Found: Birthday Gifts He Won't Toss Into a Closet and Immediately Forget About

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Is it just me, or is it extra hard to buy presents for your S.O.? Knowing exactly what they already own/don’t need/don’t like means a lot of generic gift ideas (Aftershave! A book! Beef Jerky!) are pretty much off the table. But instead of putting a ton of pressure on yourself to find the most sentimental, thoughtful, unique birthday gift for him (which takes freaking forever), why not get some expert advice on the situation?

Hi, it’s us, your friendly neighborhood Cosmo shopping experts! Whether you’re two weeks into a new relationship or have been together for five years and feel like you used up all your good gift ideas on Christmases and anniversaries, you’ll find something that makes you go, “Oh, wait, this is actually genius” in our list of 72 unique birthday gifts for him (I’m talkin’ anyone from your boyfriend/husband to your situationship/delusionship/crush from afar).

If he’s into music, a new pair of headphones or a high-quality speaker might be just the thing. If he’s always at the gym, something like a vibrating foam roller or new workout tees are sure to be appreciated. You'll also find gifts on this list that fit a wide variety of budgets, whether you’re trying to go all-out with a luxury gift or trying to find a gift idea under $30 this year (without him noticing lol). Basically, I thought of it all so you don’t have to. Thank me later!

SHOP EVEN MORE GIFT IDEAS HERE

Related stories: 48 Best Gifts for Boyfriends | 74 Best Gifts for Husbands and Partners | 25 Gifts for the Man Who "Has Everything"

Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking

Any wannabe film bro with an A24 membership will love learning the art of filmmaking from Martin Scorsese (aka the master himself)! Plus, with this $10/month subscription, he’ll get unlimited access to all current MasterClass sessions and classes.

Fidget Gel Pens

A fidget pen they can keep by their office desk? Sounds like the perfect we’ve-only-been-dating-for-a-month-but-i-wanted-to-get-you-something-chill-but-useful b-day gift to me. Just don’t place the magnets directly onto a laptop!

Original On/Off Light Switch

Fact: Everyone wants to be able to get in bed and turn off their lights with a clap. This little device has been around since the ‘80s and it’s delightfully retro—it also works v well.

Personal Concrete Fireplace Kit

To answer the pressing question I know you have, yes, you can roast marshmallows over this!! He’ll be able to place this mini personal fireplace anywhere (on his desk, in his entryway, at the center of the kitchen table for s’mores making, etc) for a little extra ambiance.

Mini Projector

If movie nights are your favorite thing to do together, take them to the next level with this projector. It works both indoors and outdoors and will instantly upgrade your usual laptop (or, God forbid, smartphone) movie sitch.

Fill-in-the-Blank Book

This is definitely a more sentimental gift, but if that's their thing, they'll absolutely love this. You fill in the book's prompts like "if I could give you a trophy, it would be for..."

FZ403 DraftPour Beer Dispenser

Even the man who has everything probably doesn't have this. This beer dispenser takes any can or bottle of beer and turns it into a nitro-style draft beer, which enhances the flavor. Pretty cool, right?

Mens Wallet for Airtag

This one is for the man who is constantly misplacing his wallet. Get this: It’s a wallet with a built-in holder for an AirTag that’ll allow him to easily track it. You’ll be saving his life with this gift, my friend! (Ahem, just make sure he has an AirTag when you get this for him, or buy one on Amazon and make it a complete gift!)

Weighted Training Gloves

You may not be the most helpful spotter for his 200-pound bench press, but you can support his ~fitness journey~ with these non-slip gloves that are perfect for weightlifting or boxing.

Meater Plus Wireless Meat Digital Thermometer

Trick out your favorite grill master’s kitchen with this smart meat thermometer. It connects to an app and displays temperatures from a distance, so hovering over the hot grill for an hour can be a thing of the past.

iPhone Charge Lightning Cable + Keychain + Bottle Opener

If you're looking for a gift under $10 that he'll actually use, this keychain is pretty nifty. It has a bottle opener so he can stay, uh, hydrated and an iPhone charging cable so he can stay connected.

