5 Anniversary Gifts and Present Ideas for Him

Getting Him Something He’ll Truly Love

All men are different, but they tend to have a particular kind of attitude that recommends a particular kind of gift. There’s an old saying: a man has a will, a woman has a way. Well, where there’s a will there’s a way—but often men and women don’t give well owing to this inherent difference. The “way” of a woman involves style, the “will” of a man involves action.

So dads begin running around with sandals, socks, and sweatpants in public. Why? Well, they’re not concerned with “style” as much as they are “action”, and being comfortable allows you to be more active. Meanwhile, this has no “way” about it, and so ladies find themselves embarrassed by men constantly.

Certainly this is an over-simplification; men and women can’t be reduced to categories so simply. But in terms of broad overview, these are good ways to think about men and women as you go about buying gifts. Think about it: who’s more likely to be interested in a porcelain cottage made to look like a gingerbread house? Who will be more interested in a bandsaw?

There are always outliers. Sometimes Stephen loves porcelain and Jane loves construction equipment. In general, though, men will be interested in anniversary gifts or presents that represent some sort of functionality—except for very unique situations. Because we can’t read the minds of the men in your life, here we’ll give five ideas on gifts for him that he’ll love.

1. A New Battery-Powered Impact Drill or Driver

If he’s remotely handy, he’s got some sort of hand drill used for unscrewing things, screwing them in, and spinning little holes in wood either to pilot screws or for other purposes. An impact driver is used specifically for bolts and screws, and while the drill can do both, the driver is best for some things—a drill won’t do well pulling out bolts even if you find the fitting.

Now keep in mind, these tools will be around $100 per item, once you shop the deals; but they’re worth it because battery-powered tools can be used anywhere, whereas with a cord, you’re going to be tripping over it and incidentally cutting through it all the time. He’ll love power tools with rechargeable batteries. Still, there are pros and cons; read about them here.

2. Bookworm Gifts: Resource Volumes And His Favorite Novels

Books are action items, and tend to be a gift that men and women both like. Sometimes he likes fiction, sometimes he likes non-fiction. Sometimes he likes resources and reference materials. Think about what sort of books he’d like, and find them for him. This can be an expensive or affordable gift, depending on his tastes.

3. A Wallet He Can Use For Years To Come

Another great—and very affordable—idea is getting him a quality billfold from Real Mens Wallets. Men don’t carry purses. They stuff their pockets full to ridiculousness if they have to. Otherwise, they’ve got three primary things on them at all times: their wallet, keys, and phone. That’s it. Naturally, this results in wallets getting so full of junk, they fall apart in months.

That said, quality wallets can last for many years, and you can sometimes get deals where you’re able to pick up multiple wallets at a discount. So if he needs a new wallet, you may want to pick one up for him.

4. Beef Jerky – Lots of Beef Jerky

Some men are vegans or vegetarians, true. In that scenario, beef jerky is out—though there are faux-meat products he may still find he likes. However, your average man absolutely loves beef jerky. It’s a delicious meal in a bag that lasts forever and is appropriate in virtually any situation. But don’t just get him one $4 bag. Spend $100 on beef jerky, and buy in bulk.

That’s a gift! And he will absolutely love it. Though, he might eat it all up inside a month or so, so keep that in mind. Still, for a little snack in the night or afternoon, or for the man who travels regularly, lots of beef jerky is definitely to be desired.

5. A Pocket Projector For Fun

You can find projectors for between $50 and $100, depending on where you buy (these options are a bit more pricey).

Some of these will hook right up to your phone, allowing you to play movies and YouTube videos on a blank wall at night, turning a bit of sheetrock and paint into a theatrical screen. The more you pay, the better the projector; but you can find quality options cheap.

Gifts the Majority of Men Will Love

Pocket projectors, beef jerky, a new and strong wallet, books of a fiction or nonfiction variety, and new power tools designed to operate on batteries: these represent fine gifts for him at any time of the year.

Whether you’re buying for the holidays, your anniversary, his birthday, or just because, consider gifts like these as a template to help you find the perfect thing for the man in your life.