40 best gifts for husbands to surprise him in 2023
Browse our list of the best gifts for husbands, including thoughtful, unique presents and experiences he'll love
The best gifts for husbands should be personal, thoughtful and unique, appealing to their interests and showing how much you care.
Whether he’s a gadget obsessive, a bookworm or the self-described chef of the house, we’ve chosen all the best gifts to make your husband feel special, whether you're shopping for a Father’s Day present, his birthday or just as a surprise gift. We also crowdsourced responses from husbands in the UK for this guide, asking men directly what they would actually like to receive as a gift, so you can ensure you’re getting a genuinely useful present that they will appreciate for years to come.
From experience-based gifts to tech presents and practical ideas that will make his life easier, you’re sure to find gifts for men that he’ll enjoy and appreciate on this list.
Where to shop for the best gifts for husbands in the UK
- Amazon: Find tech gifts, gadgets, books and much more
- Boots: One-stop shop for men’s skincare, fragrances and gift sets
- Currys: Shop gadgets, kitchen accessories and tech
- Fortnum & Mason: Luxury hampers for men available
- Harrods: Designer items from fashion to food and wine
- H&M: Browse high-quality men’s fashion pieces
- Harvey Nichols: Wide range of designer brands available to shop
- John Lewis: Shop gift sets, homeware and kitchen pieces
- Menkind: Unique gifts galore that he won’t have thought of
- Not on the High Street: Quirky gifts from small businesses
- The Perfume Shop: The place to shop well-loved fragrances for men
Our pick of the best gifts to buy for your husband in 2023
1. Taste by Stanley Tucci
RRP: £9.99
Stanley Tucci, renowned actor, cocktail extraordinaire and passionate cook, dives into all his favourite recipes in this memoir-meets-cookbook. Blending warmth, humour and charisma, Tucci traverses his life through food in Taste, one of the best cookbooks and a delightful gift for the husband who loves Italian food and cooking or wants to broaden his horizons. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy lots of yummy dishes as a result of this thoughtful present, too.
2. Brewdog Punk IPA Beer Making Kit
RRP: £45
There are several different home-brewing kits to choose from at BrewDog, so if your husband has a favourite IPA, he’ll be able to make his own pints with this DIY gift. Including everything you need to make up to seven pints, this kit is super affordable, so why not pair it with a brewery tour for an even more special gift and to help inspire his brand new hobby?
3. Hugo Boss Bottled Pacific Eau de Toilette
RRP: £56
If he’s attached to the former iterations of this bestselling men's cologne, why not gift him this new Hugo Boss scent? Bottled Pacific features top notes of lemon essence, heart notes of coconut and cypress and base notes of cashmere and sandalwood, while still being encased in the distinctive Boss bottle.
4. Brewery Tour Experience Gift
RRP: from £16
Beer lovers will love visiting breweries, tasting unique drinks and even playing beer pong with one of these gift vouchers from Virgin Experience Days. Every husband we spoke to said they’d love to receive an experience-based gift this year, and even better if it’s an experience you can share together.
5. Tommy Hilfiger Owen Watch
RRP: £152
A wristwatch might be a classic gift, but the likelihood is he’ll have received watches in the past which didn’t take long to succumb to scratches or frustratingly break. It’s worth investing in a high-quality, less expensive option when buying a watch for your husband, so this Tommy Hilfiger stainless steel watch is a perfect gift.
6. Dickies 875 Straight Fit Work Chino Trousers
RRP: £65
Originally producing military uniforms and durable workwear, Dickies’ popularity isn’t going anywhere. Comfortable, long-lasting and stylish, Dickies trousers are also available in long leg sizes, so they’re great for tall men.
7. Desk Planets
RRP: £32.99
If he works from home, or else spends a lot of time thinking and dreaming up ideas in his office, these desk planets are a sweet accessory for his desk. Made from gemstones, the planets are reminiscent of marbles, but with a unique twist - though if you have a cat who often walks across his desk, you might want to keep these out of their way.
