25 Ways to Conquer the Elusive Perfect Boyfriend Gift
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we've officially entered the season of present-hunting. And while finding the right gift for everyone on your list is no small feat, there's something extra-difficult about searching out the perfect prezzie for your boyfriend.
Whether the guy you're seeing is a new flame or he's been your main squeeze for a while now, it doesn't seem to matter—he's always a mystery when it comes to holiday gifts. You want to show you care but not be overbearing; you need something original with a dash of romance but that isn't over the top; you want to impress him but you don't want to go broke. With so many factors to take into account, it's easy to get overwhelmed. And we'd hate for that to happen. So we've come up with 25 fail-proof gifts for every kind of guy, from the techie to the skater boy to the goofball. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and click your way to holiday season success.
1/26He'll never see it coming.
Photo: Courtesy of harrys.com2/26What is it? Eight blades and two creams shipped right to your guy’s front door and timed exactly to his grooming schedule. Depending on if he’s an everyday shaver, an occasional shaver, or an infrequent shaver, a new shipment will deliver every two, three, or five months. This gift will keep him looking sharp and remind him of you every morning.
Harry’s shave subscription, $31 per shipment. harrys.com.
Photo: Courtesy of journeys.com3/26Winter weather means winter boots. These Toms versions are sure to keep his feet warm this holiday season, and for every pair purchased, another pair is donated to someone in need. This prezzie gives a whole new meaning to the season of giving.
Toms chukka boots, $109. journeys.com.
Photo: Courtesy of store.apple.com4/26If he’s into fitness and needs help getting in the zone, an iPod shuffle is sure to do the trick. Load it up with an amazing workout playlist and sneak in something sentimental, like the first song you ever danced to. If you order it online you can even have it engraved with a personal message (or nickname)!
Apple iPod shuffle, $49. store.apple.com.
Photo: Courtesy of skinnyfatties.com5/26SkinnyFatties is your one-stop shop for achieving sentimental jackpot. The company takes wide out-of-date ties and tailors them to slim on-trend perfection. Our suggestion? Surprise your boyfriend with an updated tie from his Dad’s wardrobe. Bonus: This is a great way to get on his parents’ good side! Call them up and tell them about the idea and set up a time to pick out the perfect tie with their expert opinions and guidance.
SkinnyFatties tie alteration, $34. skinnyfatties.com.
Photo: Courtesy of marcjacobs.com6/26Gifting clothing can be tricky, which is why you can’t go wrong when sticking to a durable classic. This jacket makes a great layering piece and will last him years. He’ll love it, and you’ll look cute when you steal it from him when it gets a little chilly.
Marc Jacobs distressed bleached denim jacket, $145. marcjacobs.com.
Photo: Courtesy of thinkgeek.com7/26Want to buy him a puppy but know that your parents (and his) might not be so psyched about it? This second generation Pet Rock is a re-issue of the ’70s classic with an update for the digital age. What does it do? Nothing! And that’s the beauty of gifting a pet you can leave home alone all day while you’re at school.
ThinkGeek USB pet rock, $7.99. thinkgeek.com.
Photo: Courtesy of bestbuy.com8/26If he loves Instagram as much as you do, this gift will be perfect. Sharing couple photos on social media is cute and all, but having a physical copy that you can hang on your wall (or in your locker) is more personal and a lot more meaningful.
Polaroid PIC-300L 300 instant camera, $69.99. bestbuy.com.
Photo: Courtesy of framesdirect.com9/26These sunglasses are the ultimate in cool. Oakley is best known for its quality craftsmanship and sporty designs, and this style has been resurrected from the early ’80s, a time when Frogger and Pac Man ruled and Madonna reigned supreme. Totally retro.
Oakley frogskins sunglasses, $100. framesdirect.com.
Photo: Courtesy of boardpusher.com10/26Whether intended for use or to hang on the wall, this present is sure to blow him away. Upload a picture of his favorite band, a scenic photograph he took on his last vacation, or come up with your own artwork to make it even more special!
Board Pusher custom skate deck, starting at $64.99. boardpusher.com.
Photo: Courtesy of mrporter.com11/26If he’s dating you, your guy obviously has some interest in looking good, and since GQ has been at the forefront of men’s fashion since 1957, this book is the ultimate resource for him.
GQ Men by Jim Nelson and Glenn O’Brien, $150. mrporter.com.
