The best gifts are the things you’d never buy for yourself but would still love to own—those niceties that are beyond either our budgets or at least our levels of self-indulgence. Men are no different from women in this respect. There are lots of things they want and even need but they won’t buy for themselves (or even tell you about). So the next time you want to surprise your man for a birthday (or a Friday!), pick one of these guaranteed guy-pleasers. Even though they may not make sense to you, guys tell us they’ll delight him.
Socks. What were you expecting we’d have on this list, a Lamborghini? Good, quality socks are something all men require (and desire) but don’t want to pay for. In fact, guys think socks should be free. So buy him some cashmere-blend dress styles or a few pair of incredibly high-tech athletic socks. Makes a great “no-reason” gift.
Utility fridge. Whether he uses it to store beer, venison, or the fish he catches, guys love an icebox they can put in the garage or basement and call their own. Don’t ask why, it’s just so. But this is a win-win. You don’t want his fishing worms next to your hummus. If you’ve been looking to upgrade, order a new side-by-side and have the delivery guys relocate the old one. Attach a big red bow. Or search sites like craigslist.org for cheap buys.
Anything grill. Cooking meat over fire appeals to something prehistoric in men. But even though your caveman may claim he’s content with his Smokey Joe, you can bet he’s yearning for the new, super-deluxe BlastFurnace 3000. Buy him one if you can afford it. If not, then some mesquite chips, a nice pair of tongs, or even a few fillets will do. Anything associated with the grill thrills. Bonus: He’ll do more cooking!
Extralarge tool chest. We’re talking about those big red ones on wheels they sell at Sears—the Craftsman multidrawer models with ball bearings. It doesn’t matter if your man doesn’t own enough tools to fill one or if he even knows how to fix anything; this is a status symbol for guys—sort of like owning a 4x4 that never leaves pavement.
A pro ball. Pick your guy’s favorite sport and buy him the best pro-model baseball, football, basketball, or other piece of equipment that’s central to it. It doesn’t matter if he plays anymore, he’ll relish just sitting on the couch with it in his hands while watching the game. It’s a way to help him hold on to his dreams—literally.
“Get Out of Jail Free” card. Borrow one of these from the kids’ Monopoly set. (You can also buy a pack of extra cards for under $5 at hasbro.com or on eBay.) Give it to him in an elaborate envelope and tell him the next time he screws up something small, you’ll forgive him—no questions asked. Be sure to explain that you don’t mean this literally—you’re not planning to post bail.
Underwear: See “Socks,” above.
Comments from Members
My husband was so bad about putting so much beer in the fridge that I didn't have room for any food. So last Father's Day, I bought him his very own small refrigerator for about $130.00. I put it in our den beside his recliner & only his beer or whatever is allowed in it leaving my fridge free for some food. That has been the best investment I have ever made. He loved it and all of his friends are envious of him.Dianne - Catawba, NC
True True True!My husband hates to buy socks/underwear--and loves it when a new set mysteriously "appears" in his sock drawer. We've had a refrigerator in our garage that is just "his" for years...it's held everything from onions for the garden, worms, soda, beer and hummingbird food. No questions asked...it's his fridge!
Couldn't agree more about the socks! Thank you for the "new" gift idea!
I LOVE the idea of the Get Out of Jail Free card. I know my husband will appreciate the humor of it and it just might relieve the tension next time he "screws up".
Thanks, I never know what to get and this was a big help. I know he's always wanting socks and underwear even though he has plenty. Thats an easy gift for the kids and me too in a pinch. I know he's been wanting a new grill and refuses to buy one, I think I'll start saving for that one. Happy Birthday sweety! ;-) He'd like that!
Love the get out of jail card. I gave one to my husband when we were married. 14 years later, he still hasn't used it.Turns out my dad has had one in his wallet for 50 years.
Loved the list, pretty spot on, socks and undies I don't know, sounds like a mom thing(my man is a little on the picky side). Everything else I know my man would love. :)
My husband loves when I buy him socks. I didn't think about the fridge though. I know he will love it out in the garage where all his man toys are. Grilling is one of his greatest pleasures. He has made different rubs and Bar b cue sauces and has challenged the neighborhood to a Bar b cue cook off later this month. Thanks for the great tips. Barb, Maine
My husband loves his tools. He would love a big new toolbox loaded with tools. Thanks for the ideals.
