My sister got married this past summer, they gave out these nice wooden cases that had a Key chain and money clip in it that had our initials on them. They are pretty spiffy, but I use my plastic and almost never have cash on me. EDIT: it was from www.thingsremembered.com
I gave my groomsmen swiss army knives. The casing was nicer than your average pocket knife - textured and shiny. I also bought them with little leather holders. But if any are flying in, make sure they don't carry them on to the plane!
my husband gave out engraved leatherman's as well and it was a huge hit. flasks are great if you're 22 years old but by the time you're 28, you probably already have 2. his friends were all into different things too, one is pretty geeky, one is an entrepeneur (sp?), not all of the golf, etc. he was debating between travel bags (eddie bauer has really nice ones) but went with the leatherman. like i said, huge hit. i did tote bags for the girls, each were a different color and had their name on them. for the ushers, we got them gift cards to specs since they all live in houston and drink. wedding favors were koozies that were a HUGE hit! ok, i just got excited b/c no one here talks about weddings so i thought i'd share.
While I don't post about, I've had my fill of wedding stuff for the past month, and will continue as such until summer. This past weekend, I was dragged to the bridal extravagnza at the GRB. Brides to be are some crazy b!tches.
Should I ever get married I promise to start a thread in the hangout for advice. (Though I am the type of person to run off and elope then throw a huge party when I get back)
That's what I did so this was a non-issue for me. I, like Ziggy, am amazed that this is expected. I was a groomsman for one of my best friends and I didn't get a gift - granted that was back in '96 or so but still come on...
Well, I guess my friend wasn't aware of that custom or he is just cheap (more than likely it is the latter). Honestly, I would be embarrassed to get a gift just because I was a groomsman at a wedding. I would give it back to the groom so he could get his money back.
Initially, I got my groomsmen unique personalized, engraved, branded, and embroidered etched sterling lettering on leather embossed personalized initials. All were monogrammed (with their initials!) - for that personal touch!
I like the personalized gift thing.. Myself, I wanted to get something they could actually use...none of them drink hard liquor unless it's a mixed drink..none of 'em smoke, none of them use money clips, etc, etc. They do drink though, so I found some beer mugs on sale at Things Remembered and got 'em personalized with their initials...they seemed to like it. Just when you think you've mapped out all your expenses and got your budget set, all those little things creep up and bite you.
I found these neat college cooler bags that are perfect for bringing food or drink to tailgates. I also put together some calendars using some pictures from a bunch of my friends and my college football road trips. In all, it probably cost me about $50 or so per person, but they loved them and it was worth it. The dudes use the coolers all the time, and they liked the personalized touch of the calendars since it reminded them of all our bad-ass trips. (I made it at kodak.com or something using pictures I had, and the coolers you could probably find on any college fan gear site.)
Hello, Debbie Downer. If any of my guys gives my gift back to me "so I can get my money back", I will be seriously offended. I'm not giving them gifts because it's a "custom" or because they expect it, I'm doing it because I appreciate them always being there for me for the last 20+ years. Not to mention them forking over $100 on a tux, air and hotel fare (in some cases), planning and paying for a bachelor party, having to walk all the old ladies to their seats, etc. I figure a $30 luggage tag or leatherman is the least I can do... Anyway, I found some cool stuff here. Shopping around, it's kind of funny how people seem to assume that all guys carry business cards, smoke cigars, carry pocket watches, etc. Seriously, who needs a business card holder? Can you say American Psycho?
Actually, my fiancee just got me one for Christmas because of how I always mentioned American Psycho And I'll be getting one of my groomsmen a card holder as a gift, he'll love it for the same reason.
