The 30 best birthday gifts for him in 2025

His life is one for the books, so tap Wonderbly to help you put it in print. Submit his name and birthday (down to the year), then they'll fill the pages with The Washington Post headlines from the past. He's bound to recognize a few of the biggest stories (like if his birthday coincides with the first moon landing), but others are sure to be a surprise.

Soothe his dry, overworked eyes with this heated massager, which has oscillating massagers to target 10 acupressure points. He can take things up a notch by playing a personal playlist or prerecorded sounds through the built-in speakers. 

Grilling has gone high tech. He can connect this Bluetooth-enabled thermometer to his iPhone or Android to keep an eye on whatever he's cooking on the grates and get a ding when it's done. Senior Deals Writer Carrie McCabe had her meat-loving hubby put it to the test, and his glowing review says it all: "I've used this probe twice now, and I've honestly never grilled better meat — it almost feels like cheating."

"I have quite a few long flights ahead of me, and this pocket-size Bluetooth transmitter will make it easy to watch movies on the seatback TV with my noise-canceling earbuds. That way I’ll be able to drown out loud talkers, crying babies and other inevitable plane noises and enjoy my in-flight entertainment in peace. I especially have my eye on the Pro since it lets two people — me and my travel buddy — pair headphones simultaneously."

—Amanda Garrity, Gifting Editor

Here's a Best Gift Ever Awards winner that'll help your golfer step up his style game. And, ya know, give him and his buddies a good laugh. That's right, these silly socks paint an all-too-relatable picture of his days on the green. 

The cheesier, the better — that's Dad's philosophy for jokes, pizza and well, life. And since his wisecracks are amateur at best, get him this interactive mug to help him step up his comedy game. Just scan the QR code each day to reveal a new corny, cringey one-liner — there's enough to last him a whole year! 

At this rate, his favorite hat is practically attached to his head. And while there's certainly a time and a place for it the chilly temps aren't exactly a match made for his warm-weather caps. This cashmere version, available in black, navy, grey and camel, will keep him nice and toasty in the coming months. It's a nice trade-off, wouldn't ya say?

His current bird feeder gets the job done, but does it capture high-res photos and videos of his feathered friends? Didn't think so. Snag the more advanced model with built-in AI so that he can identify the different species. Don't tell, but I'm planning on giving this to my dad for Christmas or his birthday — only time will tell. 

The Echo Show 8 does it all. Your brother can use it to play his favorite music, check out the weather forecast, browse news headlines, stream movies and so much more from the comfort of the couch or on his next flight

Pro golfers don't settle for dirty clubs, and neither should your guy. This retractable brush is small enough to store in his golf bag so he can clean his gear between shots. It also holds up to four ounces of water to help with the stickier (er, muddier) situations. 

Even when he's being one with nature, he still likes the comforts of home — namely, his morning coffee. Former Tech Deals Writer Patrick Hearn found space in his backpack for this three-in-one brewer when he traveled the world and gushed that it "made even the cheapest coffee grounds taste delicious." Brew a cup of joe in a minute flat, pack it away and get back on the road.

Bourbon and chocolate go together like you and your guy. Throw some pecans into the mix and you've got a Kentucky classic that's sure to satisfy his sweet tooth.

Wren is known for their high-quality waterproof bags, but their new-and-improved shoulder sling is better suited for everyday carrying (especially if he's on beer duty). He can store a six-pack in the insulated compartment, and stash his keys, wallet and bottle opener in the front mesh pocket.

Made with the outdoors in mind, this quick-dry towel is a must for hikers, campers and anyone who wants to be prepared for whatever comes their way. And when I say quick dry, I mean it: Nomadix claims that this towel holds four times its weight in water and dries four times faster than traditional terry cloth towels. Pick from 70+ eye-catching designs, including this one with a map of all the national parks and monuments.

See? Even the most practical gifts can have personality. Add his initials, name or a short message (up to ​eight characters at the ankle and 20 characters across the toes) to this set of five crew socks, available in black and gray.

