41 Birthday Gift Ideas to Make Any Man Feel Special

Outdoorsy gifts

There are so many options for guys who like various outdoor activities or hobbies. Typically, this includes:

• Camping
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Rock climbing
• Hunting
• Farming or gardening

Here are some ideas:

LifeStraw

With over 100,000 ratings averaging 4.8 of 5 stars, you can’t go wrong with this gift. It’s the most compact personal water filter you can get, and you use it like a straw! And this high-tech gift isn’t expensive. Depending on its size, model, and features, the price ranges from around $13-$40.

LifeStraw allows a person to drink safely from any creek, river, or other body of water because the filter removes 99.999999% of bacteria and parasites as you sip the water.¹ The membrane filter also strains out toxins and microplastics without affecting the flow rate.

With a LifeStraw, your man won’t need to totally depend on a water bottle. The LifeStraw will keep him safely hydrated as long as he’s near a water source.

Cooler

Everyone needs a cooler to pack a cold lunch and keep bottled water cool on a hot summer day.

That being said, different types of coolers might be better suited to different occasions. Big boxy coolers might do best for camping trips or group outings, and smaller, soft-covered coolers might better suit an afternoon on the lake or an evening hike.

Here are a few coolers that would work for these different situations:

•  Coleman 16-qt: A good in-between option if you want a style like the typical bigger cooler but don’t want the full size. $20-$25 on Amazon.

• Lifewit soft cooler: Resembling a large lunch bag, this tote can still hold up to 12 8-oz cans. $15 on Amazon.

• Coleman portable cooler: This bigger cooler from a trusted brand can store enough food for a camping trip, road trip, or a big family picnic. It also has wheels and a no-tilt drain. Three size options from $75-$100 on Amazon.

Tacklebox

This water-resistant, 34-compartment box by Plano has a number of features that keep everything sorted and easy to find. With three tiers of storage that expand when opened, he’ll be able to see all his lures at a glance. Choose between 3 options ranging from $20-$30.

Portable grill

There’s nothing like the smell of grilling up dinner. This portable, contained grill means you can have a cookout at the beach, in your backyard, or in the back of your truck. It’s easy to use and easy to clean up afterward, and the handles don’t even get hot while the grill is cooking your food.

It also comes with a storage tray and a bamboo board for prepping food. Find it for $159.20 on Food52.com.

Personalized ammo box

For the man who lives for the deer stand and shooting range, you can’t go wrong with a personalized ammo box.

And this one is a one-of-a-kind gift—not only is it military grade, but each one is unique with its own authentic imperfections as a preserved piece of history.

When you order, you can choose between four designs for the personalization. Starts around $40 on Amazon.

Backpack

Get him a new backpack that’s built for the rugged outdoors. This one is great for any number of activities, including camping, hiking, rock climbing, and more.

You can always search for backpacks designed for one specific outdoor activity, but if your man needs one that’s good for all-around use, this one comes in a wide variety of colors and is between $30-$40.

Camping chair

Sitting around a campfire on a log can seem like fun at first. After a while, you just need a chair. And this one comes from a trustworthy brand so you know it won’t break after the first camping trip or beach day.

There certainly isn’t only one good kind of camping chair out there. Some chairs come in fancy colors, some are extra durable, and some have multiple cupholders of different sizes and other types of attachments. But for a good all-around chair, we recommend this one by Coleman. It has a small pouch for drinks, cupholders, and a pocket for a book or magazine. Get it for $45 on Amazon.

And if you want a choice with a unique feature, this chair rocks! (Literally.)

Cabela’s gift card

This is a must for the guy who loves to be outdoors, especially if he can’t decide what he wants! Let him loose at Cabela’s, known for its massive inventory of equipment for outdoor activities and sports, clothes, accessories, even food, candy, and toys.

And this is more than just a gift card—it’s an experience! Who knows…he might spend most of the day there picking out his gift.

Portable rock climbing knots guide

Rock climbing involves a lot of knot-tying. For those just starting out, and even for those who want a handy reference for every situation, a pocket guide can be a fitting gift.

This little guide teaches over 19 knots and clips onto your harness or backpack. And it’s only about $8 on Amazon.

