Guys may seem simple, but buying for them is brutal! If you’re struggling, here are some gift ideas for your boyfriend that he’ll love so you can breathe.
It doesn’t matter how good at gift-giving you are. You could get people gifts that are so perfect that they seriously start to question if you can read their minds. But when it comes to shopping for your boyfriend, you seem to come up short. Let’s face it, sometimes, thinking of the perfect gift ideas for your boyfriend isn’t the easiest thing to do!
Guys seem to have so much less stuff. They buy themselves stuff when they need it and don’t want extras sitting around.
So, where do you start? You don’t want to buy a gift card because it’s impersonal. You don’t want to buy them socks or underwear like you do every single year. And a sweater says, “Here is a Christmas gift that I thought about too much for you to only wear once.”
Clearly, the perfect gift ideas for your boyfriend are tough. Thankfully, we’re here to give you the be-all-end-all list of boyfriend gift ideas so you don’t have to struggle again.
Some are budget-friendly while others are more splurge-worthy. But, no matter your budget or your guy’s taste, one if not more of these will surely work for him.
[Read: 20 fun and fantastic ways to surprise your boyfriend]
Things to consider when choosing a gift for your boyfriend
The most important thing you have to keep in mind is that all the items we’re going to suggest are just suggestions.
You know your boyfriend better than anyone else does *at least, better than we do* so use your own discretion when looking at these ideas. You know what he likes more than anyone else does.
Also, as great as these ideas are, you know what your boyfriend needs. Is his wallet falling apart, or is there something that he frequently complains about? Getting him a gift that will solve a problem he has will always go down incredibly well.
However, if you’ve been wracking your brain for weeks on end and you still can’t think of any gift ideas for your boyfriend, read on for the perfect inspiration.
The perfect gift ideas for your boyfriend
Take notes because you’ll want to put these in your cart and save some ideas for next year.
1. His favorite snack
This may sound like a lazy gift idea for your boyfriend, but just wait. There are ways that you can dress up his favorite snack so that he’ll be amazed with your present.
Maybe his favorite treat is a seasonal-limited item, like Mini Eggs. He’ll really appreciate it if you can manage to track down a website that will deliver this one-time-a-year goodie all-year-round.
Or maybe you know that he loves a very common candy bar. In that case, you can try and make a giant cake-version of that candy bar and truly impress him with your thoughtfulness. [Read: Cooking as a couple – romantic tips & date ideas to have fun together]
2. Toys
Just because he’s all grown up doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to play. Get him a Lego set for something he’s obsessed with. They have sets like this of Friends, The Office, Star Wars, and more.
Just because drones aren’t more trendy anymore doesn’t mean he won’t have fun with one. [Read: 42 special and unique christmas gifts for your boyfriend he will absolutely love]
3. An adult print
By adult, we don’t been X-rated. Get your mind out of the gutter, we mean help him replace his movie posters with more mature art. It can still be themed from his favorite saga or movie, but just not so poster-like.
You can find canvases or prints of scenes from TV shows, movies, and more on Etsy.
4. Fleece-lined pants
This sounds silly, but guys like being cozy too. He may not want a fuzzy robe, but cargo pants and jeans come fleece-lined so he can look rugged on the outside while being nice and toasty inside.
Many people might say that clothing is part of the ‘generic gift ideas for your boyfriend’ category, but when it’s something as thoughtful as this, it’s definitely not generic.
5. Waffle robe
Maybe we got your man wrong, and maybe he does actually want a robe. But big fuzzy robes can often feel like too much. For a lighter, comfier alternative, consider getting your man a waffle robe. You’ll know how much he appreciates this gift by how often he wears it!
6. Leather slipper
If we’re talking robes, it’s only natural that we now talk about slippers. Comfy, fluffy slippers aren’t for everyone though. Maybe your man’s style might better suit a sophisticated leather slipper.
7. Pullover hoodie
While we’re on the topic of clothes, why don’t you consider getting your man a hoodie? There are so many options you could choose from – an everyday staple like a plain black or white hoodie, a fleece-lined hoodie for those cold winter days, or a hoodie with a graphic relating to his favorite TV show, film, or video game.
Just take a peek at his wardrobe and see what hoodie-hole you can fill.
8. An air fryer
It seems like everyone is talking about these, but there is a reason for that. If you and your boyfriend enjoy cooking at home, an air fryer will take your recipes up a notch.
You can get the crispy goodness of fast food without the grease, the expense, or the stink of oil.
Whether he is into cooking or not, an air fryer is user-friendly and is a gift for you as well!
