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72 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for Him That Are Totally Life-Changing

Ok, maybe that's dramatic, but he'll really, really like these.

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Ying Chen

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Is it just me, or is it extra hard to buy presents for your S.O.? Knowing exactly what they already own/don’t need/don’t like means a lot of generic gift ideas (Aftershave! A book! Beef Jerky!) are pretty much off the table. But instead of putting a ton of pressure on yourself to find the most sentimental, thoughtful, unique birthday gift for him (which takes freaking forever), why not get some expert advice on the situation?

Hi, it’s us, your friendly neighborhood Cosmo shopping experts! Whether you’re two weeks into a new relationship or have been together for five years and feel like you used up all your good gift ideas on Christmases and anniversaries, you’ll find something that makes you go, “Oh, wait, this is actually genius” in our list of 72 unique birthday gifts for him (I’m talkin’ anyone from your boyfriend/husband to your situationship/delusionship/crush from afar).

If he’s into music, a new pair of headphones or a high-quality speaker might be just the thing. If he’s always at the gym, something like a vibrating foam roller or new workout tees are sure to be appreciated. You'll also find gifts on this list that fit a wide variety of budgets, whether you’re trying to go all-out with a luxury gift or trying to find a gift idea under $30 this year (without him noticing lol). Basically, I thought of it all so you don’t have to. Thank me later!

SHOP EVEN MORE GIFT IDEAS HERE

Related stories: 48 Best Gifts for Boyfriends | 74 Best Gifts for Husbands and Partners | 25 Gifts for the Man Who "Has Everything"

1
this filmmaking masterclass

MasterClass Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking

Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking
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this filmmaking masterclass

MasterClass Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking

$10 at MasterClass

Any wannabe film bro with an A24 membership will love learning the art of filmmaking from Martin Scorsese (aka the master himself)! Plus, with this $10/month subscription, he’ll get unlimited access to all current MasterClass sessions and classes.

2
this magnetic fidget pen

Fidget Gel Pens

Fidget Gel Pens
2
this magnetic fidget pen

Fidget Gel Pens

A fidget pen they can keep by their office desk? Sounds like the perfect we’ve-only-been-dating-for-a-month-but-i-wanted-to-get-you-something-chill-but-useful b-day gift to me. Just don’t place the magnets directly onto a laptop!

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this clap-activated light switch

Clapper Original On/Off Light Switch

Original On/Off Light Switch
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this clap-activated light switch

Clapper Original On/Off Light Switch

Fact: Everyone wants to be able to get in bed and turn off their lights with a clap. This little device has been around since the ‘80s and it’s delightfully retro—it also works v well.

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4
this mini personal "fireplace"

FLIKR Fire Personal Concrete Fireplace Kit

Personal Concrete Fireplace Kit
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this mini personal "fireplace"

FLIKR Fire Personal Concrete Fireplace Kit

To answer the pressing question I know you have, yes, you can roast marshmallows over this!! He’ll be able to place this mini personal fireplace anywhere (on his desk, in his entryway, at the center of the kitchen table for s’mores making, etc) for a little extra ambiance.

5
this portable projector

VISSPL Mini Projector

Mini Projector
5
this portable projector

VISSPL Mini Projector

If movie nights are your favorite thing to do together, take them to the next level with this projector. It works both indoors and outdoors and will instantly upgrade your usual laptop (or, God forbid, smartphone) movie sitch.

6
this heartfelt personalized book

'I Wrote a Book About You' Fill-in-the-Blank Book

On Sale
Fill-in-the-Blank Book
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this heartfelt personalized book

'I Wrote a Book About You' Fill-in-the-Blank Book

Now 31% Off
Credit: Amazon

This is definitely a more sentimental gift, but if that's their thing, they'll absolutely love this. You fill in the book's prompts like "if I could give you a trophy, it would be for..."

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7
this cool beer gadget

FIZZICS FZ403 DraftPour Beer Dispenser

FZ403 DraftPour Beer Dispenser
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this cool beer gadget

FIZZICS FZ403 DraftPour Beer Dispenser

Credit: Amazon

Even the man who has everything probably doesn't have this. This beer dispenser takes any can or bottle of beer and turns it into a nitro-style draft beer, which enhances the flavor. Pretty cool, right?

8
this wallet for people who lose things all the time

Beaulyn Mens Wallet for Airtag

Mens Wallet for Airtag
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this wallet for people who lose things all the time

Beaulyn Mens Wallet for Airtag

This one is for the man who is constantly misplacing his wallet. Get this: It’s a wallet with a built-in holder for an AirTag that’ll allow him to easily track it. You’ll be saving his life with this gift, my friend! (Ahem, just make sure he has an AirTag when you get this for him, or buy one on Amazon and make it a complete gift!)

