Men can be hard to buy for! Here’s a great list of Valentine’s Day gift ideas for men! (And this list was compiled by a man!)
By Contributing Writer, Will Odom (Erin’s husband!)
I have to admit that I am not a big fan of Valentine’s Day for various reasons. It seems to have become another over-commercialized holiday that requires gift giving.
As a matter of fact, the average person spent $130 on a loved one in 2013 (source). And this is just a month after Christmas?
I just don’t see the need for a specific day to show someone I love them when I do that all year around. And I really dislike spending $5 on a card that will more than likely end up in the recycling bin anyway.
Now before I get drawn and quartered by all the romantics out there, I think it’s totally fine if you do celebrate Valentine’s Day and give gifts to your loved ones.
Though gifts are not necessary to show love, I am a gift giver by nature, so I often demonstrate love through giving gifts.
My wife, however, is a words person and receives love through words, so a hand-written poem or carefully-chosen card will show my love for her.
Discover how your spouse receives love and fill his/her love tank in that way. Gifts don’t always have to be tangible. The Five Love Languages is a great book on the subject.
As such, if the man in your life is looking forward to a little gift but you need some ideas, I’ve put together a small list to help.
It doesn’t have to be much. As a matter of fact, we have a word in the South for a small gift. My mom always called them a “happy.”
Many of the items from our gift cards to his favorite stores or gift cards to his favorite stores could work for Valentine’s Day as well, so I’m trying to list different items here in addition to what was on the stocking list. Erin also wrote a post last year on gifts for couples that could help as well.
If you are crafty, make him something. Have the kids make something using their handprints or footprints. A handmade gift can really demonstrate how much you love the other person.
But if you are not crafty, other tokens (not just gifts) of appreciation can be shared as well.
Of course gift cards to his favorite stores or restaurants are always a good idea. His favorite candy or tools or other items associated with this hobbies (gaming, collecting, techie, etc.) and interests (sports, hunting, fishing, etc.) are excellent choices.
But let’s think outside of those gifts and try a few things outside the norm that won’t break the bank.
Check out these 14 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Men:
1) Time together
Something that wouldn’t necessarily cost you anything is to just spend quality time together, and this should be a top priority any time of year.
Take these Creative Conversation Starters for Couples and sit down to discover each other all over again.
You can take a walk, go for a picnic together (if weather permits…or inside if it doesn’t), have coffee together and talk, cook his favorite meal (this is mine that Erin cooks) and enjoy it together, etc. Take him to his favorite restaurant or other favorite place in town. You may not necessarily like to eat there, but you will show him you care. For example, I love BBQ, but Erin, not so much. If she takes me to such a restaurant, I know she is doing so because I like it, and that lets me know that she cares.
2) Favorite Movie or TV Series
There are always your typical guy movies that any guy would enjoy, from Indiana Jones to the Godfather. Or a little more sci-fi with Star Wars or Star Trek. Need to go for some action with a Western collection or The Bourne Identity? Or how about going old school with the Superman movies (Christopher Reeves) or Batman the Movie (Adam West) or Back to the Future or Karate Kid?
My personal favorite is The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The list could go on and on. You can find a good film to add to his collection without spending a fortune.
If he likes going to the movies, how about some movie tickets or tickets to his favorite concert? Does he like to read instead? Grab him an Audible or Kindle Unlimited membership! (Read Erin’s thoughts on Audible here and on Kindle Unlimited here.)
3) To Shave or Not to Shave
I’ve been interested in trying out shaving soap. I have the Bay Rum soap from MadeOn Skincare Products, but I need to get a shaving brush and a shaving bowl. I would like to try a safety razor as well. Creating a set of these items would make a great themed gift.
I also LOVEÂ the shave soap from Free Reign Farms and use it every time I shave. It’s really my favorite! They have some great-smelling manly soaps like the hunter camo soap or the lumber jack.
Dollar Shave Club is also worth checking out–quality razors delivered to your door for a fraction of the overpriced ones. I am a member and love getting them every month.
Maybe he doesn’t shave his face, so what about his back — baKblade or the mangroomer electric back shaver.
Erin uses (and loves!) Beautycounter products and has been encouraging me to try the Counterman line. This is a line of toxin-free, clean skincare specifically formulated for men.
4) Shaving Kit or Bag
At my wedding, I gave my groomsmen a bag similar to this travel organizer, and I really like this Wanderlust one as well. I still use mine and know a couple of others are still in use.
