The Blokey Gift Guide: Birthday Edition

Buying gifts for the men in your life can feel like a mission that never ends. Whether you’re shopping for your partner, your dad, your brother, a mate from work or even your grandad, you’ll know that men are notoriously tricky to buy for. Ask them what they want and you’ll often get a shrug, a mumbled “nothing really,” or, if you’re lucky, something vague like “socks.” That’s not much help when you want to surprise them with a birthday gift that actually feels thoughtful.

This is where the Blokey Gift Guide comes in. We’ve rounded up all the best ideas for funny, practical and downright brilliant presents for men, so you don’t have to stress. Whether you’re searching Google for “what to buy a man for his birthday,” “gifts for him that aren’t boring,” or “unique gifts for blokes,” you’re in the right place. Our guide covers everything from laugh-out-loud mugs and novelty T-shirts to milestone presents for the big birthdays. We’ve also included small gift ideas, useful gadgets, and even alternatives to flowers, because let’s be honest, flowers don’t really cut it when it comes to birthday surprises for men.

So if you’ve ever felt stuck scrolling online shops at midnight wondering what on earth to get, relax. This guide is designed to help you find a gift that makes him laugh, fits his personality, and leaves you looking like the most thoughtful gift-giver around.

What to Buy a Bloke for His Birthday

Instead of falling back on socks or vouchers, think about gifts that are personal, useful, and bring a bit of banter. The Blokey favourites?

Funny mugs – A classic that works for every bloke, from the office joker to the dad-joke master. Our “World’s Best Farter” mug is a customer favourite.
Novelty T-shirts – Whether he’s into gaming, BBQing, or just sarcasm, we’ve got designs that’ll nail his personality. Vintage birthday T-shirts like “Vintage 1984 – Aged to Perfection” are perfect for milestone years.
Hobby-based gifts – Fishing mugs, football tees, or personalised BBQ aprons. If he’s the king of the grill, our “License to Grill” apron is spot on.
Experience gifts – Brewery tours, gig tickets, or something adventurous like indoor skydiving.

The perfect birthday gift is less about cost and more about showing him you know what makes him tick.

What Gifts Do Men Actually Like?

Blokes like gifts that feel personal, practical, and funny. That’s the sweet spot.

Everyday essentials with personality – Wallets, watches, or keyrings with a cheeky twist. Check out our novelty bottle openers, which double as conversation starters.
Food and drink – Craft beer boxes, hot sauce samplers, or a personalised pint glass. We stock cheeky beer mugs that make cracking gifts for lager lovers.
Tech gadgets with a twist – A smart speaker, or even a doughnut-shaped coffee warmer.
Humour – Funny T-shirts and mugs are perennial winners. A “Sarcasm Loading” mug, for instance, is both practical and hilarious.

If it makes him laugh and he’ll use it, you’ve nailed it.

What Do Men Like Receiving as Gifts?

Even the most laid-back bloke loves a gift that shows thought. Men especially like gifts that are:

Personalised – Engraved glasses, custom caricature T-shirts, or mugs with inside jokes. Our personalised photo mugs are great for mates.
Useful – From a gym water bottle to a BBQ apron he’ll actually wear. Try our “King of the Grill” apron for the BBQ enthusiast.
Fun – Remote-control fart machines, novelty puzzles, or quirky gadgets.

Blokey’s top tip: mix practicality with humour.

What to Get a 40-Year-Old Man for His Birthday

Turning 40 is a milestone, so aim for a gift that’s memorable with just enough cheek.

Personalised whiskey glasses – Elegant yet fun.
Funny milestone T-shirts – “Made in 1984 – All Original Parts” is a hit.
Experience days – Racing cars, wine tasting, or weekend getaways.
Stylish wallets or watches – Practical but classy.
Novelty mugs – Our “Vintage 1984” mug is a favourite for milestone birthdays.

What to Get Men Instead of Flowers for Their Birthday

Flowers? Not for most blokes. Try these alternatives:

Beer bouquets – A box of craft beers beats roses any day.
Snack hampers – Meat, cheese, or hot sauces.
Funny mugs and tees – Always practical and guaranteed laughs. Our funny mugs for men are particularly popular.
Low-maintenance plants – Cacti in funny planters.
Experience vouchers – Comedy nights, gigs, or football matches.

What Do Men Want for Birthday Gifts?