Mini Massage Gun

I recently discovered that my brother, my boyfriend, and my sister’s boyfriend all have massage guns on their wishlist, so this one may be a home run (just saying!). Plus, he’ll stop asking you to step on his back once you buy this for him.

Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

A self-heating mug means no more dealing with cold cups of hot coffee! He can set his preferred temperature via the app. So easy!

Studio Pro

Are they a frequent traveler? High-quality noise-canceling headphones make a huge difference on long-haul flights when it comes to tuning out the drone of the engine. These Beats Studio Pro headphones come in a variety of cool, neutral shades that anyone is sure to love.

Switch™ with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con™

If you’re on the hunt for a Really Really Good Gift and you know they haven’t sprung for a Switch yet, wrap this bad boy up and call it a day. You’ll be able to play tons of nostalgic games together like Mario Kart, Minecraft, and Animal Crossing.

5mm Curb Chain Necklace Silver

Everyone loves a jewelry gift! This durable 925 Sterling Silver chain (that’s 92.5% pure silver, btw) comes in three lengths, depending on their personal preference, and is perfect for wearing solo or with a simple pendant.

Smart Door Knob

Is your little bro trying to keep Mom out of his room, or just looking to upgrade his set-up to something Tony Stark-worthy? This easy-to-install door knob uses biometrics to determine who gets to enter and who is locked out! Plus, multiple users can be registered to unlock this fingerprint-activated door knob via a convenient app, and it even shows you which users unlocked the door (and when). Bet you didn’t know you could snag this on Amazon, huh?

Hue Laptop Duffel

Make sure your man travels in style with this sleek faux leather duffle. It’s got tons of clutch features like a luggage sleeve, laptop compartment, and secret cell phone pocket. He can use it as a gym bag or a weekender for short trips.

Leather Chess Game Set

He’ll be so ecstatic to see this chess set that comes in a foldable, leather case, making it easily portable for those games in the park or wherever. It has gorgeous hand-carved wood pieces that’ll make him feel extra legit when he’s playing. You can even personalize it with his initials!

New Science Oversize Hoodie

It’s a cool hoodie AND a piece of art! It’s basically two gifts for the price of one! Everyone say, “Thank you Pharrell!”

Whiskey Stones

These whiskey stones ("stones") will keep his drink nice and cold minus the watery taste.

Navy Blue Personalized Monogram and Name Playing Cards

TBH, guys are pretty easy to please! You can gift him a deck of cards with his initial on ’em and he’ll be giving you the heart-eyes.

Golf Whiskey Decanter Set

This golf-themed decanter set will surely be a hole-in-one gift for the golf fanatic (and dark liquor lover) in your life.

Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) 2023 Release

You can't go wrong with a home gadget! The newest version of Ring's popular indoor camera allows for more mounting options with its flexible swivel mount and it has a new feature called Advanced Pre-Roll. With Advanced Pre-Roll, the camera will record a few extra seconds before any motion event so that you guy can have a better idea of a situation.

Men's Knit Cuffed Beanie, Heather Grey

This best-selling beanie should definitely be in your man's rotation of accessories. And it’s under $20!

Pickleball Paddle

ICYMI pickleball is all the rage right now. If they're an avid player, they'll appreciate this lightweight racket that features a comfy, no-slip grip—and if they're not, starting another lap around the sun is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby!

Blender

With a name like Beast Blender, you just know it’s gonna be good. And it is, thanks to the simple yet intelligent, leak-resistant design that features innovative 12-rib vessels for a super-smooth blend every time!

Philodendron Green

An easy-going, low-maintenance plant like this one will make a great gift for any man in your life. The heart-shaped leaves add an extra special touch.

