GIFTS FOR MEN
The Ultimate Idea Guide
The Ultimate Idea Guide
What do you get for that boyfriend of yours?
That’s a lot more difficult of a question than you might have realized before starting out the relationship. With new relationships, it feels like gifts are around every corner. You’re as infatuated with him as he is with you, thinking about each other non-stop, and gifts are a great (and natural) way to express your feelings.
But you may not really know him all that well yet. You’re getting to know his likes and dislikes, hobbies and interests, quirks and flaws. You may have lots of great ideas for gifts, only to find out they won’t work for him because he’s just not that kind of person.
In the early days, it can be tough to decide on a good gift. You can spend hours racking your brain and still come up empty-handed because you are still figuring out what kinds of items would work best to show him how you feel.
I’ve got good news for you: it gets easier as your relationship progresses! As you get to know each other, you can learn about his wants/needs/likes and in so doing, come to understand what kind of gifts suit him best.
As he changes from your boyfriend to your fiancée to your husband to the father of your kids, you’ve got all sorts of great opportunities to get him gifts you know he’ll love.
But for the time being, while you’re still in the early stages and trying to figure him out, we’ve got your back!
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best gifts for a boyfriend—low-pressure, no-obligation, ultra-versatile gifts that will be perfect for any occasion…and any stage in your relationship.
Want to jump right to the gift ideas?
For 2022, we've outlined a selection of gifts every boyfriend will enjoy. Our Gifts for Boyfriends Guide is one of the many gift guides available at WERD. Tapping into our 12 years of gear & gadget experience, we've hunted down the best finds for every type of guy, giving you the confidence to gift like a pro.
What is the best gift for a boyfriend?
- Something he’ll use regularly
- Something he needs (but may not want to/be able to buy for himself)
- Something he wants (but can’t bring himself to spend that much money)
- Something romantic that shows your feelings for him
Your gifts don’t have to fall into all of these categories; really, you only need to make sure to hit one, and it’ll work just fine.
The truth is that a gift isn’t as much about the object being given as the time and effort invested into choosing that object. It could be a $5 keychain, but if that keychain is exactly what he needs (to stop losing his keys) and has a romantic addition (some token of the two of you), it’s worth exponentially more than a $100 gift card to some big box store. Even an inexpensive tool or piece of equipment he needs for school/work/hobbies can be an amazing way to show your support for his career and professional interests.
What should I gift to my long distance boyfriend?
Giving your long-distance boyfriend a gift can be tricky, chiefly because you’re not there in person to give it to him and see his face light up.
However, when given over long-distance, even small gifts can have much greater impact. It’s an amazing way to show him just how much you’re thinking of him—a few hundred (or thousand miles) isn’t enough to get him off your mind.
The gift-giving rules are the same for a boyfriend who lives next door or across the country. All that matters is that you find something he’ll love, or that will make him happy and improve his life, and you’ve found the perfect gift to have sent directly to his address.
(Or, if you’re into the whole rom-com ultra-romantic gesture, you can always surprise him with it on your next visit!)What should you not gift your boyfriend?
- A barrage of gifts.
There is such a thing as "overgifting"! - Super expensive items.
He may feel obligated to reciprocate, and if he’s on a tight budget, that’ll negatively impact the relationship. - Cologne.
Guys tend to be very specific in their cologne choices.
(Note: The only caveat to this is that cologne makes a great gift if you go with him to a department store and test out various scents to find the "right" one you both like. That’s a gift he’ll love!) - Toiletries and Grooming products.
Unless he’s totally obsessed with his appearance, it’s not really a great gift.
(Note: The caveat to this is that there are some very cool grooming tools that he might not know about, but which he might love. Just make sure he doesn’t already have it.) Dopp kits make excellent gifts as well. - A framed photo of yourself.
Possessive, much? That can come off like "marking your territory". If you’re giving him a framed photo, make it of the two of you.
What can I write to my boyfriend in a greeting card?
Coming up with the right message to write in a greeting card is HARD—harder even than buying the right gift, many people find.
Thankfully, the good folks over at American Greetings have a complete guide to writing a card for your boyfriend. You’ll find lots of excellent advice and ideas to use as a springboard to draft a loving, personalized message that will touch his heart.
What events should I give a gift to my boyfriend?
That’s the beauty (and downside) of new relationships: there are SO MANY occasions when you can gift him a gift!
A few of my favorites include:
- Anniversary of your first date, first kiss, first moving in together, first asked to be boyfriend-girlfriend
- Birthday
- Valentine’s Day
- Holidays (pretty much all of them!)
- New job
- Promotion
- No reason at all—everyone loves a "Tuesday gift"!
