Ideas on what to get my boyfriend for christmas

Finding a gift for your boyfriend is no easy feat—and it’s even more nebulous when you have to factor in how long you’ve been dating, your budget, and his interests. While the formulaic whiskey glasses, beard kit, or sports gear might be great for some men, gift giving isn’t one-size-fits-all. 

To select an unforgettable gift, tailor it to your beau’s hobbies, whether it be whipping up gourmet dinners or embarking on a weekend adventure. “I will say that the key to good gift giving is really knowing the person,” says Jodi Smith, president and owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “Think about your boyfriend’s likes, hobbies, interests, and tastes. Think about when he is happy, what he enjoys doing with his free time.”

Here's our list of inspired gifts for any occasion, from practical everyday accessories to luxe personalized mementos.

These classic L.L. Bean slippers will envelop his feet in a layer of cozy shearling and sheepskin, making them an ideal gift for the dedicated homebody or work-from-home extraordinaire. They’re available in four colors to suit any style, and will pair perfectly with his favorite robe.

Price at time of publish: $89

Commemorate your boyfriend’s special day with a custom book that features front pages from The New York Times every year since he was born. This memento gives a look at history through a personalized lens—and can double as a unique coffee table book. 

Price at time of publish: From $100

From beach hangs to impromptu picnics, the Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler will equip him with ice-cold drinks for any adventure. We even tested this cooler in our Lab, and found it to be comfortable, effective, and well-designed. This ultra-portable cooler can carry 18 cans or 26 pounds of ice, making this an ideal gift if your guy is the life of the party.

Price at time of publish: $325

Your man will never run out of his favorite roast again with this coffee subscription service from Trade Coffee. You pick the number of bags per order (ranging from 2-24), and then he’ll take a coffee matching quiz to get his personalized matches. If he loves it, he can continue the subscription on his own! 

Price at time of publish: From $40

Whoever created the cliche around gifting socks was seriously mistaken—they're a cozy and practical gift that your boyfriend will use daily. These merino wool socks are simultaneously warm and moisture-wicking, making them a reliable pair for everything from running errands to hiking. 

Price at time of publish: $84

Bona fide grill experts will revel at this deluxe 20-piece grill set, which includes sleek stainless steel tools worthy of his next barbecue creation. It comes with a chef’s spatula, grill tongs, digital temperature fork, silicone basting brush, four pairs of corn holders, five skewers, and a cleaning brush with an extra brush head.

Price at time of publish: $60

If your beau is an espresso connoisseur, this manual machine from De’Longhi can brew barista-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites (or just a plain, rich espresso if that’s more his speed). It’s also much more budget-friendly compared to higher-end models, while still serving up delicious espresso.

Price at time of publish: $120

Any board game fanatic will enjoy unwrapping this artfully designed backgammon set from the MoMA Design Store. This beechwood set can go from game night to decorative display in a snap, thanks to the colorful designs featured both inside and out.  

Price at time of publish: $115

This universally beloved cologne has a woody, aromatic scent, with notes of grapefruit, dry cedar, and sandalwood. Whether he already has an array of colognes or this will be his first scent, Bleu de Chanel is worthy of a spot in his fragrance lineup. 

Price at time of publish: From $90

A gift that makes his day-to-day better is always practical—and shows you know just what he needs. The Carter Move Mug has a slide lock lid for easy sipping on the go, while the ceramic coating and double wall vacuum will keep his drink of choice warm (or cold) for up to six hours. 

Price at time of publish: From $30

Give the gift of luxurious self-care with this shaving set from Kiehl’s. It includes an energizing face wash, shave cream, razor burn and bump relief, and moisturizer, so he can easily take his grooming routine to the next level.

Price at time of publish: $48

Beanies are in, and this pick from Patagonia comes in eight colorways to suit your boyfriend's style. It’s also made with 100 percent recycled yarn and is Fair Trade Certified, so you can feel extra good about this purchase.

Price at time of publish: $39

This smart watch from Withings masters hi-tech health monitoring and sleek design simultaneously. It features heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, sleep monitoring, app connectivity, and an impressive 25-day battery life, so the guy in your life is guaranteed to make good use of this gift. 

Price at time of publish: $180

Enhance the taste of his favorite at-home spirits with this French-designed set from Peugeot. The unique hand-blown glass releases the aroma while cutting out alcohol burn, and the metal base chills his drink of choice to a cool 45 degrees without any ice dilution. 