8. Nintendo Switch Lite Handheld Console
RRP: £199.99
If he already has a classic Nintendo Switch or his gaming habits better suit an on-the-go console, the Switch Lite is a travel-friendly version, which is perfect for handheld play rather than plugging into the TV. Available in five different colours, including a bright yellow or turquoise, the lightweight console can be taken anywhere, so it’s ideal if he’s always travelling.
9. Ralph Lauren Oxford Shirt
RRP: £135
This Oxford Shirt is offered in five different colours, so it’ll suit him whatever his style; sitting somewhere in the middle of a classic and slim fit, the shirt can be worn casually with jeans or cargo trousers, or smartened up with a blazer.
10. Holga 135BC 35mm Black & Silver Camera
RRP: £60
Film cameras are a great way to achieve a vintage, cinematic look even with everyday photos. If he’s a budding photographer or has expressed interest in documenting more with pictures, the Holga is easy-to-use, with a double exposure mode to produce even more interesting images. Once the expense of the camera purchase is out of the way, photography is a fairly cheap hobby for your husband to try his hand at.
11. Tasting Menu Gift Experience
RRP: from £39.99
Foodie husbands will no doubt appreciate a gift that combines a unique experience with a chance to taste a variety of different foods. Buyagift offers a range of experience vouchers for use all over the country, ranging from five-course meals at fancy hotels to tasting menus for two.
12. KitchenAid Mixer Tilt-Head 3.3L
RRP: £489.30
The best Kitchenaid mixer is a must-have for anyone who claims to be a pro in the kitchen. The brand is known for unmatched design, with its easy-to-use mixers looking great on any surface; we love this satisfying magenta colour for a gift, but there are lots of other shades available.
13. Hugo Boss Square Cufflinks
RRP: £39
Available in silver, silver and blue or black, these sleek cufflinks are made from zinc and enamel, making them long-lasting additions to a smart outfit that he’ll be able to wear for years to come. With a plain face that’s not too large, they’re also a subtle accessory that make for a personal but crowd-pleasing gift, plus they look much more expensive than they are.
14. Frank Green Ceramic Reusable Bottle 1L
RRP: £34.99
Most of us don’t drink as much water as we’re supposed to, so a stylish and durable reusable water bottle is the perfect practical gift. Plus, if he wants to keep hot drinks hot in this bottle, its insulated interior means that it doubles up as a reusable coffee mug. Several colourways are available; choose a different shade for the lid and the bottle, or keep it uniform.
15. Ted Baker Latima Jersey Joggers
RRP: £85
He likely has a worn-in pair of tracksuit bottoms that he dons at every opportunity, so why not replace them with a brand new pair? A high-quality, supremely comfortable pair of joggers is something he might not think to buy himself, making it a great gift. This pair is made from organic cotton, with ribbed ankles for extra comfort and support, and they can be matched with an accompanying hoodie.
16. Luxury Black Marble Bookends
RRP: £57
If you’re looking for a gift for bookworms, treat him to a set of luxurious-looking bookends. These marble wedges look sophisticated no matter how sporadic his literary collection is, and their understated look means they’ll suit any interior space.
17. Tile Mate Bluetooth Item Finder
RRP: £19.99
When it comes to practical gifts, this one is so useful you’ll find yourself stealing it for your own use: the Tile Mate attaches to your keys or bag and can be located via Bluetooth on the accompanying app. Plus, if you lose your phone, you can double-click on the device and your device will ring, even if it’s on silent.
18. School of Life Know Yourself Cards
RRP: £14
One of the best long distance relationship gifts, these cards from the School of Life feature prompts which can be asked to each other in order to further connection. Find out more about each other and have hours of deep conversation, with the cards also offering advice and words of wisdom.
19. Peloton Bike
RRP: £1,345
Many of us would like to exercise a bit more, but with unreliable weather, hours spent working and commuting or other responsibilities, it can be hard to find the time to get outside. Peloton bikes can be installed and used anywhere, so if your husband is debating cycling vs running and has expressed an interest in exercising at home, start off his journey with the ‘bike basics’ package, where he’ll be able to choose from hundreds of instructors to guide him.
