Gifts tailored to interests – for athletes, tech lovers, and cinema fans; practical gifts – useful accessories, personal care items, gift cards; gift impressions – trips, adrenaline experiences, event tickets, master classes; personalized gifts – custom items, original printed tees with poems.
What to consider when choosing a gift
A psychologist and image consultant, Lana Volokhova, suggests that before starting the search for a thoughtful present, a woman should answer a few key questions. First: how close is the relationship with the recipient? Answering this helps narrow choices and set a sensible budget.
“If the recipient is a husband, the safest route is to be direct about the gift. Surprise gifts work only if the recipient has long dreamed of it. In other cases, it is wiser to ask,” he notes, especially when a shared budget exists.
If the relationship cannot yet be called close, the psychologist advises against rushing into expensive gifts.
“If dating has just begun, an extravagant gift can make a man nervous and put him in an awkward spot,” she explains.
The second question is: why give a gift at all? There are three common reasons men receive gifts: birthdays, New Year, and February 23. Among these, the birthday holds the most responsibility. When selecting a birthday gift, it’s important to understand what the holiday means to the man. If he is extroverted and anticipates his birthday, a surprise party with friends and family, balloons, and cake can justify a larger, collective gift. If he is an introvert, the best present might be a quiet day home or a peaceful break.
“An introvert may value a simple, thoughtful gesture: a small gadget such as headphones, smart tags, or other high‑tech tools,” the expert explains.
The third question is whether to give something practical, something the man has long wanted, or something the giver personally likes. The psychologist advises giving something that won’t confuse or intimidate him: “Men tend to shy away from items that are puzzling, overly expensive, or overly large and impractical. Avoid items that assert boldness or masculinity in a way that feels uncomfortable.”
Instead, offer something thoughtful that demonstrates knowledge of the recipient as a person. This could be anything from a rare model of a ship for a collector to a high‑quality electric grill for a home cook.
“Avoid overly specific gifts. Even if a husband enjoys fishing, let him choose the next spinning rod himself; warm gloves and shared passion are more likely to be appreciated,” the psychologist adds.
Finally, discard the cliché that money is the perfect gift. If a partner is saving for something special or has expressed a wish, a monetary envelope may be appropriate. Otherwise, giving money can signal a lack of effort or imply a shortcut in the gifting process.
Gifts based on interests – for athletes, tech enthusiasts and movie buffs
Choosing a gift becomes simpler when the man has a clear hobby. One caveat remains: ensure the recipient does not already own the item you plan to give.
- Sports lovers will value quality equipment, sport‑specific clothing or shoes, and useful training accessories. A store gift certificate tailored to the man’s sport is a reliable option to guarantee the right fit.
- Tech enthusiasts typically welcome the latest smartphone, tablet, or laptop. An active man may enjoy a smart watch or a multifunction fitness tracker; a gamer would appreciate a console, games, and accessories. For someone who spends long hours commuting and listening to music or podcasts, a high‑quality wireless headset is ideal.
- Movie fans often like books about a favorite actor or director. A vinyl soundtrack from a preferred film or a board game based on a beloved movie can be a thoughtful choice, provided there is a suitable setup to play it. A seasonal gift like a year’s supply of popcorn and a popcorn maker can delight seasoned cinephiles with a good sense of humor.
Practical gifts – accessories, personal care products, gift vouchers
Compared with women, men often favor practical gifts and appreciate straightforward usefulness. These gifts include clothing and accessories, personal care items, home or car gadgets, and other pragmatic choices.
- A partner who loves his car might enjoy a thermal mug or a sturdy smartphone holder. A gift card to a preferred car wash can be a smarter alternative to a car vacuum cleaner.
- For a man who takes care of his appearance, consider a modern grooming gadget, a fine fragrance, a gym membership, a spa day, or a massage certificate. An orthopedic pillow is another practical option for health and comfort.
- Shopping for a fashion‑savvy individual can be tricky. A store gift card to his usual clothing outlet minimizes the risk of a misstep, while accessories such as tie pins, cufflinks, or a quality leather belt can be confident choices for a riskier surprise.
Gifts and impressions – excursions, extreme sports, tickets, master classes
Experiential gifts create lasting memories. A thrill seeker might enjoy a skydiving or paragliding certificate, while an adrenaline fan could try go‑karting or an SUV race. History buffs, culture lovers, and literature fans will appreciate unique experiences or trips to interesting places.
Concert tickets for a favorite band or game tickets for a club team can thrill a music or sports fanatic. Theatre enthusiasts might receive tickets to a long‑anticipated performance or an immersive show. The key is to plan ahead so plans aren’t canceled at the last minute.
Master classes also offer memorable gifts. If the recipient loves singing in a studio, arrange a professional recording session; if cooking excites him, a chef‑led culinary workshop can be very rewarding.
Personalized gifts – custom items, original printed tees, poems
Personalized gifts often land as a winning option, reflecting the recipient’s personality. Consider a diary with initials, an engraved pen, or a sweatshirt or T‑shirt with a unique print for a creative man. A self‑portrait by a favorite artist, a custom poem, or a vint‑aged bottle from the year of birth can be meaningful keepsakes.
On a tighter budget, handmade gifts carry extra warmth. A favorite cake, a handknit scarf, a photo album, or a video montage of well‑wishes from friends and family can be incredibly touching. Presentation matters too, so a nice box and a heartfelt note heighten the impact.