect cake. Then, Aunt Bessie, who never misses a garage sale, bestows a tacky cake topper to the bride and demands it crowns your exquisitely modern wedding cake. Lice-picking bride-and-groom monkeys are never cute. Nor do they make your $500 cake more appetizing. If you receive a garish gift for your shower or engagement party "accidentally" drop it. GroomStand hint: To intercept a replacement gift, don't tell crazy Aunt Bessie about the "accident" until right before the wedding. Tandem Bike - Riding in tandem is a metaphor for married life. Cute wedding gift? No way. More like argument inducing. Picture newlyweds screaming at each other as they traverse down a trail. Or arguing about who is the backseat driver and when to stop for directions. Separate bikes add stress-free joy to the couple's life and they won't feel like "that couple". You know, the pair who jaunts to the grocery store in matching jogging suits. Toilet for Two - Despite popular belief, married couples should not share everything. The TwoDaLoo flushes romance but promises more "quality" time together. The word "quality" is open to interpretation. GroomStand Hint: under no circumstances get this for your best buds as groomsmen gifts, even if they happen to be roommates. Adam and Eve Photos - Bride and groom's heads painted over Adam and Eve. Perverse or mantel-worthy? We're going with perverse. No dinner guest wants to eat near a nude portrait of their friends - even with those strategically placed fig leaves. Register for a vintage pub sign, chapel sign, or wedding frame instead. And if you do receive the painstakingly hilarious Adam and Eve, place it in the closet and whenever the bad-gift giver comes over, bring it out. Hopefully, your groomsmen gifts won't share the same fate. Fundies - Undies for two! There's nothing like unwrapping a present that looks like monogrammed hand towels and finding fundies - underwear for two - inside. Not only are fundies over-the-top, it's so Not Funny if they don't fit. Furthermore, most couples don't even like to share a blanket, why would they enjoy fundies? Bad wedding gift. Definitely a bad groomsmen gift. Most couples would rather receive grilling accessories than fundies. Any wedding gift that won't cause the couple to flush with embarrassment will do. What goes around comes around. Hopefully, none of these weird wedding gifts lurk in your future. Get an idea of what you want in our gifts for the groom section. Or continue shopping for those groomsmen gifts at GroomStand!

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Find a Stripper for Your Bachelor Party

Strippers and bachelor parties go together like two peas in a pod. But for those of us new to the bachelor party scene, it's a little tough to find out how to acquire some adult entertainment. While a stripper can take the top of the list of groomsmen gifts, you have to be careful when you're finding one. Talking to adult entertainment companies Strippers, or people who supply strippers, are sometime not the most reputable folk. Think about it. People don't like to take off their clothes for cash because they like to be social. Put some effort into finding a good company. Here are some tips: Call around. If you want to work with a professional business (and since you're bringing a stripping stranger into your home, it might be a good idea) most of these companies are found in the phone book or online. Some companies may have a policy that you have to book the entertainer over the phone during your initial call. This is an empty threat. It also means these guys can be super shady. Get the deal in writing. If you plan on working with a company, make sure there is a written contract sent to you by email or fax. This is also a great place to get a good estimate of what the "show" will consist of before hand. Find out what your stripper looks like. You won't get anything like our old naked guy at the top of the page, but sometimes these companies send a lower-than-expected product to your doorstep. You can either: pay the fee and send her packin' - or - bust out your groomsmen gifts of Personalized Brush Metal Flasks, and drink that unnecessary armpit hair away. Check ahead of time if photographing or filming is above the board. Most of the time it's not. The last thing you need is an angry, half-naked stripper... or way worse, her big mean bodyguard taking the camera away. Another great bachelor party tip Bachelor Party Confidential recommends to put your best man on point for the party. It's his job to keep your groomsmen in line. It's cool to have fun, but if all hell breaks loose, the stripper will bail at a moments notice. Otherwise, have a good time and enjoy your last moments of bachelorhood.

