What Are Some Gifts That Will Cheer Up Your Boyfriend?

Co-authored by Allen Wagner, MFT, MA and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: February 15, 2024 References

When you’re dating someone, it’s hard to see them feeling sad, especially if you can’t do anything to fix it. If your boyfriend has been feeling down lately, you might be thinking of picking him up something special. Since guys are sometimes a little hard to shop for, we’ve compiled a list of great gifts you could buy your boyfriend to cheer him up and make his day a little better.

1

Sweet love note

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Write down everything you love about your boyfriend. Put it in a cute envelope and have him open it up and read it for a little confidence boost. If you’re feeling fancy, add some stickers to the outside and really amp up the decoration.^{[1]
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- You can write your note on a plain piece of paper, or you can grab a cute card from the store instead.
- This is a great option for a long distance relationship. Everyone likes getting mail!
- Or, you can email it to him so it gets there instantly.

2

Delicious takeout

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Treat your boyfriend to his favorite meal. Pick something up and take it home to him so he can relax and enjoy his food in peace. Bonus points if you grab dessert, too!^{[2]
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- The meal doesn’t have to be anything super fancy—you could even grab him some fast food on your way home.
- If you can’t see your boyfriend in-person, consider ordering him some food through a delivery service and having it sent to his house instead.

3

Homemade baked good

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Spend some time in the kitchen whipping up something good. Pick a treat you know your boyfriend will like, like cookies, cake, or scones. Present them to him as a delicious way to improve his mood.^{[3]
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- If you aren’t a huge fan of baking, pick up some baked goods from a grocery store or bakery nearby.
- If your boyfriend isn’t a fan of sweet stuff, try making bread or croissants instead.

4

Cozy socks

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Everyone loves to feel comfortable. Pick out a pair of the fluffiest socks you can find, then give them to your boyfriend to snuggle up in. You could pair your gift with a soft blanket or pillow to make sure he’s really comfy.^{[4]
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- You could also buy him some fun socks with his favorite TV or video game character on them.

5

Coffee

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Venmo your boyfriend a few bucks to buy himself a coffee. This is a great way to buy him a gift if you guys are long distance or you can’t be in-person with him right now. Send $5 to $10 so he can buy whatever he wants on the way to work or school.^{[5]
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- Not everyone’s a fan of coffee, so let your boyfriend know he can buy tea or a pastry with the money instead.

6

Movie kit

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Put together some snacks and treats in a fun basket. Head over to your boyfriend’s house and throw on a movie, then dive into your popcorn and candy. With your movie kit, you’ll never run out of things to munch on!^{[6]
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- You could also grab a few soft drinks to throw in as well.
- If you’re in a long distance relationship, consider using Venmo to send your boyfriend some money for snacks, then watching a movie together over a streaming platform like Netflix or Hulu.

7

“Open When” letters

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Get ready to write all the things you love about your boyfriend. Label envelopes with things like, “Open when you’re sad,” “Open when you’re angry,” “Open when you feel sick.” Inside, put a note reminding him about how much you love him and anything you think might cheer him up.^{[7]
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- It’s up to you how many of these letters you write, but most people include at least 10 if not a few more.

8

Music playlist

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Give your boyfriend a gift he can listen to forever. Spend an hour putting songs that remind you of him on a Spotify or YouTube playlist, then send him the link. He can listen to them while he’s driving, doing homework, or just relaxing.^{[8]
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- You could also pick uplifting songs that might make him feel better! Try to stay away from sad, slow songs, since that could make him feel even more down.

9

New reading material

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A good book can be a great distraction. Head to a bookstore and pick up something that your boyfriend might like. If he’s not a huge reader, send him an audiobook instead.
- You could also pick up a comic book or a graphic novel if you think he might like that more.
- Or, send him an e-book that he can read on his phone or e-reader.

10

Fun video game

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If your boyfriend is a gamer, he’ll appreciate this one. Figure out which game he’s been wanting for a while, then either buy it in-person or online. Make sure you double check with him about what console he has and which version of the game he wants before you make your purchase!
- You can buy most video games online now through the consoles themselves. If you want it to be a surprise, though, you can head to a game store and get a physical copy.