Lantern

Whether you’re camping, hunting, hiking, or lost track of time, a lantern is a must-have to keep your path illuminated. And there are several battery-operated or rechargeable LED options.

This lantern by Coleman comes in a classic shape but with a modern light. Lit with lifetime LEDs that can shine up to 500 lumens, you won’t have to worry about stumbling around in the dark again. It’s around $30 on Amazon.

Sports & fitness gifts

Whether it’s participating in sports, reading about them, or cheering their team on from the stands, the active or sports-minded guys in your life are sure to like one of these great gift options.

Weighted training gloves

These gloves provide an easy, convenient way for someone who loves strength training to get a bit extra out of their workout. They can be used by themselves or as additional resistance during other activities like jogging, hiking, kickboxing, aerobics, or calisthenics.

The soft iron filling in the gloves is used instead of sand to give you a better weight distribution and eliminate the risk of sand shifting unevenly or spilling out if the cloth gets damaged.

Even better, they’re suitable for any fitness level. Some users have reported that they prefer these gloves over free weights or kettlebells because they’re easier on the joints. Around $30 on Amazon.

Athletic shoes

Every sport has its own type of shoe built for best performance. Baseball has cleats, rock climbing has bouldering shoes, and runners have shoes of nearly infinite varieties…

But no matter what type of shoe they are, wear and tear is inevitable. The men in your life may be in need of replacements (or they might just want the new style that just came out).

It’d take up a lot of room to list all the shoes here that we think are great. But here’s some direction for your shoe-shopping needs.

Other than the well-known brands like Nike, Adidas, Brooks, and Asics, you might want to check out these brands or online stores:

Training watches

If he’s into fitness, he might appreciate a training watch. He can monitor his heart rate, steps, workout time, and more. He’ll enjoy tracking his progress and sharing data with his friends.

These watches are a good starting point, all offering a variety of features:

• Fitbit Charge 6: Simple but mighty. Reflecting Fitbit’s traditional look and feel, this watch can give GPS directions, check heart rate, and take ECGs. Plus the battery lasts over a week long! $100-$150 on Amazon.

• Garmin Forerunner 165: This watch is best loved by runners. But it can work for most training plans, given its blood oxygen sensor, sleep stats, and altimeter, to name a few. Around $200 on Amazon.

• Casio G-Shock Move: This is a rugged outdoor watch perfect for those who enjoy hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc. It has a 10-day battery life and Bluetooth. $399 on Amazon.

Jersey for his favorite team

Even if he’s not on the field or on the court himself, you can get him a jersey of his favorite team.
You can find them at:

Sports books

For the guys who like to read, maybe they’d enjoy learning about the sport they follow. Choose from biographies, history, statistics, trivia, inspiring stories, and more.

Here are some ideas from Barnes and Noble, or he might like something like the Ultimate Football Trivia Book or The Most Incredible Baseball Stories Ever Told.

Gym bag

Gym bags are helpful for those who frequent the gym. But they’re also great for anyone needing to bring a change of clothes or shoes wherever they need to go.

Here are some options to look into:

• Ultimate Gym Bag 2.0: $25-$30 on Amazon.

• Adidas Defender: Around $30 on Amazon.

• Under Armour 5.0 Duffel Bag:$30-$35 on Amazon.

Pushup board

If he prefers home workouts and is looking to build bicep, tricep, chest, shoulder, and back strength, a pushup board is a good option. Many are collapsible and can be easily stored when not in use.

This board has lines and guides that show how to position yourself on the bar to focus on different muscles. Around $12-$15 on Amazon.

Golf accessories kit

Inside a polished leather case, he’ll find extra golf balls, tees, markers, pens, rangefinders, and more. He’ll be able to keep all his accessories together and easily organized. $25-$35 on Amazon.

Trigger-point massage ball set

If he’s nursing a sports injury, or if he’s just knotted up from a bad night of tossing and turning, these trigger-point therapy balls come in different textures and degrees of firmness to help release muscle spasms and tight spots.

You can buy a single massage ball or set of different sizes and surfaces, all ranging from $7-$40.

