Last Minute Anniversary Gift Ideas for Boyfriend (Under $25)

You’ve been dating your boyfriend for a whole year! That’s definitely a milestone worth celebrating. But how? Do something big that you’ve always wanted to do together. Take a trip or learn about or try something new to keep the vibe fresh. Honor the past year by making a memory book, photo album, or get a customized book of the newspaper from the day you officially became an item.

What are the best anniversary gifts for boyfriend?

First of all, boyfriends don’t want to get the heart shaped keychain featuring a photo from your last vacation.Okay, yours might. But generally speaking boyfriends prefer gifts that are less showy of emotion and more deep or useful. So, when you’re thinking about what to get your boyfriend for your anniversary think about something that already means something to him. For example: plan a bike ride that stops at some of your favorite breweries and parks and get him a bike accessory that will give you both more reasons to ride together.

What are some unique anniversary gifts for boyfriend?

Go beyond the standard framed photo. Print a favorite photo of you together on a canvas, cooking apron or shoot even a beach towel! Make it something special for your boyfriend to use and look at to remember how unique you and your relationship are. Is your boyfriend a big reader? Give him a leather bound version of his favorite book! Give him something uniquely personalized like a bottle opener featuring a handle made of a map centered on the location where you met. Yup, that’s a thing and we’ve got it! We’ve got loads of unique gifts for your boyfriend whether it’s your first or 14th anniversary.

How do you choose 5 year anniversary gifts for boyfriend?

5 years have passed since you started dating...this is something seriously strong and steady. In those five years there have surely been ups and downs, but it’s how you power through that makes your bond one that will last for the long haul. That also means you know how to celebrate each other, your milestones, and your little moments to keep that fire burning. For your fifth anniversary gift for boyfriend take a cooking class or learn how to do something else totally out of your normal realm of conversation. Whether you enjoy it or not, you’ll enjoy talking about it for years to come! Or upgrade something you love doing together at home, like get a new camera or a new set of kitchen knives. Whatever it is, it should be something you’ll use a lot together making new memories.

Should you buy anniversary baskets for him?

This is tricky territory but the short answer is yes! Don’t get him a pink, frilly spa basket unless he’s into his bubble baths. But there are loads of man friendly baskets these days. You can scoop up anything from caviar kits to beer buckets to fishing supplies. Whatever gift basket you choose, it should be something meant for you to share together to make a new memory. Don’t send your boyfriend off to do his own thing for your anniversary. After all its your anniversary too! Save those gifts for his birthday or another holiday that lets you celebrate him for the one-of-a-kind guy he is. Your anniversary is all about you two being together, so make sure your gift emphasizes that whether it’s a basket or anything else.

Expert Tips

The Boyfriend Question: Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him

Finding a great present for your boyfriend can mean striking the right balance of romantic, fun, and not-too-serious. It may not be a wedding anniversary, but you still want to mark the occasion in a meaningful way. Here are some things to consider when pondering the best anniversary gift ideas for him.

Dig into his past

We're not suggesting snooping! Just a little nostalgia trip. Maybe you'll find his very first CD on vinyl for him or a an homage to toys he used to love to play with as a kid (aw...he was a kid once!). Whatever the specifics, celebrating his childhood is always a good move.

Take a trip

Whether it's a 3-day island getaway or one night in a hotel in the town next to yours, getting away for an evening to celebrate is a perfect anniversary gift idea for him that always inspires romance and memorable moments.

Fix it

Does he have a dull kitchen knife or a car with AC that never works? Fix those problems! Taking care of life's to-do list and making his days smoother is always a wonderful way to show love.

Dress him up

Every man should have? a go-to tie, a sharp blazer, an everyday belt that goes with all outfits. Think about what his closet lacks and invest in an essential piece that fits his style. It's a thoughtful and practical anniversary gift idea for him.

Plan an experience

Maybe he's always wanted to fly a helicopter or learn to trapeze. Book a day for the two of you to try a new activity together - adventures are big bonding experiences, and he'll appreciate the effort.

