Gifts for Him

Gifts for him: presents that aren't socks

Men are famously hard to buy for, largely because they buy anything they want the week they want it. What's left is the stuff they'd never think to buy: the thing for the desk, the wall or the kitchen.

The good news is that the bar is low and the winning formula is consistent — funny, useful, and out on display rather than in a cupboard.

All of it's made in the UK and posts with the card in one parcel.

Safe bets

• Something for the desk that makes work marginally less grim.
• Coasters, especially if he's been using an old envelope.
• A bottle stopper or barware for the drinks shelf.
• A print for the garage, office or kitchen wall.
• A pin badge for the hobby he won't shut up about.
• A candle — yes, really; the ones with jokes on go down well.

By who he is to you

• Husband or boyfriend: something for the space you share.
• Dad: kitchen, garden or shed, and nothing needing instructions.
• Brother: as rude as the family will tolerate.
• Mate: the running joke, made permanent.
• Son: a keepsake, plus something for the first flat.
• Colleague: work-safe humour under £10.

What to avoid

• Socks, unless they're genuinely a joke between you.
• Gadgets with a proprietary charger.
• Anything that needs assembly on the day.
• A shaving set for someone with a beard.
• Another novelty mug for a cupboard full of them.
• A gift card for a shop he's never mentioned.

What to spend, honestly

• Close friend or sibling: £15–£30 is the range most people land in.
• Colleague or acquaintance: £5–£10, and a card matters more than the gift.
• Partner or parent milestone: £30–£60, usually one good thing rather than three small ones.
• Group gift: £5–£10 a head buys something far better than five separate presents.
• Children's party gift: £5–£15 is the UK norm, and nobody minds the lower end.
• When in doubt, spend less on the object and more on the message inside the card.

Hand-poured candles

Soy candles made in the UK — the gift that gets used rather than shelved.

Coasters and desk pieces

Small, funny and permanent: the things that stay out on show.

Prints for the wall

Framed-ready prints for kitchens, hallways and home offices.

Cards to send with it

Add the card and the whole present arrives in one UK parcel.

Where to shop next

• Gift ideas hub
• Cheer up gifts
• Birthday gift ideas
• Anniversary gift ideas
• Wedding gift ideas
• Milestone birthday gift ideas
• Gifts for her
• Gifts for him
• Gifts for mum
• Gifts for dad
• Gifts for couples
• Shop all gifts
• Candles
• Funny coasters
• Wall art prints
• Pin badges
• Cards
• Gifts for him
• Funny coasters
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Thinking of you gifts
• Funny Birthday Cards for Him - shop the range

Frequently asked questions

What's a good gift for him under £10?

A desk name plate, a bottle stopper or a set of coasters. Small, funny, and used every day rather than stored.

What do you buy a man who buys everything himself?

Something he'd never justify buying: a joke print for the wall, a pin badge for the hobby, or a candle with a line on it he'd actually laugh at.

What's a good Father's Day gift?

A certificate or print he can put up, plus the card. See our <a href="/pages/gifts-for-dad">gifts for dad</a> page for the full shortlist.