9. Grooming kit
We know this is a pretty basic gift idea for your boyfriend, but hear us out. Instead of getting him an overpriced aftershave he’ll never use, get him a razor with different settings and lengths so not only can he trim up his beard but he can even cut his own hair at home in case barbershops and salons close again.
Hey, if an at-home hair-cutting device is good enough for George Clooney, it’s good enough for your dude. [Read: Guys with beards and why they really are the best boyfriends]
10. Hot sauce
Another male cliche, but giving your boyfriend some wacky and wild flavor of hot sauce is sure to go down a treat *unless he’s not a fan of spice*. Sure, he can pick up what he likes at the store, but this is what makes it a gift.
Instead of getting him a practical gift, it is new and exciting while also being useful.
11. Package-free gift set
Whether he’s into living a more sustainable lifestyle or you’d like him to try it out, a package-free start set makes a great gift.
A set of tin or glass food storage containers, a reusable water bottle and straws, cloth grocery bags, and even a bamboo toothbrush and solid shampoo bar are great introductions to living a less wasteful life.
This gift idea for your boyfriend is one of the most unique ones on our list, but it will be sure to change his life.
12. Something custom
Etsy is full of custom products for your guy. It is also nice to support small businesses, so you get a win-win.
You can get him socks with your face on them, or get something more extravagant and thoughtful. You can really find anything on Etsy. [Read: 16 cute couple-things every couple needs to do]
13. All-in-one tool
At one point, a utility knife was a common gift for men to get from their dads, but that seems to have died down. No reason you can’t start it up. There are tons of tools out there with multiple uses, just pick what you think he would use most.
14. Record player
We all know vinyl is back, but most people won’t go out and buy themselves a record player, especially with digital music access. But, if you get one as a gift, you’ll be grateful. So will your boyfriend.
15. Bluetooth portable speaker
If your boyfriend is a fan of music but perhaps isn’t into collecting vintage pieces, a Bluetooth portable speaker will suit him better than a record player.
The thing with Bluetooth portable speakers is that you never know how much you need one until you actually have one. Even if he never considered getting one for himself, he’ll be bringing it with him everywhere once he actually owns one.
16. A model
No, not a human model. A model airplane, boat, building, etc. Think about what he’s into. Would he want a model car, a train, some sort of equipment from WWII?
Models make for great gift ideas for your boyfriend because it gives him something to do, and something to decorate his space with when he’s done assembling it.
17. Pet gifts
Men, just like us, love their pets more than themselves, so a gift for their pet is a gift for them. A cat tree, dog toys, a pet sweater, pet treats, or a blanket with their pet’s face will have them feeling so thankful for you. [Read: 15 corny things a couple in love does at least once]
18. Sheets
This may just be an old cliche, but a lot of guys have old sheets. It’s like they don’t even realize that they need to be replaced. And some guys only have one set.
Do him and yourself a favor when you stay at his place and buy him a nice set of sheets with a high thread count. Based on his preference, you can buy cooling sheets, flannel, or even a heated blanket.
19. A game
If we know anything about guys, it’s that you cannot go wrong with a game. A card game, a board game, or even a video game will be a great idea.
Just go off his interests. Would he like a crime-solving game or something funny? Would he like a competitive game or something more about the experience?
20. Coffee subscription
Coffee isn’t just the most important meal of the day for many, but it is essential. If your guy drinks coffee, he may have been making it himself recently to avoid going out.
If so, get him a coffee subscription. This way, he can try different flavors, brands, and strengths regularly.
21. Coffee and Espresso maker
Well, he needs something to make all that coffee with! Unless your boyfriend already has a state-of-the-art coffee maker machine, there’s probably some area of his coffee-making setup that could do with an upgrade.
22. Back roller
If your guy works from home, in an office, or spends a lot of his free time sitting down to play video games, we’ll bet he’s complaining about back pain.
We know sitting is the new smoking, so he probably needs some good movement and stretching. Next to a massage, which you can always add in a coupon for one from you, the Chirp wheel is amazing.
This back roller is not a foam roller. It cradles your spine and actually helps to relieve pain and aches. [Read: 67 sensual erotic massage techniques & tips to arouse]
23. Neck and back massager
Or, if your boyfriend is begging for a massage, but you’re not all too good at them, get him a neck and back massager gun. These things look funny, but they’ll be sure to provide him some relief from his muscle pain.
24. Firestick
If he doesn’t already have one, that is. With all the streaming services available now, a Firestick is a must-have for all the latest in movies and TV.
25. At-home desk
You don’t have to buy him an all-new desk, but anything for his work-from-home office will help him tremendously. An adjustable standing desk can be put on top of his current desk to transform it into a standing desk throughout the day.