Perhaps some Mangroomer wipes would go well in a shaving kit.
Either of these would be beneficial for someone who travels a lot or goes to the gym or needs to keep some toiletry times with them. Both could easily be embroidered with initials or a sports team logo for a more personal touch. If you want something a little classier, this leather shave bag looks great. Stock it with this favorites for an added bonus.
5) Organizer
I like being organized and knowing where my things are. Unfortunately, I often come in and just dump things on the dresser.
This desk organizer and charging station would be a huge help for keeping my phone charged and my stuff where it needs to be. This valet is a little bigger and offers a little more storage.
If he’s on the go, a good leather briefcase (which I own and love) may help keep him organized.
6) Writing Utensils
I spend a lot of time writing, so I decided to upgrade to a pen that I enjoy writing with. Check out Living138Designs for a great selection of handmade wooden pens (rollerball or fountain). Granted, I don’t write with it all the time, but I really love the look and feel and the craftsmanship.
7) Relax and chill
After he takes off the work clothes, he can relax in comfort with this lounge set or house shoes.
How about adding a favorite T-shirt or other needed clothing item (like touchscreen gloves) to his wardrobe?
8) A New Toy
My in-laws gave me a remote-controlled helicopter one Christmas. I actually had a good time with the little thing just to relax and have a little fun. My kids loved it as well. Quadcopters are really popular right now as well and provided hours of entertainment.
Do y’all like to play board games? Encourage it for him with a Zelda Monopoly or Nintendo Monopoly. Seriously, these games are awesome, and there are many others!
There may be some other “toy” that your husband would enjoy just for some fun. It was a good stress relief and got my mind off the list of things I needed to accomplish. Also gave me some quality time with the kids.
9) A Day Out
If your guy likes to shoot, book a day at a local shooting or archery range and provide some ammo or new arrows. If he likes to fish, let him head to the lake with some new lures. Get him a new game if he’s a gamer and let him play for a little while. Send him off to play 18 holes.
Give the day with no guilt or strings attached. Give him a 24-hour getaway, and I can almost guarantee that he’ll return the favor. This is all obviously another day after you have your romantic dinner together.
10) Tools
Most guys I know always need some type of tool to add to their arsenal or an upgrade to an existing tool. I personally need an allen wrench set (or this really compact one), a ratchet set, a screwdriver set, or pliers set.
I thought this magnetic wristband was pretty cool, and I have leatherman tools stashed in a couple of useful places. This really cool carabiner would also be appreciated.
I also enjoy a good multi tool like these as well: 1) hammer 2) pliers 3) wrench.
Of course, your man may have specific needs or prefer a specific brand, so keep that in mind.
11) Sampler Gifts Sets
Does your man like BBQ sauce? An assortment of his favorite meats to grill? A variety of coffee from Volcanica Coffee Company? What about different types of sodas? Our local candy store has a great variety of soda and candy, so check our your local stores and support them.
Any set or theme of gifts would be well appreciated. Does he like to grill? You could create a themed gift around the grill. Or really any interest that he has.
You may even want to get him a manly subscription box where he can get a sampler of different favorites all year long. A few recommendations include:
My personal favorites from this list are Stitch Fix for Men (I’ve kept things from every box I’ve ever ordered–some of my favorite shoes came from here), Dollar Shave Club (I exclusively use their razors and have been getting monthly boxes for years), and Butcher Box. I discuss subscription boxes more in depth in this post.
12) His Habits
If he’s a coffee drinker, how about a new mug? Tervis makes a great one or a more traditional retro mug would be fun. There are a ton of options to match any personality or interest. If he has any other things that he enjoys frequently or on occasion, grab a little something to support him.
13) Wallet with a Bonus
I know I mentioned this before, and guys can be picky about their wallets, but a wallet or slim clip that includes a couple of gift cards or special checks *wink* would be well received. A good, old fashioned money clip might work for him as well. Most guys like anything made of leather.
14) Yourself
One of the best gifts you can give your husband is yourself. Intimacy is an important part of your marriage that your hubby is sure to enjoy. God designed intimacy for marriage, and we should enjoy everything that it creates in our marriage. So grab some new lingerie and enjoy each other.
How about some Sexy Truth or Dare?
I guarantee he will enjoy that gift. TheMarriageBed.com has a list of online shops that contain no questionable graphics or images, and Passionately Married has some great podcasts to create or improve intimacy in your marriage.
I know this is not an exhaustive list by any stretch of the imagination, but hopefully it may spark some ideas for your loved one. There really isn’t enough room to list every possibility for every interest and every hobby for every personality out there.