Recreate a memory

Return to the scene of your first date and walk through each step of the evening, or simply revisit an amazing night from your past together. Celebrating the beautiful moments you've had will highlight why you're still together. Here's to more amazing anniversaries.

Personalize it

Give him something a little bit personal. Well, not exactly, just personalize something he can put on his wall, in his space, or even take with him wherever he goes! Add your initials separated by a heart, spell out your names, a special date, or a certain meaningful location…whatever customization is available and feels right, go for it! He’ll love that you had it made just for him.

Photo finish

Give something truly unique to you as a couple…a photo of you two together! Or, a photo of you for him to keep close when you’re not around. Whichever you choose you’ll find an endless assortment of ways to print it. Turn it into pop art, print it on a pillow, frame it, or engrave it!

Cuddle up

Give him something he can cuddle with while you’re with him and when you’re not. A cool throw blanket (wool striped blankets are all the rage right now) that’s just his style or a throw pillow, bath robe, cozy pajamas are good places to start.

Spruce up his space

He’s a dude, so he probably needs a little help making his space a little sweeter. Help him upgrade his space with a cool piece of art, candle holder, or designer décor. Just make sure that you match his current style. You don’t live there, yet! If you do…then still honor his tastes for your anniversary. Save that lamp you’ve been dying for another day.

Color him happy

What’s his favorite color? Get him a bunch of stuff that’s color coordinated to match his hue du jour. From a sweater to a bookmark to a keychain to a beer koozie, pick an eclectic collection and put it all in a matching colored storage bin or box for a fun presentation.

Model behavior

Is he obsessed with race cars or motorcycles or designer furniture or famous buildings? Whatever he’s obsessed with (that he’ll most likely never be able to purchase, or at least not for a while) get him a scale model version. 57 Chevy, Eames chair, Empire State Building, the Millennium Falcon, Neuschwanstein Castle, and just about anything else you can think of comes in model, or LEGO, form. Treat him to his (mini) dream!

Fire it up

Keep things hot. Literally! Give him something that will fire him up like grill gear, a fire pit or anywhere fireplace, hot sauce of the month club or even a ghost pepper eating game. If he’s into hot stuff and you want to spice up your relationship, then this is a fun and unexpected way to go. You get the idea. Light his fire.

Get sporty

Is he a gym buff or loves playing on the local league sports team? Do you like going with him and cheering him on or playing along with him? Get him something to show you love his sporty side!

Satisfy his stomach

Let’s face it, guys are easily persuaded via their stomachs. If you want to lock down this dude for the long haul, give him something delicious! It can be a gift basket, a tasty local treat, a special dinner (hello Omakase!), or something lovingly homemade. Treat his tummy and he’ll stay happy.

Get busy (not like THAT!)

Snatch up a cool DIY kit and do a project together! Make sure it’s something that you think he might be interested in and include a date to complete it together in your card. Design your own terrarium, make beer bread, craft your own candles, age your own whiskey or find another kit that suits your relationship. You’ll both never forget the adventure even if the results aren’t spectacular.

Build his library

Books may be old fashioned to some, but a finely curated collection is something everyone should have at home. Think about his interests, hobbies, or style and get him a coffee table book, novel, or both, for him to peruse at home when he needs a break from screen time. Get yourself a copy of the novel, too, and read it together!

Get Playful

We are lucky to live in a time when there are so many fun games to play, and new ones coming on the scene faster than we can count! Get one, two, or more, games for you two to play together to keep things simple and fun. Games help you spend more quality time together at home without being bored. Be sure to choose games that he will be able to win occasionally! i.e. if he’s not into sports, don’t get a sports trivia game!

Coordinate

You’ve been together long enough to know that he’s got a silly side and loves his PDA. So, get him a gift that you can have, too. We’re talking about matching shirts, matching keychains, matching anything at all that you can use apart, but that gets maximum entertainment value when you’re together.

Stake your claim

He’s yours and you want to make sure he knows it, too! Of course he does, silly. But you can still have fun by getting him a hilarious gift that says, “property of …”, “Sorry, ladies, I’m taken.” or something similar so that he knows that you’re ready to be exclusively dating just him because he’s the one that stole your heart.