11

Something hobby-related

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What does your boyfriend like to do in his free time? Get him something that he needs for his hobby that he’s been wanting for a while. It doesn’t have to be super expensive—just something he’ll appreciate.^{[9]
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- For example, if he’s into Dungeons and Dragons, you could buy him a new set of dice.
- If he’s into woodworking, grab him a new pair of work gloves or safety goggles.
- If your boyfriend is a skater, get him some new wheels for his deck.
- If he likes photography, see if he needs any new lens caps.
- Reader Poll: We asked 482 wikiHow readers, and 52% said that the best gifts are ones related to the recipient’s hobbies. [Take Poll] Choosing a gift related to your boyfriend's interests will show him you care!

12

Gag gift

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Make your boyfriend giggle with a ridiculous present. You could try a Chia pet of his favorite celeb, an impossible jigsaw puzzle, a book of activities to do while he poos, or a toilet night light. Head to an online retailer like Amazon or Etsy to find great gifts that will make him chuckle.^{[10]
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- You could also try a book of dad jokes, silly socks, a T-shirt or apron with a funny phrase, or printed toilet paper.

13

Self-care package

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Boys like to be pampered, too. Fill a basket with anything self-care related, like fun soap, lotion, a face mask, and cozy socks. Give it to your boyfriend and spend the afternoon pampering him with his new items.^{[11]
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- Not every dude will like this option, and that’s okay. If your boyfriend isn’t the pampering type, you might want to go with something else.

Join the Discussion...

I want to learn how to give my boyfriend birthday gifts he'll love

39

WikiGladeDancer117

My boyfriend is so hard to get gifts for! He's not materialistic and doesn't want a lot of things so I struggle to come up with gifts for him. An... Read More

Luis Congdon
Relationship Coach

To make your boyfriend feel special when he isn't into material things, get personal. Think of something that he would really enjoy and love that... Read More

1

John Keegan
Dating Coach

Here's an idea for a special outing that your boyfriend may appreciate for his birthday: a romantic picnic day. Bring him along with you on the p... Read More

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Question

How do you cheer up your boyfriend over text?

Allen Wagner, MFT, MA
Marriage & Family Therapist
Allen Wagner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, California. After working as a therapist at the Children’s Bureau and Penny Lane Centers, he opened his own practice in 2008. Allen works with both individuals and couples and has 20 years of experience as a therapist. Allen specializes in helping clients improve their relationships, assisting people in managing life transitions, improving communication in all environments, and identifying realistic and positive goals. Alongside his wife Talia Wagner, he authored the book "Married Roommates". He received an MA in Psychology from Pepperdine University and a BA in Film and Creative Writing from the University of Arizona.

Allen Wagner, MFT, MA

Marriage & Family Therapist

Expert Answer

A thoughtful message can be a sweet touch. For example, you might send him something that says, "Hey I just drove past that place we went on our first date and I was thinking of you. Love you!"

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Question

How do I spoil my boyfriend?

Allen Wagner, MFT, MA
Marriage & Family Therapist
Allen Wagner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, California. After working as a therapist at the Children’s Bureau and Penny Lane Centers, he opened his own practice in 2008. Allen works with both individuals and couples and has 20 years of experience as a therapist. Allen specializes in helping clients improve their relationships, assisting people in managing life transitions, improving communication in all environments, and identifying realistic and positive goals. Alongside his wife Talia Wagner, he authored the book "Married Roommates". He received an MA in Psychology from Pepperdine University and a BA in Film and Creative Writing from the University of Arizona.

Allen Wagner, MFT, MA

Marriage & Family Therapist

Expert Answer

Is there something he always likes to eat when he's feeling down? Grab that!

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Question

How can I pick a sweet gift that's personal?

Allen Wagner, MFT, MA
Marriage & Family Therapist
Allen Wagner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, California. After working as a therapist at the Children’s Bureau and Penny Lane Centers, he opened his own practice in 2008. Allen works with both individuals and couples and has 20 years of experience as a therapist. Allen specializes in helping clients improve their relationships, assisting people in managing life transitions, improving communication in all environments, and identifying realistic and positive goals. Alongside his wife Talia Wagner, he authored the book "Married Roommates". He received an MA in Psychology from Pepperdine University and a BA in Film and Creative Writing from the University of Arizona.

Allen Wagner, MFT, MA

Marriage & Family Therapist

Expert Answer

Find out what kinds of things were meaningful to them when they were young—when they had a big success, how was that celebrated? When they were down or upset, what made them feel better?

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