Should I bring a gift for my boyfriend’s parents if they invite me to dinner?
There’s certainly a great deal of expectation placed on you the first time you go visit your boyfriend’s parents. On this visit, you should definitely bring a gift of some sort—as a way of showing your hosts (and prospective in-laws) that you’re a well-mannered, respectful person.
The ideal gift to bring for your boyfriend’s parents on this initial visit is a bottle of wine (or whatever liquor they like to drink).
Ask your boyfriend what his parents drink—or get him to do a bit of subtle sleuthing for you—and make sure to bring the bottle in a nice little gift bag or tied with a ribbon. That’ll show how classy you are.
Keep bringing gifts for the first few visits. There will eventually come a time when you become less "prospective" and more like “family”, and that’s when you can stop bringing over a gift.
Do guys like getting gifts from girlfriends?
Absolutely! In fact, I’d argue that guys like it even more, because they’ve received far fewer gifts in their lives. It’s expected that boyfriends shower their girlfriends with treats, gifts, and special treatment, but they love feeling it in return. Even just a small gift is a sign that you’re paying attention to his wants and needs, and it lets him know you’re thinking about him. I guarantee it’ll put a smile on his face!
A selection of gifts ideas for your boyfriend in 2022
Zip Pouch from Alpaka
Carry this little pouch on your person (or in your bag) at all times to ensure your most valuable items are secure and close at hand. The pouch acts like a wallet and is sized to hold up to 12 cards, as well as a bit of cash and a spare SIM card for your smartphone. It’s made using a weatherproof, carbon-neutral exterior fabric and a ripstop nylon interior that will shrug off water. Integrated into the pouch is RFID-blocking to protect your cards against theft. Secure it inside your backpack or briefcase using the HUB Keychain (sold separately) so you’ll never have to worry about losing it, no matter how crazy your next adventure becomes. via
Twelve South AirSnap Gen 3
Keep your AirPods safe and close at hand with the AirSnap. Designed specifically for the 3rd Gen AirPods, the AirSnap serves as both a charging case and a way to ensure you never lose your AirPods. The case comes with an integrated steel S-clip that makes it easy to attach to your backpack, pouch, or keychain, or you can use the “wristlet” lanyard to keep it close to your hands at all times. The exterior is made with tough-and-rugged premium top-grain leather, and features a sturdy snap that will keep the case closed no matter how active you are. The case won’t interfere with wireless charging and has an opening for you to connect the AirPods case to a USB charger. Available in three colors (brown, black, and mauve), it’s a stylish upgrade to your on-the-go gear.
TOYO Camber Top Tool Box
Keep this bad boy in your truck, RV, or basement, and you’ll always have your most important tools within easy reach. Built from a single sheet of stainless steel, it’s hands-down the toughest tool box you’ll ever own, but it’s got a sleek minimalist look that no chunky, clunky box could ever compare. It’s also beautifully lightweight and compact, so you can carry it around all day and never feel over-burdened. The fact that it’s made in Osaka, Japan means that it’s built using precision manufacturing, quality materials, and meticulous attention to detail. It’s the DIYer’s and home mechanic’s new best friend.
AOHI Magcube 40W Foldable Charger
Say goodbye to bulky, chunky chargers, and say hello to one of the most portable power solutions around. This AOHI Magcube charger is designed with foldable plug prongs that make it delightfully compact, sized just right to fit in any pouch, backpack, or briefcase. It’s capable of supporting up to 40W fast-charging for laptops, tablets, and smartphones, with dual USB-C ports that optimizes power supply to your devices to ensure the most efficient charge time. Thanks to the integrated PI technology, your devices are protected while plugged in, and the charger even auto-adjusts output power according to which device is connected.
Ember Heated Cappuccino Mug
Ember’s temperature-controlled mugs are a game-changer for any coffee lover who wants to savor every sip of their daily brew. With their built-in batteries heating your coffee to the perfect temperature with just the touch of an app button, it’s the perfect way to ensure that your coffee never goes cold or stale. Now, Ember has just released a 6-ounce cup, sized just right for espresso and cappuccino-drinkers. Take control of your coffee warming, set it to your desired temperature, and let the LED light built into the base of this classy-looking mug tell you when it’s ready to drink.
Razer Strider Gaming Mouse Mat
You’ve never experienced a mouse mat quite like this one. The Razer Strider combines a mid-to-firm 3mm base with a slick, smooth-gliding surface that will let you move your mouse around with both maximum speed and precision. It’s a gamer’s best friend, complete with an anti-slip rubber underside that will keep it firmly in place on your desk, and can even be rolled up and stowed in your backpack when gaming on the road. The solid-stitched edges will never come unglued or fray, and the warp- and water-resistant mat can handle years of daily use without ever showing signs of wear. It’s the gaming mouse mat you didn’t know you absolutely needed.
