Gift ideas for men: by interest and occasion

Choosing a gift for a man is often harder than it seems: "he has everything", and socks and shaving foam long ago became a joke. Here are gift ideas by interest and occasion — for a partner, a dad, a colleague or a friend — and why men should get flowers too. Ideas for other people and occasions are in our guide what to give: gift ideas. For gift ideas, see birthday gifts for your boyfriend.

Bouquets and plants for men are in our flowers for him and potted plants sections.

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How to choose: three hints

• Hobbies. What does he do in his free time? Something for a favourite pastime almost always hits the mark.
• Everyday things. Notice what he uses daily and what is overdue for replacing.
• Experiences. Many men value experiences over things: a trip, a workshop, a concert, a test drive.

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Ideas by interest

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Ideas by occasion

• Birthday — something for his hobby, an experience or a quality accessory.
• Anniversary — a trip together, dinner, a photo book of shared memories.
• 14 February — a romantic evening, a matching gift, a handwritten letter.
• Professional holiday or promotion — a planner, a pen, a plant for the office.
• A colleague — something neutral: coffee, a book, a board game, a potted plant.

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Gifts for dad and grandad

For the older generation attention often matters more than the gift itself: a trip together, a family dinner, a photo album, help with chores. Practical, quality items for their hobbies work well too — garden tools, books, a warm blanket, a potted plant.

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Flowers for men

Giving flowers to men is perfectly normal: for birthdays, anniversaries, professional holidays, premieres or promotions. Restrained single-variety bouquets, boxed arrangements with dark greenery, deep-coloured roses, anthuriums, chrysanthemums and potted plants all suit. More in "Flowers for men".

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What to avoid

• Token gifts such as standard shaving sets and socks.
• Things that hint at flaws.
• Overly personal clothing if you are unsure of his size and taste.

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How to present the gift

• Add a card with a few sincere words.
• Wrap the gift neatly and simply.
• If you can't congratulate him in person, have the gift or flowers delivered to his office or home.

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FAQ

What do you give a man who has everything?

An experience — a trip, a workshop, a concert — or a quality item for his hobby.

Can you give a man flowers?

Yes. Restrained single-variety bouquets, boxed arrangements, anthuriums or potted plants are all appropriate.

What should I give a male colleague?

Something neutral: coffee, a book, a board game or a plant for the office.

If you still want to give a bouquet, see how to choose one in flowers for a man.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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