Gifts for a Boyfriend Who Has Everything: Ideas for Two

When your boyfriend has everything, give him something the two of you will use together, or a small, well-made thing with a private joke attached. He can buy himself gadgets and clothes. He cannot buy himself a game night with you or the coin that finally ends the argument about where to eat.

The test: will you both still be using it in a year? A gift that becomes part of your routine beats one that impresses for a day.

Something for the two of you

A decision coin. Yes on one side, no on the other. It settles "what do you want for dinner?" in two seconds and becomes a running joke. Heavy, gold-toned, and small enough to live in his pocket.

A magnetic travel chess set. For trains, holidays and slow Sunday mornings. If one of you is learning, it is a reason to play together. Chess rules for beginners.

A cribbage board. One of the best card games for two ever invented, on a folding wooden board that comes with you. How to play cribbage.

Mini playing cards. A full deck that fits in a jacket pocket for restaurant tables and airport gates. See card games for two for a dozen games to play.

For his pocket

A pocket compass in an antique bronze case. Put a note in the box: "so you always find your way back." Simple, and it lands.

For his desk

An infinity cube. Eight hinged metal blocks that fold endlessly and silently — something for his hands during long calls. How to use an infinity cube.

A chaos pendulum spinner. A metal desk toy that never moves the same way twice, which is half the fun of watching it.

A secret puzzle box. It looks like a solid wooden block until he finds the way in. Hide the next gift, or a note, inside. Puzzle boxes for adults.

Christmas gifts vs birthday gifts for your boyfriend

• Christmas: a game for two — chess or cribbage — so there is something to do over the holidays.
• Birthday: a pocket object with a note, such as the compass or the decision coin.
• Anniversary: the puzzle box with something hidden inside.

How to make it feel personal

The object matters less than the thought behind it. Tie it to something real: the game you played on your first trip, the restaurant argument you always have, the direction you are heading together. If you are shopping for more than one man this year, see gifts for men who have everything and gifts for a husband who has everything.

Frequently asked questions

What do you get a boyfriend who has everything?

Something you share, such as a travel chess set or a cribbage board, or a small object with a private meaning, such as a decision coin or a compass with a note.

What is a good Christmas gift for a boyfriend who has everything?

A game for two to play over the holidays: magnetic chess, cribbage, or a pocket deck of cards with a list of two-player games.

What is a unique gift for a boyfriend?

A secret puzzle box with a note or a second gift hidden inside is unusual, personal and stays on his desk afterwards.