Text by Judith Wilson

One more decision a groom must make besides seating arrangements, flowers, and tuxedos, is what gifts to give to your groomsmen. The gentlemen that you have chosen will be by your side from the engagement party to the reception and all that falls in between. A great way to say "thank you" is with a well-planned groomsman gift. At the rehearsal dinner, it has long been the custom to give a gift to the men in your wedding party; gifts may vary in style and costs based on your particular requests.

Engraved ink pens, flasks, and money clips are a few traditions in gift giving for men. These items have stood the test of time and are sure-fire winners with all gentlemen; however, there are some refreshing new items that enhance the event, and you don't even have to leave your home to make the purchase. If you have a computer and are online savvy, we have some wonderful websites with unique gift ideas for you to explore at your leisure.

One of the most highly recommended sites is www.sharperimage.com. Every guy, no matter what age, enjoys gadgets. The Sharper Image catalog spotlights specialty items such as precision 7x golf scopes, Leatherman tools, electronic games, and more. While you're at this site, click on the Fantastic Gifts tab and look at some of the luxury items. My personal favorites are the Automatic 15 Minute Pants Press ($269.95) and the Magellan Color Portable Navigation System ($499.95).

For the outdoorsman of the group, you can pick up a Personalized Steak Brander (starting at $26.00) at www.groomstop.com. This website also boasts of Sterling Swiss Army Knives ($90.00 each) and groomsmen golf towels ($18.00 each); or for the cigar enthusiast, silver plated cigar cutters ($21.00) or a cherry wood cigar humidor ($41.00). If you are picking up a gift for your ring bearer, you can find an engraveable silver plated yo-yo ($24.99) or train bank ($15.00). You can find a personalized Leatherman Wave ($100.00) or a personalized Rawlings Wedding Bat ($44.95) at www.gunthergifts.com.

If cost is not a factor, or if you have the time, visit www.tiffany.com. Tiffany & Co. features some of the finest gift ideas for the men in your wedding party. Of the many exemplary gifts items listed, we've selected the following items to highlight: Paloma's Groove Sterling credit card holder by Paloma Picasso ($55.00), Elsa PerettiR shaving soap box ($495.00) Tiffany For Men 3.4 oz. Cologne spray ($80.00) and the Tiffany Mark watch ($1,650.00).

Other gift giving ideas include the traditional engraveables such as money clips, business card holders, pen sets and barware. To break tradition and give something a little different try a silver martini shaker set, golf balls and tees, wine totes, picnic backpacks, or engraved sterling silver decanter labels. Whatever your tastes or budget, these websites and many others can help you find the perfect gift to say "thank you."