Shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts for men can be difficult. You want to get something thoughtful that they like or can, better yet, use, not just some cheesy, heart-shaped throwaway. Plus, if you’re anything like me, you want your gift-giving level to be recognized and for him to reciprocate at that same level.
Here’s a rundown of gift ideas for him that aim straight for the heart this Valentine’s Day.
First up, does your main squeeze enjoy cooking? Why not gift him a quality kitchen knife or knife set? Regardless of his chopping skills, any man who cooks could probably use a nice, new knife. For something really fancy, check out Kyoku’s Shogun Series knives, like the 8” Gyuto Chef Knife in Damascus steel. Or a set of their steak knives.
If your guy is more of a hunter than a cook, check out the classic hunting knives available from Buck Knives. Be sure to handle and wrap with extreme care, preferably keeping them in any casing they come in.
Traditionally, gifting knives have the symbolic meaning of demonstrating appreciation for the recipient. Write that down on the accompanying card.
On the flip side of knives but still recognizing his abilities as an at-home chef, consider gifting an indoor herb garden kit. The AeroGardent’s Harvest Elite Herb Garden can grow an abundance of greens in a compact device that includes a full-spectrum grow light for more immediate results. He’ll then have fresh herbs at the ready.
Or, if he’s more of a green thumb than an accomplished cook, check out Amazing Creation Vertical Garden Planter from Amazon. This plastic plant pot can display three plants per layer with five layers of height, creating an indoor garden to keep him busy well into spring.
If your fellow is new to the green scene but looking to take up a hobby this season while also expressing a life-long love, then check out Etsy’s array of basketball plant stands. Seller PlntrsCLub features a variety of sizes and basketball brands, from Wilson basketballs to those with a Nike “swoosh.” Basketball lovers will appreciate this novelty planter, which can hold houseplants, cacti, or fake plants to add a fun sense of charm to their space.
If plants are a no-go, you can still gift a piece of décor that acknowledges your guy’s love of sport. The Jetec Store on Amazon has basketball, football, baseball, and soccer plush pillows; get all four to gift as a cozy addition to his man cave.
Speaking of man caves, if your guy is a gamer, this Valentine’s Day, upgrade his “rig” with Cycon Couch Gaming Lapboard and Cozoo Gaming Headset from Amazon.
Or, if he’s just looking to Netflix and chill, gift him some comfort with a pair of Wabi Slippers for Men. Go for the standard gray or one of the bright patterned pairs with a removable insole and a rubber outsole for a warm and fuzzy house shoe. Make it a combo gift with one of Carhartt’s Loose Fit Heavyweight Sweatshirts to further upgrade his loungewear for something he can sport at home but also look decent enough to leave the house for an evening snack run.
Snacks, specifically chocolates, are a big part of Valentine’s Day. While traditional sweets can work as a go-to in a pinch, why not gift something less than expected to treat your fellow this V-Day?
Amazon has assorted Japanese Junk Food Snack Packs from the brand Dagashi, which are sure to add some new flavors to his snacking time.
Turn it up a notch further and pair with Ghia’s Non-Alcoholic Variety Sparkling Aperitif 4-pack, also available from Amazon. With snacks and fizzy drinks at the ready, you’re all set for a snuggly at-home movie night.
For the family man in your life, you may want to consider a gift for him and your little ones this V-Day. An activity of sorts they can all get into while giving yourself some peace. I’m talking Legos and puzzles. True, you may be setting yourself up for failure with scattered blocks and cardboard cutouts gone astray but try to stay optimistic and consider all the fun that can be had as a family. Lego has so many varieties of themes and characters, from “Star Wars” to “Harry Potter” to 3-D moving part animals sets. The same variety goes for puzzles. I’m really keen on the offerings at Galison. You can browse by piece count, theme, and artist. Looking at you, Andy Warhol Soup Cans 300 Piece Lenticular Jigsaw!
Hopefully, one or two of these options will spark some gift-giving ideas for the main man in your life, whether it be a boyfriend, husband, dad, or a little buddy. And with the great gift you’ll get them for V-Day, here’s hoping for the same consideration returned to you. Happy Valentine’s Day!