Top 30 Gifts for Boyfriend
1A5 Snap Journal | Full Grain Leather, Timeless Journal Design, Leatherology Black Onyx
CNN Underscored lists it for a first anniversary: a full grain leather journal that suits paper-themed gifting and can be personalised with initials.
$100Leatherology
3Sherlock Holmes: Book Nook 10351 | LEGO® Icons | Buy online at the Official LEGO® Shop US
CNN Underscored recommends this Sherlock Holmes street scene as a build-it-yourself bookend for a brother with a packed shelf.
$129.99LEGO
5Leaf Twig Razor & Thorn Razor | Single Edge Razor Single Blade Razor
CNN Underscored includes this single-edge razor bundle in its grooming gift picks; a reusable razor for someone who wants a closer, less wasteful shave.
$59.00Leaf Shave
7CNN Underscored picks this keyring-sized multi-tool for brothers; ten handy tools that fit in a pocket.
$34.99Gerber
9Soap Discovery Gift Set – 4 Soap Bars for Men
Featured by CNN Underscored in its grooming gifts; four different men's bar soaps so he can find his favourite scent.
$40.00Marlowe
11Backbone Pro Wireless Mobile Gaming Controller | Backbone
A CNN Underscored brother pick; a pro-grade phone controller for gaming on the go.
$169.99Backbone
13The Original Cashmere Crewneck Sweater Men's
CNN Underscored's classic winter gift for a brother; a soft everyday cashmere crewneck at a fair price.
$98.00Naadam
15Men's OOahh Black Slide Sandal
CNN Underscored's boyfriend guide includes these recovery slides as a comfortable pick for after workouts or long days on his feet.
$59.95OOFOS
17The Ries Beauty Complete Essential Reusable Travel Size Set
CNN Underscored picks this refillable travel set of Ries grooming essentials; a tidy gift for anyone who travels with a bag of toiletries.
$78Ries
21Pairfum London Spiced Coffee & Oaked Vanilla Eau de Parfum 100ml
A unisex eau de parfum handmade in London: pink pepper and pear, then coffee and jasmine, settling into oak aged vanilla, patchouli and cedar.
$225.00Pairfum London
23Latte art foam at home for under $50, a lovely little stocking filler.
$49.99OutIn
HintDrop perk: 15% off
27CNN Underscored suggests this A24 screenplay book for film-loving brothers; a handsome hardback that doubles as coffee table decor.
$60.00A24
29A ready-made beard care set that covers wash, oil and balm, an easy gift for a man who is growing a beard, picked by CNN Underscored.
$44.99Every Man Jack
2Get Closer Conversation Game: Table Talk - Table Talk
CNN Underscored picks this deck of conversation prompts for getting to know friends better; a card game for couples that turns a night in into a proper catch up
$20Intelligent Change
4The Cannes Waffle Knit Robe - Albero
CNN Underscored picks this plush waffle-knit robe for the brother who will not compromise on style, even at home.
$139Dandy Del Mar
6Theragun PRO | Professional-Grade Percussion Massage for Deep Relief
CNN Underscored picks the Theragun for brothers who train hard; a professional massage gun for post-workout recovery.
$529.99Therabody
8Small Hanging Toiletry Kit | Full Grain Leather Navy Blue
CNN Underscored recommends this leather hanging toiletry kit for brothers who travel; keeps a grooming routine tidy on the road.
$140.00Leatherology
10Game Boy™ 72046 | LEGO® Super Mario™ | Buy online at the Official LEGO® Shop US
CNN Underscored's nostalgic pick for a brother; a near-scale 421-piece Game Boy that is fun to build and display.
$59.99LEGO
12VKTRY Recovery Clog for Cushioning & Stability
Included in CNN Underscored's fitness gifts; cushioned recovery clogs to wear after a hard session or long run.
