Need a gift idea for your beau but can't think of anything? Don't be too hard on yourself. Picking out the perfect gifts for boyfriends takes some trial and error.

And between Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, and the gift-giving holidays, there are a lot of chances to pick the wrong gift. Ideally, you want to get him something that demonstrates your love (or affection, if you're not quite ready for the "L" word), your appreciation, and the fact that you know exactly what he likes. But striking the perfect balance can be tricky, whether you're a new couple that hasn't discussed gift guidelines yet *or* you're running low on boyfriend gift ideas after dating for a while.

Fortunately, you can still get your boyfriend a present he'll love even if you don't pride yourself on your gifting abilities — we're here to make sure of it. No matter what your boyfriend likes — gadgets, grooming, gaming, or gear — there's probably something on this gift guide he'll love and cherish. After all, your name will be on the card.

Topics Relationships

Credit: Brooklyn Brew

A home brewing kit

Best for the craft beer enthusiast

If your boyfriend is big into hoppy IPAs and silky, chocolatey porters, here's his chance to try his hand at the craft beer-brewing process. This starter kit from Brooklyn Brew Shop has easy-to-follow instructions and everything he'll need to brew at home. There are six different recipes to choose from, including IPA, wheat, and ale.

Buying Options

$47.95 from Amazon

custom portrait of couple above fireplace

Credit: Seventy Eight Design

A custom portrait

Best for personalizing his home decor

Getting him a cute, minimalist portrait from Seventy Eight Design is a cool way to upgrade your favorite picture together. Just send in a photo to their Etsy shop and they'll create a proof for you to approve before making the final product. (This is a physical print, by the way — not a digital file — so you don't have to worry about taking that extra step of getting it printed.)

Buying Options

$35.64 from Etsy

person cooking skewers of meat and vegetables on a camp stove

Credit: Coleman / SPONSORED BY CABELA'S

A new set of sheets

Best for both of you

Brooklinen is a DTC favorite for a reason: Its sheets really are cool, crisp, and long-lasting (a fact we can verify first-hand). These soft percale sheets come in more than a dozen colors and prints, and you'll love getting lost in these sheets together.

Buying Options

$189 from Brooklinen

Credit: MVMT

A MVMT watch

Best for upping his style

You can never go wrong with a classy, stylish watch, and MVMT has a bunch of them. There are plenty of styles to choose from, whether your BF prefers a rustic leather strap or some sleek metal links. Plus, now he'll always be on time for your dates. 

Buying Options

$118 from MVMT

Credit: Lego

A cool new Lego kit

Best for the Mario fan

One of our favorite affordable Lego sets for adults, the Super Mario Piranha plant is just plain awesome. So if your boyfriend loves both Legos and Italian plumbers, then he'll love unwrapping this gift. When he's done, it may even earn a permanent spot on his desktop.

Buying Options

$59.99 from Amazon

Credit: Lea Redmond

'Letters to Open When...'

Best for long-distance boyfriends

Maintaining a relationship from a distance can be rough. But with Letters to Open When..., you can be together in spirit even when in-person meetings aren't possible. This little booklet comes with 12 letter prompts, which you'll write, seal, and give to your man for future opening whenever he needs a quick word of encouragement or inspiration.

Buying Options

$14.95 from Amazon

Credit: These Cards Will Get You Drunk

'These Cards Will Get You Drunk'

Best for the partier

If your boyfriend likes drinking games, this one will make a great addition to his roster. It's fun and doesn't require much skill (which is great, because it will get you drunk as promised). It'll make him the star of his next pregame, guaranteed.

Buying Options

$19.99 from Amazon

larq water bottles in a variety of colors

Credit: Larq

A self-cleaning water bottle

Best for keeping him hydrated

Reusable water bottles are great for the environment (and for keeping us hydrated), but they're hard to clean. Enter: LARQ. Its water bottles have a self-cleaning mode that activates a purifying UV light every two hours, keeping grime and mold at bay.

Buying Options

$99 from Amazon

Credit: Fitbit

The Fitbit Charge 5

Best for the active man

He'll be able to stay on top of his fitness goals in style with a Charge 5, the latest wearable from Fitbit. It's capable of tracking his heart rate, blood-oxygen saturation, sleep patterns, stress levels, and other important metrics to give him a complete picture of his overall wellness. It's also got a built-in GPS and plays nicely with the average smartphone, so he can manage his notifications right on its pretty color AMOLED screen.

