Best Gifts for Men in 2020

Finding the right gift for a man can be tricky, especially if he seems to have everything already. The best presents are thoughtful, useful or simply fun to unwrap. Whether you’re shopping for a partner, dad, brother, friend or colleague, this guide to the best gifts for men in 2020 offers ideas for a range of interests and budgets.

A quality pair of wireless headphones

For music fans, commuters and anyone who enjoys a podcast, wireless headphones make a practical gift. Look for comfortable ear cushions, reliable battery life and good sound quality. Noise-cancelling features are a welcome extra for travel or working from home.

A smart speaker

A smart speaker can play music, answer questions, set reminders and control compatible smart-home devices. It’s a handy choice for someone who enjoys trying new technology—or simply wants an easier way to listen to their favourite tunes.

A grooming kit

A well-chosen grooming set is a useful present that feels a little more special than an everyday purchase. Consider a quality beard trimmer, shaving set or skincare collection, depending on his routine. If you’re unsure which products he prefers, opt for a simple, versatile set.

A personalised gift

Personalised presents show that you’ve put extra thought into your choice. A monogrammed wallet, engraved keyring, custom photo book or personalised glassware can make a lasting keepsake. Choose something that reflects a shared memory or an interest he loves.

A coffee or cocktail-making set

For the man who enjoys a good drink, consider a coffee-making accessory, a selection of interesting beans or a cocktail-making kit. A set of reusable coffee cups or a stylish cafetière can also make a practical gift for someone who likes a proper brew at home.

A comfortable hoodie or dressing gown

Comfortable clothing is a welcome gift, particularly in a year when many people are spending more time at home. A soft hoodie, warm slippers or a cosy dressing gown combines comfort with everyday usefulness. Check the size and choose a colour he’ll enjoy wearing.

A subscription he’ll look forward to

A subscription turns one present into a series of treats. Depending on his interests, you could choose a magazine, audiobook service, coffee delivery, streaming membership or monthly snack box. Check the subscription length and renewal terms before buying.

A board game or puzzle

A board game, card game or challenging puzzle is a great choice for someone who enjoys a little friendly competition. It can also bring family and friends together for an evening away from screens. Pick a game suited to the number of players and the kind of games he already enjoys.

Something for his hobby

A gift connected to a favourite hobby is often a safe bet. Think cooking tools for a keen home chef, gardening accessories for someone with green fingers, a book for an avid reader or useful kit for a cycling enthusiast. If you’re not sure what he needs, a voucher from a specialist shop lets him choose for himself.

An experience to enjoy

Not every gift has to be a physical item. A cookery class, online tasting, concert ticket or activity day can create a memorable experience. In 2020, plans and restrictions could change, so check the booking conditions and consider a flexible voucher where possible.

How to choose the right gift

Start with what he enjoys, rather than choosing something simply because it’s popular. Think about his hobbies, daily routine and the things he mentions wanting. A thoughtful, well-chosen gift doesn’t need to be expensive: usefulness, personal meaning and a little attention to detail can make all the difference.

From practical gadgets to cosy comforts and memorable experiences, the best gifts for men in 2020 are the ones that feel right for the person receiving them.

Top 9 Gift Ideas for Men in 2020: Thoughtful and Practical Choices

1. Pick quality headphones for music or video calls.
2. Choose a sturdy smartwatch or fitness tracker.
3. Give a personalised leather wallet or cardholder.
4. Consider a craft beer or whisky tasting set.
5. Opt for a practical insulated travel mug.
6. Choose a bestselling book in his favourite genre.
7. Give a grooming kit suited to his routine.
8. Try a home-cooking set for lockdown evenings.
9. Make it memorable with an online class or experience voucher.

Pick quality headphones for music or video calls.

A quality pair of headphones makes a thoughtful, practical gift for men who enjoy music, podcasts or video calls. Look for a comfortable fit, clear sound and a reliable battery, especially if he’ll use them throughout the day. Wireless or noise-cancelling features can be a useful bonus for commuting, travelling or working from home.

Choose a sturdy smartwatch or fitness tracker.

A sturdy smartwatch or fitness tracker is a thoughtful, practical gift for a man who likes technology, exercise or keeping organised. Look for a durable design, comfortable strap and battery life that suits his routine, along with features he’ll actually use, such as activity tracking, heart-rate monitoring, GPS or phone notifications. Checking compatibility with his smartphone before buying will help ensure it’s a gift he can enjoy every day.

Give a personalised leather wallet or cardholder.

A personalised leather wallet or cardholder is a thoughtful gift he can use every day. Choose a style that suits his needs, then add his initials or a short message for a personal touch. Opt for quality leather and a practical design with enough space for the cards and cash he carries, making it a useful keepsake that feels special without being overly extravagant.

