13 gifts
The quickest way to choose a gift for a man is to look at what he does on a Saturday. In Townsville that could be the boat ramp, the gym, the shed, the barbecue or the football on TV. A gift that fits something he already does is the one he'll use.
Tools and the barbecue
Tools are a safe pick when you know the brand he uses. Cordless batteries usually only fit one brand, so check what's in his shed before buying a new drill or saw. If you can't check, buy a kit that comes with its own battery and charger.
For the barbecue, a meat thermometer or a heavy cover that can handle a summer storm both get used for years. A new barbecue is a bigger buy. Ask the store about assembly and whether a gas bottle is included, and measure the space on the patio before you go.
Grooming and clothes
Shirts and shoes are hard to get right without a size, so check the tag on something he wears a lot. Lightweight fabrics make more sense than heavy knits for most of the year here, and a long-sleeve shirt with sun protection suits anyone who works outdoors.
Trimmers and shaving kits are easier because there's nothing to fit. Ask the shop whether the trimmer is waterproof and how long the battery lasts on one charge. A good sunscreen and a wide-brim hat cost little and suit almost anyone who spends time outside.
Tech and gaming
Check what he already owns before you buy tech. A smartwatch has to work with his phone, and a game has to match his console. Some headphones only unlock their best features with one brand of phone, so ask the store if you're unsure.
Anything with a battery or a screen should come with a receipt you can find again. Keep it with the box, and ask the store how they handle warranty claims before you buy.
Vouchers and experiences
A voucher from a store he already likes is a fine gift, and it saves guessing at sizes or models. An experience is another way to go. A reef trip, a round of golf or a dinner at a place he's been talking about gives him a day out without adding to the shed.
If he fishes, our fishing gifts page goes into tackle and boat gear in more detail, including what to ask the tackle shop before you buy.
Gifts for him FAQs
What do you get a man who has everything?
An experience or a consumable. A reef trip, a round of golf, a good bottle or a voucher for his favourite restaurant gives him something new without adding to the shed.
What are good gifts for men under $50?
A meat thermometer, a fishing lure pack, a quality hat, a phone mount for the car or a grooming set. Our gifts under $50 page lists what Townsville stores have in that range.
What should I buy my husband for his birthday?
Build it around what he does most weekends. If he fishes, ask a tackle shop what's working locally. If he's in the shed, buy a tool that runs on the batteries he already has.
Are tools a good gift for a man?
Yes, if you check the brand first. Cordless tools share batteries within one brand, so a tool that matches his existing batteries is more useful than a better tool from another brand.