Price at time of publish: $40

If your boyfriend is always on the run, opt for these ultra-lightweight, responsive kicks from Hoka. These sneakers come in seven unique colorways and are made with breathable mesh and a rubberized outsole to elevate his everyday jog. 

Price at time of publish: $130

Plan for your next weekend away together with this contemporary overnight bag from Mark & Graham. And for a more personal touch, you can opt for a foil monogram or blind debossing with his name or initials. 

Price at time of publish: $349

This 15-piece bar set includes all the tools he needs to make unique at-home cocktails. Whether your boyfriend is an aspiring mixologist or an impressive host, a bartending kit is a gift that will come in handy for years to come. 

Price at time of publish: $55

For everything from his daily commute to weekend getaways, this polished backpack from Monos is an accessory worth adding to your boyfriend's closet. It features a privacy compartment, waterproof finish, and laptop sleeve for an overall functional yet sleek design. 

Price at time of publish: $200

Whether he has serious old-school nostalgia or an extensive record collection waiting to spin, this U-Turn Audio record player will be a welcome addition to his home-audio setup. To make this gift even more personal you can give the gift with a new record to add to his collection. 

Price at time of publish: $329

An at-home, deep tissue massage is the perfect gift for any man—and with the help of the Theragun Elite, relaxation is perpetually within arms reach. The five attachments can pinpoint the entire body, while 40 pounds of force release tension and promote circulation. 

Price at time of publish: $399

Even boyfriends who rely on a 3-in-1 wash for all their personal grooming needs can make sense of the Skin Care Suite from Harry’s. The face toner, exfoliating wash, blemish treatment, hydrating night lotion, brightening eye cream, and daily SPF can instantly transform his skin and self-care routine. 

Price at time of publish: $51

If your boyfriend fancies himself a chef and loves to whip up a gourmet dinner, opt for a luxe kitchen tool he doesn’t already have in his arsenal. The Anova Precision Cooker Nano cooks fish, meat, vegetables, and eggs to the perfect temperature and consistency. 

Price at time of publish: $149

Make his lazy days even cozier with the addition of these lounge pants from Parachute. They’re made of 100 percent organic cotton and feature an elastic drawstring waistband and pockets for ultimate comfort. You can also grab the matching Organic Cotton Tee to complete the set.

Price at time of publish: $74

Any avid writer or planner will adore the Rocketbook Fusion Smart Reusable Notebook. Unlike a regular notebook, this device can sync his notes and to-do lists to just about any cloud service, making it easy to get organized. 

Price at time of publish: $35

Give your boyfriend headphones that create the perfect soundscape. The Jabra Elite 85h blocks out all distractions and helps him tune into his favorite playlists, podcasts, or phone calls in stunning clarity. The impressive battery life can last from a busy morning commute to bedtime with no charging required. 

Price at time of publish: $250

If your S.O. is getting acquainted with the kitchen, the most versatile and practical gift you can buy him is this high-carbon stainless steel chef’s knife. The stamped blade resists corrosion and wear, so it will be a staple tool in his kitchen for years to come. 

Price at time of publish: From $105

A personal flourish to your gift makes it all the more special, and making an impression doesn’t have to break the bank. You can customize this rustic leather journal with his initials, favorite quote, or logo.  

Price at time of publish: From $65

No matter what stage your relationship is in, this couple's card game can take it to the next level. With 150 questions and wild cards, this gift will prompt you to dig deep and get to know your S.O. even better. 

Price at time of publish: $21

These classic sunnies look good on just about everyone—your boyfriend included. They come in 21 colorways with polarized and non-polarized options, so you can select the style that best suits your partner. 

Price at time of publish: $212

For the perfect fusion of comfort and sophistication, turn to this snuggly Organic Waffle Robe from Coyuchi, which comes in five flattering shades. Lighter in weight than a typically terry cloth robe yet still supremely cozy, this robe is made with 100 percent organic cotton and will take his loungewear up a notch. 

Price at time of publish: $128

Candles are a quintessentially romantic gift, ideal for Valentine’s Day, stocking stuffers, or housewarming presents. This pick from Flamingo Estate is made from vegetable-based wax and comes in scents like Climbing Tuscan Rosemary, Roma Heirloom Tomato, and Adriatic Muscatel Sage—all subtle fragrances that create a wonderfully aromatic space. 

Price at time of publish: $55

For the boyfriend who loves snuggling up on the couch, this sumptuous weighted blanket will make your next movie night indefinitely comfier. You can choose from four different weights and five color options—experts recommend choosing the option that’s roughly 10 percent of the user’s body weight. 