MY HUSBAND HAS NO HOBBYS SO ALL HE GETS IS SOCKS AND UNDIES AS WELL AS CLOTHES WHAT ELSE COULD I GET HIM
My spouse is very difgferent from y'alls - he hates getting sox & boxers - I do all the grilling. He would like the mini-fridge for his sport drinks but we cannnot afford it. He would LOVE bicycling stuff like those tight clothes and gadgets for his bike,but again, they are expensive on our budget . We love to take day trips sound the Tampa Bay area and explore al l the museums,gardens, animal sanctuaries, state parks, etc.,etc.. He loves to bike the Pinallas trails ( so do I when it is not too hot). Leslie
My husband turned his mini fridge into a beer "kegerator" where he stores his home brewed beer and has a tap on top. He loves it, but a simpler idea of just having a man fridge is a great idea. My husband has so many hobbies, by the time I buy something for one of them, he is on to the next and my gift sits unused. LOL. He would hate to get underwear and socks, he is very picky. He likes trivia but actually took back a trivia game I bought him for our gaming system that we could've played as a family. He actually complains that I get him crappy gifts, despite the ones he uses all the time that I got him (satellite radio, a GPS system...etc.) I think he is just in some sort of competition.
My hubby also poo-poo's the socks and undies~! That is until he needs them......I think that men really secretly like them, but it seems so much cooler to get a TOY!! This is what my husband deems all of his hobbie like items. At christmas he likes TOYS and every other holiday......but when he only gets TOYS he then starts to grumble about needing clothing of any types. ;)
And, I would like to know what is wrong with a fanny pack, I am not married not yet, but when I date, and we go out I always have to carry his phone, keys, gum tabasco sauce etc. So a good present for my boyfriend will be a fannypack. But there is no way he will used it/ not men like. Well from now on I will carry a small purse, in which only a lipstic, can fit in it. All this gagets that they will not buy make an excelent present, Also a card from one of those places, that sell hunting equip, or Golf, or I dont know but I do also like the idea of new sexy inderwear, and T-Shirts. A nice sports Watch, there are some many things for the fathers, is all think what he likes and make him happy, Most men like his childrens, card. And when I was married I will gave a card to my daughter help her write it but in her own words, and then always put the date- and how old she was in the envelope and find a nice box that you can cover with a nice paper or newspaper and start collecting them, So when she gets old he will have all this cards, and he can reminecence. It is amazing how the daddys, loves theyre little girls, and how some mothers that have a boy will be so close also.
The utility fridge is so true! We actually have a fridge/freezer combo (typical style - freezer on top, fridge on bottom) AND a deep freezer in the garage. Those things are packed! The fridge usually holds beverages and extra veggies and is a great place for the leftover casserole dish.
My husband likes and never gets tired of gettin the "newer (ex. 2009) / updated" T-shirts with his favorite sports team. He is a Detroit Red Wings fan so hopefully I will be able to get him the 2009 Stanley Cup Winners T-Shirt, provided they win the series tonight !!! 
I totally enjoyed this article & the comments. Thanks everyone. But...... come on ladies......what about all those other ''little'' gift ideas?? You know, those ''naughty''ones. Can't we even ''hint'' at those?? Ummm? Ideas??That 'get out of jail'' card could be an.... anything card. Or......a big roll of clear plastic wrap[saran] makes a super ''gift'' wrap.
I actually had fun giving him socks...his favorite ones, buy using them as the wrapping for some smaller items (hunting kinfe, tools, gift card and yes, even a movie)...now, every Christmas he looks forward to his socks. Gives a whole new meaning to stocking stuffer!
My husband is out of town on business alot. So, I gave him a book of coupons to redeem at his leisure when he is home. It has things from a simpe back rub to more intimate things. He absolutely loved it. The great thing on a tight budget it didn't cost anything just time to create. I also do simple things like write a letter to him and hide it in his wallet. He finds it while he is gone and calls to let me know that it made his day.
I never know what to get for my husband. He's only really into computers, and I don't know much about that. He probably would like a mini fridge. Thanks for the ideas.
This is so true, my husband always waits for Christmas to come around when his mom buys him new socks and underwear. My husband really needs a huge tool chest and again ain't that the truth, he just clutters it all in the basement!Amie-Mercer/Pennsylvania
Great ideas! I'm always wondering what to get for little gifts here and there, not only for my husband, but father as well. Thanks for the tips!!!
My boyfriends socks were horribly holey I finally broke down and bought him 24 pairs and threw out ALL of his old ones
I do buy my husband the socks and undies for my xmas and now it has turned into a joke in our house so everyone the house gets at lease a pair of socks for xmas. My husband is into music so we have bought him 2 Ipods (one smaller and one larger) and the now he loves to get itunes gift cards and accessories for the ipod.
Great ideas. I a definitely going to look into the tool chest for fathers day. He mentioned one a few years back, but I completely forgot. Thanks!