9
these lifting gloves

POWERHANDZ Weighted Training Gloves

On Sale
Weighted Training Gloves
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these lifting gloves

POWERHANDZ Weighted Training Gloves

Now 20% Off

You may not be the most helpful spotter for his 200-pound bench press, but you can support his ~fitness journey~ with these non-slip gloves that are perfect for weightlifting or boxing.

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10
this Bluetooth meat thermometer

MEATER Meater Plus Wireless Meat Digital Thermometer

Meater Plus Wireless Meat Digital Thermometer
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this Bluetooth meat thermometer

MEATER Meater Plus Wireless Meat Digital Thermometer

Trick out your favorite grill master’s kitchen with this smart meat thermometer. It connects to an app and displays temperatures from a distance, so hovering over the hot grill for an hour can be a thing of the past.

11
this useful keychain

i-Dawn iPhone Charge Lightning Cable + Keychain + Bottle Opener

iPhone Charge Lightning Cable + Keychain + Bottle Opener
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this useful keychain

i-Dawn iPhone Charge Lightning Cable + Keychain + Bottle Opener

Credit: Amazon

If you're looking for a gift under $10 that he'll actually use, this keychain is pretty nifty. It has a bottle opener so he can stay, uh, hydrated and an iPhone charging cable so he can stay connected.

12
this deep-tissue massage gun

NEPQ Mini Massage Gun

Mini Massage Gun
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this deep-tissue massage gun

NEPQ Mini Massage Gun

I recently discovered that my brother, my boyfriend, and my sister’s boyfriend all have massage guns on their wishlist, so this one may be a home run (just saying!). Plus, he’ll stop asking you to step on his back once you buy this for him.

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13
this hi-tech mug

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

On Sale
Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
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this hi-tech mug

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

Now 19% Off
Credit: Amazon

A self-heating mug means no more dealing with cold cups of hot coffee! He can set his preferred temperature via the app. So easy!

14
these noise-canceling headphones

Beats Studio Pro

On Sale
Studio Pro
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these noise-canceling headphones

Beats Studio Pro

Now 43% Off

Are they a frequent traveler? High-quality noise-canceling headphones make a huge difference on long-haul flights when it comes to tuning out the drone of the engine. These Beats Studio Pro headphones come in a variety of cool, neutral shades that anyone is sure to love.

15
this gaming device for two

Nintendo Switch™ with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con™

Switch™ with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con™
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this gaming device for two

Nintendo Switch™ with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con™

If you’re on the hunt for a Really Really Good Gift and you know they haven’t sprung for a Switch yet, wrap this bad boy up and call it a day. You’ll be able to play tons of nostalgic games together like Mario Kart, Minecraft, and Animal Crossing.

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16
this classic chain

Mejuri 5mm Curb Chain Necklace Silver

5mm Curb Chain Necklace Silver
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this classic chain

Mejuri 5mm Curb Chain Necklace Silver

Everyone loves a jewelry gift! This durable 925 Sterling Silver chain (that’s 92.5% pure silver, btw) comes in three lengths, depending on their personal preference, and is perfect for wearing solo or with a simple pendant.

17
this fingerprint door knob

GeekTale Smart Door Knob

On Sale
Smart Door Knob
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this fingerprint door knob

GeekTale Smart Door Knob

Now 40% Off

Is your little bro trying to keep Mom out of his room, or just looking to upgrade his set-up to something Tony Stark-worthy? This easy-to-install door knob uses biometrics to determine who gets to enter and who is locked out! Plus, multiple users can be registered to unlock this fingerprint-activated door knob via a convenient app, and it even shows you which users unlocked the door (and when). Bet you didn’t know you could snag this on Amazon, huh?

18
this sophisticated duffle bag

CALPAK Hue Laptop Duffel

Hue Laptop Duffel
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this sophisticated duffle bag

CALPAK Hue Laptop Duffel

Credit: CALPAK

Make sure your man travels in style with this sleek faux leather duffle. It’s got tons of clutch features like a luggage sleeve, laptop compartment, and secret cell phone pocket. He can use it as a gym bag or a weekender for short trips.

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this luxe game set

Mark & Graham Leather Chess Game Set

Leather Chess Game Set
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this luxe game set

Mark & Graham Leather Chess Game Set

Now 24% Off
Credit: Mark & Graham

He’ll be so ecstatic to see this chess set that comes in a foldable, leather case, making it easily portable for those games in the park or wherever. It has gorgeous hand-carved wood pieces that’ll make him feel extra legit when he’s playing. You can even personalize it with his initials!

20
this comfy hoodie

Billionaire Boys Club New Science Oversize Hoodie

New Science Oversize Hoodie
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this comfy hoodie

Billionaire Boys Club New Science Oversize Hoodie

It’s a cool hoodie AND a piece of art! It’s basically two gifts for the price of one! Everyone say, “Thank you Pharrell!”

Headshot of Hannah Oh
Hannah Oh
Assistant Shopping Editor

Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train. 

Headshot of Daisy Maldonado
Daisy Maldonado
Associate Shopping Editor

Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram. 

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