Price at time of publish: From $199

Whether your boyfriend is a camping maestro or backyard entertainer, this smokeless propane gas fire pit will be a welcome addition to his outdoor gear. This pick can be used year-round, from summer getaways to winter nights around the fire. 

Price at time of publish: $150

If your boyfriend is always on the go, give him a durable toiletry bag that will accompany him on his next adventure. With a four-liter capacity, this pouch can fit all his essentials, from skincare to grooming tools. 

Price at time of publish: $58

Turn your boyfriend’s favorite song, album, or artist into a piece of stylish personalized wall art he’ll cherish. This custom gift is an affordable option that still has a personal touch to make it memorable. 

Price at time of publish: From $25

This handmade Olive Wood Serving Tray is an elegant gift for the refined boyfriend—he can serve up artfully displayed charcuterie and hors d'oeuvres, or hang it in the kitchen as an accent. You can amp up this present with a custom engraving to commemorate an anniversary or birthday. 

Price at time of publish: From $165

For the stylish yet utilitarian boyfriend, opt for this sleek leather wallet from Royce, which comes in nine colorways. The RFID-blocking technology, bi-fold design, and ID flap window are convenient and durable enough for daily use. 

Price at time of publish: $125

Outdoor sports enthusiasts and adventurers can capture each moment with the help of the waterproof GoPro Hero8 Camera. It takes stunning HDR photos and video, live streams in 1080P, and has advanced features like voice control, face recognition, GPS, and night mode. 

Price at time of publish: $350

If he’s a devoted baseball fan, opt for a personalized Baseball Stadium Blueprint to harken back to his favorite game or hometown stadium. You can choose between just the print or a simple black poplar frame to display his MLB affection. 

Price at time of publish: From $85

While it’s no trip to Italy, this Pasta Night Set from chef Nicolas Vahé may be the next best thing. If you prefer to give an experience rather than an item, this kit sets the stage for a romantic night of cooking and dining, and includes tagliatelle nests, tomato sauce with ricotta cheese and basil, basil and parmesan pesto, tomato and black olive bruschetta, and a fine cheese grater. 

Price at time of publish: $98

Level up his classic suit and tie with these ornamental Baroque Cuff Links from Perry Ellis. Whether he already enjoys refined formalwear or needs a nudge in the right direction, these cuffs can go with any suit or office attire. 

Price at time of publish: $50

Memorialize your favorite photos together in this modish frame from Pottery Barn, which includes an option to add a monogram or name. It’s perfect for decorating an office space, or if you’re long-distance.

Price at time of publish: From $50

Whether your S.O. is a dedicated camper or picnic-goer, the Wise Owl Hammock will take his relaxation up a notch. Bonus: It’s built for two, so you can doze off together underneath the stars. 

Price at time of publish: From $30

Bring the green to him with the Callaway Hitting Mat. Your golf-loving BF can practice his swing just about anywhere with this durable turf and included tee. 

Price at time of publish: $70

Questions You Might Ask

What is the best gift for a boyfriend?

The best gift for your boyfriend is one specially tailored to his hobbies, interests, and personality. Smith recommends using what you know about him to find a memorable and personalized gift. “Does he enjoy surprises? Events? Crowds? Nature? Spicy foods? Sports? Is he a trendsetter or someone who carves his own path?” she asks. “The better you know the person, the easier it is to decide on a gift.” 

What is the best anniversary gift for a boyfriend?

An anniversary is an ideal opportunity to give him something specific to your relationship—whether it be an elegant overnight bag for your next trip together or his favorite photo framed and ready to hang. “The longer the relationship, the more the budget may expand,” Smith says. “For gifts, it’s not the amount that matters—it truly is the amount of thought you put into the gift,” says Smith.

What is a creative gift for a boyfriend?

Escape the common pitfalls of gift-giving with a creative gift that will stand the test of time. Creative gifts can include personalized items or specialty presents that correlate to his favorite pastime or hobby. You can also opt for an experiential gift, like a home cooking kit for a romantic evening at home. 

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Quinn Gawronski, associate commerce editor for Real Simple, who has three years of experience writing and editing product reviews and roundups. To compile this eclectic list, she scoured the internet for unique, useful, personalized, and thoughtful gifts, while being mindful to select both affordable and luxury items that can suit a variety of budgets (and relationships). She also spoke to Jodi Smith, president and owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, for expert advice.

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