20. 186 Piece Tool Kit
RRP: £120
He might have a few different tools floating around the house, but it’s always satisfying to own a full set. With 186 pieces, there won’t be much he can’t fix or DIY using this kit, which also has a two-year warranty.
21. Bike Pump
RRP: £24.99
There’s nothing wrong with a practical gift that you know he’ll get a lot of use out of; if he’s a keen cyclist and is always finding himself in need of a pump, this affordable option is suited to every bike, including city and road options, as well as children’s bikes.
22. Mubi Subscription
RRP: Three months for £39.99
If your husband is a film buff, he’ll be able to browse and watch hundreds of arty, independent films on Mubi, curated by a passionate group of film fans. With a Mubi subscription, they’ll also get access to MUBI GO, which offers two free film tickets each week, to all the latest buzzy releases.
23. Bloom & Wild Peace Lily
RRP: £33
Peace lilies purify the air and supposedly create a calming, relaxing atmosphere that could even help you sleep better and assist with sleep hygiene. Plus, they’re fairly low maintenance houseplants, as they don’t need loads of light or watering every day, so they make a great gift. Plus, Bloom&Wild is one of the best flower delivery services in the UK, so they're a reliable brand to order from.
24. Gifts for Car Lovers
RRP: from £19
Several of the husbands we spoke to said they would love to be gifted with a driving-based experience: whether it’s driving an iconic car from the James Bond franchise or a high-speed sports car around a track (alongside a professional of course). If you have a strong enough stomach, you could join him for the experience, or cheer from the sidelines.
25. Make Your Own Hot Sauce
RRP: £14.44
Foodie husbands and lovers of all things spice will enjoy the challenge of making their own hot sauce from scratch, and this kit includes everything they'll need. With gloves, a small sieve, sealed bags. Six types of dried chillies, pipettes, a recipe book and more, all they’ll need are some jars or bottles to stock up the fridge with delicious spicy sauce.
26. Adapt to Peak Windbreaker
RRP: £64.99
If he’s expressed an interest in setting off on some walking holidays in the UK this year, alongside some of the best hiking boots, he’ll need a durable windbreaker for cold spells and rain. In sizes up to 2XL, this jacket features several secure pockets, and is just as stylish as it is comfortable.
27. Cameo Video
RRP: Various
If you’re looking for a truly unique gift, Cameo offers personalised videos from a variety of celebrities. Send over the recipient’s name and what message you would like them to say, and their favourite singer, actor, or public figure will record a video that will make your husband’s day.
28. Fitbit Versa 3
RRP: £117.50
Rated the best Fitbit by our health editor, the Versa 3 features an in-built GPS and notifications when it detects an irregular heart rhythm, as well as tracking workouts and steps. If he’s recently gotten into exercise or has taken up running 30 minutes a day, a Fitbit is a must.
29. Theragun TheraFace Pro
RRP: £375
You’ve likely heard of Theragun massagers, but the TherFace combines anti-aging features with the gentle and effective massaging technology that the brand is known for. With this gift, he’ll receive the impressive device, four attachments, a cleansing ring, three LED rings, a stand for the device, a soft carrying case and more.
30. Spotify Plaque
RRP: from £15.95
One of the best gifts for couples, this plaque is personalised with one or both of your names, or engraved with the title of his favourite song. The Spotify code of the track can also be engraved on the back of the plaque, which can be scanned to play the song from the app.
31. The White Company Belgravia Wine Glasses
RRP: £38
For the husbands who love hosting, this set of four wine glasses is a thoughtful gift that will make any dinner party feel more fancy. Made from crystal, the wide round bowl and dainty stems make these glasses look much more expensive than they are.
32. Waterman Expert Fountain Pen
RRP: £119.95
A high-quality fountain pen is a truly special gift for an avid writer; it ticks the boxes of being unexpected, thoughtful and practical all at once. If he’s particularly fussy about pens, you can choose the nib size, and also add a personal engraving and/or gift wrapping.
