Receiving anything, other than socks, is special.
Receiving something that someone spent time thinking about and choosing is very special. When they show that they know my likes, dislikes and interests, that makes me feel very special to them. And guilty that I just bought the usual perfume or jewellery for them.
Now as to ideas for your guy - sorry, not a clue.
All I can suggest is make a list of what he likes. Write down a couple of possibles against each like. Then pick the one he probably won't buy for himself between now and Christmas.
Another thing that works well is something that reminds him of a shared moment with you, or an in-joke between you. Something that he will keep. A bottle of Jim Beam, to commemorate the time you both got totally wasted is probably not going to be a great idea.
And remember: NO SOCKS!
i bought a friend rainbow toe socks one time, i know it wasn't a gift for someone i was dating but she loved them, cause she loved wacky socks and wore them alot. just saying as long as you're thinking of them when you get the gift they should like it
When I am deciding on Christmas gifts for my boyfriend of 4 years I generally suggest that I tag along when he's shopping for his parents or siblings. I know he will get draw in by something he sees and likes and he will go on and on about it. I end up having to remind him that he isn't shopping for himself. Later I can go back and pick up whatever it was he liked. It's worked for me. There are some things I know he wants or would like based on knowing him but this way is a sure thing. I also multi-gift. I set a spending limit buy something I know he'd want and some small and inexpensive thing that's sentimental but not overly mushy.