Men's Gift Basket Ideas

Gift Baskets for Men: 100 Ideas to Put In a DIY Gift Basket for Him

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Sure, you can buy a pre-packaged range of gift baskets for men, but that’s boring.

He deserves the very best for his special day, and you know it. Whether it’s for his birthday, Father’s Day, your anniversary, or as a holiday gift, only the best gift baskets will suffice.

Well, you can cleverly come up with your own customized gift basket for him so he’ll have the perfect present to enjoy!

Today, we’re going to give you 100 ideas of what to put in a gift basket for a man, plus ideas for alternative “baskets,”  filler ideas, and more.

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Gift Basket Ideas for Men

Here’s the game plan for this article:

We’re going to help you to choose a basket, then pick a theme, and then we’ll provide you with all sorts of items to put in the gift basket.

We’ve also curated all sorts of customized basket ideas so you end up with the just-right gift for him! Let’s get to it…

Step 1: Choose a Basket

The first thing you’ll need to create a customized gift basket for him is… a basket. Go figure!

Of course it doesn’t have to be a literal basket. Lots of people do gift boxes, a hamper, an old Tupperware thingy, you name it.

You can use all sorts of containers, including one that is part of the gift, or simply go with a cardboard box if he’s a no-frills type!

Here are some ideas:

  • Basket
  • Picnic basket
  • Cardboard box (pile everything into a cardboard box and wrap it)
  • DIY basket (cut the top off a cardboard box and decorate it or line it with something)
  • Six-pack container (perfect for a collection of six gifts)
  • Metal beverage tub
  • Wooden crate/whiskey barrel
  • Plastic tub
  • Decorative fabric bin
  • Wooden serving tray
  • Toolbox

Step 2: Choose a Theme

One of the things in favor of giving a gift basket is that you can give him all those little trinkets and accessories he’s been wanting. Typically this involves a hobby or interest.

Here are a few themes to get you thinking about the best mens gift basket ideas:

Hunting and fishing, sports, food, gaming, spirits and craft beers, woodworking, boating, racing, vintage/antiques, camping, etc.

You get the idea. You know him best, so it’s time to get cracking!

Next, we’ll talk about actual stuff to put into your giftable creation.

Step 3: What to Put in a Gift Basket for a Man

The cool thing about gift baskets is: Anything that fits into a basket is fair game!

Filler item ideas for him might include:

Clothes & Accessories

  • Socks
  • Ties/Bow ties
  • Belt
  • Suspenders
  • Cuff links
  • Watch
  • Jewelry
  • Aviator sunglasses
  • Smart watch / Fitness tracker
  • T-shirts — funny, personalized, favorite characters, etc.
  • Beanie/skull cap
  • Baseball hat

Guy Stuff

Tools

Collectibles

  • Plastic sleeves for cards, comics, photos, coins, stamps
  • Books/albums for cards, coins, or stamps
  • Display cubes for special items
  • Niche collecting magazine (and subscription)
  • Guidebooks / value guides
  • Figurines of his favorite characters 
  • Engraved name plates for special items
  • Mug, t-shirt, or sign that says “Not all who wander are lost. Some are looking for [old stamps, baseball cards, cool rocks, seashells, etc].”

More Fun Stuff

Creating a Customized Gift Basket for Him

Now it’s time to get a little more specific and thematic with how you curate his basket.

Customize the perfect gift basket for him with one of these personalized ideas or specialty themes.

We’ve put these into a few different categories to make it easy:

Manly Gift Baskets
​Food & Drink Gifts Baskets
Special Occassion Gift Baskets(think anniversaries, Valentine’s, gift baskets for boyfriends, etc.)
Pampering Gift Baskets
Personalized Gift Baskets

Manly Gift Baskets

For your manly-man and all of his various interests, here are some gift box/basket ideas for him to relish in.

Sports Gift Basket

This one is pretty cut and dry. Just pick his favorite team (or teams), and have at it.

From game time food gifts, to team merch, to craft beverages to help celebrate wins, any sports lover would love this men’s gift basket idea.

Here’s some ideas to get your brain clickin’.

Car Care Gift Basket

Does he love nothing more than spending a weekend afternoon polishing up his “baby” and making it look brand new? Well, this idea would make an ideal gift for your resident car geek, then.

If you’re looking for men’s gift basket ideas that are a bit more…well, manly, then a basket or man crate full of useful car care items would make a great option!  

