I think this is part of the problem though, its hard to know what to get specifically when anything would be good... do you know what I mean? I think OP was hoping for (or at least, I was hoping when I clicked here) for a very general consensus on what the 'short list' would be, as in the provided example of "chocolates and flowers" for women.

I was thinking Beer and beef jerky.

EDIT: There are some really awesome responses, and A LOT of 'blowjobs, obviously!!' comments. I get the humour, but at the same time want to comment on that. Someone accused me earlier of 'ignoring' the obvious answer to the question 'what do guys like for a little surprise?'. This was my response (if it seems a little cranky that attitude is in response to tone of the msg I recieved), and pretty much covers how I feel about the solution of 'blowjobs' as its presented here:

you ask guys what they would like, and then ignore it

Its not that at all. I said I understand that guys like blowjobs. It would be like if I thought a special little surprise was 1000$ cash. No one would ever give me that on a random Tuesday just because they were thinking of me because that's just not an appropriate request. I'm saying that I think that a blowjob is too 'big' a gift for this context. Its a funny answer and 95% of the people saying 'blowjobs' are only half serious (because yes, blowjobs are good, but no they don't expect constant surprise blowjobs). This doesn't mean that I'm totally above giving a 'surprise blowjob' here and there, or on a special occasion...but theres a problem with that being generally assumed that its the only thing that dudes want.

Just because you like blowjobs doesn't mean you deserve one, and just because you like blowjobs doesn't mean you don't like ANYTHING else, its clearly not the ONLY thing men are interested in. Wanting ideas BESIDES dropping to my knees like a good little cocksucker to show a dude he's great doesn't mean I'm ignoring anything.

I personally give guys a little more credit. I think they're people like anyone, with thoughts and ideas and things they like. I don't walk around looking at a dude assuming he has no interests or opinions past the tip of his dick, which is kind of the impression of men you're giving.