Buying Options

$149.95 from Amazon

person using biolite campstove 2 outside

Credit: Biolite

A BioLite CampStove 2

Best for the outdoorsman

This all-in-one wood-burning camp stove creates a smokeless flame that generates 3 watts of usable electricity so he can charge his phone while cooking in the wilderness — neat! (Any excess power is stored in its own rechargeable battery when its flame's not on.) Several accessories come with, including a Grill Grate and a stainless steel KettlePot that doubles as a carrying case.

Buying Options

$299 from Amazon

Credit: Magnolia Record Club

A Magnolia Record Club subscription

Best for vinyl lovers

If your boyfriend is always putting on a record, treat him to the gift of new music. A Magnolia Record Club subscription will give him the chance to flesh out his library with limited-edition and artist-curated selections every month. Each box comes with an exclusive LP, original artwork, and notes from the curator for a personalized touch.

Buying Options

$87 from Magnolia Record Club

Credit: Gentleman Jon's

A Gentleman Jon's Deluxe Wet Shave Kit

Best for the bearded bf

Time to toss out those disposable razor blades and give your guy's grooming routine a serious upgrade. This kit includes everything he needs for a barber shop-y experience at home, including a safety razor, blades, a real badger hair brush, an alum block, and more.

Buying Options

$69.90 from Amazon

Credit: Holy Stone

A drone

Best for the kid at heart

With easy gesture and app controls (plus hands-free hovering), the battery-powered HS110D FPV RC Drone is an excellent pick for amateur pilots. Amazon reviewers are big fans of both its build quality and picture quality — there's a wide-angled 1080p camera built right into it that makes for some seriously epic shots.

Buying Options

$99.99 from Amazon

pair of allbirds tree runners in all-white

Credit: Allbirds

Allbirds sneakers

Best for the eco-friendly athlete

If you're looking for a pair of men's sneakers that are comfortable, stylish, and good for the Earth, then Allbirds are a great choice. Its sneakers are made from a combination of superfine merino wool from New Zealand sheep, castor oil, and recycled bottles. They even ship in packaging made from 90% recycled cardboard — a huge win-win.

Buying Options

$98 from Allbirds

Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker next to cup of coffee

Credit: Chemex

A Chemex pour-over

Best for the coffee snob

Does your boyfriend love coffee? Like, really love coffee? If so, a Chemex is a no-brainer. Designed to make the perfect cup of joe at the molecular level, this Borosilicate glass brewing device is simple to use and allows coffee to be covered and refrigerated for reheating (without losing any of its bold flavor).

Buying Options

$48.93 from Amazon

Credit: Amazon

A Fire TV Stick 4K

Best for the TV buff

If your date nights frequently involve Netflix and chillin', then we've got one of the best gifts for boyfriends under $50. Amazon's latest Fire TV Stick is its most powerful (and speediest) media player yet, with Dolby Atmos and Vision support on top of HDR, HDR10+, and WiFi 6 compatibility. Jeff Bezos and friends have also thrown in a nice new Alexa Voice Remote with dedicated buttons for popular streaming services.

Buying Options

$49.99 from Amazon

arlo video doorbell on side of front door

Credit: Arlo

A video doorbell

Best for smart homeowners

If your boyfriend is just too lazy to look outside when someone knocks on his front door (*raises hand*), how about a video doorbell? The wired (read: more affordable) version of the Alexa-enabled Arlo Essential Video Doorbell can be installed easily using his existing doorbell's wiring — no need to call in a pro. Plus, it's got two-way audio, motion detection, and crystal-clear HD video so he never misses an Amazon package.

Buying Options

$149.99 from Amazon

Credit: Microsoft

An Xbox Series S starter bundle

Best gift for gamers

Compared to the Playstation 5 and the Xbox Series X, the all-digital, 512GB Xbox Series S is actually pretty affordable. And not only does this bundle come with the console itself, but you can also nab a controller and bonus 3-month membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Buying Options

$289 from Amazon

earbuds on top of phone and pile of books

Credit: Pexels

An Audible Plus subscription

Best for bookworms

If your boyfriend loves to read but doesn't have the time to sit down with a book every day, an Audible Plus membership will let him listen to as many audiobooks as his little heart desires. Subscribers get unlimited access to thousands of titles and podcasts; you can upgrade him to Audible Plus Premium for a once-a-month credit that's good toward any audiobook he wants, which will be his to keep forever.

Buying Options

$7.95 / a month from Amazon

person opening magic bullet air fryer with french fries inside on kitchen counter

Credit: Magic Bullet

An air fryer

Best for the foodie

Any self-respecting fried food lover needs to have an air fryer in his arsenal, period. Magic Bullet's 2.5-quart model is stellar for gifting — it's easy to use and easy to clean, and it comes in at a very affordable price point. Now, for the real question: Are y'all having waffle fries or curly fries with dinner tonight?