33. Tate Shop Gift Voucher
RRP: from £10
A framed art print is a thoughtful gift, but art can be so subjective that you might be worried about spending money on something he doesn’t really like. Never fear - you can purchase a gift voucher on the Tate Gallery Shop website, with a value of up to £250, and he’ll be able to choose something that really speaks to him for himself.
34. Pottery Class Voucher
RRP: from £29.99
A fun experience gift that can be enjoyed together, pottery is creative, unique and fairly easy to pick up. Some pottery experiences feature a boozy element, while many will offer follow-up classes where you can glaze and decorate your creations, ready to take home.
35. Belkin 10W Qi Wireless Charger Stand
RRP: £21.99
Another great gift for long-distance couples, this standing charger allows for handy wireless charging; the hands-free element also means they’ll be able to prop up their device for long phone calls or video chats.
36. Montreal Combi Brown Leather Travel Bag
RRP: £329
Treat him to one of the best weekend bags with this adjustable travel bag. This leather option with 100% cotton lining can be worn as a satchel, a backpack or a handheld bag, and features several pockets for storing important documents while travelling.
37. Lovo Drum Charcoal BBQ
RRP: £100
If he’s already planning elaborate barbeque menus for summer help him BBQ right with a brand new grill. Upgrade his BBQ option with this charcoal option, which opens up to reveal plenty of space for cooking.
38. Nova Rico Optimus Globe
RRP: £159.99
If he’s particularly proud of his home office and is always looking for more accessories with which to decorate it, a globe is a particularly fancy addition. This premium option is a conversation starter that he won’t be expecting but that will last for years to come.
39. Zero Waste Shaving Bag
RRP: £37.99
Making the switch from disposable razors to a reusable option is a simple way to incorporate sustainable choices into your everyday routine. Gift this zero waste shaving bag to your husband and he’ll get a bamboo razor, shaving brush, replacement blades, and a bar of cucumber and aloe shaving soap, which will soothe sensitive skin.
40. Casablanca Film Poster
RRP: from £90
King & McGraw offers various framed prints of classic films on its site, with many of them being limited edition, one-of-a-kind collectables. Choose from three different sizes for this Casablanca print, which arrives in a black, oak, grey or white frame.
What do husbands most want for their birthday?
We asked several of the husbands in our lives what they would genuinely like to receive as a gift, and while their answered varied, certain themes popped up more than once. "Experiences are proving more useful these days as gifts, as houses are full of too much stuff that's gathered over the years", one husband told us. "So I'd love something like an off-road experience, wildlife watching with an expert, pasta making, BBQ training, or an unusual night away, for example a shepherd’s hut trip or tickets to a gig".
Another husband we spoke to agreed, saying they would love to be gifted with "trips away - even if it's just an overnight or a day trip, getting a gift that forces me out of my routine is always good. And a trip is something we can enjoy together. I also like getting clothing items that take me outside my comfort zone, or that require a level of research or expertise that I don't have. Like a nice pair of boots, or a jacket or top in a cut I wouldn't normally go for".
Geninna Ariton, Marketing Specialist at Trendhim , suggests looking for unique accessories that compliment your husband's style, when looking for a great gift. "Wearing accessories is a way of expressing what makes you your own", he tells us, "and one way to do that is through the smaller things you wear. And as a husband, it's important that you get to still have your identity apart from being a spouse or a part of a unit". Whether it's a "watch that stays true to their personality", a pair of go-to cufflinks that he can reach for when dressing for special occasions, or a stylish ring, choosing something that feels like 'him' will always be appreciated.
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Hannah is the UK Shopping Writer for woman&home. As a shopping writer, Hannah has written on everything from period pants to wine subscriptions, and is especially interested in sustainable alternatives to well-known products, as well as books and homeware accessories.
Before she joined the team at woman&home Hannah headed up the social media accounts for Wonderland in 2019, where she was also a Contributing Editor for the magazine’s sister titles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hannah also explored evolving shopping trends at New York Magazine’s The Strategist UK, researching everything from face masks to status candles and even pens.
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