The Best Boyfriend Gift Ideas

Guys are notoriously difficult to shop for, and even if you get them exactly what they want, there’s still a chance they’ll change their mind and want to return it. I used to dread picking out gifts, but I’ve finally figured out a few guidelines that help me get something he loves every year. Below, I share that little formula I follow when picking out his gifts (they’re still thoughtful and personalized, not generic) as well as some of his favorite gifts from over the years. These are all boyfriend-approved, and will hopefully make your holiday shopping a little easier.

boyfriend gift guide

how to find the perfect gift for your boyfriend

Guys are pretty simple; we complicate things by overthinking what the “perfect” gift will be. That’s not to say that it’s all our fault, though. Guys can also be pretty particular and it’s hard to nail down what causes them to love versus hate something. That being said, when it comes to getting my boyfriend (or husband, dad, uncle, etc.) a gift, these are the 3 criteria I like to keep in mind.

upgrade something

Guys typically hate shopping, so it makes sense they’ll use something until they literally can’t anymore. As much as I’ve wanted to “wow” my boyfriend with an incredible gift, he’s been most excited by the simplest upgrades - things that I as a girl just buy on a random Tuesday or while I’m out running errands. A new razor, gym bag, higher-quality knife set, a wood/ titanium cutting board… these don’t seem like the funnest gifts, but he’s most stoked about them than the fancy gadgets and they actually get used.

gift an experience

I think this one is pretty universal and beloved for a reason. Experiences create memories, and quality time is incredibly valuable. You can get creative and go for something unique, or splurge on nicer seats for their favorite concert/ sports team. My boyfriend loves baseball games, but feels guilty about spending the extra money on really good seats, so they’re always appreciated as a gift. Another favorite experience is buying a round at a nice golf course.

something useful that adds ease to their life

If there’s anything I’ve learned about guys, it’s that they kind of really like to be catered to haha. Putting together a snack box (and refilling it throughout the year) doesn’t seem like a “wow” gift but has been a standout, especially during particularly busy seasons. Similarly, scheduling and setting up a professional massage goes over much better than a buying a massage gun in my experience - not that massage guns don’t make great gifts, but they require the recipient to get into the habit of using them, or else it’s just going to sit in the box.

I think sometimes we start buying random stuff because we’re so desperate to find the perfect gift, but stay away from the knick-knacks. As long as I hit one of these three guidelines, the gift is typically a success. You can really mold any of them to different budgets, which is helpful, too.

gift ideas for boyfriends

under $50

• AirPod cleaning kit - literally the best $6 you will spend, my boyfriend was obsessed with this for some reason.

• Advent calendars; make your own or find great nice, hobby-specific options on Etsy. Some ideas:

  • Cookie/ candy/ chocolate (you can find these at the grocery store typically)

  • For the fishing enthusiast

  • For the golfer

  • Beer or alcohol theme

  • Hot sauce theme

  • Snack theme

• New bath towels or extra-large bath sheets (even the $10 Target towels feel SO much better than old ones he’s probably had for years)

• If they’re outdoorsy, sand-free beach towels are good, too

• Darn Tough socks - not your basic socks, these are wool with a lifetime warranty

• Ocean Foam roller (the travel size is under $50, regular is $58)

• Travel razor/ shaving case (it fits this razor + trimmer, which I got my boyfriend as an upgrade from his old one. Prime shipping eligible if you need it ASAP).

• Leather wallet

• Cologne sampler set (you can then exchange the coupon inside for a full-size bottle of your favorite)

• Nice candles - please no more Bath & Body Works or Yankee Candle; they’re actually toxic and not great for you. Some of my boyfriend’s clean-burning favorites are Cowboy Kush, Jack Frost (a wintery pine scent), and By the Fireplace.

• Good-smelling shampoo - this sounds silly, but trust me. Guys just buy whatever is cheapest at Costco. They don’t necessarily need anything fancy, but something that smells good makes them feel special and makes a mundane daily task like showering a little more elevated. And they will use it versus something like hand cream, etc.

• Anything homemade - cookies, dinner, scrapbook, framed photos, a letter, etc.

splurge

• Luggage - I recommend TravelPro for roller luggage sets and CalPak for backpacks, duffles, and carry-ons

• Meta glasses (especially if he’s the type to not take pictures in the moment and regret it later)

• Yeti cooler

• Noise-cancelling headphones

• Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

• Sports jersey or memorabilia (if you buy an MLB jersey, they run a little small so triple-check the size chart)

• Signed book or memorabilia

• Designer or indie brand cologne (Tom Ford, Le Labo)

• Sunglasses

• AAA membership

amazon prime gifts

• Upgraded kitchen pan set, whether it’s cast-iron or non-stick

• Stainless steel knife set

• Titanium or wood cutting board

• Sweatpants (also coordinating sweatshirt/ sweatpants sets that feel put-together but not matchy-matchy for traveling)

• Rain jacket (Patagonia, REI, and The North Face are high-quality brands)

• Massage gun

• Portable or wireless charger

• Beard grooming kit

• Bluetooth speaker

• Slippers (he loves this cheap option, but the more expensive Uggs are worth it, too)

hobbies

Cooking or grilling:

• Fancy cut from the local butcher

• Subscription to meat box

• Custom spice blends

• Nice (or custom) apron

• Fancy Japanese knife

• High-tech meat thermometer

• High-quality olive oil

• Specialty vinegars

Fitness, gym, health, and wellness:

• Pre-workout, aminos, or protein powder

  • If your boyfriend travels a lot, getting a sampler set of protein powder that is pre-portioned helps with TSA/ security

• Gym bag

• Stainless steel protein shaker bottles

• Call the gym and pay for their membership for a year if possible

• Food scale (especially if they’re into counting macros)

Fishing:

• Fishing rod + reel combo (get the set versus separate parts, Shimano or Daiwa are great brands)

• Fishing rod cover

• Tackle box or binder

• Fishing backpack

Golfing:

• Golf balls (Titlest is a well-known brand)

• Golf bag (get a standing bag; cart bag is more for professionals)

• Range finder

• Taylor Made, Titlest, Callaway gift card

Experiences:

• Professional massage (some places also offer memberships)

• Car wash membership

• Convert their family/ childhood photos to digital copies - this takes a little homework and help from their family, but getting all of their childhood memories is so unexpected yet deeply sentimental. It also lasts well beyond the holidays as they’ll revisit them for years to come.

• Sports tickets - rivalry tickets are hard to get and more expensive, but can take the gift to the next-level and really “wow” him.

• Festival or concert tickets

• National park passes

• Behind-the-scenes/ upgraded zoo tickets or ethical animal care observations

• Weekend getaway or staycation

• Round of golf at a nice course

• Dinner at a fancy steakhouse - I personally do this as a “coupon” and go a few weeks after the holidays; the restaurant is less crowded, feels more intimate, and the servers sometimes throw in extra perks.

And for my favorite go-to stocking stuffers, click here.