Many men are hard to buy gifts for, unless you resort to gift cards or fall back on tried-and-true gift categories for him (how many ties does he really need?). For a more thoughtful and unique gift, check out this list of gift ideas that includes gadgets and tech-related products which can be personalized or customized specifically for him. (Yes, many of these gifts also work for women, but we're easier to shop for. If you're having trouble, check out 7 tech gift ideas for women.)
1. Design Your Own Laptop Bag
Screengrab by Melanie Pinola
Besides offering essential laptop protection, a laptop bag designed and created especially for your gift recipient is a one-of-a-kind gift. Several laptop bag manufacturers offer you the ability to create a custom bag by choosing the laptop bag's fabric, colors, and other options. You can choose from backpack, shoulder bag, and messenger bag styles. A good idea for designing a laptop bag for someone else is to choose colors or patterns the recipient likes (look to his closet for clothing color, for example). Prices start at $55.
2. Custom iPad, Nook, or Kindle Case
M-Edge
Add a photo or artwork to the cover of your gift recipient's tablet or e-reader so he can be reminded of you every day. M-Edge offers an online wizard for easily designing a beautiful jacket for iPad, Kindle or Nook. Prices are $40-$50.
3. iPad with Apps Installed (or an Android Tablet)
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Another really thoughtful idea--if you have the budget--is to actually get your gift recipient an iPad and install apps on it that you know he'll enjoy. That extra step is a reflection of the extra time and care you took to get the perfect gift just for him. From $500.
Of course, you could also instead go the Android route and similarly install apps from the Android Market; there are several tablets that may be more fitting for your gift recipient, in terms of device size, features, and flexibility. See this roundup of 10 Android tablets for suggestions.
4. Customized Kindle (or Nook) with Books Pre-Installed
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An e-reader is a wonderful gift for frequent travelers and avid readers, and you can personalize this gift by adding books selected just for him. Both the Kindle and the Nook come highly regarded, so which one you choose (or whether you should go with a different e-reader) will depend on your gift recipient's book buying and reading tastes. Will he be more likely to buy from Amazon or Barnes & Noble? Would he want to read color magazines on the e-reader (if so, the Nook is the only one so far with a color screen)? For more considerations, see the eBook Reader Buying Guide from About Portable Electronics. From $120.
5. Digital Frame with Photos
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Another customizable gadget gift idea is a preloaded digital photo frame that he can keep on his desk. Some frames come with audio capabilities or even Wi-Fi connectivity and more. The gift would serve as a celebration of your relationship and could remind him of fond experiences and people he loves. Price varies.