Consider a craft beer or whisky tasting set.

A craft beer or whisky tasting set is a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys discovering new flavours. Choose a selection from independent breweries or distilleries, or look for a set with tasting glasses and notes to make the experience feel special. Check his preferences before buying, and remember that a non-alcoholic tasting set can be a good alternative.

Opt for a practical insulated travel mug.

An insulated travel mug is a practical gift for a man who enjoys coffee or tea on the go. It helps keep drinks hot (or cold) for longer and is handy for commutes, road trips and days out. Choose a sturdy, leak-resistant design that’s easy to clean, and consider a colour or style that suits his everyday routine.

Choose a bestselling book in his favourite genre.

A bestselling book in his favourite genre is a thoughtful gift that gives him something enjoyable to look forward to. Whether he loves crime thrillers, science fiction, biographies or history, choose a popular title that suits his tastes—or ask a bookseller for a recent recommendation. For an extra personal touch, add a bookmark and a short handwritten message.

Give a grooming kit suited to his routine.

A grooming kit tailored to his routine is a thoughtful and practical gift. If he keeps a beard, choose a set with a quality trimmer, beard oil and comb; if he prefers a clean shave, look for a good razor, shaving cream and moisturiser. For a simpler option, a well-presented skincare set can make his everyday routine feel a little more special.

Try a home-cooking set for lockdown evenings.

A home-cooking set can make a thoughtful gift for men who have been spending more evenings indoors during lockdown. Choose something that suits his tastes, such as a pizza-making kit, a set of quality spices or a pasta-making tool, and pair it with an easy recipe for a fun night in.

Make it memorable with an online class or experience voucher.

Make it memorable with an online class or experience voucher. Whether he’d enjoy learning to cook, mixing cocktails, improving his photography or trying a virtual wine tasting, an experience gives him something to look forward to beyond the day itself. Choose an option that suits his interests, and check the voucher’s expiry date, booking flexibility and any participation requirements before buying.

Creative Gifts for Him: Thoughtful Ideas He’ll Remember

Finding a gift for him doesn’t have to mean choosing another pair of socks or a last-minute bottle of something. The best presents feel personal: they show you’ve noticed what he enjoys, what he’s curious about or what he’d love to try. Whether you’re shopping for a partner, dad, brother, friend or colleague, these creative gift ideas can help you find something a little more memorable.

Give him an experience

Experiences make excellent gifts because they create memories rather than adding to the clutter. Think about what he enjoys, or choose something new to try together.

• A hands-on workshop: Book a session in pottery, woodworking, photography, cooking or cocktail-making.
• A day out: Arrange tickets for a match, gig, comedy show, museum exhibition or motorsport event.
• An outdoor adventure: Consider a guided hike, kayaking trip, climbing session or scenic cycling day.
• A tasting experience: Look for a coffee, cheese, chocolate, whisky or craft-beer tasting, depending on his preferences.

For an extra personal touch, include a note explaining why you chose the experience and, if appropriate, make it a plan to enjoy together.

Make it personal

A personalised gift can be simple and understated. Rather than adding his name to any old item, choose something useful or meaningful and personalise it with a detail that matters to him.

• A framed map marking a favourite place, such as where he grew up or a memorable holiday destination.
• A custom illustration of his home, pet, favourite vehicle or a place he loves.
• A photo book of a shared trip or a collection of family memories.
• An engraved everyday item, such as a keyring, pen, wallet or watch box.
• A playlist paired with a printed note about the memories behind the songs.

Choose a gift that feeds a hobby

For someone with a favourite pastime, a thoughtful upgrade or a new way to enjoy it can be a winning choice. If you’re unsure what he already owns, look for accessories, consumables or an experience related to the hobby rather than buying specialist equipment at random.

• For the home cook: A cooking class, unusual spice set, quality apron or ingredients for a recipe he’s been meaning to try.
• For the gardener: Seeds for an interesting variety, a compact herb-growing kit or a visit to a garden he’d enjoy exploring.
• For the music fan: A record from an artist he loves, gig tickets or a book about a favourite musician.
• For the reader: A special edition of a much-loved book, a bookshop voucher or a subscription to a literary magazine.
• For the maker: A beginner-friendly kit, a workshop or materials for his next project.

Put together a themed gift box

A collection of small, carefully chosen items can feel more creative than one big present. Pick a theme and build a box around it. For example, a “cosy evening” box could include a puzzle, speciality hot chocolate and a good pair of slippers. A “weekend explorer” box might feature a pocket notebook, a local walking guide and snacks for the trail.

Other themes could include movie night, breakfast at home, coffee discovery or a taste of a place he hopes to visit. The key is to make the items feel connected, rather than simply filling a box with things.

