For the man who has everything, the one with a hobby he’s serious about, and the one who’d rather do something with you than unwrap something.
Buying for him often goes wrong in the gadget aisle: something clever, boxed and battery-powered that gets used twice. Most men would much rather have a better version of something they use every week, more of a hobby they already love, or a plan with you in it. Whether he’s your partner, brother, son or friend, start with what his week actually looks like, then pick one thing from the matching section below. Each section ends with the pick to choose if you’re stuck.
He doesn’t need more things. Give him something better than what he’s got, something that gets used up, or something with you in it.
usually around £25–60
Good if you’ve spotted the tired one: the rucksack he takes to work, the wallet that’s coming apart, the winter gloves, the headphones with the dodgy cable.
Skip if he’s fond of the old one, or he’s already researched exactly which one he wants.
around £15–40
Good if he enjoys his food and drink: coffee from a local roaster, a hot sauce set for dishes he already cooks, good tea.
Skip if you don’t know his tastes or dietary needs.
around £15–40
Good if he’s the type who says “I should get one of those”: a bright rechargeable torch, a proper umbrella, a winter kit for the car. Our guide to practical gifts that are useful every day has more along these lines.
Skip if it might read as a hint.
any amount
Good if he’s said he doesn’t want presents and you know a cause he already supports.
Skip if you’d be choosing the cause for him.
If you’re stuck, pick this: the better version of his most-used thing. Look at what he carries every day, and replace the one that’s worn out.
Tell us their birthday and we’ll email you about three weeks before (sooner if it’s already close), so there’s time to choose properly.
Buy for the hobby he already has, at the level he’s already at. Guessing the spec is the quickest way to a present that goes back.
around £20–80
Good if he runs, cycles, climbs or swims every week and you know what he owns. For a runner, the winter running accessories how-to covers what helps in the dark months.
Skip if it needs a size or fit you’re guessing at.
usually around £30–100
Good if he does the cooking and his go-to pan has seen better days. The cast iron how-to explains what to look for.
Skip if he rarely cooks. A pan can read as a hint.
usually around £15–40
Good if he’s the one who organises games nights. The board game how-to helps you match the game to the group.
Skip if the group would play it once and never again.
around £20–60
Good if he fixes things and you know what’s missing: good screwdrivers, a head torch, a long tape measure.
Skip if he’s particular about tools and you’d be guessing. Ask first, or include a gift receipt.
If you’re stuck, pick this: a good head torch. It works for the shed, the car, the campsite and the early-morning run, and it’s hard to get wrong.
Some people light up at a plan and go quiet at a parcel. For them the present is the day itself.
usually around £30–100 for two
Good if there’s something he’s mentioned: a match, a gig, a climbing wall, a long walk with a pub lunch at the end.
Skip if his diary is unpredictable and the booking can’t be moved. A vague voucher isn’t the fix either; see experience gifts are great, vague vouchers are not.
around £30–80
Good if he’s said “I’ve always wanted to try that”: a bread-making class, a day of fly fishing, an intro to archery.
Skip if it’s your idea rather than his. A taster he didn’t ask for is homework.
around £20–60 each
Good if there’s a band, a comedian or a team you both like.
Skip if you can’t agree a date. An unused ticket is worse than no ticket.
around £0–20 plus a day
Good if there’s a job he keeps putting off, or a trip you keep talking about.
Skip if you won’t actually follow through. Write the date in the card.
If you’re stuck, pick this: the day out you’ve booked together, with the date written in the card.
Buying at Christmas? Pick one thing from the sections above that he’ll still be using in March, then see our Christmas gift ideas for the rest of your list and the stocking fillers guide for the small extras.
A birthday is about him rather than the season, so it’s the best time for the most personal pick: the hobby upgrade, or a day out at the time of year he likes best.
A good gift for him doesn’t have to cost much. One thing he’ll use beats several he won’t.
| Budget | Good starting points | Where to look above |
|---|---|---|
| Under £20 | Something good that gets used up, a rechargeable torch, your time with a date on it | Has everything, rather do than own |
| £20–£50 | A better wallet or gloves, a game for his group, a gap in the toolbox filled | Has everything, the hobby he has |
| £50+ | Kit for his sport, cookware that lasts, a booked day out for two, a taster session | The hobby he has, rather do than own |
There’s no right figure. Spend what feels normal between you, and put the effort into choosing well. One thing he’ll use beats a bigger box he won’t.
Take him at his word about stuff, not about thought. See gifts for a man who has everything: a better version of something he uses, something that gets used up, or a day with you.
Something good that gets used up, bought in person, or your time with a date written in the card. Both look planned, even on the day.
Last updated 2026-10-16.