The Best Friend Gifts for Men

Buying a guy friend a gift may seem difficult as men never seem to want to tell you what they want. Women will also want to be sure not to give them anything that could be considered romantic because it could strain the friendship. Sticking to practical and fun gifts like video games, sporting equipment and toys for their cars will be appreciated and useful. It will still show some thought as you can still match their individual preferences to what may seem like generic gifts. You wouldn't give a swimmer a tennis racket or a golfer a new basketball.

Sport Gifts

Men love sports, or at least enough of them do that a sport-related gift is a good bet. Even if your friend isn't into traditional sports like football or basketball, he may enjoy running, walking or hiking. A nice pair of running shoes or hiking boots would be a great gift because proper shoes go a long way to reducing the chances of injury. They also tend to wear out quickly. You will need to ask your friend his shoe size or sneak a peak at a shoe when he's not looking. You can also buy him a nice pair of cross trainers if he's into a variety of sports. Cleats, basketball shoes, a new hoop, a golf club or a gift card to a sporting goods store are also ideas to consider, depending on his sport of choice. Be sure to keep a gift receipt if you get something other than a gift card, and do not take it personally if he would rather have a different brand of shoe or equipment.

Car Gifts

Is your friend obsessive about his car? Does he wash it more often than his hair? If so, a nice package of car cleaning supplies may be in order. Other good car gifts include a subscription to Car and Driver magazine or a work bench, if he has the room. A toolbox for car tools might be just what he needs if he's a DIY kind of guy without a lot of space. Some stores sell portable tool kits that would be a thoughtful gift for someone with a "classic" car that breaks down a lot. A car cover, Mag-Lite, cordless drill or screwdriver, or custom floor mats are other options.

Video Games

What man doesn't love video games? Probably the ones who are hooked on computer games. Figure out what system he has and snoop around for some titles of current games. Write a few down and then ask a salesman at a game store to help you pick out a new title in the genre he likes based on what you find. A man who likes first-person shooters probably won't appreciate a driving game, unless he's into both. Consider whether he prefers to play alone, online or with friends. Some games are only for one player while others are best played with two or more people. Of course, if you don't want to be roped into trying out the new game with him, stick to a single-player game.