The last time we had an unexpected groomsmen gift roundup was back in 2009! It's no wonder, because, as Ariel mentioned back then:
I really don't dig the gender-normative trends in groomsmen gifts. It feels like it's assumed that groomsmen are interested in booze (flasks!), titties (pin-up cufflinks!), tools, and sports. I mean sure: you know your dudes best. Maybe they love these things. But are we really so sure our guy friends are so narrow in their interests?
Yes, some dudes really DO love cars and tools, but some dudes love them some art supplies or silly gadgets. And sometimes, the “dudes” in the groom's party aren't actually dudes at all! (Gender-blind wedding party, anyone?) That said, since I've been doing my holiday shopping online, I've been stumbling upon some pretty awesome gifts ideas. So here's a pretty wide-spread roundup of some creative groom's party gifts sure to please the guy AND girl best friends alike.
(Not shopping for your wedding party? Well then, by all means, shop for yourself, because this shit is all kinds of awesome, and the holidays — they do approach. You are welcome.)
This is one of my most FAVORITE toys! After shooting a Steampunk wedding where all the groomsmen had a customized version of the Nerf Maverick and seeing how much fun everyone had with these babies, I went out and bought one for myself. It's super fun at parties.
The BookBook iPhone Leather Book Case is a two-in-one iPhone cover and wallet. Perfect for dudes who want to to economize their pocket space AND the vintage look of the case is fairly Steampunk-y, is it not?
Think Geek is selling officially licensed Star Wars bathrobes in either Jedi or Sith to suit whomever you're giving this too. I want one SO bad.
Skull-shaped beer pitcher or skull drinking glass anyone? Yes please. Mmm, refreshing with a hint of intimidation.
Someone PLEASE needs to outfit your groomsmen with any of these retro gamer ties!
From necks to feet… these argyle socks with the slightly hidden mustaches might make awesome gifts for the groom's party to wear with their wedding suits.
I always love to throw in a cute USB drive as a gift-giving option. This robot guy is cute and useful (as robots should be damn it).
Got someone sporty in your party? This water bottle is super convenient as it doubles as a wallet. So they can just grab their drink and go on a hike with you!
Speaking of grabbing a drink… how cool are these shark attack mugs!? Y'all might have noticed by now that I simply can not resist a good shark-themed product.
Buy shoes for your groom's party. I suggested Rainbow slippers in the last roundup, but this time how about Toms?
I mean, really, you can't go wrong with a flask. I've been watching a lot of Breaking Bad lately, so this chemistry-licious Ethanol Molecule Flask is really calling to me. But I'm also intrigued with these flasks with a compartment for your cigarettes or one for cigars.
Not everyone has the space for an awesome grill, but EVERYONE can find room for this awesome mini grill. Your groomspeeps will LOVE 'em.
If they're more of a lounger than a griller, this R2D2 folding arm chair is PERFECT. Bonus points if you're having a BBQ wedding, as this could double as outdoor seating.
If everyone in your groom's party is wearing suits or tuxes, cufflinks might be a great idea and this post is full of great cufflink options.
How about a pretty container or a sack of personalized M&Ms!? Delicious and clever. Hell, you can always ask your friends to be in your wedding party WITH personalized M&Ms.
OMG official Barney Stinson Armani grey suitjamas! These are pricey, but holy holy crap, is there a gift any better for a fan of How I Met Your Mother? I think not, because these are legendary!
Got any more legendary gift ideas? I know y'all have been poking around for the holidays, share some of your favorite shopping ideas that would be perfect for groomsmen and groomsgals alike in the comments.