$99.0VKTRY
14NEW Camp Snap 2 (Screen-Free Digital Camera)
CNN Underscored recommends Camp Snap in both its boyfriend and girlfriend guides as a screen-free, disposable-camera-style option that saves photos to an includ
$69.99Camp Snap
16Rover Pack | Classic and Versatile Backpack for Adventures
CNN Underscored's boyfriend guide recommends this small rucksack with a lifetime warranty for weekend getaways, day hikes and commutes.
$99.0Topo Designs
18Men's Hiker Quarter Midweight Hiking Socks
CNN Underscored picks these cushioned merino hiking socks for dads; they come with a lifetime warranty, so they suit a dad who walks a lot.
$23.00Darn Tough
20Vintage Gino Tin Refreshing Formula for All Skin Types
CNN Underscored lists this retro tinned Italian shaving set for dads who like a proper wet shave; a good stocking-sized grooming gift.
$32Proraso
22OutIn Nano Portable Espresso Machine (Space Grey)
The original OutIn: 670g, heats up in about 200 seconds, rich crema at 20 bars.
$149.99OutIn
HintDrop perk: 15% off28
Philips Norelco All-in-One Trimmer
Featured in CNN Underscored's men's grooming gifts: one 21-piece trimmer that handles beard, hair and body grooming, a practical upgrade for a man with a drawer
$99.96Philips
30OutIn Fino Portable Electric Coffee Grinder
Fresh ground beans anywhere, with an even grind every time.
$179.99OutIn
HintDrop perk: 15% off
Let what he mentions do the work, not your best guess
The safest read on someone you are still getting to know is not a guess at all. It is whatever he has actually mentioned wanting, even once, in passing. Saving that as a hint the moment it comes up beats trying to reconstruct it from memory weeks later.
Match the gift to where things actually are
A gift can be thoughtful without being a grand gesture. The goal early on is showing you were paying attention, not making a statement. Something specific to him, at a sensible scale, tends to land far better than something impressive but generic.
Boyfriend birthday gift ideas
Aim for one main gift he will use, plus a small extra with some personality. Good main gifts include a tool for a hobby he already has, a game or a book from a series he loves, headphones, a quality wash bag or a framed print of somewhere you have been together. Add a favorite snack, a handwritten card or tickets to something you will do together.
Boyfriend Christmas gift ideas
Christmas is a good time for something cozy and practical: a good jumper, slippers, a hoodie from a brand he likes, a scarf and glove set, or a board game for the two of you. If you have not been together long, keep the spend modest and match what he is likely to get you, so neither of you feels awkward.
Anniversary and first year gifts
For a first anniversary, a memory is better than an object: a framed photo, a small scrapbook of tickets and notes, or a repeat of your first date. Pair it with something small he has mentioned wanting. Save the bigger gestures for later years, when they will feel earned rather than rushed.
Boyfriend gifts under $20, $50 and $100
Under $20, look at a good book, a favorite sweet or drink, a mug, a phone stand or a card game. Around $50 you can look at a quality t-shirt or jumper, a speaker, a grooming set or a nice bottle. Around $100 think of trainers he has been eyeing, a smartwatch strap and accessories, or a day out or experience. Set a cap before you browse.
Frequently asked questions
What should I get my boyfriend when I don't know him that well yet?
Go for something small and specific to something he has mentioned, like a book, a snack he loves or a gadget for a hobby. It shows you were listening without feeling like too much, too soon.
How much should I spend on a boyfriend's birthday gift?
There is no fixed rule. Early in a relationship, 20 to 50 pounds is common. Later, many couples spend 50 to 100 pounds. Match what feels comfortable for both of you.
What are good cheap gifts for a boyfriend?
A good book, his favorite sweets, a card game, a mug, a phone stand or a handwritten note with tickets to something you will do together all work well under 20 pounds.
What is a good first anniversary gift for a boyfriend?
Something that marks the year, like a framed photo, a scrapbook of tickets and notes, or a repeat of your first date, plus one small item he has said he wants.
What should I avoid buying a boyfriend?
Avoid anything that suggests he needs improving, like a diet book, and be careful with very expensive or very romantic gifts early on. Choose what suits where the relationship is now.
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