Know your man and choose gifts that are thoughtful and meaningful, whether that be quality time or an actual gift. However you choose to show him that you love him, make it known so that he has no doubt of your feelings.
For more gift ideas (including gifts for wives!) check out this post.
And for other ideas for men, check out these posts written by a man:
- 32 Stocking Stuffers for Men
- Even More Stocking Stuffers for Men
- Natural Skincare for Men
- Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Do you buy Valentine’s Day gifts for each other? What are your favorite Valentine’s Day gift ideas for men?
See all of our previous gift guides Here!
Joy M
Will, I enjoyed reading through your list. Great ideas! We’ve been married a good while (nearing 50 years) so my hubby has most of the tools he needs unless you count the ones in the Big bucks categories. BUT, that helicopter is a great idea! I’m going to pick it up and put it away for the next time I need a gift for him – like Father’s Day. Thank you, I would have never thought of that. 🙂
Erin
I hope he loves the helicopter! ~Erin 🙂
Will Odom
Congrats on nearing 50 years. That is amazing!!
Sarah
Good list! I didn’t know there was such a thing as an archery range! That sounds like a fun date idea! I’ll have to check I out, thanks!
The best gift I ever got my husband was a box of meat, haha! He is a big meat lover and so I went to the local meat market and bought a bunch of things, like ribs, fish, blue cheese topped steak, etc and he was so excited. He took pictures of it and sent it to his friends and everything. He was like a kid again!
-Sarah
http://www.catecrafts.wordpress.com
Erin
That is hilarious about the meat! I bet Will would love that! He is a meat and potatoes man himself! Thanks for sharing!
Will Odom
Sarah, that is an awesome idea! I may have to add that to the list.
Ruth
A box of meat. A GREAT idea. I know my hubby would love that. Since he has to take extra care of his heart, maybe I will try that, only with some chicken and fish mixed in. To the lady who is married 50 years, I bet you could give us new brides some great advice and ideas. I am a new bride of 31 years this September.
Jimmy N
My wife just showed me this list and your husband is spot on. A man after my own heart. Spread the word.
Erin
Thanks Jimmy! He will appreciate that.
Gail
Kinda funny, I went to themarriagebed.com and it’s blocked as mature content….hmm. Love the article btw!
Lauren
Sexy Marriage Radio is another link to the messenger bag
Erin
Thanks! I should be fixed now.
Gretchen
Just FYI, it’s a radio controlled helicopter not a remote controlled one. My husband is into them and has drilled it into my head what to call them
Lauren
Sorry but when I just “clicked” on the SMR link to try it again I got “Not Found, Error 404 – page no longer exists”?
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup
Thanks so much for sharing this list, Will and Erin! We feel the same way about Valentine’s Day. We believe in showing love and celebrating one another all year long.
That being said, I never pass up an occasion to celebrate. We choose not to spend money going out or buying gifts, but we do celebrate a little with some of the things you mentioned above. We’ll make a special dinner/dessert and make sure we do something romantic like a walk or a movie on the couch after the kids are in bed.
Happy Valentine’s Day, you two!
Erin
Thanks, Heather! Your Valentine’s Day plans sound so much fun!
Nicole Matthews
This is a great list and worthy of a share on my blog – I’ll be sure to link back to your site!
Cheers!
Erin
Thanks, Nicole. Please only share an excerpt, as sharing an entire post violates copyright. Thanks!
Kristy Howard
Thanks for this great list, Erin and Will! ‘
I am a gift giver by nature, but my hubby is a words guy (although he always buys me great gifts!). We love the 5 Love Languages book, too!
Sundra
It’s such a challenge to find gifts for the men, especially when they find the whole idea of Valentine’s Day cheesy. So, thanks for this list! Gifts like clothing accessories and gift cards definitely work.
Craig
Shaving kits are a great present I think, you can never have enough shaving accessories in my opinion. DVD’s and computer games are also a great one as it becomes a bit of a family gift to get everyone together. Thanks for the write up and best wishes for 2017.
Lauren
First glance and I was taken aback with your blog. Must say, brilliant work! Truly commendable. Your blog has been well designed along with the little addition of all your minor details here and there and a fabulous account of your profile.
Top 9 Cute & Creative Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him – http://bit.ly/2j4uCTf
iben ayad
Awesome post! I liked the fishing option 😉 By the way, the link to the “Lex: Beard Cream” is no longer working. Thanks!