Kanga Kase Mate Insulated Cooler Bag
It’s no exaggeration to say that with the Kase Mate, you’ll never need ice again. This little cooler is designed to keep your drinks cold for up to 7 hours, so you can hit the beach or lake in style and still enjoy a frosty drink at the end of a long day. It’s actually sized perfectly to slip right over your 12-pack, 24-pack, or 30-pack—ready to hit the road in a matter of seconds. The four-layer closed-cell foam insulating membrane even has a reflective liner that will shield your drinks from the heat and stop any chill from seeping out. Talk about the perfect companion for those hot summer days.
Able Cooler
Large enough for up to 6 cold cans or carrying your lunch, the 2.5-liter Able Cooler is a slim, insulated carrier that will keep its contents cold for hours. Up to 6 hours with the brand’s icepacks. Or warm for 4 hours. It features a padded carry handle and an adjustable shoulder strap to give you options.
Aged & Ore Bottle Flight
The Bottle Flight from Aged & Ore is a set of 4 silicone-wrapped 3-ounce glass bottles designed to safely transport and share samples of your favorites spirits. The bottles carry in a custom travel case sized to fit neatly in any small bag. An Aged & Ore 'Glass Marker' is also included, allowing you to label your beverages so you know what you're sipping.
Nebo Slim+ 1200 Flashlight
With a super-bright 1200-lumens of light, the Slim+ 1200 flashlight from Nebo combines a spot light, red laser pointer, and a 1500mAh USB charging bank into a sleek, pocketable package. A sprung wire pocket clip makes it an easy way to recharge your phone while you’re on-the-go. A magnetic base provides secure, hands-free function.
Bellroy Key Case
Offering sleek, bundled storage for 3-5, Bellroy’s Key Case features a unique flipper mechanism that ejects keys one-handed while keeping them secure on a detachable cord loop for a car key or fob. The exterior is smooth, eco-tanned leather finish & the hardware is stainless steel. Choose from 5 colors.
Acebeam Rider RX 650 Lumens Flashlight
The numbers tell you all you need to know about this little badass. The Acebeam Rider RX is a compact & waterproof EDC flashlight that delivers 650 lumens of bright-white light that it can throw into a 300-foot beam. It's got 5 power modes. 2-way clip. Max run-time: up to 7 days. Weight: 82 grams.
Sonos Roam SL Speaker
The Sonos Roam SL makes the brand’s popular Roam portable speaker a bit simpler by eliminating the mic but its functions with the same sweet, room-filling sound & a sweet price tag to boot. Compatible with all Sonos Qi chargers, it offers 10 hours of continuous playback as well as IP67 waterproofing for beach & poolside soundtracks.
Craighill Wilson Keyring
Constructed with sprung, eighth-inch thick brass wire, the Wilson keyring from Craighill is a strong and purposeful piece. What it lacks in complexity, it more than makes up for in pure function. It exists to declutter you pockets & performs its task with ease. Choose raw brass or vapor black finish.
The Catcher Bottle Opener
Bottle-tops won’t go flying when you’re popping cold ones open with The Catcher. It’s a magnetic-bottle opener with a soft silicone-grip that allows you to stick it almost anywhere & get crackin'! A strong magnet inside catches the caps before they fall. Ideal for home, RV, boat, garage or man cave.
Flexit Pocket Light
The Flexit Pocket Light works like a traditional flashlight but it’s a lot more flexible than that. It’s got a 180º adjustable head so you can point it exactly where you want it. Simply grab the handle and flex the LED head. The adjustable head offers a spot & floodlight mode as well as options for hands-free use, including a magnetic base, a hanging hook, and a hinged clip for attaching it. Run-time up to 72-hours with 650-lumens of brightness.
Gerber Shard Keychain Tool
Lightweight & airline-safe, Gerber’s Shard keychain tool is a proven EDC classic. It also happens to be the one tiny tool we go to most often. With a durable titanium nitride coating & sized perfectly for your pocket, it offers small & medium flat drivers, a Philips head driver, wire stripper, pry bar, bottle opener, & lanyard hole. It weighs about half an ounce.
TOZO W1 Wireless Charger
The Tozo W1 Wireless Charger is smooth and sleek and just 5mm thick. For reference, that’s two nickels and a penny stacked together. So yeah, impressively thin for its 10 Watt output, which is plenty to charge the latest Apple & Samsung devices. A mirror-like finish and single LED indicator light complete the streamlined design. It charges via USB-C but no cord & adapter is included. Which must be at least part of why it’s such a great price. Available in a variety of colors.