Gifts for DIYers

For the guys we find gutting houses, under cars, fiddling with the breaker box, or welding a new creation, here are some ideas they might enjoy.

Tools

A man who loves DIY projects can never have enough tools.

The type of tool they want or like may depend on their area of expertise-woodworkers may prefer special saws or chisels or jigs, auto mechanics may want impact sockets or power drills, and welders always need more filler rod, mig wire, or welding rod (depending on the type of weld).

If you’re interested in purchasing tools for your DIYer, it may be a good idea to listen for any tools he mentions that he doesn’t have or wishes he has. Or, if you’re not sure where to start, consider a multi-tool that can serve a variety of needs and functions.

A good place to start is with these trusted brands:

Magnetic wristband

Is he always dropping bolts and screws or leaving little parts here and there? A magnetic wristband allows him to keep the small but important things close by and “on hand.” This model even comes with a built-in mini flashlight.

Portable side cart

What busy guy wouldn’t appreciate a convenient and portable place to set all his tools and gadgets? Here are a few styles to compare:

• Husky Plastic Service Cart: Around $100 at Home Depot.

• Costway Metal Utility Cart: Around $80-$90 at Home Depot.

Work boots

Some guys have a superpower—they can wear out a pair of work boots in a surprisingly short time. If the birthday man’s boots need an update, here are some great places to start your research.

(Keep in mind that for many trades, steel-toed or safety-toed boots are recommended or required.)

• Ariat: Typically between $150 and $250. They are slip-on, which makes them easier to work in, and many are steel-toed, carbon-toed, and waterproof.
• Dr. Marten’s: Usually between $70 and $150. Dr. Marten’s makes a good quality lace-up, steel-toed boot for industrial settings.
• Wolverine: Around $100-$200. Typically lace-up, these boots make good sturdy boots for many types of hard work.
• Redwing: $200-$300. While definitely at the top of the price ladder, it’s tough to beat Redwing’s quality.

Toolbox and chest

A must-have for DIYers. Especially when they somehow keep acquiring more and more tools and gadgets.

Here are some choices to check out:

• DEWALT Tstak organizer: $30-$50 on Amazon.

• Milwaukee 36-inch tool chest: $578 at Home Depot.

• DEWALT 37-inch combo tool chest: $1,349 at Elite Toolboxes.

• Blue-Point 32-inch tool chest cart—$925 at Snap-on.

• Craftsman 52-inch wide tool chest—$1,599 at Lowes.

Strong magnets

There are so many uses for a set of super-strong magnets of multiple sizes. They help things stay put and stay organized, and they can serve as a quick temporary fix in many situations. And they might be just what your DIYer’s toolkit is missing.

Gadgets

If he’s into all the latest tech, it can sometimes make gift shopping stressful unless you know exactly what he wants and where to find it. So here are some ideas to start with.

Phone docking station

He can charge his phone, hang watches or rings, stow earbuds and other small pocket items, and keep all these items neatly contained.

Here are a few different ideas with varying features:

• 3-in-1 charger stand for Apple: This covers the basics with the space to charge a phone, earbuds, and watch. Around $20 on Amazon.

• Wood phone docking station: This charging station also has a drawer to store things and hooks for keys or watches. $35-$50 on Amazon.

• Wooden docking station and desk organizer: If you want a high quality and aesthetically-pleasing look, this one is sleek and versatile. It also comes with a complementary RFID-blocking wallet. $40-$50 on Amazon.

• 4-Port charging dock: Multiple phones and tablets to charge? Then this station is perfect. It can charge up to four devices and has status indicators. $20-$30 on Amazon.

Wristwatch

Even in today’s society where nearly everyone has a phone in their back pocket, a surprising number of people still enjoy wristwatches as well.

Here are some ideas to guide your search:

• Timex Ironman: A durable digital watch that can withstand wet, dirty, and industrial environments. $35-$45 on Amazon.

• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): It still looks like a classic watch! But it also does what any Apple watch should do and connects with all his other Apple devices. It’s also waterproof, easy to customize, and can track steps. $150-$170 on Amazon.

