Valentine’s Day is almost here, and that means last-minute gift buying stress. Yes, chocolates and flowers are always nice, but when you’re shopping for a guy in particular, those staples are less applicable.
Men tend to like functional gifts, so picking out something that is both romantic and appealing to them can be a bit of a struggle. There’s another wrinkle worth considering: you should tailor the gift to the length of your relationship. A couple that has been married for ten years should be giving each other very different gifts than a couple about to enjoy their first Valentine’s Day together.
To help make your decision a little easier, we compiled some of our favorite Valentine’s Day gifts for men, across a broad range of prices and purposes. Some of these items are practical, some are quirky, some are funny, and some are downright romantic, so you can be sure to find the perfect gift for your boo.
Best for the Man Who Likes Jewelry
Genuine Solid Sterling Silver Round Box Link
If you want a romantic gift option that your man can wear on the daily, the Genuine Solid Sterling Silver Round Box link is a great choice. Made in Italy from premium sterling silver, this chain’s simple, rugged aesthetic will suit most men perfectly, while the white gold shine has been specifically polished to withstand sun and sweat exposure, so you can be sure it’s built to last.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Solid construction
- Hypoallergenic
Cons:
- Some men prefer not to wear jewelry
- The length isn’t easy to adjust
Around $50.63 at Amazon.com
Best for Supplying His Caffeine Fix
Kuerig K-Duo Coffee Maker
If you want to err on the side of practicality, upgrade his daily coffee experience with the easy-to-use Kuerig K-Duo Coffee Maker. It takes the standard K-Cup pods, but thanks to the 12-cup glass carafe and bevy of options, you can brew a wide variety of sizes with ease. We’re big fans of the simple aesthetics and clever programmable auto-brew feature, which lets you time your device to start brewing your coffee right as you wake up.
Pros:
- Extremely practical and will see daily use
- Can brew multiple sizes of coffee
- Programmable auto-brew feature allows you to schedule your morning brew in advance
Cons:
- The water reservoir is hard to reach, located at the back of the device
- Limited pre-set options
Around $139.99 at Amazon.com
Best for the Bearded Man in Your Life
FULLLIGHT Tech Beard Kit for Men
If your man takes pride in his beard or mustache, he’ll love FULLLIGHT TECH’s Beard Kit for Men. This kit has everything a man needs to keep his facial hair clean, well groomed, and trimmed, straightened or shaped to his liking. It includes a comb, brush, scissors, beard balm, beard wash, and beard oil, so he’s protected whether he’s dealing with intense sun exposure during the warmer months or freezing temps during the winter months.
Pros:
- Great value
- Premium packaging
- Comes with a free e-book filled with grooming advice
Cons:
- Lacks an electronic trimmer
Around $22.91 at Amazon.com
For the Android Aficionado
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
If you want a great practical gift option and aren’t afraid to splash a bit more cash, consider picking up the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2. They’re direct competitors with the more expensive and more popular Apple AirPods, but the Galaxy Buds deserve consideration. They offer a great feature set thanks to their minimalist design, long battery life, and excellent sound quality, and considering they boast active noise canceling, they’re a great value, too.
Pros:
- Superior sound quality
- Ultra lightweight design
- Active noise cancellation
Cons:
- Not as convenient as Apple AirPods for iPhone users
- Expensive
Around $114.95 at Amazon.com
Best for the Binge Watcher
Roku Ultra Streaming Player
In the age of cord cutting, Roku stands out as a great jack-of-all-trades option, hosting Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, Paramount+ and literally thousands of other top-notch streaming services. The Roku Ultra is their most full-featured option, including the capacity to stream in full 4K with Dolby Atmos sound over either WiFi or Ethernet.
Pros:
- Private listening available through remote headphone jack
- Streams in 4K & via Bluetooth
- HDMI cable included
Cons:
- More expensive than some of its competitors
Around $69 at Amazon.com
Best for the Active Man
Champion Men’s Powerblend Fleece Joggers, Big C Logo
Available in eight colors and five sizes, the Champion Powerblend Fleece Joggers with the “Big C” logo adorning the pant leg are an activewear classic, and for good reason. They’re very cozy, easy to care for, and built to minimize the pilling that plagues so many other sweatpants. The 50% cotton, 50% polyester fabric is machine washable and warm enough to wear through the winter.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Extremely comfortable
- Classic silhouette
Cons:
- No zipper pocket
From $23.79 at Amazon.com
What to Consider When Picking a V-Day Gift
When it comes to Valentine’s Day shopping in particular, picking the right gift is about way more than the other person or how much you’re willing to spend. In fact, first and foremost it’s about your relationship. If you’ve been together for just a few short weeks before the day itself, you’ll want to opt for a less romantic gift, something that’s either funny or practical or demonstrates that you’re in tune with his hobbies or interests.
On the other hand, if you’ve been together for a long time already, or if you’re married, feel free to opt for something intimate, romantic, or couple-oriented.
Gift Ideas for Men on Valentine’s Day
Men are simultaneously easy to shop for and hard to shop for, which is why we’ve given a short list of the qualities of a great gift for a guy. Think along these lines and you’ll be sure to come up with something he loves:
- Practical. Does he need anything, or would his life benefit from having something?
- Hobbies. What does he do on weekends or holidays, or in his spare time?
- Technology. Men tend to love devices, gadgets, and other tech odds and ends, from video games to televisions to drones, so let your imagination run wild.
How Much Should You Spend on a Man’s Valentine’s Day Gift?
Obviously the first consideration should always be your personal budget, but it’s also worth considering other things, especially the length of your relationship. If you’ve only just started dating, feel free to spend under $20, and certainly no more than $50, but if you’ve been dating for over a year, $50 should be a good ballpark, and if you’re married or have been together for years, $50 should be a minimum.
