It’s almost Valentine’s Day, the couple’s holiday, and while it should be a day of lighthearted fun and romance, the lead up to the day itself can be every bit as stressful as Christmas, and for the same reason. You definitely don’t want to receive a great, thoughtful gift if the only thing you have to offer in return is a generic, ho-hum gift.
If you’re struggling to pick out a perfect gift for your man, you’re not alone. We’ve put together a list of some practical, quirky and entertaining gift ideas to help make your life a little easier.
For the Picky Coffee Drinker
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
If your man is a stickler for drinking coffee at a particular temperature, or if he just likes cool gadgets that can make his life a little bit more comfortable, the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2 is a great gift option. It features a sleek design and intuitive interface, as well as a sleep mode that automatically activates when your mug is empty.
Pros:
- Intuitive app design gives total temperature control
- LED light signals when beverage is at the perfect temperature
Cons:
- Not dishwasher-friendly
- Won’t warm up cold coffee
Around $99.95 at Amazon.com
For the Creative Man
LEUCHTTURM1917 Notebook
Forget Moleskin – those in the know opt for the LEUCHTTURM1917, a notebook with a pedigree every bit as illustrious as Moleskin’s, but with some enviable upgrades. These notebooks open perfectly flat, making it easy to write on both sides, and include two ribbons to mark your place. It’s available in dot, grid, square and plain options as well, so you can use it as a sketchpad, notebook or math aid.
Pros:
- Opens flat for easy writing
- Wide variety of color options
- Dot, grid, squared and plain options
Cons:
- The paper could be thicker
Around $21.95 at Amazon.com
For the Music Lover
Fluance RT81 Elite Vinyl Turntable
If you’re shopping for someone with a record collection and an appreciation for high fidelity sound, the Fluance RT81 turntable deserves your attention. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and produces some of the best sound possible at this price point. Even, it looks beautiful in any room thanks to its clean design and high-gloss walnut finish.
Pros:
- Incredible sound production for the price
- Beautiful design and walnut finish
Cons:
- Expensive
- No Bluetooth connectivity
Around $299.98 at Amazon.com
For the History Buff
Ian W. Toll’s Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific
If you’re dating an amateur historian, or a man with an interest in the Second World War, consider giving Ian W. Toll’s Pacific Crucible, a riveting account of the Pacific theater told from every possible perspective to offer a comprehensive picture of one of history’s greatest naval wars. It’s the first book in a trilogy, too, so if he likes it you can pick up the sequels as future gifts.
Pros:
- Vivid storytelling and memorable details
- The hardcover edition is a beautiful adornment to any library
Cons:
- He’ll almost certainly want books two and three as well
Around $17.84 at Amazon.com
For the Stylish Man
Fossil Nate Stainless Steel Quartz Chronograph
If you’re in the market to buy him a timepiece, consider the Fossil Nate model in black stainless steel. The gear-shaped bezel, gunmetal coloring and thick watch hands offer an aggressive, masculine aesthetic and easy-to-read interface, while the clever strap system gives him the ability to swap different bands in and out to suit his mood or style preferences.
Pros:
- Striking design
- Affordable pricing
- Interchangeable strap system
Cons:
- Large 50mm case won’t suit smaller wrists well
Around $81.77 at Amazon.com
For the Homebody
UGG Men’s Ascot Slipper
A cozy slipper is a great luxury, particularly for the man who works from home or who loves to lounge around the home on a Sunday, and UGG’s Ascot Slipper is at the pinnacle of luxury and comfort. The exterior is made from water-resistant suede leather, while the interior is lined with UGG’s own Uggpure wool lining, guaranteed to keep toes warm and toasty even on cold winter mornings.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable
- Durable construction
- Eight distinct color options and six size options, including for wide-footers
Cons:
- Expensive
- Too warm to be worn in hotter climates
From $69.99 at Amazon.com
How to Pick the Perfect Gift for a Man on Valentine’s Day
If you’re struggling to generate gift ideas for your boyfriend or husband, you’re not alone. Men themselves rarely know exactly what they need or want, which is one of the reasons they often struggle to give gifts themselves. Thankfully, you can generate some great ideas based on some simple considerations about your guy:
- Does he have any hobbies or special interests? Ask yourself what he does in his free time, or on weekends, and then work backward from there.
- Is there anything that could make his life easier or more comfortable? If he’s walking around with holes in socks or winter boots that are two years too old, then you’ve got great options at hand.
- What are his favorite movies, bands, television shows, sports teams, etc? Most guys have at least one particular allegiance, whether it’s to an art or a sport, and if you keep that in mind, you can find him a themed gift he might love.
How Much Should You Spend on a Valentine’s Day Gift for Him?
This one can be tricky, especially if your relationship is fairly new, but we recommend following a basic rule: if you’ve just started dating in the last six months, make your gift thoughtful, practical or funny, rather than overly romantic, and spend between $20 and $50. Trust us, a practical or thoughtful gift can show that you care just as effectively as a romantic one, and there’s no need to spend too much money at this early stage of the relationship.
On the other hand, if you’ve been dating for over a year, or multiple years, there will be a certain expectation that you spend a bit more money. After a year, $50 is a safe ballpark. It’s also at this point that your gifts can be more overtly romantic and should probably stay away from purely humorous gifts. Practical and thoughtful gifts, however, are still a great option.
Finally, if you’re married or have been dating for multiple years, all bets are off and you can up your V-Day budget accordingly.
