Gifts for him · any occasion
Gifts for him, chosen by what he is into
By Tom AshworthUpdated 29 October 202612 ideas
Whether he is your partner, your best friend or your brother, the easiest way to buy a good present is to start with what he does in his spare time. Gaming, running, coffee, cooking or just collecting vinyl: any of these gives you a direction.
The ideas below are grouped by interest, so you can skip straight to the one that sounds like him. They suit birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries or a simple thank-you, and each has a price band to help you find something that fits your budget.
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Our three favourites
For the gamer
Small upgrades that make long sessions better.
A controller charging dock
A dock keeps controllers charged and tidy, so there is never a flat battery in the middle of a match. Check that it fits his console’s controller model before you order.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the PC gamerA large desk mat
A big mat protects the desk and gives the mouse a smooth surface. Measure the desk first and choose a plain design that suits the room.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the fitness fan
For the man who is always training for something.
For phone-carrying runnersA running armband
A snug armband holds a phone securely and leaves his hands free. Check the phone size it is designed for.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
For stiff legs after trainingA foam roller
A simple foam roller is a popular way to stretch out tired muscles after a run or workout. If he has an injury or medical condition, he should check with a GP or physiotherapist first.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the coffee fan
For the man who has strong opinions about his morning cup.
For the home baristaA pour-over coffee set
A dripper, filters and a jug let him make a slow, careful cup at home. Check that the filters are the right size for the dripper.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For fresh beans every morningA hand coffee grinder
Grinding beans just before brewing makes a noticeable difference to flavour, and a manual grinder takes up little space. Choose a model with an adjustable grind setting.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For the music lover
Gifts for headphones, records and playlists.
For commutes and workoutsWireless earbuds
A good pair of earbuds makes a daily journey far more enjoyable. Check that they work with his phone and how long the battery lasts.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For the record collectorA vinyl record storage crate
A sturdy crate keeps a growing collection tidy and protected. Look for one that holds standard 12-inch records and has a stable base.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For the well-groomed
A bit of everyday polish.
For the classic shaverA wet shave starter kit
A safety razor, brush and soap make shaving feel like a ritual rather than a chore. Check whether he is comfortable using a blade razor, and choose a mild soap for sensitive skin.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
A leather card holder
A slim holder replaces a bulky wallet and ages nicely with use. Check how many cards it holds and whether it suits his pocket.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the cook
For the man who likes a good dinner and a good fire.
For the serious home cookA chef’s knife
A well-balanced knife makes everyday cooking easier. Choose a blade length that suits his hand, and remember that good knives need hand washing.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
A hot sauce gift set
A set of small bottles in different strengths lets him explore without committing to a full-size bottle. Check how hot the strongest one is before you buy.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
Good to know
Fitness and health
If he has an injury or a medical condition, he should check with a GP before using any massage or stretching equipment.
FAQ: questions people ask
What do you buy a boyfriend or husband who has everything?
Choose an experience or a consumable he will not buy himself, such as tickets, a tasting set or a good bottle of something. A framed photo or a handwritten letter also works if he is sentimental.
What are good gifts for a male friend?
Keep it simple and tied to an interest: a coffee set, a book, a board game or a pair of earbuds. Avoid overly personal gifts unless you know him very well.
What can I buy him for under £25?
A hot sauce set, a leather card holder, a desk mat or a charging dock all fit the budget. Add a card with a few words from you and it will feel thoughtful.
What are good gifts for a brother?
Match the gift to a hobby you share or tease him about. A gaming accessory, a book on his favourite subject or a pint voucher for the pub can all suit.
Is clothing a good gift for him?
It can be, but it is riskier than most. Socks, scarves and gloves are safe, and a gift receipt gives him a way to swap anything that does not fit.
