Birthday Ideas for Your Boyfriend: 80+ Unique Gifts & Surprises
May 16, 2023
If your stress levels go through the roof when your boyfriend’s birthday rolls around each year, you’re not alone. Figuring out birthday ideas for your boyfriend is no simple task – whether you’ve only just coupled up or you’ve been together for donkey’s years.
You want to give him something personal that reflects his interests, and your relationship, and is one-of-a-kind, but you know he’ll really want - phew that’s a lot of things to cover.
If you’re stuck, try to give your boyfriend something personal that shows you’ve listened to his interests. Or, consider what you enjoy doing together and fork out on a fun experience for the two of you.
Fear not, we’ve got a whole host of ideas for birthday presents for boyfriend coming up, you’re bound to find something that will make his birthday extra special.
What should I gift my boyfriend on his birthday?
Every man is different, and so is every relationship! So, when you’re umming and ahhing about what to get your boyfriend, bear these things in mind.
What are his hobbies? First things first, think about your boyfriend’s hobbies and interests. Getting him some gear or memorabilia related to them could be a nice touch that shows how well you know him.
What did he buy you for your birthday? If you’re not sure how big to go with his present, consider what your boyfriend got you for your birthday. If he just got you a box of chocolates, getting him a MacBook might be a bit much.
How much do you want to spend? It’s important that you feel comfortable about your budget. Small gifts can often be the most personal, so there’s no need to spend lots if you’re feeling strapped.
What do you enjoy doing together? Bear in mind that gifts don’t have to be items – they can also be experiences for you to do together. For instance, if you love eating out as a couple, why not book a meal at a restaurant that your boyfriend’s always wanted to try?
Does he have any old or outdated belongings? Do a mental checklist of any belongings your boyfriend has that could do with replacing. Just remember to look at them through his eyes – buying a replacement for his favorite wooly jumper might come across as a little passive aggressive!
What does he want for his birthday? Perhaps most importantly of all, make sure you ask him what he wants for his birthday! Better yet, get him to create a birthday wishlist so that you’re both on the same page. Creating one on Moonsift is quick, easy and free!
What Should I Do for My Boyfriend’s Birthday?
Want some cute birthday ideas for boyfriend gifts - these might spark your imagination.
Plan a Romantic Dinner
Your boyfriend’s birthday is the perfect excuse for an intimate meal shared between the two of you. Choose his favorite restaurant, book somewhere you know he’s been wanting to try, or grab a recipe book and try your hand at whipping up something special.
Create a Memory Scrapbook
There’s nothing more thoughtful than a trip down memory lane, and a scrapbook is a wonderful (and budget-friendly) way to show your boyfriend how much you love them. Compile photos, notes and mementos from your time together into a book, and you’ll have a gift that he’ll treasure forever.
Organize a Party
If you know your boyfriend thrives in social settings, then organizing a party might be the way to go to make his birthday a memorable one. Choose a theme that suits his interests, invite his favorite people, and let the good times roll.
How Can I Surprise My Boyfriend on His Birthday on a Low Budget?
If funds are low but you still want to make your boyfriend’s birthday feel special, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our favorite birthday surprise ideas for boyfriend to give him a day he’ll remember without breaking the bank.
Cook His Favorite Meal
Most of us don’t eat our favorite meal nearly enough, especially home-cooked by a loved one. Surprise your boyfriend with his favorite dinner, lovingly cooked by you.
Create a DIY gift
Save some cash and give him something truly special by making a gift for your boyfriend yourself. If you’re not crafty, it’s okay - embrace the imperfection, or play to your strong suits. Are you a Spotify whizz? Make him a customized playlist. Great at baking? A birthday cake sounds like it might be on the cards.
Surprise him with Breakfast in Bed
The best way to start off a birthday is with breakfast in bed - especially if it’s with his favorite food, and a birthday gift. Think fresh orange juice, pancakes or croissants, and add a glass of bubbly if you really want to celebrate in style.
Write him a Love Letter
This is a very sweet and heartfelt gift, and it’s pretty much free, so if you want to be thoughtful on a budget, it’s a great option. Hide love letters around your house for him to find, or write him a list of all the things you love about him. If being gushy feels a bit awkward, try a funny poem or add a riddle or two to lighten the mood. Don’t forget to seal it with a loving kiss!
Make him a Gift Basket
Fill a basket with all of his favorite things - from snacks and drinks to small gifts and accessories, all personalized to him.
Plan a Birthday Surprise
Create lasting memories with a fun surprise on his birthday. Here’s a few of our favorite surprise boyfriend birthday ideas:
Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt at home or in your local town or city, with clues leading to different locations or small surprises. This can be a quick activity or one that lasts all day. Even better if it leads to his birthday gift or a surprise party.
A Flash Mob
Hire the professionals, or enlist his friends and family for a flash mob to celebrate his birthday.
Personalized Video Message
Arrange a video message from his favorite celebrity or someone inspirational, or ask all of his friends and family to send birthday messages to make into a video. This is especially impactful if you’re away from home for his birthday.
What Do Men Love for Their Birthday?
Getting gifts for men can feel like the ultimate challenge - especially when it seems like he doesn’t want anything at all - can you really get him socks for another year in a row? Here are a few ideas for gifts that will make him smile.