• Ben Nevis analog watches: A budget-friendly option for the guy who appreciates a simple, stylish timepiece to complement his nicer outfits. $20-$30 in this Amazon store.

Lap desk

These are great for those who work on the go a lot, or those who prefer a more relaxed and versatile workspace.

Lap desks come in a variety of styles, but here are a few to get you started:

• The Lap Desk 19”: This desk features a storage section beneath the cover, which can also be inverted in different ways for a platform. $112.50 on Arlo Skye.

• Designer Lap Desk: For smaller laptops or phone/tablet work, this solid surface has a cushion under it to make it more comfortable for extended use. $20-$35 on Amazon, with several color and pattern options.

• Adjustable Tray Table Lap Desk: It looks just like a desk on top, but it’s adjustable for lap or tabletop use. Available in two sizes from $30-$50 on Amazon.

Apple AirTags

Apple AirTags are a great gadget for keeping track of your things, especially if he’s always rushing around or is prone to forgetfulness. They can be snapped onto almost anything, from luggage to wallets to remotes to keys. (Only compatible with Apple devices.)

Get one set for $29.00 or a 4-pack for $99.00 on Apple.com.

Drone

Get him something fancy and high-tech, or start him out on something more simple and budget-friendly:

• DJI Mini 3: If you don’t yet want to go all out but you want to get him something nice, this drone takes video in 4K and can fly for 38 minutes at a time. $320-$400 on Amazon.

• Mini Drone with Camera: A small, basic drone to get him started. $35-$50 on Amazon.

• DJI Air 3: If he wants his drone to do all the things, this model features omnidirectional obstacle sensing to reduce crashes and comes with dual cameras for stunning video and image quality. $1,200-$1,600 on Amazon.

Wearable or mountable action camera

If he loves capturing the action and could use a waterproof hands-free camera, here are some options to check out:

• Akaso Ek7000: This basic underwater camera has 4K HD quality and is waterproof up to 131 feet. It also has built-in EIS, keeping the video steady even when you’re moving fast. $50-$70 on Amazon.

• GoPro Hero12: All the newest features, including a battery life of 2.5 hours. It can also be bundled with several other features for a customized setup. $399.99 on Amazon.

• Vemont Action Camera: Accessories can be added to this camera to mount it on a bike or other sports equipment and it’s waterproof up to 98 feet. Around $20 on Amazon.

3D printer

DIY has reached new levels with 3D printing. And now there are more options with a lower price tag if he’s new to this hobby.

• AnkerMake M5 Speedy 3D Printer: Easy to assemble and run, and it has 8 GB storage, as well as pre-loaded programs to try. $350-$550 at Best Buy.

• Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro: With an 11-inch printing space, this printer is designed to run smoothly and quietly. Compatible with multiple filament types, it works well for many projects. Around $200 on Amazon.

Miscellaneous hobbies

Many men have interests that do not fit into the categories listed already. While we can’t cover all hobbies men could have, we’ll discuss some other best gift ideas for hobbies like gardening, reading, self-care, fashion, and motorcycling.

Gardening tool set

Help him dig deeper into his hobby with a nice new set of tools to replace his old, rusty, random assortment of rakes, trowels, and weeders. Start with a set of the basics, or go all out and get him all the big tools.

• Basic three-piece set by Fiskars: $25-$35 on Amazon.

• Nine-piece tool set with a bag: $35-$40 on Amazon.

• Large seven-piece garden set: Around $150 on Amazon.

Exotic seeds

Another great gift for the man who loves to garden is exotic or rare seeds. Many gardeners enjoy growing something new or unusual, but they might not buy it for themselves. That’s where you come in.

When you’re choosing exotic seeds, keep a few key things in mind.

Consider what the gardener likes to grow. It’s probably best to stick with what he’s familiar with caring for.

You also want to be wary of AI-generated pictures of what the seeds will grow into. Scams abound. So we recommend buying from a reputable seller who guarantees the quality of their seeds.

Here are some trusted favorites:

• Baker Creek Seeds: They’re best known for garden vegetables and fruit.
• Sheffield’s Seed Company :A good place to buy rare or exotic shrubs and trees.
• Heritage Harvest Seeds: A great supplier of heirloom flower, vegetable, herb, and ancient grain seeds.

