Valentine’s Day is coming up, and while some of us hard-hearted folks consider it a fluffy “Hallmark” holiday, the more romantically minded may be planning a lovely celebration of love. Usually, it’s on the gentlemen to treat the ladies on Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t mean women can’t step to the plate with a thoughtful gift for the man in their life. Here are a few out-of-the-box gift ideas for your husband, boyfriend, best guy friend, or your grown-up little man this Valentine’s Day.
Flip the switch on the traditional bouquet of flowers you might be expecting for yourself and gift your mister a house plant. One of the more malleable and bachelor-proof plants out there is the spider plant. It can thrive in a wide variety of conditions and easily works as a potted or hanging plant. Wax plants and snake plants are also good low-maintenance options. And depending on the nature of your relationship, if you want to use this gift as a message, consider a succulent. If you are none-too-pleased with him at the moment, the pricklier, the better.
Has the COVID-of-it-all left your loved one a bit unkempt? Then you may want to gift him some grooming items. Beard trimmers, beard combs, beard wax; if he insists on keeping the facial hair, give him the tools to maintain and keep it clean. If he’s a bit shaggy up top and just hasn’t gotten around to it, book him an appointment for a haircut. If he wants to keep his growth, then gift him some hair products such as hair paste or thickening cream to enhance his ‘do. Toiletries, in general, are always a good gift because little luxuries like artisanal soaps and creams are items that men typically don’t get for themselves.
Is your fellow a bit on the nerdy side? Geek gifts like Baby Yoda Chia Pet, a Mars Dust Globe, or LEGO sets could be right up his alley. If he’s a gamer, headphones or a docking station can be a gift for both of you by keeping the game noise down and organizing his cords and controllers. If he’s more into gadgets, then check out nifty little hand gizmos like a multitool pen gadget or pliers-wire-cutters-knife combo tool. Anything shiny with lots of sharp edges will do.
Of course, we all know a way to man’s heart is through his stomach, and nothing says I love you like smoked meat. Check out Man Crates’ heart-shaped box of beef jerky. If you want to turn up the heat this Valentine’s Day, throw in a make-your-own-hot-sauce kit or hot sauce variety package. Put the “man” back in romance with these blood-pumping delicacies.
For the man that prefers the finer things in life, specifically fine spirits, treat him to his own mini-whiskey barrel. He can use it to store and/or brew whiskey, scotch, rum, or wines. If he’s already a homebrewer, look for personalized growlers or upgrade his current setup with a kegerator draft beer dispenser.
Valentine’s Day can befuddle the best of us, but with these gift ideas, hopefully, you can avoid any present drama this year. And if Super Bowl Sunday usurps your ideal Valentine’s Day plans, instead of a gift for him, treat yourself and leave him to watch the game.
