Original gifts for men: the best ideas when you REALLY want to surprise someone

Summary

Have you already given everything? Here are our truly original gift ideas to surprise a man, even if he's hard to spoil:

• Offbeat and stylish socks
• A 3D wooden puzzle , to assemble yourself
• A surprising plant , like a bonsai or a terrarium
• An illustrated or personalized poster
• An aperitif or cocktail kit to create
• An unusual activity to experience (classes, workshops, escape games, etc.)
• Bonus options for truly demanding profiles

Originality is not about price, but about intention. Focus on surprise, emotion, or discovery .

Giving a man a gift can be a real headache. You've already ticked off all the classics: the watch, the bottle of wine, the adventure book, the gift card? Then it's time to think outside the box.
This time, you are looking for gift ideas for men that will surprise , make you smile , or better yet... that he has never received before .

🧦 Socks with character (and style)

Yes, we know, men's socks are often the backup plan. But that was then.
At JOY!, we offer colorful , graphic and, above all , cheerful designs . Funky patterns, little embroidered messages, soft cotton to wear... in short, the kind of gifts that please and are noticed at the first crease of the pants.

💡 It's the perfect gift for a man with a discreet sense of humor, a design fan, or simply to add a stylish touch to his everyday life.

🧩 A 3D wooden puzzle (yes, for adults, and yes it's awesome)

Puzzles aren't just for kids or long winter evenings.
The 3D models offered on JOY! are fun, beautiful, and decorative . Once assembled, they become real designer objects: retro cars, locomotives, music boxes, or globes.

It is an ideal gift for:

• Sunday DIYers,
• Zen perfectionists,
• or those who enjoy manual challenges without a screen.

🌿 A plant…but a fun and unexpected version

Gift a plant? Why not. But forget the basic ficus or the ugly plastic pot.
We opt for a terrarium to assemble yourself , a bonsai to prune , or even a carnivorous plant for the playful spirits. The idea is to bring a touch of greenery that makes you smile .

Slip it into a DIY kit or pair it with a pretty handmade planter to make a statement.

✍️ An illustrated or personalized poster

A man with taste will always appreciate a beautiful visual object .
Minimalist poster, humorous poster, handcrafted illustration... Giving art is giving emotion. And if you add a personalized touch (first name, date, personal wink), it's a gift you'll keep for life.

At JOY!, we love small designers and objects that you can't find everywhere. A beautiful framed poster is sometimes worth much more than a high-tech gift.

🍸 An aperitif or cocktail kit for gourmets

Some men love to play the role of budding mixologist or connoisseur of homemade hummus.
Think about cocktail kits , craft beer boxes , or gift sets for making your own rum punch . This type of gift is useful , festive , and often… consumed very quickly (proof that it's popular!).

🔧 A manual or creative activity to experience

Are you dealing with a man who likes to learn, test, and tinker?
Give him a moment rather than an object.

Some examples:

• Introduction to ceramics
• Blacksmith or wood engraving workshop
• Beer brewing course
• Escape game or virtual reality

🧠 And for really (really) difficult men?

Here's our winning trio if you're completely stuck:

• A cultural subscription: graphic magazine, reading box or exclusive podcasts
• A monthly puzzle box: for those who like escape game-style challenges at home
• A completely WTF (but stylish) object : a levitating mug, a retro-gaming lamp, a soap shaped like a carnivorous plant... Make him laugh, you've already won.

FAQ

How to find a truly original gift idea for a man?

Think about his hobbies, things he'd never buy himself, or a nod to your relationship. There are also selections of gift ideas for men featuring surprising experiences if you prefer to give a moment to experience rather than an object.

What budget should you plan for an original gift that will please?

There's no rule. An original gift doesn't necessarily mean a big budget. A rare plant, a customizable poster, or a 3D puzzle can cost less than €30 and still be memorable. For an immersive experience or a workshop, expect to pay between €40 and €80.

An original gift necessarily means an unusual object?

Not at all. Originality can come from the format (activity, DIY kit, subscription, etc.), the tone (humor, personal touch), or simply the fact that you weren't expecting this gift. What matters is to break away from clichés while remaining relevant to the person you're giving it to.

Does a man prefer to receive an object or an experience?

It depends on the profile. Some men enjoy manipulating, building, and collecting, and prefer a beautiful object. Others prefer memories and will be touched by an activity they can experience. Experiences are often appreciated because they don't take up space, but well-chosen objects can also have a real impact.

Do you need to know a man's tastes to give him an original gift?

It's best to know a little about their interests to avoid making any mistakes. But a good, original gift can also be an opportunity to introduce them to something new, provided it's well-presented and carefully thought out.

How to make a classic gift more original?

By taking care with the presentation, by accompanying it with a personalized note, or by choosing a diverted or unexpected version. For example: socks yes, but with a bold pattern; a plant yes, but in a kit to compose yourself; a notebook yes, but illustrated by an independent artist.