Photo: Courtesy of lunarland.com12/26This takes the saying "I love you to the moon and back" to an unexpected lunar level reality. Although not the most useful of gifts, you’ll get an A+ for originality.
An acre of land on the moon, $29. lunarland.com.
Photo: Courtesy of bambeco.com13/26Bamboo gives an ultra-modern, eco-friendly twist to an otherwise boring tech necessity. His Dad might even want one too…
Bambeco bamboo bluetooth keyboard, $120. bambeco.com.
Photo: Courtesy of williams-sonoma.com14/26An unexpected manly appliance is the perfect way to ease him into the kitchen. This fryer has a special heating element that cooks food to a light and crispy deliciousness without absorbing any fat. Win! He’ll be cooking you dinner on the regular in no time. Double win!
Breville deep fryer, $150. williams-sonoma.com.
Photo: Courtesy of aeropostale.com15/26Don’t let Jack Frost get in the way of him texting you. These tech-friendly gloves will keep him warm and in touch.
Aéropostale texting gloves, $14.70. aeropostale.com.
Photo: Courtesy of parkeandronen.com16/26Happy Socks mean happy feet. Happy feet mean happy boyfriend. That’s Fashion Algebra 101.
Happy Socks socks, $12 per pair. parkeandronen.com.
Photo: Courtesy of zappos.com17/26Some people hold a superstition about gifting watches and believe that it places a time limit on the relationship, but we don’t see how a classically cool accessory could bring any misfortune to the person wearing it. This watch is the perfect finishing touch to your guy’s everyday look.
Michael Kors chronograph watch, $225. zappos.com.
Photo: Courtesy of restorationhardware.com18/26Because the finger zoom isn’t quite cutting it for his photography needs.
Restoration Hardware zoom lens and tripod for iPhone, $49. restorationhardware.com.
Photo: Courtesy of couture.zappos.com19/26Rough and tough with a touch of refinement, this backpack will set him apart from the rest of the pack in the best of ways.
Marc by Marc Jacobs backpack, $198. couture.zappos.com.
Photo: Courtesy of republicbike.com20/26A car would be nice in a fantasy world, but a rad bike is a solid second. This custom set of wheels will take him to class, his internship, and even his first job in style.
Republic custom bike, starting at $399. republicbike.com.
Photo: Courtesy of mrporter.com21/26Winter means layering. This sweater is the perfect piece for him to add over and under all of his favorite pieces. It also happens look great over and under all of your favorite pieces…you might have to steal this one back after he wears it once or twice.
J.Crew wool sweater, $100. mrporter.com.
Photo: Courtesy of fossil.com22/26Sandalwood with a hint of raw vanilla give this masculine scent that added touch of deliciousness. This fragrance will stir up all of your favorite memories with him every time you nuzzle into one of his hugs. The best part? There’s a 1954 female perfume that compliments his cologne perfectly…you know, in case he’s at a loss at what to get you.
Fossil 1954 fragrance for men, $60. fossil.com.
Photo: Courtesy of barneys.com23/26Guys always buy girls jewelry on special occasions (and we’re not complaining!), but who’s to say it can’t be the other way around? This masculine cuff is chic and tough and might be even inspire an arm-party of his own. The best part is that it’s real silver, so it won’t be turning his skin green anytime soon.
Giles & Brother antique silver nut and bolt cuff, $95. barneys.com.
Photo: Courtesy of shop.nordstrom.com24/26Is your boyfriend a hat guy? You know the type: He’s never seen without his signature baseball cap donning a specific team’s insignia. If so, this cap is the perfect way to introduce him to the wonderful world of fashion. It’s great for occasions where his tattered favorite might not be suitable. How could he resist the supple suede and tough leather?
Rag & Bone suede and leather baseball cap, $150. shop.nordstrom.com.
Photo: Courtesy of saksoff5th.com25/26If you can knit, great! Handmade scarves are a wonderful sentiment. If you can’t, don’t worry; we found you a really thoughtful alternative. Scarves are the universal gift of the season (everyone needs one), but finding the right style can be tricky. The selling point on this one from Saks is that it’s made out of super-soft cashmere and features one of the most masculine patterns of all: buffalo plaid.
Saks Fifth Avenue cashmere scarf, $64.99. saksoff5th.com.
Photo: Courtesy of barneys.com26/26Is your guy all about extremes? This journal is the perfect place to write down his bright ideas…and maybe a few poems expressing his love for you (just a suggestion).
Smythson leather journal, $80. barneys.com.