Or, if he is struggling with back pain, try an exercise ball chair to help his posture and build his core. Anything that will help him with his productivity or his posture makes for a great and thoughtful gift idea for your boyfriend.
26. Meal subscription
If you’ve been on the internet in the last couple of years, you’ve surely seen an ad for Hello Fresh and all the other meal services. Well, stop overlooking them. They really make life easy, improve your cooking skills, and introduce you to new recipes.
Get your guy a plan that suits his dietary needs and help him make it. It’s not just a gift for him but a date night for both of you. [Read: 42 happy and naughty ways to keep a relationship, exciting, fun & fresh]
27. Bidet
Okay, this isn’t the sexiest gift, but hear us out. A bidet will be the gift he never knew he always wanted. They run for under $50 online and are easily installed by your boo.
Who wants to wipe their booty with dry toilet paper? A bidet gets you way cleaner, is better for the environment, and if we have another TP shortage, it will surely come in handy.
28. Something from their childhood
Nostalgia is so addictive. No matter what decade your boyfriend grew up in, he will love getting something that reminds him of the good old days.
Depending on his age, you can get a modern version of a SEGA, vintage toys, or something else popular from his golden years. If you need help, ask his family.
29. A bike
This is a big-ticket item but as we’re pushing for more sustainable ways of life, a bike is the perfect gift. He can get around locally, get some exercise, or go for a leisure ride for fresh air.
[Read: 34 of the best & unique 30th birthday gift ideas your man will absolutely love]
30. Star map of the night you met
If you’re trying to think of a romantic gift for your boyfriend, it can’t get any more romantic than this. With this adorable gift, you can see what exactly the stars looked like when it was written that you two would meet.
31. Adjustable kettlebell
For any gym-goer, the ultimate dream is to build your own at-home gym. Well, if your boyfriend loves working out but doesn’t have as much time to go to the gym as he would like, getting him adjustable kettlebells is the perfect way to start building his inexpensive at-home gym.
A space-saver, a problem-solver, and a true sign that you care about him and his interests, this is one of the best gift ideas for your boyfriend.
32. Noise-canceling headphones
Working from home, working out at the gym, walking down a busy street – there are so many occasions when your boyfriend is probably wishing that he had some noise-canceling headphones.
The good ones don’t come cheap, unfortunately, but it’s also not worth buying the over-priced headphones that cost an arm and a leg. Do some research first, and you’ll find some incredible middle-market headphones that will block out all the annoying sounds of the world.
33. Tech organizer pouch
Chargers, gadgets, cables and more, there is so much tech that we all accumulate. And unless your boyfriend is a neat-freak, he might not have a designated home for all of his tech, meaning that everything is strewn about the place.
To introduce some order into his life and help him organize all of his tech into one easy-to-find place, get him a tech organizer pouch.
34. Weighted blanket
If you have not tried a weighted blanket, you need to! These things feel like a warm, snuggly, comforting heaven.
The plus side of this gift idea for your boyfriend is that you get to use it too! Just don’t tell him that you bought it for yourself.
What should you not gift your boyfriend?
As we said, you know your boyfriend better than anyone, so you shouldn’t get him something from this list that you know he doesn’t like. For example, if you’ve never seen him drink a cup of coffee, don’t get him a coffee subscription.
It might also be for the best if you avoid the generic gift ideas for boyfriends. Think cologne sets, aftershave, socks, and anything else his grandma or distant aunt will probably buy him.
Unless you know that he really wants these things, it’s best to buy him something with a bit more thought and intent behind it. After all, you are his girlfriend. Show off how much you know about him!
What can I write to my boyfriend in a greeting card?
Now that you’ve hopefully got a couple of gift ideas for your boyfriend floating in your head, you need to think about what you want to write in a card!
Many people overlook cards because they’re not as exciting as the presents they’re accompanying. But writing the perfect card is a great way to make your man happy, make him laugh, or make him feel just how much you love him.
When it comes to writing cards, there are two main approaches you can go with:
– Humorous
Gift-giving occasions are fun, so set the mood with a funny card!
Now, you don’t have to write a whole stand-up act in a card *that probably won’t go down very well*, but just a humorous comment or a little bit of banter to get him and everyone else in the room laughing.
– Romantic
What, you think that men don’t like romance?
No matter how stone-cold or cool your boyfriend wants to be, a few sweet words about just how much he means to you will touch his heart and let him know that the gift you’re giving him is coming straight from yours.
You can make your message really long and go in-depth into all the things you love about him or all the ways he’s improved your life. Or you can keep it short and sweet – whatever your style is.
[Read: 20 romantic secrets & examples to write a love letter & melt their heart]
See, coming up with gift ideas for your boyfriend isn’t too hard, as long as you have help.
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