Men's Classic Two-Tone Moccasin Slipper

Nothing says "ily" like the gift of making sure they're cozy and warm. These slippers have more than 15,000 five-star ratings, so yeah, they're a damn good gift!

Positive Vibration 2 Over-Ear Headphones

Fun fact: You actually don't have to drop hundreds for a good pair of headphones. This over-ear pair from House of Marley has over 10 hours of battery life, comfortable ear cushions, and high-quality sound. Plus, they're made and packaged with sustainable materials.

Double Wall Glass Tea and Coffee Cold Brew Bottle

This sleek double-walled bottle is sure to keep their coffee or tea at their preferred temperature for hours. They can make cold brew in this bottle overnight so it's ready to go for their morning commute, or steep their cup of tea while getting ready.

AirTag

If they're constantly asking you where their keys are or where they set down their backpack, one word for ya: AirTag. These are legit useful, and at less than $30, you might as well grab a few.

'All Roads Take Us Home' Map Glass Duo

He's going to LOVE these glasses with a custom map etched on them. You can get it etched with your current neighborhood, his college town, his hometown, or anywhere else.

Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses

If he loves his tequila (or mezcal) with a salty rim, he'll love these glasses that are literally made from Himalayan salt. They have hundreds of five-star reviews, and tbh, they're a major upgrade from the corny shot glasses he bought on his spring break 10 years ago.

Men's Feather Pool Slide

Not to be dramatic, but these are about to be the most comfortable thing he's ever put on his feet. They're perfect for wearing around the house, but we're pretty sure he'll also want to bring them on your next vacay.

Men's Tech 2.0 Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

If they spend lots of time running or at the gym, they could probably use some new workout clothes. This shirt from Under Armour has more than 52,000 (!!!) five-star reviews, so I'll let that speak for itself.

Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset

If he's a gamer, the gift of this headset will officially make you the coolest girlfriend ever. It has more than 30,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, so yeah, it's that good.

Prepaid Craft Beer Club

If they're always down to go to a brewery and sample the latest offering, they'll definitely enjoy a beer subscription box. They'll get to try a few bottles of four different brews every month, and each box includes beer-tasting notes, recipes to pair with them, and even some beer trivia.

Wireless Charger

I've given this standing charger to a few different men in my life, and they all love it. It's perfect for their desk or nightstand.

AirPods Pro

If he hasn't pulled the trigger on getting himself a pair of new AirPods, you can be the best girlfriend ever by gifting him the latest set for his birthday.

Surger Vibrating Foam Roller

The vibrating gifts we recommend are usually of a different type but hear me out! This textured foam roller helps take care of their muscles and can lessen the risk of injury (whether they're weightlifting, training for a marathon, or just in need of some pain relief after sitting at a desk all day).

15-Piece Bar Tool Set

Give them a set of tools to upgrade their bar cart. This one comes with ice tongs, a cocktail shaker, a strainer, bottle plugs, and an acrylic rack to hold them all in.

Out of Bounds Lightweight 4-Wheel Luggage

Nothing says "let's go on a romantic vacation together" like the gift of a suitcase. This one is 24 inches and reviewers say it's roomier than it appears.

Joshua Tree Roca Vista

A travel bag definitely comes in handy when you’re, well, traveling, so booking a surprise trip to a place you’ve both wanted to visit is a great birthday idea.

Buddy Shaping and Styling Tool

Okay, this is actually so smart. They can use this tool to help line things up and make sure their beard and hairline always look good. (And as the person who probably spends the most time looking at their face, it's kind of like a gift for you, too.)

Personalised Leather Cufflinks

Ya know what will really level up his suit game? Monogram cuff links. He'll be the snazziest one in the room with these!

Custom Photo Shirt

There’s no better shirt you can get him than one that has your face all over it. Luckily for him, this one is actually incredibly stylish. And if you need more convincing, all the girlfriends on TikTok are gifting their men this!