Buying Options

$59.99 from Amazon

person pouring liquid from stanley growler

Credit: Stanley

The Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler

Best for the guy who loves camping

A Stanley Quencher for you, a Stanley Growler for him—it's the perfect pair. There's nothing better than cracking open a cold one in the great outdoors, but carrying a bunch of empty cans around gets annoying. This 64-ounce growler is vacuum-insulated, so it can keep beer ice-cold for up to 24 hours on the trail. Bottoms up!

Buying Options

$57 from Amazon

Credit: Thule

Thule Chasm Sport Duffel

Best for the weekend warrior

Your boyfriend needs a bag that's big enough to get him through a few days on the road, yet small enough to fit in an airplane's overhead compartment. That's where Thule's 40L duffle comes in. This is a stylish, waterproof sports bag that also drops a subtle hint: let's go on a romantic weekend getaway.

Buying Options

$149.95 from Amazon

man at subway station wearing bose quietcomfort headphones

Credit: Bose

Noise-cancelling headphones

Best for the guy who has everything

What's the equivalent of expensive jewelry or designer perfume when shopping for a boy? Try a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, which he's sure to love just as much. Bose's QuietComfort are some of the best on the market, with high-fidelity audio and a handy mobile app to fine-tune the sound. He might not buy these for himself, which is why he'll love you for getting them.

Buying Options

$349 from Amazon

Credit: MeUndies

A MeUndies subscription

Best gift for him — and you

Does your boyfriend struggle with buying a decent pair of underwear that's comfortable *and* stylish? MeUndies is a subscription service that sends its members a new pair of underwear every month, and they have an option for couples, too. Just pick out his preferred cut and style, and MeUndies will do the rest. (Then throw out all his old tighty whities before he notices.)

Buying Options

See Details

Credit: JBL

JBL Flip 6

Best for the life of the party

A good Bluetooth speaker makes it possible for your boyfriend to bring the party with him wherever he goes, and this is one of the best we've ever tested. No disrespect to the Black Eyed Peas, but the JBL Flip 6 is the gold standard for getting the party started. It's incredibly easy to connect to this speaker, and it offers big, balanced sound.

Buying Options

$129.99 from Amazon

instax polaroid camera with photo coming out on top

Credit: Fujifilm

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

Best for the old soul

Instagram? Who needs it. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is an instant camera with a bunch of neat modern features, including automatic exposure for perfect lighting and a one-touch selfie mode. It's so easy to use that even small children can figure it out, so your boyfriend should be fine.

Buying Options

$76.95 from Amazon

Credit: MUBI

A MUBI subscription

Best for the true cinephile

Does your boyfriend love arthouse movies like Breathless, The 400 Blows, and The Seven Samurai? Would it just *kill* him that we called these movies and not films? Then a subscription to MUBI would be a great gift for him no matter the occasion. MUBI is a streaming service that features Hollywood classics, essential arthouse, cult classics, and foreign films that are hand-picked once a day (with a 30-day window to watch them). That means there's always a new movie to watch every day.

Buying Options

$10.99 / a month from MUBI

Credit: ILUV

A vibrating alarm clock

Best for the snoozer

It could be said that there are two types of people: Those who wake up and get out of bed at the time they planned to, and those who idealistically set an alarm and then hit "snooze" until the absolute last possible moment, thus repeatedly waking the person they are next to. If your boyfriend is a "snoozer," we offer our apologies and this gift idea for you both: a smart vibrating alarm clock that goes under his pillow.

Buying Options

$59.99 from Amazon

Credit: Quirk Books

'The League of Regrettable Superheroes'

Best for comic book fans

While your boyfriend might be familiar with Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man, it's doubtful he knows Doctor Hormone, Doll Man, and Bee Man. The League of Regrettable Superheroes is an awesome book about lesser-known superheroes and why they didn't capture the imagination of comic book readers, exploring some hidden corners of pop culture that deserve to be remembered.

Buying Options

$24.80 from Amazon

Credit: UNTUCKIT

An UNTUCKit shirt

Best for the sharp dresser

Chris Riccobono, UNTUCKit's founder, revealed how annoying it is for men to tuck their dress shirts into their pants and the world screamed in agreement. These shirts will help your boyfriend looked pulled together without the stuffiness that comes with tucking in. They're also decently priced at just $99 apiece — a small price to pay for comfort. 

