Google “best gifts for boyfriend” and you'll soon find yourself wading through pages and pages of middle-shelf brown liquors, various multi-tools, cushioned socks, and extremely swagless (but comfortable) sneakers. So, namely, good gifts for, like, a disappointing father-in-law? You can do better, and we can lend a hand, in the latest installment of our best gift ideas series.
A gift for a boyfriend should always do one of three things: spark joy, level up his style, or set the bar just a little bit higher for any gifts headed in your direction. If you can hit all three qualities in one gift and it's also something you might borrow or enjoy from time to time—like a cozy cardigan or a covetable couch throw—well, then you've really aced it. Here are a few gifts to get the wheels turning, from gaming gadgets to skincare sets and beyond. Together, we can make the Google search results page for “best gifts for boyfriend” something we can all be proud of.
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J.Crew Nordic recycled microfleece shirt-jacket
It'll look sharp whether he's meeting the parents, hoofing it outdoors, or commuting in to work.
Our Place Night + Day carafe
Like any Our Place kitchen gear, it's multi-purpose—allowing him to make a cold brew, aerate his wine, and top up on agua overnight.
Adsum expedition fleece vest
Keep his upper half extra toasty.
Soft Services buffing bar starter set
An excellent twofer for his bachelor bathroom: exfoliating soap and a stylish drying dish to save it from his dirty sink area.
Our Legacy check v-neck mohair cardigan
Maybe not the gift he deserves, but the one he really, really wants.
Everlane organic cotton beanie
Has anyone ever scoffed at a chunky knit beanie? We think not.
Rhodes Roper boot
Giddy up, partner.
Sol.l B & W candle
A Sol Lewitt-inspired candle for the boyf you just soft-launched in a Dia Beacon grid pic.
Analogue pocket
A new, extra-sleek handheld controller that'll help him relive his childhood with all his old Gameboy games.
Cold Picnic black sparrows blanket
Something cozy and handsome for him (but mostly you) as you shiver your way through the winter in his space heater-equipped living room.
Golf Wang Golf Patch polo
Checkerboard prints look good on just about everyone.
HAY check towel
Need we say more?
Business and Pleasure outdoor teak table
For the man who loves a good spread, this portable setup transfers from picnic blankets to beach tents.
Lululemon fast and free singlet
Bianca Saunders "Creng" jersey top
This stylishly snug top featuring a warped plaid print works for a casual fit or when he needs to head into the office for an all-hands.
Equal Parts chef's knife
Whether your man is an actual chef or he simply enjoys whipping up tasty meals for two, a quality blade is sure to make his mouth water.
Google Nest home Wi-Fi system 2-pack
A gift for him, but also a gift for you: So the next time you're remote working at his place, you don't have to huddle by the router to take calls.
Nike ACG "Air Deschutz+" sandals
You know what's cooler than a pair of sandals he'll want to wear—preferably with a thick pair of camp socks—stomping through the fall foliage? Said sandals when they're on sale.
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Inis Meáin alpaca worker's tunic
A perfectly pettable layer for fall.
Seasons grey diffuser
A space-y vessel for freshening up his, we'll say musty, room.
Salomon Men's X Ultra 3 Mid GTX hiking boots
'The World Atlas of Coffee,' by James Hoffmann
For whom liking coffee is almost an entire personality, James Hoffmann's book is practically scripture.
Miansai gold rope chain necklace
For the one who spent quarantine on a Sopranos kick.
Alvaro Ucha Rodriguez couple coasters
Room for two brews.
Hawthorne skincare starter set
So he can stay unbothered, moisturized, in his lane, and flourishing.
Zwilling Twinox 6-piece nail set
Hell yeah, he's into having NFTs (nice freakin' toes).
Eliou petie millefiori bracelet
Beaded DIY camp bracelets never died.
Sundae School Made in Heaven tie-dye socks
Sweet nothings on socks.
Teenage Engineering pocket operator synth
Support his budding synth-pop hobby.
Boy Smells Hinoki Fantome fragrance
A no-brainer fragrance for your boyfriend who is a Le Labo freak.
Fear of God stretch cotton lounge pants
Indoor pants that he'll want to be seen in.
Kamasada kuminabe cast iron pan
Plenty of surface area here for your boyfriend who's a cast iron freak.
Ugg x Telfar scuff slippers
Go ahead and get two pairs because you know you'd just be stealing them from him anyway.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 headphones
Never suffer through an hours-long playlist of his music again.
Mejuri titanium signet ring
Put a (low-key, pressure-free, totally non-commital) ring on it.
Nintendo eShop gift card
Supply chain issues won't get in the way of precious gaming time.
Space Available marbled incense holder
It just looks good on a coffee table, whether it's got a Nippon Kodo stick poking out of it or not.
Levi's 569 jeans
Seiko "SNK807" watch
A no-frills, durable stainless steel timepiece for his casual fits.