Here’s some ideas of what to fill up his car care basket with:

  • Quality Car Vacuum
  • Leather Wipes or Conditioner
  • Microfibre Car Towels 
  • Deep Wax for that showroom shine 
  • Membership to his top carwash
  • Detail Goo (this stuff is a great idea for those hard-to-reach spots)
  • Air Fresheners
  • Scott Shop Towels (way better than regular paper towels)
  • Ceramic Tire Shine 
  • Trunk/ Rear Storage Organizer
  • High Quality Sunshade
  • Steering Wheel Cover
  • Car Wash Canon (this will save him $$$ and give him the level of clean he really wants)
  • Cordless Buffer (sure, doing it by hand is a great workout, but this is great if he doesn’t want sore arms the next day)

Tactical Gift Baskets

The hunter (of your heart), the fisherman (of your dreams), or the outdoorsman (of your fantasies)… What are you supposed to get them?

Don’t fret; even the most gruff ‘n’ tumble of men secretly love a good gift basket. Here’s what to consider putting in yours!

Note: A basket will be fine, but think about how much more he would love a manly, macho vessel. Something like a new YETI cooler, a toolbox, a fishing tackle box, or even a super cool 007-style briefcase instead!

Any of those will make the perfect container for the following:

  • Night vision goggles
  • A personalized pocket knife
  • LED flashlights (with batteries)
  • Military decals for his car
  • Wool socks
  • New boots
  • A compass
  • Waterproof watch
  • Good quality work gloves
  • A subscription to a magazine (Military or US History, or tailor to fit his hobbies)
  • Speaking of history, History by Mail is a really cool idea
  • An annual pass to the nearest state park
  • An annual pass to the nearest Military History Museum or Aviator Museum
  • Books on espionage or autobiography of his favorite soldier/historian/war hero

​Food & Drink Gift Baskets

Any one of these tasty mens gift basket ideas wouldn’t be amiss for your favorite fella. Watch his eyes light up and his mouth start to water.

Gourmet Gift Basket

You know that old saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?” Well, it’s been around for a while for a reason.

Delight his tastebuds with a selection of delicious gourmet snacks, and maybe even some desserts to satisfy his sweet tooth.

Think gourmet goodies like:

Beef Jerky Gift Basket

Unless he’s a vegetarian, your man probably loves himself some beef jerky. There’s just something manly about tearing into those dried meats with your pearly whites.

There’s no science to this one! Pick your basket and fill to the brim with all the best varieties you can find.

Don’t forget to get some off-the-wall types like hot and spicy, or jerky made from something more exotic than beef: alligator, bison, and antelope are tasty options. Try to add in some locally made ones, as well.

Mix in a few things that go well with jerky, too. This might be fruit, nuts, beer, or cheese. Or include some camping/hunting/outdoors themed trinkets like a travel mug, multi tool, pocket knife, hunting targets, ammunition, maybe a funny hunting t-shirt, and so on.

He’s going to love it!

Wine Gift Basket

Sometimes the best gifts come in bottles…

If he’s a wine connoisseur (or a wannabe wine connoisseur) cater to his love for the fruit of the vine with a great gift basket full of not just wine, but also tasty pairings, accessories, guides, and more!

The best part? You’ll probably get to share in many of these items, like:

  • Fancy Wine Chiller (this one from Vinglacé is so cool and so fancy)
  • Some Dried Cheeses and Salamis 
  • Set of Stemless Wine Glasses
  • Wine Rack
  • Aerator (this is pretty much a necessity for wine lovers)
  • World Atlas of Wine (this awesome reference book covers everything he could ever wish to know and more)
  • Vine Starts (Does he aspire to cultivate his own home vineyard? Then these are the perfect way to make his dream come true.)
  • Wine Tasting Experience (there are all sorts of wonderful wine experiences available at Giftory)
  • Gift Card to his favorite wine supply store
  • No Days Wasted (this ingenious, natural supplement helps the body process alcohol to prevent hangover)
  • Themed Wine Stoppers (think sports teams, hobbies, favorite materials, etc.)
  • Wine Cooler 
  • Wine Subscription (This one from The International Wine of the Month Club is well loved)

Whisky and Spirits Gift Baskets for Men

Consider using a small whisky barrel or crate for this custom gift “basket.” Fill it (or your more traditional gift boxes/basket) with his favorite spirits and all the accessories that go along with.

This might be specialty craft beers, a fine bottle of bourbon, or a rare Scotch he’s been pining for. If he’s into mixed drinks, include everything he needs to make his favorite cocktails.

You can also include things like savory snacks like nuts, jerky, or popcorn as filler items. Anything your special man likes to munch on is perfectly suitable. 

Here are some great alcohol gift basket ideas:

Special Occasion Gift Baskets

Perhaps you have an anniversary or special celebration lurking around the corner and you find yourself wondering, “What can I put in a gift basket for my boyfriend?”

Or husband, or best guy friend ( ’cause friendiversaries are a thing).

These gift basket ideas for men are full of sweet and thoughtful items that will make him feel so appreciated, special, and loved.

I Love You Gift Baskets for Him

Think romantic and swoon-worthy (men can swoon, too, can’t they?).

