A manly way to show your best friends appreciation for buying plane tickets (if they’re coming from out of town), renting a tuxedo, and not embarrassing you and your new bride during the reception toast, the groomsman gift should be unique, thoughtful, and functional. If you want a stylish way to express your gratitude, ditch the cliche monogramed flask and spring for one of these cool groomsman gifts instead.
Gift #1: A Dubost Laguiole Knife Set
A sharp gift (get it?) for your wedding party’s grill masters, these high-quality, heavy-gauge, stainless steel steak knives are perfect for picnics, formal dinner parties, and everything in between. Inspired by the design of a shepherd’s tool first manufactured in the French village of Laguiole, the Dubost knives feature slightly curved, serrated blades, molded resin handles, and a beautiful wooden storage box. Made in France. $99 from Williams & Sonoma.
Gift #2: Stylish Shaving Accessories
These day, shaving has evolved from an annoying part of a man’s morning routine to, as the chain of popular shaving stores exemplifies, an “art form.” Help your groomsman look debonair on your wedding day (and every day after) with awesome shaving accessories like Peary & Henson Aftershave Splash ($18 from Prospecto Co.) or a German-made, 100% natural badger hair shaving brush. ($55 from Baxter of California.)
Gift #3: This Summer’s Cool Shades
Arguably the hottest shades of the 2015 summer season, Warby Parker’s fashionable shades are made from UV 400 protected, impact-resistant lenses and hand-polished with a German polishing compound to achieve maximum shine. A fantastic groomsman gift idea for sunny outdoor weddings or receptions, Warby Parker also distributes one pair of glasses for every pair sold. Starting at $95 from Warby Parker.
Gift #4: A Carry-on Cocktail-Making Kit
Great for unwinding on the plane after your long wedding weekend, the Old Fashioned Carry-On Cocktail Kit has everything your groomsmen needs to make his in-flight whiskey a top-notch cocktail. Guaranteed to make it through security, the Cocktail Kit includes pure cane sugar, small batch aromatic bitters, a recipe, linen, a glass, and a mini bar spoon/muddler—everything but the alcohol. Makes two Old Fashioned cocktails. $24 from Uncommon Goods.
Gift #5: Handmade Cherry Business Card Holders
Boost your groomsmen’s business chops with these attractive, all-natural business card cases. Made from gorgeous Wisconsin-grown cherry and accented with maple, cherry, poplar, yellowheart, padauk, purpleheart, or walnut, the holders use two rare earth magnets to keep cards secure yet accessible. Holds 15-20 standard business cards (depending on card stock). $44 from Inelastic Goods (now on Etsy).
For more great wedding ideas, including planning services and pricing information, contact Olivia Restaurant at 818-556-5299 or visit /contact.html.