Gift shopping for a significant other can be a tough task, especially if you’re sticking to a budget. You want to get them something meaningful, but sometimes that high-quality gift can come with an equally high price tag. As a Strategist writer, I come across a lot of expensive products that don’t live up to what they promise to do. But for every dozen or so products that fall short in that regard, there’s a stellar item that is truly useful, makes for an excellent gift, and justifies the price. As someone who has tested almost all of the products below, I can vouch for them as being long-lasting and great gift ideas for boyfriends, like myself. Here are the expensive gifts that I think are worth the money.
Luxe coffee grinder
I’ve had this coffee grinder from Fellow on my wish list for years because I think it’s the best-looking and most cleanly designed grinder you can buy (our kitchen and dining writer picked it as the most stylish option in her guide to coffee grinders). It’s quiet, too.
Warmer-than-wool socks
These fuzzy socks from outdoor equipment brand William Ellery are made from a wool-possum-nylon blend that keeps feet toasty without overheating.
Clock that improves his bedtime routine
Strategist tech writer Jordan McMahon picked the Loftie as the best smart alarm clock because of its simple design that’s packed with features. “It combines a classic, understated LCD alarm clock lozenge-shaped design with a subtle light that can simulate a sunrise to ease you into the day,” he writes.
Warm gloves that do it all
I’ve had my Give’r 4-Season gloves for over six years, and I’ve used them every winter since for snow sports or just for when it’s cold outside. They’re available in a mitten version, too (it’s my top mitten recommendation). Give’r also offers the option to get custom initials branded on the wrists.
Sports streaming subscriptions he’ll actually use
One of the worst things about being a sports fan in the U.S. is not being able to watch your team play because of some network limitation. NBA League Pass gives him access to the 1,230 live and on-demand games throughout the season and games that are out of market, Youtube TV + NFL Sunday Ticket combo gives him access to every NFL game on Sunday, and Peacock is the best way to stream Premier League soccer matches.
Portable charge-anything power bank
Anker’s new portable power bank has enough juice to fast-charge four devices at once — including a laptop — plus, it has built-in cables, so he’ll never be caught short.
Powerful, muscle-kneading massage gun
I think the Hypervolt Pro 2 is the best massage gun you can buy because it’s much quieter than the competition and delivers a deep, powerful massage.
Weighted-blanket robe that he’ll never take off …
I’ve had my Homecoat for over four years, and it’s become my at-home uniform. It’s somehow even softer than it looks in photos and it has the heft of a weighted blanket. I don’t own anything cozier.
… And slippers he’ll wear 24/7
These wool slippers with a rubber outsole are consistently one of our most-recommended products on the Strategist, and they top our list of the best men’s slippers. Since wool is moisture wicking and naturally antimicrobial, they cut down on sweat and odor.
Superior Bluetooth speaker
If you want to get him a speaker that sounds leagues better than the one he currently owns, you can’t go wrong with the Move 2. McMahon says the Move 2 is the “best-sounding Bluetooth speaker” he uses on a regular basis. “The bass is loud and powerful, vocals sound crisp, and everything sounds clear even at full volume,” he writes.
Durable tote to carry anything
Designer Aaron Levine is a big fan of this tote, which he gets asked about every time he uses it. “It’s not a cheap canvas tote, but it’s not luxury priced. You can dress it up; you can dress it down,” he writes.
Nice rocks glasses for at-home cocktails
If he likes to host, he’ll appreciate this glassware upgrade that is “ideal for an old-fashioned, Sazerac, or a neat pour of your favorite spirit,” according to Steve Groom, general manager at Costera in New Orleans.
Leather boots that will last (more than) 1,000 miles
I think these are the best lace-up winter boots that money can buy. I’ve had my pair for over six years, and the worn leather looks better the more I wear it (with the help of some plumber’s wax as a waterproof treatment).
Wheeled cooler for keeping drinks ice-cold for days
Yeti coolers are built with polyurethane foam insulation and sealing gaskets that keeps ice cold for literal days, and I think they’re well worth the investment if he spends a good amount of time outdoors or traveling. This wheeled Tundra is a more mobile upgrade to the standard version.
Warm topcoat that goes with every outfit
A nice, thick topcoat like this one from Madewell is a solid gift because of its versatility — I wear mine with more formal black and brown shoes, but it’s also my go-to layer for a weekend spent in jeans and sneakers around town.
Handheld gaming device to rival any console or PC setup
McMahon picked the Steam Deck as the best OLED handheld console because of its ability to play PC games with ease (and with incredible graphics). “The interface is the most elegant and easy to navigate of any console I’ve tested,” he writes.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
