26 Good Holiday Gifts for Your Boyfriend, From Cute to Creative
Shopping for Christmas gifts for your boyfriend can seem like a challenging task, but it doesn't have to be that complicated. Just like any other holiday (like your anniversary, his birthday or Valentine's Day), the goal is to pick out something that's thoughtful and shows him how much you care. To help you get started, we've rounded up the best gifts for your significant other, from fun and cute picks to practical presents he can use every day. Whether you're celebrating Christmas or another big holiday together, you're sure to find a suitable gift for your boyfriend on our list.
In this article:
Really Good Holiday Gifts for Your Boyfriend
What makes a really good holiday gift? While there's no hard-and-fast rule to follow here, our top tip is to make your present as personal as possible. Gifts that tie into his favorite hobbies—whether that's books, games or sports merch—are always a great idea and may even act as an opportunity to strengthen your relationship and allow you to celebrate your common interests. If you plan to spend the holidays together, you can also gift him something fun to do during your shared downtime. From movie marathons to playing board games with loved ones, there are so many great options out there.
If he hasn't dropped any hints about what he'd like this holiday, there's no need to panic—we've also included some great gifts for the boyfriend who doesn't want anything (because you know he secretly does). We've got something for every kind of boyfriend on our list (and more than a few options you might want to nab for yourself!), with price points ranging from under $20 to over $200. Keep reading—and if you're feeling generous, share this gift guide for boyfriends with friends in the same boat this gifting season.
1. Photo Reel Viewer
Here's a really cute holiday gift for your BF: A retro photo reel viewer filled with sentimental snapshots from your relationship. Choose your favorite memories to create a reel before popping it in the viewer for a sweet and nostalgic present he'll always treasure. Whether you've been dating for a few months or several years, this charming gift is sure to put a smile on his face.
2. Adventure Challenge Journal
The holidays are a great time to focus on love and all the great things in your relationship. Making time for each other is essential, and this best-selling book from The Adventure Challenge is a sweet (and subtle) reminder to your boyfriend to do just that. It's filled with fun scratch-off dates you can do together, from baking a pie to painting a piece of art and so much more. It's especially great for long-distance relationships and will ensure you're never stuck for ideas when you get to hang out. Use THEKNOT20 code to get 20% off sitewide.
3. Smart Leather Wallet
There are so many reasons why an Ekster wallet is one of the best holiday gifts for your boyfriend. From the high-quality leather material and sleek, minimalist design to the built-in cardholder, it's a must-have accessory for your special guy. It even has anti-theft features to protect against skimming (aka hacking his account), and you can also add a tracker card to help him find it if it ever gets lost.
4. NFL Sports Sweatshirt
Taking inspiration from his favorite hobby is one of the easiest ways to pick a great holiday gift for your new boyfriend. If he's a sports fan, a cozy sweatshirt featuring his go-to team is sure to score you major brownie points. Whether he's a Philadelphia Eagles fan or a Kansas City Chiefs supporter (just like Taylor Swift cheering on Travis Kelce), he'll be delighted to unwrap this sweatshirt on Christmas morning.
5. Spinning Heart Messenger
Looking for cute things to get your boyfriend for the holidays? This spinning heart messenger from Uncommon Goods is one of the sweetest gifts out there and is guaranteed to give him all the feels. All you have to do is download an app on your phone to write a romantic note to your BF—once you hit send, the heart on the electronic box will spin and the message will appear on the top. Bonus: You can update the note whenever you like, making it a great gift if you spend lots of time apart.
6. Trendy Travel Backpack
If you and your boyfriend are planning a trip in the coming year, this trendy backpack is a great way to sweeten the deal. It boasts tons of travel-friendly features—including segmented pockets, a removable hip belt and a shoulder harness for all-day comfort—as well as a clever pass-through luggage handle. If you really want to splurge, hide something extra inside, like his favorite road trip snacks or a flight voucher.
7. Stanley Water Bottle
You don't always have to pay top dollar to get your BF a great holiday gift. Stanley's trendy water bottles start at a very affordable $20 and boast a variety of great features, like a reusable straw, a full-cover top and double-wall vacuum insulation to keep drinks chilled for hours. Choose from a range of colors and customization options for a practical and personalized gift he'll use every day.