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Finally a Cake for the Groom

Add your own delicious spin to a wedding tradition The groom's cake is a longstanding wedding tradition dating back to the 17th century. In the last 300 or so years, the tradition has been tailored to suit nearly every region and culture. The groom's cake was originally a darker fruit style dessert served without icing. Over time, the cake evolved into individually wrapped sweet treats that wedding guests would receive as wedding favors. There's even some folklore associated with the groom's cake. In the southern US, single women are believed to dream up images of their future husbands if they place a piece of the coveted cake under their pillow the night of the wedding. Nowadays, the groom's cake can be whatever you want it to be! With so many cake styles to decide on, a groom's cake can be a traditional - and distinctive - addition to your summer wedding. Pick a groom's cake that suits your personality, or design something totally off the wall. We've compiled a site list below of some great groomsmen cake designers for some added inspiration. These wedding cake sites offer great cake design ideas if you decide to add a groom's cake to your wedding. Finding, creating and ordering a tailor-made cake that suits your personality just right was never so easy! Pink Cake Box Confetti Cakes Groom's Cakes Charm City Cakes

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Ferris Bueller House Could Be Home To Your Wedding This Summer

A Great Gift for the Groom. If Only You Could Afford It! Wax Nostalgia with the Ferris Bueller House Who doesn't remember Ferris Bueller's Day Off? The movie is a classic, and even if its 1986 release was before your time, it still conjures memories when life was filled with the whimsy and exuberance of high school. The famous house that serves as the home to Ferris Bueller's best friend Cameron, is officially on the market. Located in the Highland Park suburb of Chicago, the structure is modern and unique, not to mention pricey. The house is on the market for $2.3 million. A four bedroom and 5,300 square foot building, the price for the famous home is a steal relative to similar homes a year ago. If you've got the cash to shell out, why not go with a Ferris Bueller themed wedding this summer? Do everything they do in the movie for your last night as a single man - go to a baseball game, a fancy dinner, and hang out at the beach, quoting lines from the movie. Picking up the estate crammed full of 80's film lore will bring you back to the days when your biggest worry was what to wear each morning. Okay, okay, we know. Two and a half million for your wedding locale is relatively unaffordable. Still, it's always fun to dream. And while you're dreaming this summer, why not dream about a great film like Ferris Bueller's Day Off? Of course, when reality sinks in and you need to find elegant groomsmen gifts fast, head on over and peruse the fantastic selection of groomsmen gifts at Groomstand.com. We've got groomsmen gifts for your wild Bueller type and groomsmen gifts for more sedative, contemplative Cameron types. Personalize your groomsmen gifts with your bud's high-school nickname. Spoiler Alert! Cameron's house plays host to the crucial conflict in the movie. If you haven't seen Ferris Bueller's Day Off, we highly recommend you skip the clip below and pick up this movie at your local video store. Here we get a first introduction to the infamous Ferrari so crucial to the movie's plot. Believe it or not, this is the same house that is up for sale now!

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Fake Wedding Cakes

The Associated Press (A.P.) recently published an article about "Fake Wedding Cakes For Thrifty Couples." I know you want to save money for important things, but c'mon. The idea is that budget minded and 'thrifty' brides and grooms put out a beautiful pretend, multi-layered cake while they serve a less expensive sheet cake from the back. Inside these faux cakes made by Fun Cakes in Grandville is plastic and foam. My first thought on this is, what a bunch of cheap-os! Throw down a few hundred bucks and get a nice cake that can be cut and served in front of the guests. Why try to fake it and go through that hassle? Everyone is going to know the cake is fake and then the bride and groom have instantly cheesified their wedding no matter how great the rest of the affair may be. Now...on second thought a fake cake would also leave more money to be spent on better groomsmen gifts. Now that is something I can definitely get behind. Lastly, a fake cake doesn't have to be handled quite as delicately, because if some careless person, or drunk best man (maybe groomsmen gifts of flasks weren't the best idea) accidentally stumbles into it and it goes crashing to the ground...who cares? The good stuff is in the back! The opinions can go either way on the fake cake dilemma, but we encourage your opinions and comments. Technorati Tags: groomsmen gifts, wedding cakes, brides

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Fake Cakes: Do or Don't?