Give a skill or subscription

A gift that keeps going can be a great choice for someone who likes discovering new things. Consider a short course in a subject he’s curious about, a membership to a museum or cultural venue, or a subscription that suits his interests. Food, books, magazines, coffee and hobby-related boxes can all work well when you know what he likes.

Check the subscription length, delivery area and renewal terms before buying. A one-off box or a short subscription can be a good option if you’re not sure whether he’ll want a longer commitment.

Creative gifts on a smaller budget

A memorable gift doesn’t need to be expensive. A handwritten letter, a homemade meal, a carefully planned day out or a small item linked to an inside joke can mean far more than a costly purchase. You could also create a “voucher” for something personal, such as a favourite homemade dinner, help with a project or a day exploring somewhere nearby.

How to choose the right gift

Before you buy, think about what he actually enjoys—not what you assume he should enjoy. Consider his interests, routine, sense of humour and how much space he has for things. If he values time together, an experience may be better than an object. If he enjoys practical presents, choose something useful with a personal detail. And if he’s difficult to buy for, ask someone close to him for a hint or choose an activity you can enjoy together.

Ultimately, a creative gift is less about being extravagant and more about showing care. A present that reflects his personality, sparks his curiosity or gives you a reason to make a new memory is likely to stand out long after the occasion has passed.

Eight Thoughtful and Creative Gift Ideas for Him

1. Commission a portrait of his pet or favourite place.
2. Create a playlist with notes about each song.
3. Gift a personalised map of somewhere meaningful.
4. Book a workshop to make something together.
5. Put together a tasting box of unusual snacks.
6. Turn favourite photos into a small photo book.
7. Choose a custom illustration of his hobby.
8. Hide handwritten messages in a box of little gifts.

Commission a portrait of his pet or favourite place.

A commissioned portrait of his pet or favourite place makes a thoughtful, personal gift he can enjoy for years. Choose a photo that captures the pet’s personality or a location that holds special memories, then find an artist whose style suits his taste. From a playful illustration to a detailed painting, the finished piece can add a meaningful touch to his home and remind him of something he loves.

Create a playlist with notes about each song.

Create a playlist filled with songs that remind you of him, capture shared memories or simply suit his taste. Add a short note to each track explaining why you chose it—perhaps it brings back a favourite trip, recalls a special moment or makes you think of his sense of humour. You could share the playlist digitally or present it with a handwritten track list for a personal touch.

Gift a personalised map of somewhere meaningful.

A personalised map of somewhere meaningful is a thoughtful gift that turns a special place into a lasting keepsake. It could show where you first met, a favourite holiday destination, his hometown or a route he loves to explore. Choose a style and colours that suit his home, then add a date, a short message or a small marker to make it truly personal. Each time he sees it, he’ll be reminded of the place—and the memories—you share.

Book a workshop to make something together.

Booking a workshop to make something together is a thoughtful gift that gives you both an experience to remember. Choose an activity that suits his interests, such as pottery, cooking, woodworking or leathercraft, and enjoy learning a new skill side by side. You’ll come away with something you’ve made yourselves, along with the fun of sharing the experience.

Put together a tasting box of unusual snacks.

Put together a tasting box of unusual snacks for a fun gift he can explore one bite at a time. Choose an assortment of interesting flavours from local delis, international food shops or independent makers—think spicy crisps, unusual sweets, savoury treats or a flavour of chocolate he hasn’t tried before. Add a few tasting notes or a scorecard so he can rate each one, and include a favourite drink to enjoy alongside them. It’s a thoughtful, low-pressure present that turns snack time into a little adventure.

Turn favourite photos into a small photo book.

Turn your favourite photos into a small photo book for a personal gift he can enjoy long after the occasion. Choose pictures from a trip, a special celebration or everyday moments you’ve shared, and arrange them in a simple story. Add dates or short captions to bring the memories to life, then pick a compact size he can keep on a desk or bookshelf.

Choose a custom illustration of his hobby.

A custom illustration of his hobby is a thoughtful way to turn something he loves into a one-of-a-kind gift. It could show him on his favourite cycling route, playing an instrument, tending his garden or enjoying a much-loved pastime. Choose an illustration style that suits his taste, and consider adding a meaningful detail, such as a favourite location, pet or date. The result is personal, memorable and perfect for displaying at home.

Hide handwritten messages in a box of little gifts.

Make a box of little gifts feel even more special by hiding handwritten messages among them. Tuck a note beneath the wrapping, slip one into a pocket-sized treat or attach a message to each item. The notes could share a favourite memory, an in-joke, a reason you appreciate him or a clue to what he should open next. It’s a simple, personal touch that turns unwrapping the gifts into a thoughtful experience.