8. Custom Star Map
A romantic present that doubles as a boyfriend appreciation gift? Sign us up! This custom star map is a super thoughtful way to recognize an important milestone in your relationship, whether it's when you met or your first holiday as a couple. Simply provide the Etsy seller with your chosen date and location coordinates and they'll transform those details into a beautiful framed keepsake. Trust us when we say this cute gift will leave him thanking his lucky stars that he has you.
9. Fantasy Mapmaking Class
Has your boyfriend got a flair for making art? Show him how much you appreciate his creative talents with this fantasy mapmaking class from Uncommon Goods. It includes a 90-minute online tutorial with an expert guide and a custom cartography kit to help him create his very own biographical map. Art not his thing? No problem! There are tons of other experience gifts available on the site—from cocktail-making classes to songwriting lessons—so you're sure to find something that sparks his interest.
10. Personal Mini Fire Pit
A mini fire pit is one of the best unique holiday gifts for boyfriends and is guaranteed to get the romance flowing on cold winter nights. This one is made from concrete and uses isopropyl for a clean burn, making it suitable for indoor use. Pair this creative pick with a pack of marshmallows and a set of stainless steel roasting sticks to melt a delicious sweet treat (and maybe even your boyfriend's heart).
11. Noise-Canceling Earbuds
If your BF is tech-obsessed, a new pair of Beats is a gift he'll definitely appreciate. Not only do these wireless earbuds look really cool, but they also boast noise-canceling technology for an immersive sound experience. Whether he wears them while working out or clocking hours at his desk, he can keep the tunes flowing. Bonus points for the pocket-sized charging case and nine-hour battery life.
12. Camping Supplies Kit
Is your boyfriend the adventurous type? Help him prepare for his next camping trip with this handy kit. It contains an LED headlamp, a towel, fire-starting tools, a liquid-filled compass, a sewing-fishing kit and a rescue whistle, all contained in a roll-top dry bag. Who knows, this thoughtful holiday gift may just inspire you both to start planning a romantic nature getaway in a forest or up the mountains.
13. Luxe Skincare Set
When it comes to stuff to get your boyfriend for Christmas, something to shake up his grooming routine is always a good option. This set of skincare essentials from Kiehl's includes energizing face wash, vitamin-enriched moisturizer and exfoliating body soap—basically everything he needs to maintain a healthy skincare regime.
14. Personalized Baseball Book
If you're dating a baseball buff, we've found a holiday gift that's guaranteed to be a home run. This personalized book is filled with pages from The New York Times featuring a Major League Baseball team of your choice. Whether he shouts for the Boston Red Sox or cheers on the Chicago Cubs, he'll love diving into the history behind his favorite team. Have the book cover embossed with his name and add a magnifying glass so he can study every last detail.
15. Waxed Trucker Jacket
Wearable gifts are always a good idea, no matter what stage your relationship is at. This trucker jacket is an excellent gift for the boyfriend who values style and practicality. The waxy canvas exterior will keep him dry when it rains, while the soft flannel lining will ensure he feels cozy when temperatures drop. Choose from a variety of colors, including coal black, forest green and light tan, to suit his tastes.
16. Thoughtful Care Package
The holidays are a great excuse to treat your other half to a bit of extra TLC. A care package for your boyfriend is an excellent way to help him rest and recharge during his downtime. This super thoughtful gift includes a cozy blanket, a stylish mug, a coaster, chocolates and a hot beverage (choose from tea, espresso or hot chocolate), presented in a burlap bag. It's especially fitting if you're spending time apart over the holidays or waiting until the new year to get together and celebrate.
17. Whiskey Decanter Set
If your boyfriend likes to celebrate big milestones with a glass of bourbon, we've found the perfect holiday gift for him. This elegant glassware set includes a whiskey decanter and two single-walled tumblers featuring a topographic design inspired by Mount Rainier in Washington. They're made from durable lead-free crystal and are ideal for stylish sipping, whatever the occasion.
18. Monthly Underwear Subscription
How about surprising your boyfriend with something fun and playful for the new year? A monthly underwear membership from MeUndies is a great way to show off your silly side and get him to upgrade his gear at the same time. Choose from a variety of styles and colorful patterns for a cheeky holiday gift he won't expect. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even choose a matching underwear option so the two of you are always coordinated.
19. Smart Coffee Mug
If your special guy enjoys testing out new gadgets and drinking lots of coffee, here's a holiday gift he'll actually use. This Ember smart mug comes with a charging coaster that can be controlled via an app to keep his favorite beverage hot for up to 80 minutes. Translation: He'll no longer have to put up with his brew going cold when his next meeting runs over (or if he ends up gaming with his friends for hours).
