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The rapidly approaching holiday brings with it a daunting task: choosing a Valentine’s Day present for a guy you are still getting to know.
Still don’t know if your dude prefers chocolates or gummies, salsa or guac, beach or mountain vacations, or if he’s on team Edward or Jacob? Heck, does he even like getting Valentine’s Day gifts?
To help you out, I’ve rounded up a list of super chill, fail-safe gifts for a relatively new boyfriend. These are gifts that look your brand-new lover seductively in the eye, and say “Hey, hunky new boyfriend, it’s totally not even a big deal, but I got you a Valentine’s Day present because I am smart and thoughtful and creative and super-cool girlfriend, and I kind of like you but it’s whatever.”
Best Overall
The Hygge Game – Cozy Conversation In Pleasant Company
There are other more romantic, couplesy versions of conversation card games, but I like The Hygge Game for a new S.O. because it’s not super lovey-dovey. It is, however, still a great way to get to know this fella, packed with cards of thought-provoking questions like “What is the longest line you have ever stood in, and what were you waiting for?” and “What two things would you grab if your house was on fire?”
Pros:
- 300 imaginative questions
- Solid for dinner parties and gatherings, too
Cons:
- Some of the questions could potentially stir up conflict—after all, how well do you even know this guy?
Starting at $20 at Amazon.com
Best for the Boyfriend Who Bikes Everywhere
Bike Repair Kit Tin
“Small but spunky” as one reviewer put it, this Kikkerland bike repair kit still somehow packs in everything a bicycling boyfriend in distress might need: a six-head allen set, patch repair ket, two metal tire levers, glue, a buffer and a bone tool.
Pros:
- Full set of tools
- Super cute packaging
- Fits in a saddlebag
Cons:
- No way to attach it to your bike
- There are definitely more comprehensive repair kits available—they’re just not as cute as this one.
Starting at $24.90 at Amazon.com
Best for the Outdoorsy Boyfriend
Log Cabin Incense Burner
This cute little cabin incense burner comes with 20 bricks of pinon incense, which will fill your bae’s home with the aroma of camping. It’s perfect for the work-from-home-desk-bound boyfriend who’s manly heart pines for the rugged wilderness.
Pros:
- Includes 20 bricks of natural-wood insence from a piñon tree
- Handmade in the U.S.
- Safe enclosed burner
Cons:
- Easily broken
Price: $14.25 at Amazon.com
Best for the Video Game-Loving Boyfriend
Weibler Chocolate Video Game Controller
Made from all milk chocolate, this video game controller reassures your new guy know the only games you’re interested in playing are the ones made of chocolate.
Pros:
- German milk chocolate
Cons:
- At 2.5 ounces, it’s on the small side.
Starting at $14.99 at Amazon.com
Best for the Beer Loving Boyfriend
Beverage Jacket Beer Can Cover
This adorable double-layer beer jacket will keep your boyfriend’s can of beer (or La Croix) nice and cold. The jacket comes in different colors, including plaid, camo grey and cider.
Pros:
- Double-layer thermal insulation
- Sleeve handles
- Fits 12-ounce cans and bottles
Cons:
- Zipper may break
Starting at $12.95 at Amazon.com
New Boyfriend Gift Giving Tips
Still stuck? Here are some tips for thoughtful boyfriend gift-giving:
Simple, practical and thoughtful trumps pricey.
Although you might assume fancy, flashy gifts would be more appreciated, research has shown that giftees are often more delighted with less expensive, practical and thoughtful presents. Of course, identifying “practical and thoughtful” presents is easier said than done—so that’s where the next two tips come in…
Plan in advance.
I get it: It’s hard not to leave gift-buying until the last minute. But if you plan in advance, you’ll never have to scramble to think of the perfect gift. In the weeks (ideally months) leading up to Valentine’s Day write down ideas as they come to you. Did your boyfriend look longingly at a leather jacket before putting it back? Does he talk about how it would be “super dope” to take an improv class, but he can’t justify the price? Did he mention losing his favorite sunglasses? Listen, and file this information away: your future gift-giving self will thank you.
Ask for help.
Gift-giving doesn’t have to be a lonely endeavor! Especially if you’re new to the relationship, you’re allowed to ask for help from your boyfriend’s family members and friends. For example, his mom will probably know his favorite flavor of cupcake and his sister can probably guess his favorite Spice Girl.