If only, there was a way to have a ridiculously fancy wedding without the ridiculous price tag. Everyone wants the best tuxedo, the classiest reception hall and the shiniest groomsmen gifts, but there's only so much a guy could can spend. Say goodbye to your budget sorrows because FunCakes will get you one-step closer to the wedding you could never afford. Why Rent a Wedding Cake, you ask? You already know the wedding cake is the centerpiece to any wedding. You also know wedding cakes are expensive, heavy and prone to damage from heat, children's fingers, and groom and bride cake smashing. Cakes are fun to look at, but they're not fun to destroy when all you can think about is the price tag. By the way, fondant tastes like Play-Doh. Skip the stress and save your own dough by renting a cake. FunCakes offers some fantastically gravity-defying cake structures made out of foam. Even though it's a fake wedding cake, each foam structure has a fondant frosting cover for that insta-cavity glossy finish. Instead of cutting the cake apart, each of these artificial cakes has a secret compartment to store a small tasty treat for the bride and groom to snack on. Otherwise, FunCakes recommends that you take the rental cake back to the kitchen and serve a delectable sheet cake to all of your guests. Trust me, no one is going to stand up and shout "You Imposter!" Don't try this with your groomsmen gifts or any other wedding accessory. Your buddies likely won't appreciate fake Rolex watches! How Much Does a Rental Wedding Cake Cost? If you order a cake from their pre-designed gallery, the model will start at $175.00, plus a fully refundable $200.00 safety deposit. Here are some of their most eye-popping designs: If a custom theme is more your style, you can submit a two-dimensional drawing or three-dimensional CAD file to show off a special image or corporate logo. The basic three-tiered custom cake rental costs $275.00, plus the safety deposit. Compare that to the average cost of a no-frills wedding cake at $534 according to The Bridal Association of America, you'll save more than enough to spring for some extra cool groomsmen gifts.

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FAIL: 14 Bad Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

Grunt-worthy groomsmen gifts are simple. Finding Valentine's Day gifts for your girlfriend makes your heart pound... with anxiety. If you get her a vacuum, expect her suck out your tiny brain. Present her with tacky, red lingerie and she might refuse to wear it. Whether you give her a blender or a fistful of wilted carnations, one bad Valentine's gift and you're screwed. She'll tell her friends, her mom, and everyone within earshot how much your V-Day gift sucked. When February 14 rolls around, pony up, get your love lasso ready and wrangle in heart-melting Valentine's gifts. If you give any of the below V-Day gifts, plan to spend a night or two on the couch. Here are 14 Valentine's Day Gifts Never to Get Your Girlfriend: 14. Gas-station balloons, candy, or carnations - Says: "Baby, I love you so much I drove by the gas station on my way home and picked out these wilted pink carnations." Gas-station teddy bears and glittery roses are so seventh grade. Set the mood with a white wine glass set, candles, and a homemade dinner for two. 13. Ugly sweater plastered with hearts.- Says:" Be the weird woman festooned in hearts from head-to-toe and scare off the neighborhood kids. Ps. I don't want to have sex with you." Sure she wears her heart on her sleeve and has a growing collection of ironic snowflake sweaters. But your bride-to-be wants sexy and there's nothing sexy about a garish Grandma sweater. Give your precious a pretty pink camisole set instead. 12. Valentine with corny joke.- Says: " I don't get you at all." She opens up a Valentine's Day card expecting sweet sonnets and Browning-eske love limericks. Instead, she's greeted with: What do farmers give their wives on Valentine's Day? Hogs and Kisses! After she opens this card, you're the hog now buddy. 11. Push-up bra. Says: "I think you need a boost." No self- improvement gifts. Ever. Same goes for groomsmen gifts. 10. A puppy. Says: "I love you so much, I'm giving you a wiggly puppy that will encumber you for years....and as a complete surprise." Puppies don't make good groomsmen gifts, Valentine's Day gifts, or any gift. Unless you've had " the talk " about animals and she's really ready, pass up that doggy in the window. Ruff. Ruff. 9. Cash. Says: "Don't know what to get you.... do my shopping for me please." Can it get any more romantic than cash? Passing the buck to her so she can do her own shopping puts you in the pathetic category. 8. Household appliances. Says: "Don't sleep with me... sweep for me." Just because the appliance is pink does not make it Valentine's Day appropriate. Ultimate fail. 7. Cheap jewelry. Says: "I'm cheap." Red is the color for Valentine's Day. But no lady wants an itchy red rash. When it comes to jewels, splurge. A pretty pearl bracelet and locket guarantees a knock-out love fest later. A faux-gold chain guarantees a trip to the emergency room.6. Sports sign. Says: "I want this for myself." Lots of women like sports. But most ladies don't want to be reminded of sweaty football players on the most romantic holiday of the year. But cheers to personalized sports signs as groomsmen gifts! 5. Pregnancy test. Says: "Oops" Valentine's Day isn't the time to spring an oops situation on her. Nor is it time to question her protruding mid-section. 4. Diet chocolate. Says: "You've been packing on the pounds, so I got you a pound of sugarless chocolate." How thoughtful. She's expecting gourmet Godiva truffles and you show up with sugarless bon-bons better suited for diabetics. She'll certainly get the hint with this tasteless gift. 3. Love coupon book. Says:"Just what you wanted. Hugs, kisses, and chores that you should get for free." Groan. We heart love-coupon books when rosy cheeked kiddies give them to their moms. But the coupons for an extra night o' nookie will collect dust in the junk drawer forever. Make her a photo album of your favorite memories instead. 2. Tickets to a sporting event. Says: "You like sports, right?" Nothing says romance like a hot dog and thousands of screaming fans. Sports tickets are far better as groomsmen gifts or Valentine's Day gifts for him. 1. An all-expenses-paid lunch with you and your mom. Says: "I want to kill two ladies with one V-day lunch." Lunching with your favorite ladies as a V-Day gift makes you look like a momma's boy. Take them out separately. Take our poll and tell us what takes the pink cake as the worst Valentine's Day gift ever. Now that you know what not to get her for Valentine's Day, check out heart-melting Valentine's Day gifts for her. And don't forget about those groomsmen gifts available at GroomStand.com. Worst Valentine's Day gift for her ( polls)

