Groomsman Gift Ideas: Personalised Bags and What to Fill Them With
You have picked your groomsmen. Now comes the part that trips almost every groom up: the gifts. Whether you are looking for groomsman proposal gifts to pop the question in style or something meaningful to hand out on the wedding morning, a personalised gift bag filled with the right items is one of the most thoughtful ways to show your appreciation.
This guide covers everything you need: the best groomsman gift ideas, what to fill the bags with, how to personalise them, and where to get bags that actually look the part.
Why a Personalised Gift Bag Works So Well
A personalised bag is more than just packaging. It sets the tone before your groomsman even sees what is inside. When someone receives a bag with their name printed on it, it tells them instantly that you put thought into this. It is not a last-minute grab from a shelf.
Personalised groomsman gifts also photograph beautifully. If you are laying them out on the morning of the wedding, a row of matching personalised bags makes for a moment worth capturing.
At Cookies and Koalas, we make personalised gift bags designed exactly for moments like this. Each bag features foil printing, a luxury finish, and your custom text, whether that is a name, a date, or a short message. They start from just £0.95 and are made from strong, quality paper with sturdy handles that hold the weight of a full groomsman kit.
Groomsman Proposal Gifts vs Wedding Day Gifts
Before you start filling bags, it helps to know which moment you are gifting for. These are two different occasions with different purposes.
|
Occasion |
Purpose |
Suggested Items |
|
Groomsman Proposal |
Ask your mate to be part of the day |
Card, keepsake, small whisky or treat |
|
Wedding Morning |
Thank them for everything |
Full gift kit, sentimental items, practical extras |
|
Bachelor Party |
Set the celebration tone |
Fun items, drinks, accessories, and group gear |
Most grooms do both. A small proposal gift early on, and a properly filled bag on the wedding day.
What to Put in a Groomsmen's Gift Bag
This is the part where most people get stuck. The bag looks great, but what actually goes inside? Here is a practical breakdown by category.
The Sentimental Layer
Every great groomsman gift bag needs something personal. This is the item they will actually keep.
-
A handwritten note from you (do not skip this)
-
A personalised photo slate or photo block with a picture of you both
-
A custom keyring or engraved wallet card
-
A small framed photo from a shared memory
Our personalised photo slates are a brilliant option here. You upload a photo, add a message, and we handle the rest. They arrive ready to display, no frame needed, and they look genuinely premium. It is the kind of gift that ends up on a shelf rather than in a drawer.

The Practical Layer
These are the things your groomsmen will actually use on the day and beyond.
-
A good quality tie or pocket square (especially if you are providing the outfit)
-
A grooming kit or beard oil
-
Breath mints or a small cologne sample
-
A personalised hip flask
-
Cufflinks engraved with their initials
The Fun Layer
Especially useful if you are combining the gift bag with bachelor party gifts or a pre-wedding celebration.
-
A small bottle of their favourite spirit
-
Craft beer or a beer selection voucher
-
A custom deck of cards
-
Funny socks (groomsmen love socks, it is just a fact)
-
A small snack selection for the morning of the wedding
A Simple Formula That Works
If you are not sure where to start, this formula works every time:
1 sentimental item + 1 practical item + 1 fun item + a handwritten note
That combination covers all the bases without overcomplicating it or blowing the budget.

Groomsmen Gift Bag Ideas by Style
Not every wedding is the same, and your gifts should reflect your group. Here are some groomsmen gift bag ideas based on different wedding vibes.
The Classic Wedding
Keep things clean and timeless. Think navy or black personalised bags with gold foil print. Fill with a monogrammed handkerchief, cufflinks, a photo keepsake, and a thank-you card. Simple, elegant, and always works.
The Relaxed or Festival Wedding
Go for natural tones. Kraft paper bags with custom stickers work perfectly here. Fill with locally sourced snacks, a craft beer, a personalised coaster, and something fun like a custom face mask for the bachelor party.
The Destination Wedding
Pack lighter, but make it meaningful. A personalised photo block travels well and doubles as a holiday keepsake. Add a travel-sized grooming kit and a printed card with your itinerary, or a thank-you message.
Usher Gift Ideas Too
Do not forget your ushers. They are often the unsung heroes of a wedding day, and a small token goes a long way. Usher gift ideas do not need to be as elaborate as groomsman gifts, but the personalisation still matters.
A personalised gift bag with their name, a thank you note, a small treat, and a photo keepsake is more than enough to make them feel appreciated. You can use the same bag style as the groomsmen and just adjust what goes inside.
How to Order Personalised Groomsman Bags from Cookies and Koalas
The process is straightforward. Here is how it works:
-
Choose your bag from the wedding gift bag collection
-
Add your personalisation, such as the name, a date, or a short message
-
Select your quantity for however many groomsmen and ushers you have
-
Add photo gifts separately if you want to include a photo slate or acrylic block
-
Check out, and we will handle the printing, packing, and shipping
We offer free personalisation and free shipping on orders over £30. Most orders are dispatched within one to two working days from our studio in Essex.

If you are ordering wedding party gifts for a full group, it is worth placing the bag and photo gift orders together so everything arrives at the same time.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q: Can I mix and match what goes in each bag?
Ans: Absolutely. The bags can all look the same on the outside while having slightly different contents inside. This works well if your groomsmen have different interests.
Q: Are personalised gift bags suitable for a bachelor party?
Ans: Yes. A personalised bag filled with bachelor party gifts is a great way to kick off the celebration. It gives everyone something tangible to remember the trip by.
Q: What is a good budget for a groomsmen gift bag?
Ans: Most people spend between £20 and £50 per person, including the bag, contents, and any personalised keepsakes.
Make Your Groomsmen's Gift Personal and Memorable
The best groomsman gift ideas are the ones that feel personal. A name on a bag, a shared photo turned into a keepsake, a note that says what you actually mean. It does not need to be expensive to mean something.
If you are ready to get started, take a look at our personalised wedding gifts collection at Cookies and Koalas. We have everything from luxury gift bags to photo slats that make gifts your groomsmen will genuinely keep.
Your wedding party showed up for you. This is how you show up for them.