Suppose you’re trying to give the man in your life a gift, whether it’s your first time showing your appreciation to him or you want to properly celebrate a more special occasion. In that case, it’s important to understand how gift-giving has evolved. The traditional method of updating his socks and wallet doesn’t show the level of care that a lot of men want, so what kind of gifts do they appreciate?

Experiential

More than ever, men are valuing experiences over material possessions. While a tangible gift is always appreciated, an unforgettable experience often holds more significant meaning. Instead of another item to add to his collection, consider gifting him an adventure, a learning opportunity, or a way to relax. A whiskey or craft beer tasting, tickets to see his favorite sports team, a driving experience in a luxury car, or even a weekend getaway can create memories that last far beyond any physical object. There are plenty of experiential gifts that create long-lasting memories, which is often the measure of a great gift.

Aspirational

Most men have an idea of the type of person they want to become, and choosing a gift that aligns with that vision can help show your confidence in him and his chosen path. This can be as simple as helping his personal style match the way he wants the world to see him, such as getting him gifts to up his grooming. High-quality accessories like men’s silver jewellery go further than style alone, as they’re also signifiers of class and sophistication. Getting him gifts that match his aspirational self not only helps him feel more confident but it shows that you see him as the man he wants to be.

Meaningful

There is a specific emotional weight that can come with the more personalised gifts on the market. These gifts show thoughtfulness, effort, and a personal connection that mass-produced items simply can’t replicate. A monogrammed leather journal, an engraved watch, or a framed map of a place that holds special significance can turn an ordinary item into something uniquely his. For the man who is more sentimental about his memories and connections, you can also consider fully unique items like custom artwork or a photo book of memories, as well.

Useful

Everyone loves a gift that makes their life a little easier. However, the specific type of usefulness matters a lot. Few people are going to get excited about their big gift being a toaster to replace their old one. Instead, you should consider something that he’s likely to use but less likely to get himself. A high-quality set of noise-canceling headphones, a beautifully designed personalized pen, or a premium coffee subscription can make everyday life more enjoyable while still feeling like a luxury. It tangibly improves his quality of life.

The specific types of gift your man will love largely depend on the man. However, the tips above can help ensure that you’re heading in a more thoughtful direction that keeps up with the way modern men view their lives.