Buying your man a gift is a loaded gun. If you go too flashy and he doesn’t like it, you risk wasting a lot of money. Lowball it, however, and you could low-key sour the relationship.
To help you avoid this (and so that socks, dodgy ties, and indoor plants destined to die a lonely death can return to the uninspired trash-pile from whence they came), we’ve compiled a list of the most unique and functional gifts your hunky half will ever lay eyes on.
Depending on how long you’ve been dating, this could easily trip you up. If you haven’t been together all that long, subtly check for things he likes, wine, for instance, before splurging on a vintage bottle of Australian red wine. If you’ve been married for millennia, chances are you’ve bought him a fair amount of what he likes already, so time to switch it up a little. Y’know, like you would in the bedroom.
Lingerie (unless you’ve read this guide), anything you could imagine receiving from your stingy Aunt Susan, a poorly concealed gift for yourself, pointed hints (i.e. a treadmill, deodorant etc.), JB Hi-Fi gift vouchers, or any form of a gift voucher, that requires them to buy the gift themselves.
Birthday, Valentine and Christmas present requires no justification. Neither do anniversaries. However, if you are impatient to buy your man a token of affection, just make your own occasion; commit credit-card fraud, get in on a money-laundering scheme, lie, cheat, steal, tell him you find his best mate supremely attractive – the options are endless!
Got your excuse sorted? Now just pick your man one of these gifts and he’ll be beaming like a Cheshire Cat.
For The Foward-Thinking Spirit Lover
If your man likes to dabble in cognac or whiskey, or perhaps both, then he will love Martell Blue Swift. The Maison's most recent bottle is completely unique, taking cognac VSOP and finishing it in bourbon casks. Easy to drink neat or an absolute joy in cocktails, Blue Swift will find pride of place on the spirit shelf.
For The Charcoal BBQ Lover
Whether he's a seasoned barbecue professional or an occasional burner of brisket, the Everdure Cube is the perfect entry point to charcoal barbecuing. Only A$178.
For The Man Who Loves A Froth Whitlam
The Montana Beer History Art Print is perfect for any man cave or part of the house you want for man to escape to. This small print will fit on almost any wall, except a wall for ants.
For The Workout Man
When beau see's Bose's SoundSport Free wireless earbuds, his tangled white Apple earbuds will be eagerly discarded. These Bose in-ears are engineered to stay – comfortably – in place throughout exercise, all while looking sleek AF. Best of – he'll actually use them. Just $300.
For The Bookish Man
If you're looking to get your surf obsessed boyfriend through a summer flat spell, they will appreciate this gift from king of trash prose, Chas Smith. From $25.
For The Thirsty Man
Eco-friendly men will be enamoured by this cutting edge, stylish water bottle that stays cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. From $35.
For The Man Who Likes A Bit Of Bling
If your man likes scoop necks, Jack Sparrow, Gucci or all of the above you can't go wrong with a bit of Gucci bling. It's cool and will get noticed for the right reasons. From $150.
For A Man Who Can Tell The Time
Unless you really want to get him that Rolex he's lusted after for years, get him the next best thing in the form of this TAG Heuer Aquaracer.
For The Man Who Like His Movies At Home
If your Netflix n' Chill is lacking a little something the JBL Bar 2.1 could be the sound revelation you and your partner need. From $299.
For The Man With Great Hair
PATRICKS' matte finish medium hold styling product will be an instant hit for prince charming and his luscious locks. From $60.
For The Global Traveller
Any global traveller will tell you that you can only really be called a 'traveller' if you have a passport cover, and this one from Harber London is one of the most luxurious out there. Handcrafted from full grain vegetable tanned leather, it will hold his passport in supreme comfort, $146.
For The Interstate Traveller
If your husband is partial (or work-obliged) to the odd business trip the Montblanc Sartorial Jet Nylon-Panelled Cross-Grain Leather Briefcase is a great choice. From $1,355.
For The Man That Still Has A Velcro Wallet
Mr Porter's classy collection will ensure your man never needs a new wallet again. We recommend the small card holders for a slim fit in the pocket. From $66.
For The Fashionable Travelling Man
Samsonite's ExB 2.0 Ultra Valet Garment Bag will protect your man's suits and business wear in epic sartorial style. From $290.
For The Man Who Remembers How To Write
If you're with a romantic type who knows his way around a biro, consider helping him up his word-game, with Swiss made Dunhill Black Sentryman ballpoint pen, made from palladium-plated brass, $1,093.
For The Man With Lots Of Shit In His Pockets At The End Of The Day
A novel gift, but one that will be much appreciated. And who knows: a Wolf Blake Valet Tray could be just what your partner was after.
For The Swimmer
Whether your beau is a Bondi Icebergs Poseur or the next Ian Thorpe, this leaf-print towel from Slowtide will ensure he dries off in style, $50
For The Mr. Sleepyhead
Ermenegildo Zegna's Gray Modal-Blend pyjama set will provide so much softness and comfort that your man will be asleep in a matter of minutes...whether you choose when he can wear it is up to you, $430
For The Sneaker Lover
END's sneaker range will provide a breath of fresh air from your lover's (tired) tried and tested collection. Scoop a pair of Common Projects from $459.
For The Man Who Lives For Summer
Patrick Johnson is a man who knows how to make other men look good. Show your man you know your top designers from the bottom-of-the-barrel with these summer-approved espadrilles.
For The Wine Lover Man
Don't waste time with mainstream brands, instead opt for a bottle of one of the best tasting Australian red wines from St Hugo. He'll respect your excellent taste, from $35
For The Whisky Lover Man
When it comes to whisky we do love a drop of the Japanese stuff. Get a bottle of Hibiki, Nikka or Yamazaki and he'll be impressed. From $80
For The Dog Owner Man
Let your man know you don't mind his four-legged best friend get in the way of your relationship with this bottle of luxury Aēsop shampoo, formulated specifically for dogs. With pooch taken care of, he'll be able to focus all his attention on you, $49
For The Coffee Lover Man
Tom Dixon's Brew Espresso Cups will light up any black-liquid lover's face. When not in use, their stackable nature makes them just as much a piece of art in the kitchen, $230.
For The Man Who Wants His House To Smell Good
Living with your partner will no doubt bring up the fact he can be quite messy, with smells formulating quickly. Give him a subtle hint, whilst also making the house smell great with a a luxury candles.
For The Man Who Needs A New Cologne
Forget Old Spice, Le Labo is where it's at. Each fragrance is made by hand, so will differ ever so slightly from the next, meaning you too can appreciate the unique, masculine woody scent on date night, too. From $275.
For The Tequila Loving Man
This was George Clooney & Rande Gerber brand. You'll be doing shots in no time to celebrate how stoked your partner is with Casamigos Mexican fighting water. From $79.99.
For The Porsche Lover Man, Man
If your man can't yet look out the front window and admire his own Porsche, then at least let him aspire to what could be with some Porsche-related artwork, priced from $200. Much more affordable.
For The Wolverine-looking Man
If your man is a little rough and rugged around the edges, but to an extent where it just looks plain wrong and he's encroaching into Silverback Gorilla territory, then he'll benefit from a body groomer, such as this Philips Bodygroom 7000. An adjustable guard ensures he'll get the perfect length everywhere (yes, even down there) and its showerproof credentials mean he can do it in the sanctity and privacy of the bathroom.
For The Constantly Getting Wet Man
If the man in your life lives in an area subject to regular rainfall, he'll appreciate an umbrella. Auckland-based Blunt make some of the best in the business, with a patented blunt tip design that allows them to withstand strong winds, all while keeping him totally dry. Various colours and sizes can be tuned to his personality.