20. Pizza-Making Kit
Creative holiday gifts for your boyfriend come in many forms, as this pizza-making kit clearly shows. It comes with all the essentials for making two 10-inch pizzas, including tomato marinara sauce, roasted peppers with garlic, sliced pepperoni, a pair of thin bases and two types of cheese. Whether he's a novice in the kitchen or an experienced pro, it's a thoughtful (and delicious) gift he can prepare with ease. Bonus: The pizzas serve six to eight people, so he can quickly whip them over when friends decide to come over.
21. Scratch-Off Movie Poster
Dating a cinephile? Whether you're looking for a stocking stuffer for your boyfriend or keeping your gifts simple this year, this scratch-off movie poster is a must. With 100 blockbusters to choose from—including The Godfather, Toy Story and Titanic—you two will never have to argue over what film to watch again. Once the end credits have rolled, you can scratch off the movie name to reveal the related artwork underneath.
22. Eco-Friendly Sneakers
We couldn't write a boyfriend gift guide without including a pair of cool kicks. These stylish canvas sneakers are designed and made by CARIUMA, an eco-conscious brand focusing on sustainable materials and processes. For every pair of shoes sold, they plant two trees to help restore the biodiversity of the world's rainforests. That's not all, though—these trendy trainers are made from robust canvas and have insoles crafted from 100% vegan materials like mamona oil and cork. Cool, huh?
23. Personalized Board Game
A board game is one of the most fun presents you can give your boyfriend, especially if he's planning on spending the holidays with friends and family. This vintage-inspired Chutes and Ladders set comes in a cool book-shaped box that'll look great on any shelf. Have it personalized with his name or a short message for a thoughtful touch. Bonus: This classic game is super easy to play, so he won't have to spend hours figuring out the rules.
24. Reading Subscription Box
Whether your BF likes to read every night before he falls asleep or just on lazy weekend mornings, he'll love this subscription box. Each month, he'll receive four new crime and mystery novels hand-picked at random for a sweet (or scary) surprise. It's a thoughtful gift that'll help him shake up his reading routine and take him right through to the new year. If you'd prefer to pick a different genre, Cratejoy offers a ton of other options, including historical, fantasy and romantic reads.
25. Virtual Reality Headset
Going big with holiday gift ideas for your boyfriend this year? If you can afford to splurge, this VR headset is a present that'll really blow him away. Whether he's into gaming, watching movies or working out, he can use this cool gadget for a more immersive experience. The 3D audio, 4K+ display resolution and hand-tracking technology let you blend your physical space with virtual elements, or jump into full immersion. Just don't be surprised if he wants to play with his new "toy" for hours.
26. Personalized Candy Dispenser
A bunch of candy is always a good gift idea, but why not go one step further with this personalized dispenser? The retro-inspired design comes with a round glass globe that can be engraved with his name or a funny message for a personal touch. Fill it with his favorite chocolates for a holiday gift that'll impress new and more long-term boyfriends alike.
How to Decide What to Get Your Boyfriend
When you're deciding what to get your boyfriend for the holidays, there are a few important things to consider before you start shopping. Whether your relationship is new or more established is a good starting point, as is thinking about his hobbies and interests. Finally, you can also take inspiration from the cute things that make your relationship unique to guide you toward a meaningful gift.
How long have you been dating him?
Have you and your boyfriend recently started dating? Or has your relationship reached a comfortable stage where you know each other really well? These are great questions to ask yourself before you dive into shopping for that special guy in your life. To help you on your quest, we've included everything from new relationship gifts to personalized picks showing him how much you get him.
What are his favorite hobbies and interests?
Picking out a gift for your BF doesn't have to be difficult, especially if he has certain hobbies you can get ideas from. Whether he loves being creative in the kitchen or playing his favorite video game on repeat, we've got you covered. From artistic projects to gifts for gamer boyfriends, there are many ways to celebrate his passions and interests.
What are some cute things about your relationship?
Every relationship is unique, so why not celebrate the cute and sentimental things that make you two a perfect match? Maybe it's the place you first met your boyfriend, the way you always like to watch movies together or something else entirely. Whatever it is, you can use this cue to help you find a holiday gift he'll never forget.