Buying Options

$99 from UNTUCKIT

bespoke post subscription boxes with bag, glasses of whiskey, clock, knife, and other accessories

Credit: Bespoke Post

A Bespoke Post subscription

Best for the bougie boy

If the man in your life is into artisanal goods and only buys the highest-quality gear, Bespoke Post will make a great gift. Take a quiz before you sign up for a membership, and they'll send you a customizable box each month full of top notch outdoors gear, cooking products, travel gadgets, and more — whatever your guy is into.

Buying Options

$49 from Bespoke Post

arms holding stance socks with headphones, notebook, and magazine next to them

Credit: Pexels

A Stance subscription

Best for the clotheshorse

Fight the evil powers of dryers everywhere by making sure your man's sock drawer is always fully stocked. Named in Men's Health as one of the best sock subscription services, Stance will send him a box of socks that fit his feet and his personal sense of style. (Peep its new Harry Potter collab.)

Buying Options

$19 from Stance

courant wireless charging tray with phone, wallet, and hand cream on top

Credit: Courant

A stylish wireless charger

For for the organized techie

Not only will he be able to charge his phone on this chic Italian leather charging pad, but he'll also be able to store all his everyday carry items where he can see them. Courant's wireless chargers can also be monogrammed for an extra personal touch.

Buying Options

$175 from Courant

Credit: Great Jones

A Great Jones baking set

Best for the baker

If your bae is always whipping up something sweet, get them even more hyped about baking with this full baking set. It comes with a sheet tray, loaf pans, cake pans, and an adorable printed pie plate and casserole dish. This is basically a gift for you too, since you'll get to eat all the goodies he makes.

Buying Options

$285 from Great Jones

Credit: Therabody

A Therabody roller

Best for the gym bro

If your boyfriend spends more time at the gym than anywhere else, help aid his recovery with this vibrating foam roller. The combination of vibration and the wave texture on this roller will help release tension and muscle soreness so he can crush his next workout.

Buying Options

$149 from Amazon

Credit: Apple

Apple AirPods Pro

Best for the podcast listener

Earn some major cool points by giving him the latest generation of AirPods Pro (and the freedom to listen to his tunes, podcasts, and audiobooks with no strings attached). They're automatically on and connected to his phone when he pops them in his ears, and they're fantastic for commutes and travel.

Buying Options

$249 from Amazon

Credit: Betterfelt

A fashionable wool shoe

Best for the guy into sustainable fashion

The classic shoe offers a higher heel cap than the brand’s iconic slipper, yet is still easy to slip on and off. Each pair is hand-crafted by artisans in Nepal. Great for shuffling around the house, the rubber-soled version is also perfect for light outdoor hygge activities like grabbing the morning paper or popping out to the cafe for his favorite cuppa Joe.

Buying Options

$79 from Betterfelt

Credit: MOON

A fancy water flosser

Best for the hygiene-focused boyfriend

This chic product is a surefire way to upgrade your bf’s oral care routine, and leave his mouth fresh af for your next makeout session. Designed in collaboration with Super Bowl champion Odell Beckham Jr., this water flosser offers precision cleaning that’s safe for use on implants, braces, and veneers.

Buying Options

$69.99 from Amazon

Credit: Winehive

A modular wine storage system

Best for the wine lover

Made of anodized recyclable aluminum, WineHive’s modular and modern design securely holds wine bottles horizontally to keep their corks moist and is fully customizable to fit his space in style. Choose from a countertop display or create a custom design for his wall.

Buying Options

$74.95 from Amazon

nightclock magnifying alarm clock on desktop

Credit: NightWatch

A unique dock for Apple Watch

Best for Apple Watches

If you aren't familiar with NightWatch, then let us introduce you to one of the coolest bedside accessories. If your boyfriend has an Apple Watch, this magnifying glass dock lets him transform the wearable into a more traditional alarm clock. Not only does it look cool, but it's the perfect excuse to leave the phone out of the bedroom.

Buying Options

See Details

Credit: Shashibo

Shashibo Shape Shifting Box

Best for the fidgeter

Fidget spinners are a little played out, but hardcore fidgeters may still welcome a distraction for their hands. This award-winning puzzle toy is endlessly fascinating, and it's a good gift under $25 if you aren't quite ready to exchange $300 presents yet.

Buying Options

$25 from Amazon

Credit: Peak Design

A camera strap like no other

Best for photographers

If your boyfriend is a photographer, then get him a gift that will last a lifetime. The Peak Design camera strap is beloved by photographers (and Mashable editors), and it truly is a perfect piece of design — and we don't use the "P" word lightly. This thoughtfully designed strap will keep his camera secure, and it will make him look good in the process.

Buying Options

$69.95 from Amazon