Finding gifts for men that are genuinely fun, memorable, and not destined for the back of a drawer can feel like a mission. By 2026, though, novelty gifting has levelled up. Today’s best novelty gifts blend humour with usefulness, personality with practicality, and just enough cheekiness to get a laugh without crossing the line.
Below, we’ve rounded up ten of the best novelty gift ideas for men in 2026. Each one earns its place by being entertaining, genuinely enjoyable to use, and perfect for birthdays, Christmas, Father’s Day, or those “I saw this and thought of you” moments.
1. Funny Mugs That Never Get Old
A great novelty mug is still one of the safest, and strongest, gift choices around. In 2026, mugs have gone far beyond basic slogans. Think bold typography, clever illustrations, and jokes that land every single morning when caffeine is most needed.
What makes a funny mug such a reliable winner is how often it gets used. Whether it lives on an office desk or next to the kettle at home, it becomes part of someone’s daily routine. Every brew is a reminder of the joke and the person who bought it. That’s why well-designed funny mugs remain a top-tier novelty gift rather than a throwaway gag.
If you’re looking for designs that balance cheeky humour with quality printing, you’ll find an endless supply online where the best funny mugs are designed to last long after the joke has landed.
2. Sarcastic T-Shirts He’ll Actually Wear
Novelty T-shirts used to be loud, cringey, and worn once for a laugh. In 2026, the best ones are wearable, understated, and smart enough to survive more than a single outing. The humour is sharper, the designs cleaner, and the fit actually decent.
A well-chosen novelty tee lets someone show off their personality without saying a word. Whether it’s dry sarcasm, self-deprecation, or observational humour, a good slogan tee becomes part of someone’s regular wardrobe rather than a novelty relegated to pyjama duty.
This kind of gift works particularly well because it’s visible. Every time he wears it, someone new gets the joke. That makes it feel like a gift that keeps on giving, especially if you’ve nailed his sense of humour.
3. Desk Gadgets That Make Work Bearable
Office life hasn’t magically become more exciting in 2026, which is why novelty desk gadgets are still thriving. The best ones don’t just sit there looking funny, they actually do something useful, too.
Think mini desktop games, quirky organisers, or stress-relief gadgets with a humorous twist. These gifts are perfect for men who spend long hours at a desk and appreciate small distractions that don’t derail productivity completely.
What makes desk novelties so appealing is their ability to spark conversation. A single funny item on a desk can break the ice with colleagues and instantly inject a bit of personality into an otherwise dull workspace.
4. Novelty Kitchen Gear for Wannabe Chefs
The kitchen has become prime territory for novelty gifts, especially for men who enjoy cooking, or at least pretending they do. In 2026, novelty kitchen items are less about gimmicks and more about humour layered onto genuinely useful tools.
From joke-laden chopping boards to humorous aprons and tongue-in-cheek measuring tools, these gifts work because they combine practicality with personality. They’re especially good for men who host BBQs, dinner parties, or just like being seen as the “chef” of the house.
The best part is that these gifts tend to stick around. Unlike many novelty items, kitchen gear earns its place by being used regularly, which keeps the joke alive long after the wrapping paper’s gone.
5. Drinkware That Goes Beyond the Pint Glass
While mugs dominate mornings, novelty drinkware has taken evenings by storm. In 2026, funny glasses, cheeky tumblers, and irreverent bar accessories are everywhere, and for good reason.
These gifts work brilliantly because they enhance social moments. Whether it’s a beer with mates, a quiet whisky at home, or a party drink, a novelty glass becomes part of the experience rather than just a container.
They also make excellent “safe” novelty gifts. You don’t need to know someone incredibly well to get them a funny glass, but if you do know their humour, you can absolutely nail it.
6. Cheeky Home Accessories
Novelty gifts don’t have to shout to be effective. Some of the best novelty home accessories in 2026 rely on subtle humour, designs that look normal at first glance but reveal a joke once you look closer.
Items like cushions, doormats, or wall prints with understated punchlines are perfect for men who enjoy humour but don’t want their house looking like a joke shop. These gifts add personality to a space without overwhelming it.
They also tend to age well. Because the humour isn’t overly loud or trend-dependent, these items often stay on display long after more obvious novelty gifts would have been retired.
7. Gadgets With a Sense of Humour
Tech gifts are usually serious business, but novelty tech has carved out its own space. In 2026, the best novelty gadgets aren’t pointless, they’re genuinely handy with a playful twist.
Think chargers, lights, or speakers that incorporate humour into their design without compromising function. These gifts appeal to men who love gadgets but don’t take themselves too seriously.
The reason these work so well is balance. They deliver real value while still feeling fun, which makes them far more likely to be used, and appreciated, long term.
8. Personalised Novelty Gifts That Feel Thoughtful
Personalisation continues to be huge in 2026, especially when paired with novelty. A joke that’s been customised with a name, date, or inside reference instantly feels more meaningful.
Whether it’s personalised drinkware, prints, or accessories, these gifts show effort without needing to be overly sentimental. They strike that perfect middle ground between funny and thoughtful.
For men who already “have everything,” personalised novelty gifts stand out because they feel unique. No one else has exactly the same thing, and that alone makes it memorable.
9. Small Stocking-Filler Novelties That Punch Above Their Weight
Not every gift needs to be big. Some of the best novelty gifts in 2026 are small, affordable items that still deliver a laugh. These are perfect as add-ons or standalone gifts when you don’t want to overdo it.
Keyrings, coasters, socks, and pocket-sized gadgets are all thriving in this space. When done well, they’re cheap without feeling cheap, something novelty gifting used to struggle with.
These gifts work particularly well because they’re low-risk. Even if the humour is a bit niche, the commitment is small, which makes them ideal for colleagues, acquaintances, or Secret Santa exchanges.
10. Novelty Gift Sets That Feel Curated
Rather than buying one item, curated novelty gift sets have become increasingly popular. In 2026, these bundles feel intentional rather than random, combining multiple small items around a single theme.
A mug paired with matching socks, or a desk gadget combined with a humorous notebook, feels more complete than a single novelty item on its own. It shows thought, effort, and a clear sense of humour.
These sets are especially good for milestone birthdays or occasions where you want the gift to feel more substantial without losing the novelty factor.
Why Novelty Gifts Still Win in 2026
Novelty gifts have stuck around because they do something many “serious” gifts don’t, they create a moment. A laugh, a smile, or an inside joke shared between giver and receiver gives a gift emotional weight.
That’s why so many shoppers still gravitate towards novelty gifts rather than generic options. If you’re looking for inspiration, ideas, or genuinely funny products, it’s worth exploring collections of novelty gifts for men that are designed with humour, quality, and real-world use in mind.
Final Thoughts
The best novelty gifts for men in 2026 aren’t about being loud or outrageous. They’re about understanding someone’s humour, choosing something they’ll actually use, and adding a bit of fun to everyday life.
Whether it’s a mug that makes mornings better, a T-shirt that sparks conversation, or a desk gadget that lightens the workday, novelty gifts remain one of the most enjoyable ways to give something memorable.
Leave a Reply