A sweet little basket full of sappy items would make a thoughtful gift for a special occasion.

Fill with:

  • A bottle of champagne or wine (or sparkling cider if he doesn’t drink alcohol)
  • A nice bottle of massage oil/lotion
  • Handwritten coupons for your services (these can be naughty or nice!)
  • Aphrodisiacs like dark chocolate, figs, strawberries, or spicy chili peppers
  • A personalized robe (think thick and lush like you would find in a spa)
  • Aftershave or cologne
  • A book of poetry
  • Portable Bluetooth speakers along with a curated playlist of “mood” music 
  • A DVD or Blu-ray of the first movie you ever watched together

Gift Basket for Boyfriend

He’s stuck with you when you’ve been less than perfect, he’s likely seen you sick and snively at least once, and he hasn’t been scared off by any mood swings you may or may not have had.

Your boyfriend definitely deserves a gift basket full of thoughtful gifts to celebrate your love and devotion to one another!

Here’s some ideas:

  • Coupon for a romantic dinner (either out or homemade by you!)
  • Cozy Sweatshirt
  • His favorite snacks
  • Sweet handmade card
  • One of these cute custom keychains
  • Books, movies, games (basically fun things to do together)
  • Coffee Mug + Beans (this one is perfect for someone you met online)
  • Couple Items (think matching bracelets, phone cases, rings, hats, etc.)
  • Personalized Items (like travel bags, a pocket knife, or bottle opener)

Homemade Gift Basket Ideas for Men

Nothing says I love you like something homemade!

These ideas to fill a homemade gift basket are sure to please, and some are easy enough for the kiddos to help with.

  • Cookie Basket. Fill with homemade varieties, all shapes and sizes. You could even make the basket itself out of cookie dough! (Hey, if they can do it on The Great British Baking Show…)
  • Photo Gift Basket. Scour your scrapbooks, albums, phone, that old digital camera, and every other place you’ve hoarded away your photographs. Print out the best and frame in simple frames from the dollar store or the thrift store.
  • Dinner Basket. A baguette, honey butter, pasta sauce, pasta, a bottle of his favorite beverage, and a chocolatey dessert. All he needs now is a plate and you to share it with. Or better yet, take him out on a picnic date!
  • Soap Basket. Know how to make soap? Whip up a manly batch with scents like pine, rosemary, coffee, allspice, scotch whiskey, and the like. 

Pampering Gift Baskets

Sure, these could slip into the category above, but we thought they deserved their own highlight!

Sometimes he just deserves to be pampered a bit, ya know?

He probably works/studies/plays hard enough for two or three guys combined, so a basket full of gifts catered toward helping him relax or treat his senses is definitely fitting.

5 Senses Gift Ideas for Him

Here’s a great theme for a gift basket: Give him a gift for each of the five senses!

You know what we mean. Select five different gifts to put in the basket where each represents one of the five senses: Touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing.

For example, your gift basket might include:

  • Touch: A puzzle box, like this Grecian Bottle Puzzle
  • Smell: Inside the puzzle box you might put a romantic note, scented with your perfume
  • Taste: Coffee, chocolate, wine, brownies — whatever he loves most!
  • Sight: Include romantic photos, a lovely coffee table book on an subject that he loves (baseball, cars, hunting, architecture), binoculars, a kaleidoscope
  • Hearing: A new pair of earbuds, concert tickets, or a keychain with custom Spotify playlist scan code

Here’s our complete list of 5 senses gift ideas for him.

Men’s Spa Gift Baskets

Men might not admit to loving pampering as much as women do, but we’re confident they’re just being shy about it.

Your hardworking man deserves to be taken care of! And he’s going to smell so much better after this basket, too. Win-win!

Fill your Spa Gift Basket with:

  • Handmade & Organic Soap
  • A plush robe
  • Flipflops
  • Lotions (with manly guy-scents)
  • Hair products (shampoo, conditioner, gels)
  • A new razor (trust us, he needs one)
  • Aftershave
  • Cologne
  • Nail clippers, file, and cuticle cream
  • Bubble bath
  • A face mask
  • A gift certificate to a salon or for a massage

Personalized Gift Baskets

This DIY gift basket is going to be personally tailored just for him. Here are some ideas to take the “personalization” to the next level by including an extra-special custom gift.

You can choose to pick just one custom item with his name engraved, or make that the theme of the entire basket!

Personalized Gift Basket Ideas

Check out more personalized gift ideas for him here!

And that concludes our list of 100 gift box ideas for him! Again, you know him best, and we’re sure he’ll love this super thoughtful gift idea no matter what you put in his basket.

Happy gifting!

Read Next: Homemade Gift Ideas for Boyfriend

Men's Gift Basket Ideas

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