Unless you are the totally unfriendly, emotionless, and cold-hearted sort, your groomsmen should be guys who are significant in your life. They could be your ever cool and supportive brother, that roommate in college who made things fun for you, or the best friend you've had since third grade. That's why when it comes to narrowing your choices of groomsmen gifts to one, it has to be something meaningful and exceptional.

Planning your wedding may be a tad stressful for you, but don't let this affect your judgment in picking the perfect groomsmen gifts. These are more than just souvenirs of your wedding. They also help convey the message of gratitude to a groomsman who helped you pick the wedding flowers your fianc้e simply adored, for not teasing you in front of your future in-laws about what transpired during the bachelor party, or for telling your soon-to-be-wife what a great catch you are.

Read on for some tried-and-tested ideas that could help you come up with the perfect groomsmen gifts.

Steer clear of the outrageously flashy or absurdly low-priced gifts. Unless your groomsman is practically begging for a humungous peace sign bling worthy of Snoop Dog or a dollar stool at a rummage sale, you're better off finding something more significant. Remember though, significant doesn't have to be boring.

You can't go wrong with "guy" stuff, such as cufflinks in his favorite color, or a bottle of his favorite liquor paired with one of those classic silver flasks. You generally won't go wrong with these kinds of groomsmen gifts since most guys enjoy using the stuff. What's more, the price range is quite friendly to both the practical and the extravagant buyers.

Let your buddies know that the groomsmen gifts came from you and certainly not from your bride, your mother, or the wedding planner! When a groomsman receives a masculine leather item monogrammed with something mushy in pink with slanting fonts, then that gift is destined to be kept at the bottom of the drawer for the rest of its shelf life. Monogrammed gifts are more personal and special, so make sure the personal touch comes from you and not somebody else.

Don't limit your choices to what's typical. If one of your groomsmen is not into business-like or formal stuff, then don't force cufflinks or Cross pens on him. Instead, give him a round-trip ticket to somewhere if he's an adventurer, or a season pass to his favorite sport if he's a fan.

Consider these suggestions and feel free to get creative and improvise:

• A loot bag filled with stuff he'll enjoy, such as a new book from his favorite author, new issues of comic books or magazines he loves, his favorite whisky, a spanking new video game, and a compilation of his favorite songs.
• If you're opting for monogrammed gift items, go for more than just your groomsmen's initials. You could go for the date when you both won your first beer-drinking contest or a funny nickname you love to call him.
• Tickets to sporting events and/or concert tickets that you'll be watching together. This will show him that you won't be abandoning your buddies even if you've tied the knot. Of course, make sure the date doesn't fall on your honeymoon!

While "meaningful" is the keyword for groomsmen gifts, it's not necessary to forego your honeymoon so you can buy one. Showing your appreciation for years of bonding and for standing beside you on your wedding day only entails knowing what your groomsman likes. So if he's obsessed about the New York Knicks, he'll understand why you gave him a courtside pass instead of buying him part-ownership of the team.