It’s time for a new Ask Emmaline question! This question was sent in to us from bride-to-be, Brianna. She asks,

I have asked my god brother to be my ring bearer, which is a little non-traditional because he will be 13 at the time of the wedding. But, he is super excited to participate! I’ve gotten gifts for pretty much everyone in the wedding party already, but I am totally stumped when it comes to him. Any ideas? Thanks!”

First of all, that’s awesome your god brother is so excited to be a part of your day! When it comes to a preteen or teenage ring bearer, the gift-giving rules change quite a bit. The sheriff badges, mini baseball bats, and coloring books or toys don’t exactly apply. You’ll want to give him a gift that makes him feel more grown-up like the groomsmen, but age-appropriate, too. I’ve consulted Andrew on this one because, well, he’s a guy and I am not. I tossed some ideas around with him and then he gave me his take on what he’d like to get if he was in your god brother’s shoes. So, here’s what we decided on together that we know will make him smile!

1. A watch or pocketwatch

If you’re giving wristwatches or pocket-watches to groomsmen, count your ring bearer in! It’s a great gift for any age and he’ll love looking like one of the older guys.

You can even have these engraved! By Engraved Pocketwatch.

2. A wallet

I didn’t start carrying a wallet until I was driving — I sort of just threw cash and coins into my purse. But Andrew explained that when you’re teenage guy, a wallet is one of those first cool things you get of your own. You start to carry it along with any cash you’ve been saving in your back pocket. He said a wallet would be an awesome gift to receive at that age. You can add some personalization to it, too, to make it even cooler.

[su_note note_color=”#f45b36″ text_color=”#ffffff” radius=”2″]PRO TIP: You’ll want to look for a wallet that is slim — nothing too bulky.[/su_note]

3. A personalized guitar pick

If your ring bearer is into music — AND if he plays guitar or wants to learn how to play — he’ll love a personalized metal guitar pick. This one is cool because you can have it stamped to say anything and it comes with a case!

4. Cool Toys or Books

A teenager certainly still loves toys, games, and books. If you want to skip the more formal gift and opt for something fun suited to his hobbies, try one of these! ↓

A Remote Control Helicopter

Yes, it’s technically a toy — but a cool, more grown up toy. Honestly, guys of all ages love these things!

PRO TIP: Give this gift the day before at the rehearsal dinner if you don’t want him running it through your reception site. Just a heads up! ;)

A Favorite Book Series

Ask his parents what books he is reading right now. If he’s an avid bookworm, a few books from his favorite series that he doesn’t already own are a great choice. I’ve heard this series is all the rage right now for 12 year olds, but ask his parents in case he has a different favorite.

An iTunes Gift Card

Many teenagers have their own tablets, computers, or MP3 players, so an iTunes gift card he can use for music or games is a great gift idea. Another favorite: Barnes & Noble (which can be used online for Nook) or Amazon Kindle gift card for digital books! Digital gift cards are all the fun of a traditional in-store gift card without the hassle of having to travel somewhere to use it. Since he can’t drive, he would have to rely on when mom and dad can take him. This makes it easy for him to pick out what he wants anytime. Of course, it’s a good idea to run this by his parents first, just in case they have any objections.

5. Cool cufflinks

He probably doesn’t own a pair yet, so cufflinks are a great gift to give. Plus, he’ll love them even more if they’re a) suited to his hobby, or b) they’re given to all the groomsmen together. Similarly to the watches above, he’ll feel like one of the grown-up guys. Some of our favorites for his age include cufflinks with sports (baseball, basketball, soccer, or football are popular ones), his favorite sports stadium, hobby (like biking), a superhero, or Star Wars cufflinks! Check out these finds below:

Hope it helps!

Which of these gift ideas do you like best? Comment below!

xox
-E.

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