While you’re still collecting ideas, why not save any items you like to a collection on Moonsift? That way, you can keep track of everything you’re considering in one place, ready for you to buy once you’re ready.
Gadgets and Tech Accessories
One thing is pretty universal among most men - a love of gadgets. Whether he’s a city-slicker or more outdoorsy, there’s bound to be a gadget that will be well-received, especially if it aligns with his hobbies, or makes his daily tasks easier. Think, pocket knife, fitness tracker, noise-canceling headphones or tech accessories.
Fashion Accessories
Does your boyfriend take pride in his wardrobe? New clothes or accessories are a great option for a gift, especially if you feel like you know his style well.
Personalized Gifts
You can customize just about anything these days, from a pen to a piece of jewelry, and this is a thoughtful and heartfelt gift option for someone you love. Add his name, a favorite quote or a significant date to show how much you care.
Hobby-Related Gifts
He won’t stop talking about cycling, or maybe it’s golf, or playing guitar. Whatever the hobby, there’s hundreds of gift options that will compliment it.
Experiences over Stuff
The best gifts are the ones that make memories, so opt for an experience if you really want to wow your other half. Look for tickets to his favorite band, or an adventure you can go on together.
Unique Gifts for Boyfriend Birthday
Gift your boyfriend something truly unique by drawing on your relationship for inspiration. A personalized adventure map, scrapbook or photo compilation are beautiful and unique ways to celebrate your love story.
List of birthday gifts for your boyfriend: The Film Buff
Is your boyfriend constantly chatting about the latest blockbuster? These gifts will be right up his street:
List of gifts for your boyfriend on his birthday: Aspiring DJ
Is your boyfriend super into his music? Then music-based gifts are the way to go.
List of gifts for your boyfriend’s birthday: Self-Care Lover
Does he have almost as many face creams as you do? Then these gifts will be perfect for him. Equally, if he’s more of a one-soap-fits-all kind of man, then some self-care gifts will help him to embrace his softer side.
What to gift your boyfriend on his birthday: Sports Star
Can’t get him away from the TV when the football is on? Whether he’s a watcher or a participator, these ideas will suit your sporty man.
What to give your boyfriend for his birthday: Upmarket Gentleman
Does your boyfriend tend to prefer the finer things in life? Then these birthday gift ideas might give you some inspiration.
Birthday gift list for boyfriend: Gamer
Going out with a gamer? Then getting your boyfriend the perfect birthday present won’t be hard.
List of birthday gifts: Foodie
If your boyfriend is a bit of a chef – and appreciates a drink now and then – give these food-and-drink-inspired gifts a look-over.
Find all these gifts and more in this wishlist.
What to get your boyfriend for his 21st birthday?
Turning 21 is a big deal. So, if your boyfriend’s 21st is on the horizon, you’ll probably want to put in a little extra effort. But what should you get him?
Well, the traditional gift for a 21st birthday present is a key pendant – a tradition that harks back to the time when at 21, you were considered old enough to own a key to your family’s home. So, a personalized keyring could be a fun twist on tradition (and a cute romantic keepsake).
21 is also the legal drinking age in a number of countries. So, a birthday gift that incorporates alcohol in some way could be fitting.
That said, the sky’s the limit and there are no rules when it comes to what to give your boyfriend for his 21st!
Gifts for 21st birthday list for boyfriend
These 21st gift ideas would be perfect for your boyfriend to treasure long after his 21st is over – whether we’re talking romantic keepsakes or memories that last a lifetime.
Traditional Gifts
Opt for a classic gift, and you’ll be sure to impress.
A special piece of jewelry
An engraved watch
Cufflinks
Personalized keyring
Experience Gifts
Give him a day to remember with a once-in-a-lifetime experience
A hot-air balloon ride
Romantic weekend getaway
Wine-tasting experience
Sky-diving
A tour of his favorite sports grounds.
Memorable Keepsakes
This is a special birthday, so a great time to get him a gift he’ll treasure for years to come.
Here are a few that we love:
A custom-made suit
Wine or whisky from the year he was born
Engraved cufflinks
Personalized drinking glasses
What To Do For a Man For His Birthday?
It’s true - your man’s idea of a perfect birthday might be very different from yours. The best way to craft a day he’s going to love is by simply asking. He’ll appreciate the thought, and it’ll remove any guesswork from your planning process.
Some men would love a huge party, and others might simply want to kick back with a takeaway and their favorite movie.
Create a birthday gift list for your boyfriend
So hopefully we’ve answered the big question: what to buy boyfriend for birthday?
Now you’ve got some inspo, it’s time to start browsing birthday gifts ready for your boyfriend’s big day. To make life easier, why not start a birthday gift list for your boyfriend on Moonsift?
Our universal save button means you can collect everything you like the look of in one place, so you can quickly compare things and buy when you’re ready. We’ll even let you know if the price drops so you can make the most of sales!
Alternatively, if you want to play it safe, you could ask your boyfriend to create a birthday wishlist himself – or make one with him. That way, you’ll know exactly what he wants so you can guarantee to put a smile on his face. If you use the ‘gift registry’ function on Moonsift, you can even share his wishlist with his friends and family so you can all mark items off without him seeing, and make his birthday as special as possible!
Either way, you just need to sign up to get started.
