Whether you’ve recently got together or been in each other’s back pockets for years, finding the ideal gift for a partner is never easy. Ties? Socks? Deodorant set? They’ve been given and received a thousand times, and while we agree it’s the thought that counts, wouldn’t it be nice to put a surprise smile on their face?
To help out, we've compiled ten gifts that are pertinent, personalised, and perfect for quarantine and lockdown birthdays during as they're all available for online delivery from Amazon, John Lewis and eBay. We’ve got everything from affordable alcohol and tech to ideas for athletic boyfriends, just remember, set the standard here and you could be looking at recuperation when it’s your turn!
Quick List - Top Birthday Gifts for Boyfriends
John Lewis & Partners
Gift Them the Gift of Music, With a Radio They Can Take Anywhere
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
There's no handbook when it comes to buying gifts (although funnily enough that would be a good present in itself), however, there are some general points that you might want to take into consideration, particularly if you need to reign in your ideas a little. Here are a couple to get you started!
The best place to start when searching for a gift is to look at the person you’re buying it for. Consider their interests, hobbies and what they like to do in their spare time. It may seem obvious, but you’ll likely be on to a winner from the start.
If who you’re buying for is known to be a bit of a health or sports fanatic, then why not consider something that relates to their favourite way to get fit? This could be anything from a new water bottle, yoga mat or gym bag, to bike equipment if he likes to set off on the open road, or running trainers if his are looking a bit worse for wear.
Try to avoid clothing as this is something that generally needs trying on, and if you get the wrong size it could end up being a bit of a palaver to return.
Many of us will happily pop the radio on when we get in the car, but we mostly leave it there. Then there are the audiophiles: people who spend time ‘teaching' us about the importance of the Amen break, or filling up their calendars with obscure bands that us mere mortals have never heard of.
With the current world climate, concert tickets for their favourite artists may not be on the cards, but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped listening or learning. Why not consider headphones, or something more unusual like a music-themed book, artwork or band merchandise? That should tide them over until the venues open again!
Before we continue in this section, we want to say this is only if you have the budget. A well-thought-out gift is far more precious than how much the person giving has chosen to spend!
That being said, if it’s a landmark birthday and you have the money, why not treat the special man in your life? This could be with a designer watch, a wallet, or a piece of jewellery. Try to think of accessories that he wouldn’t usually splurge on himself, but that he would get a lot of use out of nonetheless.
However, do also take into consideration that if he's not shown interest in these kind of items before, he may not now!
If your bloke is always nattering about the latest gadgets, then a gift from the tech world will likely be right up his alley.
This could be some form of device, game, or program, or an accessory to go with a gadget they already have. Even those who claim they don’t get much out of tech probably still use a lot of it day to day, so products that help provide entertainment either at home or on the commute should also go down well.
Having trouble working out what to buy for someone that you’re casually seeing or recently got together with? We've all been there, but picking something general that the majority of people will like is always a safe bet, especially if you aren't sure exactly what their tastes are yet.
For example, consider some luxury edibles or a bottle of good quality alcohol if they drink, or a well-respected book or household item like a quirky plant. This will show that you’ve taken time to consider them but won’t make them feel like things are moving too fast. It'll also eliminate the risk of getting it wrong and wasting your money!
As we mentioned earlier, we don’t think anybody should be under pressure to fork out more than they can afford, so you should always aim to buy within your budget. Cost may also be determined by your status as a couple, as you'll probably be more comfortable spending less on a new beau than a boyfriend of several years.
Generally, up to £30 will show a recent partner that you care without going over the top, whereas for longer-term relationships, you could spend anywhere up to £150 if budget allows.
That being said, so long as they can see that you made an effort and put some thought into the gift, we’re sure they’re going to appreciate it no matter how much you spend. And if they don’t, you could always find another one!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Il Gusto Whisky Tasting Gift Set | ![]() | The All-Rounder for Almost Every Fella | |
2 | John Lewis & Partners Portable Digital Shower Radio | ![]() | Gift Them the Gift of Music, With a Radio They Can Take Anywhere | |
3 | Enno Vatti 100 Movie Scratch Off Poster | ![]() | For Film Buff Boyfriends Both Old and New | |
4 | James Ellroy The L.A Quartet | ![]() | One for the Bookworms | |
5 | WOWTOW Multi-Function Bicycle Repair Tool | ![]() | A Soon to Be Indispensable Tool for Cyclists | |
6 | Rotary Monaco Chronograph Watch|GB05083-05 | ![]() | A Fancy Gift for Someone Who Deserves It | |
7 | Twelve South AirFly Pro | ![]() | Allow Frequent Flyers to Utilise Their Bluetooth Headphones | |
8 | Asics Gel-Kayano 26 Lite Show | ![]() | High Quality Running Shoes for Baes Who Run | |
9 | Seventy Eight Design Personalised Soundwave Print | ![]() | A New Way of Enjoying Their Favourite Song | |
10 | Apeman Portable Mini Projector | ![]() | For Those That Love the Big Screen |
The fact of the matter is, most of the time, you can't go wrong with alcohol – particularly not fancy whisky. This gift set is priced very reasonably and contains eight 40 ml bottles, including Scotch and Irish single malts and a Kentucky bourbon. It also arrives in a stylish wooden box and gift bag, so all the work is done for you!