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Evert & Norman Engaged: Championship Groomsmen Gifts to Ensue

New news on the groom news front! Christ Evert and Greg Norman are engaged after less than a year apart from their now divorced long-time love partners; Norman ending his and Ms. Andrassy's marriage to the tune of $600 million in Florida's Martin County court in September, with Ms. Andrassy reportedly receiving almost half the $600 million fortune. Evert's past marriages include former husband Andy Mill, a World Cup and Olympic skier from Colorado, whom she divorced last December after 18 years of marriage. Prior to that she was married to British tennis player John Lloyd. But the divorces should be taken as a good sign, the couple knows what they don't want and what they do want, which should mean that this is a decision that will last (they don't have much time left anyways). Plus Evert is banking on the old third-times-the-charm bit. Things should go smooth, we'll keep you updated.

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Even Ugly Ties Need Love

Seen an uprising in ugly ties as gifts? This article might be responsible. Recently the Colorado Springs Gazette did an article on an "Ode to the Ugly Tie." They started off by sharing a story about a best man who tricked his groom into thinking the dark brown, fraying tie with the ducks on it was a custom - the groom always wears something different than his groomsmen. What gifts do you get for practical jokers, we wonder? It wasn't until right before taking his vows did they let him in on the secret and give him the real tie to wear. Let's face it, there is an art to tying and wearing a tie and many of us guys don't have that talent mastered. How many times have you seen a heavy set guy with the super fat tie that is tied way too short and barely goes to his navel? Too many times, right. Well, if the wedding is on the way, then let us make some suggestions for awesome gifts for your boys this year. For starters, a Stayclip Collar Organizer will be a great gift, but also works as a useful everyday item for the handsome suit (that's what we call white collar guys these days). Add to that a handsome pair of Rhodium Cuff Links and you're well on your way to being the handsomest guy at the wedding, reunion, anniversary, and the office. Technorati Tags: cuff links, groomsmen gifts, collar stays

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Engraved Pocket Knives: 18 Reasons One Is A Great Gift

When you're trapped in that Las Vegas bathroom because an enraged bear stands poised outside your door, you'll be glad at least one of you is armed with more than a robe and your hotel's miniature shampoo bottle arrangement. All guys secretly think they're MacGyver. And MacGyver always had a pocket knife. Your groomsmen already have flasks from college. Getting them engraved pocket knives shows that you care about their safety. Getting them engraved lock-back pocket knives shows that you care about your safety. You don't have to go to Switzerland to get it personalized. That pocket knife your groomsmen got in the Cub Scouts is still covered in grape jelly and is so dull it couldn't cut through a ballpark frank. Mr. T pities the foo' who doesn't have one. They'll need something to cut the string when tying all those tin cans to the back of your car. Boys like knives. Guys like knives. Men like knives. Knives are forever. Crocodile Dundee had a knife. But get them one that won't get them arrested for carrying it around on the subway. Groomsmen knives are great for emergency tracheotomies at the reception. Because keychains are lame. Their Leatherman tool was confiscated by airport security on their way to the wedding. They'll stop using their car keys, teeth or any other sharp object conveniently available when they want to jimmy open whatever it is they're trying to jimmy open. A personalized pocket knife can be used as a form of identification in Atlantic City. The GI Joe movie is coming out this summer. A real American Hero always carries a pocket knife. Go Joe! And duh, if you lose it- people know who it belongs to. This also applies if someone tries to steal it!

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