Front-pocket wallet

No matter what activities he’s into, his bulky back-pocket wallet might be wearing out his pants material or causing him to sit unevenly. But a sleek, slim, front-pocket wallet can change everything. They hold more than you’d think!

Here are a few options to cover varying needs and preferences:

• Travelambo Slim Leather Wallet: From $7-$15, this popular choice comes in a wide variety of colors.

• Buffway Minimalist Front-Pocket Wallet: One of the slimmest, most durable options available. And no need to worry about any of his cards slipping out. $10-$15 on Amazon.

• Bulliant Front Pocket Wallet and Money Clip: Thicker and heavier than other options, but still easily fits in the front pocket. If he needs a folded wallet with a little more room and likes it to feel tough and sturdy, look for one like this. $20-$40 on Amazon.

Vehicle care supplies

If he loves to keep his vehicle in tip-top condition, you can help him maintain that shine with a waxing kit.

Some kits come with just the wax and towels while others come with polishers and buffing tools.

Here are a couple links to get you on your way:

• Motorcycle wax sets: Around $12-$34 on Amazon.

• Car/truck wax sets: $13-$200 on Amazon.

Harley-Davidson Merch

If the special man in your life loves Harleys, there are great gifts you can give him that don’t have to be the motorcycle itself! Check out their apparel, accessories, ornaments, and more.

Socks (yes, really)

Socks are the favorite gift to hate, right? Well, unless those socks are really fun! Try these options:

• Happy Pop Sox: Unique patterns, pictures, and messages that you can match to his personality or interests.
• SockSmith: A variety of colors, materials, and silliness. The website even has a gift guide to help you pick just the right pair for the special guys in your life.
• Jimmy Lion: Premium quality socks of all shapes and sizes that range from practical to whimsical to ridiculous.

Soap (still not joking)

The manly-themed personal hygiene trend continues, meaning more options for fun gifts that also prove useful. Here are some favorites to check out:

• Dr. Squatch: This popular, pioneering brand of masculine soap and personal care items is always adding more products, scents, and variety packs. Choose a scent you’d like him to smell like!
• Dapper Yankee: Another fun brand with quality products and manly scents, like Root Beer Barrel, Sierra Pine, and Rodeo Man.
• Stirling Soap Co: Along with their affordable yet high-quality soaps, creams, and colognes, they also sell coffee, shaving accessories, and candles.

Beard grooming set

Some guys won’t leave the house until their beards or staches are styled properly. Whether he’s meticulous about his facial hair or he just wants to take good care of it, there are more gift options for beard care than ever before.

• Beard Club: Choose between starter, deluxe, or premium kits. Ranging from $26-$89 on Beard Club.

• Scotch Porter: Get him the ultimate VIP beard treatment with this 5-star kit. $114.99 on ScotchPorter.com.

Wood moisture meter

If he works with wood, whether as a woodworker, carpenter, construction worker, or many other hobbies or professions, a wood moisture meter is a necessity when it comes to project quality. They serve an important purpose—monitoring the moisture content in wood to make sure it’s not too wet and not too dry, which causes warping or cracking. A moisture meter helps him avoid these disappointing results.

There are two types of moisture meters—pin-type and pinless. What type of meter you use typically depends on the type of project you usually work on. (Be sure to read our article about pin vs pinless meter before buying!)

A good-quality wood moisture meter will be over $200, and some can ring up close to $1,000. Check Bessemeter’s shop for a meter that’s both affordable and highly reliable.

It’s the thought that counts

No matter which items you decide to get the special guys in your life—your husband, boyfriend, son, brother, father figure, cousin, or uncle—what matters most is not the price tag or the rarity or the gift’s bells and whistles. You want them to know that you care and that you’re thinking about their joys and their needs.

While lists can always give you ideas, you know your family and friends and what makes them happy. We’re just happy to help with the brainstorming process.

And if any of your loved ones could use a quality yet affordable wood moisture meter, we know just where you can find one!

1. “The Original Award-Winning Straw Filter,” LifeStraw.com [↑]