These delicacies offer a range of tasting notes, so even if you're unsure exactly which variety he likes he's bound to be impressed. For the fact that this will last a while and likely be enjoyed by many boyfriends of all ages, this set takes our number 1 spot.
For partners who just can't get enough of their tunes, how about this this portable radio? It can go with them everywhere, even in the shower thanks to its water-resistant IPX 4 rating. The radio comes with FM, DAB and DAB+, so there are more stations than they can throw a stick at.
As well as looking rather fetching, this radio comes with a rechargeable battery that typically lasts up to 12 hours and even a headphone slot, so it can be listened to solo, too. It's a great techy pick no matter your relationship status, at a good mid-range price.
Even if he's convinced he's seen all the best ones, we guarantee that this poster will prove otherwise. This is a sort of holy grail or bucket list for movie buffs, and is a gift that will keep on giving long after he has opened it, whether your relationship is fresh or long-standing.
Plus, once he has worked his way through it, he can frame the simple and elegant design of the poster, hang it on the wall, and proudly exclaim that he truly has seen them all now. Don't worry, we're pretty sure there is another poster list to keep him occupied next year!
If he loves gripping page-turner crime novels, then there are arguably few better on the shelves today than The L.A Quartet by James Ellroy. This series of 4 books, in giftable hardback format, takes place in L.A from 1946 - 1958, and weaves fact with fiction so cleverly your partner will be on his phone checking his facts half of the time!
This body of work blends all the best elements of crime novels: dirty police work, political corruption, scandal and some truly fascinating characters and is sure to have your fella 100% hooked.
While this may be a rather specific gift, if you're dating an avid cyclist it's fair to say this could become an indispensable part of their kit. This gadget does exactly what it promises to do, and will undoubtedly get your partner out of a squeeze or two over the years.
The travelling tool kit has everything from screwdrivers to puncture repair patches and is crafted from durable steel. For how handy it is, you might even be able to get him to do some of the small jobs around the house with it.
Rotary have been in the watch game for a long time, since 1895 in fact, so they sure know a thing or two about making precious timepieces. This Monaco Chronograph is one of those. With its dynamic style, this watch is perfect for a multitude of occasions, and can even be worn whilst swimming.
The stainless steel strap encloses a sunray dial and presents a clean and classic silhouette, making it a smart finish to any outfit, and indeed, for boyfriends of any age. Just be sure they like a silver-toned finish, and you should be on to a winner.
The world is slowly moving to wireless, whether we like it or not. But, one place that hasn't quite caught up yet are the airlines, and that doesn't look to be changing any time soon. If your partner is a frequent traveller that loves a bit of tech then this nifty adapter could be right up their street.
Essentially, the adapter allows for Bluetooth headphones to be used in conjunction with in-flight entertainment. This saves them having to use the cheap headphones provided onboard, or changing them depending on whether they want to listen to on their trip. The Bluetooth headphones are not included, though that could be a nice add-on gift!
Asics have been in the running game for a long time, and they're still producing some of the best shoes available. If your partner is a keen runner he'll surely appreciate these. And even if he's just getting started, at least he'll never have to complain about those worn out ones he's been wearing.
With synthetic upper material and silky fabric on the heel cushion, these shoes are all about comfort, and their simple colourway should appeal to most tastes. OK, they're a little pricier than some running shoes, but doesn't love know no bounds?
Guaranteed to look good on any wall they grace, these personalised soundwave prints are a perfect gift for those that love their music. Simply select the size you want, then supply the company with the name of the song and artist.
Though it's an affordable and fun gift, you could even add a touch of romance by selecting your 'couple' song or another record from the soundtrack of their lives. The only dispute is that they'll need to pick up a frame as it doesn't come with one.
The first gift in the list will surely be enjoyed by anyone who has a bit of space and likes to watch their movies, or game, on a big screen (spoiler: everyone does). This projector is HD-ready with built-in speakers, and can be linked up a wide range of multimedia devices including smartphones, laptops, and even their PS4 or Xbox.
Furthermore, thanks to 1 kg weight and compact size, it's completely portable, so it could even come in handy for business meetings or holidays. It may not be the most romantic gift, but it sure is cool!
Still waiting for that perfect gift lightbulb moment? Here are a few more ideas to get the inspiration flowing, complete with practical buying guides and a selection of recommendations suitable for budgets big and small.
No matter which gift you go for, with some consideration and thoughtfulness poured in the recipient is likely going to be thrilled and truly grateful. We hope you've found what you're looking for in this article, and if not, at least been steered in the right direction. Good luck, and pass on our best wishes!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Il Gusto|Whisky Tasting Gift Set
No. 2: John Lewis & Partners|Portable Digital Shower Radio
No. 3: Enno Vatti|100 Movie Scratch Off Poster
No. 4: James Ellroy|The L.A Quartet
No. 5: WOWTOW|Multi-Function Bicycle Repair Tool
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games