I've given my boyfriend quite a few gifts over the years, but this do-it-all duffel remains one of my greatest successes. He's taken it with him to destination weddings, weeklong vacations and weekend getaways. Unzip it to reveal a hanging garment bag, which is roomy enough to hold a couple of dress suits. Managing Editor Scott Simone, who has owned (and loved) one for two years, says it can still "fit a week's worth of clothes" even with a suit inside.

Watches stand the test of time — see what I did there? Show the birthday boy that you love him big-time (sorry, I can't be stopped) with a new piece of arm candy. Although it's a classic, somewhat predictable gift, this matte black timepiece is sure to make a statement.

When it comes to ice cream, his greatest skill is making it disappear. The next time he finishes off a pint, he can whip up a custom and cool creation in this ice-cream maker. Broida put this TikTok favorite to the test and found that it's not just an ice-cream maker; it's also a great way to blend up frozen yogurt, slushies and other hot-weather treats.

A smoking gun isn't exactly a kitchen essential, but it's a simple way to amp up meats, vegetables, cocktails and other homemade creations. This battery-operated device produces cold smoke, making it versatile enough for most dishes and drinks. Wood chips are included, but reviewers point out that it's a good idea to stock up some extras since you burn through them rather quickly.

Rave reviews prove these top-rated nubuck leather and shearling slippers really are all they're cracked up to be. "I’m a longtime slipper snob. These are hands down the most comfortable and well-made slippers I’ve tried," one happy customer gushed. Another added: "Today my husband was flying out for business and I had to stop him at the door and remind him to change into business shoes!"

A cross between cornhole and golf, this lawn game will show him (and everyone else) how strong his swing really is. Kick things up a notch by challenging other partygoers to a round of golf — the person with the most holes-in-one wins.

Got an AFOL (adult fan of Lego) on your hands? Give him one of the brand's newest releases — it's a sure bet that he doesn't have it yet. The pots are the real star of the show here — they're interchangeable, so your builder can choose which face best suits the baby dracaena and pilea plants.

Is he the type who likes to know, like really know, how things work? Mike Warren had the same curiosity, which is why he used a high-pressure waterjet cutter to bisect an assortment of everyday items and documented his findings in this bestselling book. This book grants your giftee a closer look at vacuum cleaners, boxing gloves and other products from daily life.

A jar of cherries as a birthday gift? Hear me out: These anything-but-average Maraschinos elevate Manhattans, old fashioneds and other classic cocktails, so they're a killer idea if you're shopping for a guy who appreciates the finer drinks, er, things in life. They're the real deal — they have a deep red color and candied flavor, so they also shine on top of ice cream, yogurt and other sweet treats. 

Fresh white sneakers are a wardrobe staple, so dare I ask, how are his trusty kicks looking right about now? If they're past the point of no return, then these crowd-pleasing Cole Haans will be a welcome refresh. They have a bit more style than standard white sneaks, with a perforated upper and contrasting leather details. "Super comfortable right out of the box, and the quality holds up well over time. I’ve bought them in multiple colors because they’re that good," one stylish shopper wrote. Speaking of colors, you can also snag 'em in a number of non-white options, including navy, brown and black. 

Your handyman is typically more focused on the task at hand than the gear that helps him get the job done. So, help him tackle DIYs in style with this utility tote, complete with six exterior pockets and six loops inside to keep tools organized. Personalize it with his name or initials at no added cost. 

You Pika-choose him every single day. And vice versa. So, it's only fitting to give him a Pokemon card with two very familiar faces (ahem, his and yours). Send a clear photo of you two for accuracy, then fill in the blanks with your names, abilities and a short message to your guy. Spring for the holographic version for an extra $2.

What is it with men posing with fish? It's a mystery, but here's what I do know: It's one way to tell everyone they really know what they're doing out on the water (not that anyone's doubted it, of course). Take his best snap and turn it into a magazine cover, complete with headlines that capture the type of angler he is. Opt for the digital download and print it yourself, or get a poster shipped to your door (starting at $52). 

He likes his beer chilled, but that doesn't mean he wants to catch a chill while drinking it. Picking up what I'm putting down? Yep, these mini puffer jackets will keep his cold ones, well, cold while ensuring his hands are nice and toasty.