Scalp Revival Stimulating Therapy Massager

Who doesn't love a nice scalp massage? Now your man can have one even when you're not there to do it. He can use this to get a good shampoo lather or just a really good head scratch.

OontZ Ultra Bluetooth Speaker

Replace that old speaker (that puts off more fuzz and feedback than actual music) with this portable one.

Cell Phone Sanitizer and Charger

Sorry, but all of our phones are more germ-ridden than we want to believe. That's why something like this charging box that sanitizes their device using UV light is actually a great gift. It says "I love you, please don't get a cold and then give it to me."

Beard Collection

With this combo gift, he gets everything he needs to take care of his pride and joy (including a beard wash, conditioner, serum, and balm).

Magnetic Knife Block 14 x 10 Inches

If the guy's practically a chef, he'll love displaying his expensive knives on this cool magnetic block.

Cube Portable Charcoal Grill

Bring the birthday party with you everywhere you go with this portable mini grill, which is ideal for cookouts.

Personalized Bourbon Barrel Flight with Glasses

If your guy loves bourbon, this flight with four Glencairn glasses and a customizable board made from reclaimed bourbon barrels is probably on their wish list.

The No-Sweat Sweater

This crewneck sweatshirt is comfy without being too casual, which means your boyfriend can wear it when he needs to look nice yet still be cozy. The best part? It's lightweight and moisture-wicking, which makes it great for layering year-round.

Pop Quiz Backpack

It's time for him to retire the Jansport he had from way before you guys started dating. So upgrade his style with this practical, sleek, and water-resistant bag that’s perfect to tote back and forth from work.

All Day Short Sleeve

This lightweight T-shirt is so freakin' soft and comfy, they'll ask for it in all the other colors on their next birthday.

2-Pack Beer Chiller Stick

No one likes warm beer. This set of two icicle bottle toppers will keep your boyfriend’s beer cold the entire time he drinks it—yes, even those last few sips.

Monogram Golf Ball Stamp

Golf balls are a great gift for golfers, albeit a little basic and obvious. But pair that box of golf balls with a personalized golf ball stamp, and you’ve got a genius gift idea.

Shaving Kit for Men

If the person you're shopping for likes a clean shave, say no more. This set comes with everything they need to keep their face soft, smooth, and stubble-free: a safety razor, shaving brush, cream, oil, and balm.

Retro Round Polarized Sunglasses

He’ll look like the coolest dude on the block in a pair of classic sunglasses.

Three Instax Mini Photo Frames

Some picture frames with photos of the people your S.O. loves will make his day. These ones hold Fujifilm Instax Mini photos and are the perfect way to display instant pics from his birthday party.

The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small

Birthdays are great for reminding you of (1) how old you are and (2) all the experiences on your bucket list that are yet to be had. This book is the perfect gift for the adventurer who’s constantly looking to plan his next trip.

The Always Pan

They'll enjoy whipping up a gourmet meal at home with a brand-new pan, spatula, and steamer basket. BTW, it's easy to clean and looks good in any kitchen.

Cordless Neck Back Massager

This wireless warming massager with eight massage heads actually feels like someone is giving you a shoulder rub. Need I explain why this is a great gift idea?

Double Parachute Camping Hammock

An outdoorsy man will love a durable hammock that can be hooked to any tree. The two of you can cozy up in this together the next time you hit the trails. Plus, it folds into a compact carrier after each use.

Himalayan Salt Plank with Holder

A Himalayan salt plate will change his world. He can use it to flavor his favorite meats or as a platter to serve cheeses and appetizers.

Date Night Bucket List

Sometimes he wants more of an experience than a tangible gift. Opt for this creative set of date night ideas so you two can keep things exciting.

Beer Can and Bottle Cooler with Beer Opener

Beer bottle koozies are cool in theory (literally), but they don’t do the best job of keeping a beer cold on a hot summer day. Enter: this stainless steel insulated holder that keeps drinks cold and easy to transport.

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