It’s not a secret that sometimes, men can be tough to shop for, and finding cool birthday gifts and coming up with birthday ideas can be a challenge. It doesn’t have to be.
The Right Type of Gift
Whether you’ve been together two months or two years, finding unique birthday gifts for your man starts with deciding whether you want to go a romantic, funny, or the cutesy route. (Hint: This works for Valentine’s Day and Christmas, too!)
When shopping for good birthday gifts or deciding whether you should DIY his birthday present, think about his personality and the nature of your relationship. Is he a lovable goofball with a great sense of humor? Is he sweet, chivalrous, and romantic? Or is he both?
Think about the types of things he likes when deciding what to get your boyfriend for his birthday. Is he is a sports fan, fisherman, gamer, or griller? Now it’s time to come up with an idea that’s both creative and heartfelt.
Gifts to Avoid
Before diving into birthday gift ideas for your boyfriend, it’s worth a rundown of generally less-than-ideal gifts, according to real guys:
- Socks and underwear: While he may actually need them, don’t use these basics to say happy birthday to your boyfriend.
- Air fresheners
- Cleaning supplies
- Deodorant
- Beer accessories
- Cooking accessories
- Bathrobes
10 Best Birthday Gifts for Your Boyfriend
While what makes gifts the “best birthday gifts” can be subjective, there are some you can’t go wrong with. Here are some birthday ideas for your boyfriend that he’s sure to love.
Music Speaker
Assuming your boyfriend loves music, why not get him a quality speaker to play his favorite tunes? A Bluetooth speaker with great sound quality not only is an excellent investment, but it’s also likely to be one of your boyfriend’s favorite birthday gifts. Cosmopolitan suggests this Sonos One SL speaker, which boasts a rich, room-filling sound and can be controlled with the Sonos app, Apple Airplay 2, and more. The compact design fits just about any space, and your boyfriend can connect Sonos speakers in different rooms over Wi-Fi.
Your Song Lyrics Picture Frame
One of the best gifts for your boyfriend’s birthday is one that comes from the heart. And if you’re looking for cute gifts for your boyfriend, this one hits the nail on the head. Big DIY Ideas suggests creating a picture frame that features a photo of the two of you, surrounded by handwritten lyrics of whatever “your” song is. This is a gift that is sure to make your man’s heart melt.
3-in-1 Device Charging Stand
With so many tech products on the market today, it can be tough to keep track of all the corresponding chargers. Not anymore, though. Grab your boyfriend this 3-in-1 device charging stand recommended by Good Housekeeping. It helps reduce nightstand clutter by simultaneously charging your boyfriend’s iPhone, Air Pods, and smartwatch.
Experiences/Tickets
If your guy is a fan of a certain band, comedian, or sports team that will be performing or playing in your area this year, it’s a no-brainer to grab him tickets to see them. It’s also a two-for-one gift idea because you can make a date night out of it. Experiences and memories made during them will outlast a material gift for years to come, and your boyfriend will be thrilled to spend time with his favorite team/artist and his favorite girl.
Quality Electric Shaver
While Cosmopolitan admits this gift doesn’t necessarily scream romance, it’s one that’s important if your guy is serious about good grooming habits. This Philips Norelco OneBlade Face and Body Hybrid Electric Trimmer and Shaver is designed for both facial styling and body grooming. It’s lightweight and can trim, shave, and edge “any length of hair,” according to Philips.
Tile Electronics Tracking Stickers
Does your guy tend to lose track of remote controls, tools, and sports equipment? This four-pack of Tile tracking stickers can easily be affixed to all of the above to ensure he can find his gadgets anytime. The stickers are Bluetooth-enabled and will help cut down on the amount of time spent searching for lost items.
Board Games
This classic option might be among the best birthday present ideas around. Who doesn’t love a good board game? Grab him a set of “What Do You Meme?” or “Cards Against Humanity,” and you’ve automatically got a recipe for a great game night with friends. You can also pick up a game that only requires two players and make it a date night.
New Watch
Whether it’s a sleek, classic timepiece or a smartwatch, most men will appreciate having some new wrist candy. Cosmopolitan suggests this Aviation Stainless Steel and Italian Leather Sunray Dial Strap Watch, which is water-resistant and goes with both dressy and casual outfits. Of course, if your man is a tech geek, you can’t go wrong with an Apple Watch or FitBit Versa.
New Wallet
Is his old wallet worn out? Luckily, there are thousands of options out there when it comes to wallets. For the fishing fiend, Seventeen suggests this waxed-canvas fly wallet made of shearling and lined with faux lures. For a sleeker appearance with added security, Good Housekeeping recommends this RFID-blocking leather slim wallet, which will protect his cards from being illegally scanned.
Good Coffee
If your guy is a coffee aficionado, why not get him a bag of his favorite coffee? You can even take it a step farther with a coffee subscription box service. For something different, Good Housekeeping recommends this bourbon-infused coffee, which consists of Arabica beans infused with a hint of Kentucky bourbon.
Amazon Gift Card
If all else fails and you just can’t find the right birthday gift, your guy will appreciate an Amazon gift card to treat himself to something. Cosmopolitan showcased an Amazon gift card that comes in a diamond plate tin, which he can use for storage later.
Takeaway
Significant others, in general, can be difficult to find the right gift for, but nothing better says happy birthday to men than quality time, a thoughtful gift, and the effort behind it. Whether it’s a birthday card with a gift card to his favorite store, a handmade craft, or the latest gadget, it’s all meant to show your guy how much you love and appreciate him. The saying rings true in “it’s the thought that counts!”