WESN The Samla
The Samla pocket knife from Detroit’s WESN brand is a sharp little friction folder with a flat blade and a streamlined design. Designed for reliable, everyday use, the 2.45” blade is constructed of Sandvik 14c28n stainless steel with scales in your choice of either Rosewood or Grade 5 Titanium.
REAPR Versa Camp Axe
Built to handle tough work around camp & in the field, REAPR’s Versa Camp Axe is a 10 3/4” pack-friendly axe that hits above its weight. It features a square hammerhead opposite the 3” axe blade; the butt end features a slotted pry bar & nail puller as well as a hole for a lanyard. A bottle opener & 3 box wrenches are integrated into the axehead.
Pelican G5 Field Wallet
With its Aircraft-grade aluminum shell and RFID Blocking barrier, Pelican’s G5 Personal Utility RF Field Wallet keeps your cards, cash, and small EDC items safe, secure and accessible at all times. The case is Crushproof & Waterproof with an IP67 rating for submersion at 1 meter for 30 minutes. Lifetime guarantee.
Rumpl NFL Blankets
Outdoor blanket brand Rumpl will get you geared up for football season with their officially-licensed NFL collection blankets. All the teams, with corresponding colors & logos, plus that puffy, lightweight warmth Rumpl is famous for.
Bellroy Flip Case
With room for up to 8 cards plus cash, the Flip Case wallet from Bellroy is a sleek EDC essential. With its soft leather exterior and magnetic trap door, it keeps your valuables secure but easily accessible. When you’ve taken out what you need, it automatically snaps shut. Available in brown or black.
Sony Extra BASS Wireless Portable Compact Speaker
With its beach-friendly waterproof design and pocketable size, Sony’s SRS-XB13 speaker makes a cool companion for hot summer days. With an IP67 rating for dust- and water-proofing plus a UV-coated finish, it’s built for all-weather outdoor action. Shorter than a common 12-ounce can, it is also very packable; with a webbing strap loop for lashing it to your pack or carrying around your wrist. Battery life: 16 hours. Available in a range of colors.
Leatherman Bond
Based on its first-ever multitool launched in 1983, the Leatherman Bond multi-tool is a proven EDC essential. It boasts 14 functions, including needlenose pliers, Philips and slotted screwdrivers, wire cutters and strippers, a ruler, a wood and metal file, a can opener and 2.9" stainless steel blade. Weight is just 5.8 ounces.
FishFace 18-in-1 Pocket Multi-Tool
The FishFace from True Utility is an 18-in-1 EDC multi-tool no larger than the other keys on your keychain but it puts in overtime. It features Phillips and flat screwdrivers, wrenches, hex drive, pry bar, file, nail tool, bottle opener, box opener and cutter. Made of stainless steel with a black titanium coating, it’s built for daily duty & with its sprung ’biner clip, stays right by your side.
James Brand The Cache River Multi-driver
Discerning seekers of flawless design and unquestionable function will find it in every piece of EDC that bears The James Brand name. Their latest premium, pocketable implement isn’t a knife or a pen but a driver. The Cache River is a screwdriver/bit driver that fits snugly in your grip, offering 3 bits—a Phillips #2, a Torx T6 & Wiha Slotted 4.5. Bits store in its slim handle, and a lanyard attachment keeps it handy. Length: 3.9”, weight: 1.2 ounces.
Fizzics DraftPour Beer Dispenser
Fizzics’ Draftpour Beer Dispenser converts any can or bottle into a nitro-style draft. With its variety of finishes & spun aluminum billet tap handle, the Draftpour accommodates all cans and bottles, including 500ml and 750ml bottles, and any type of beer. It converts the beer’s natural carbonation into uniformed sized bubbles they call Micro-Foam, which delivers enhanced aroma, flavor, and mouth-feel.
Rumpl Beer Blanket
Rumpl blankets are great at keeping you comfy and cozy, and their Beer Blanket will do the same thing for your 12-ounce friends. The packable, portable beer coozies come in a variety of cool colors and can also be bought by the sixpack.
the Mehlville Carabiner
Machined from anodized 6063 aluminum, the Mehlville EDC carabiner from The James Brand features a unique shape & simple yet clever dual compartment design that will keep your keys and EDC items securely attached even when you unclip the ’biner. There’s also a built-in bottle opener. Available in silver or black.
Having trouble finding something you think your boyfriend will like?
At WERD, we spend every day of every year uncovering the latest in men's gadgets and gear. Try going through some of our categories for more gifting inspiration. A few to try: Gear for Men, Cool Gadgets, Books for Men, Stuff for the Home.
WERD has been reader-supported since 2009. When you buy through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. We do not accept compensation for reviews.
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