At the heart of it, men want three things:

Practicality – Things they’ll actually use.
Fun – Gifts that make them laugh.
Connection – Something that shows you know them.

Whether it’s a mug, a funny T-shirt, or an unforgettable experience, Blokey has you covered.

What is the 5 Gift Rule for Men?

Use this rule for a balanced gift set:

Something he wants – Gadget, game, or gag gift.
Something he needs – A wallet or tools.
Something to wear – A funny or stylish T-shirt. Our range of slogan tees are brilliant for this.
Something to read – A book or comedy calendar.
Something to experience – From skydiving to gig tickets.

What Small Gifts Do Men Love?

Little things go a long way. Top picks:

Funny keyrings
Novelty socks
Cheeky mugs like “Instant Human: Just Add Coffee”
Personalised bottle openers
Craft beer tasters
Mini tech gadgets

Perfect for mates or colleagues.

What to Gift a Manly Man

For the rugged, outdoorsy types:

BBQ aprons and gear – Our novelty BBQ aprons are bestsellers, check out our manly apron for manly men!.
Multi-tools and camping kit – Practical and tough.
Fitness gear – From dumbbells to protein packs.
Novelty gifts – Funny wall signs or gag gadgets.
Beer mugs – Our oversized pint mugs are perfect for lads’ nights.

Even the toughest blokes like a good laugh.

What Do Men Think When You Buy Them a Gift?

They might shrug it off, but deep down they feel:

Appreciated
Understood
Valued

Especially when the gift reflects their humour or hobbies. A personalised gag gift often becomes a talking point for years.

What Are the Useful Gifts for Men?

Practicality always wins points. Top useful picks:

Multi-tools
Portable chargers
Smart home gadgets
Grooming kits
High-quality mugs
Stylish wallets
Funny sweatshirts – Warm, comfy, and always a conversation starter.

Practical doesn’t have to be boring. Add humour, and it’s spot on.

What to Gift a Male Friend on a Birthday

For mates, think simple but fun:

Funny T-shirts
Novelty mugs
Board or drinking games
Gig or cinema vouchers
Shared experience days
Funny greeting cards – Our range of cheeky birthday cards adds the perfect finishing touch.

It’s all about fun and connection without going overboard.

Bonus Section: Birthday Gifts for Every Personality

To make life easier, here’s a cheat sheet from Blokey:

The Office Joker – “World’s Okayest Employee” mug, prank box, or a fart machine.
The Foodie – BBQ apron, spice rub kit, or a novelty pizza cutter.
The Gamer – Funny gaming T-shirt, LED desk lamp, or snack stash.
The Dad-Joke King – “Dad Joke Champion” mug and matching T-shirt.
The Sports Fan – Team mug, personalised water bottle, or football trivia game.

Budget Birthday Gifts Under £20

If you’re on a budget, don’t panic. Cheap doesn’t have to mean boring. Some of the best Blokey gifts cost under £20 and still pack a punch.

Funny mugs with cheeky slogans
Novelty socks with quirky designs
Keyrings with banter quotes
Small desk toys or puzzles
Funny greeting cards with an extra twist
Affordable T-shirts with hilarious prints

Budget-friendly gifts are ideal for mates, colleagues, or when you want a little something extra alongside a bigger present.

DIY and Personalised Birthday Gifts

If you want to go the extra mile, personalised gifts make a huge impact. They show thought and effort without needing a huge budget.

Custom photo mugs with an inside joke or memory
Personalised aprons for BBQ kings
Engraved pint glasses or bottle openers
A DIY hamper filled with his favourite snacks, beers, and a funny card
A homemade “voucher book” of favours or activities

These gifts are particularly good for partners or close mates, because they mix humour with sentiment.

Last-Minute Birthday Gifts for Men

Forgot to buy a gift until the last minute? Don’t worry, Blokey has your back.

Funny digital gift cards he can spend straight away
Printable funny birthday cards to give instantly
Experience vouchers delivered to your inbox within minutes
Next-day delivery mugs or T-shirts from our store

Last-minute doesn’t have to look rushed if you pick something with personality.

The Blokey Bottom Line

The best birthday gifts for men combine humour, practicality, and personality. Whether it’s a funny mug, a novelty T-shirt, or an unforgettable experience, the Blokey gift guide proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to give something brilliant. Aim for gifts that make him laugh, feel seen, and actually use and you’ll smash it every time.