You may know exactly what gifts you'd like to receive on Valentine's Day, but what about your man? Should you even worry about getting your boyfriend or husband a gift? If you're expecting to get something from him, you may want to get him something, too! While figuring out what guys want for Valentine's Day can be challenging, it's definitely doable. The best gift ideas for a guy are the ones that take his personality and your relationship into account. From romantic gifts to homemade presents to traditional watches and cologne, find the perfect Valentine's gift that your man will love.
Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Romantic Guys
Whether your guy is expecting a gift for Valentine's Day or not, it's a thoughtful gesture on a day that's all about your love for each other. The best Valentine's Day ideas will play to his love language - and your relationship. Romantic gifts for guys can include homemade Valentine's Day gifts or thoughtful, sweet purchased presents.
Special Social Media Posts for Your Guy
Show the world how special your man is in one or more romantic social media posts on Valentine's Day. Include the best pictures of you together or your favorite photos of him with a long, romantic rant about how much you love him, what a great guy he is, and a custom hashtag or Valentine's caption. This modern public display of affection will melt his heart.
Framed Photo of You Together
Grab the best photo of you two together and find or make a frame for it. You can go strong with the Valentine's theme by getting a frame with hearts or the word "love" on it, or keep it simple and in his style. You could even write a sweet message on the matting around the photo. Go for a smaller frame like a 4 by 6 or 5 by 7 he can keep on his desk at home or at work.
Special Underwear
While you could buy lingerie for you to wear (which we're sure he'd appreciate), you could also buy a matching his-and-hers underwear set or special underwear just for him. Guys who wear boxers might like silk boxers with a matching silk robe, while boxer brief guys might find an all-over lip print romantic. Think about the material as well - a super comfy pair of undies might just make his day, regardless of how romantic they are!
Potted Plant
Romantic guys who are really into symbolism and have a green thumb will love a cool potted plant that's growth represents your relationship. Like your relationship, he'll want to nurture it and help it grow. Just hope it doesn't turn out like the love fern from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days...
A Year of Dates With Your Man
Show off your desire to be romantic more often with a "Year of Dates" gift that includes gift certificates and directions for a date night each month for the next 12 months. Ideas for date night gifts include:
- Redbox movie codes with popcorn for his choice movie night
- PlayStation gift card and a cool new controller for a two-player gaming night
- Box of golf balls and tees with a gift certificate for nine holes for two people
- Free printable romantic games for an intimate game night
Love Letter to Your Boyfriend or Husband
There's nothing as romantic as sharing your feelings with him without expecting him to do so in return. Write him a 100 Reasons Why I Love You poem or letter that he can read and keep to himself. Use special paper and a matching envelope.
Photo Collage of His Fave Spots
Show how well you know your guy by making a photo collage of his favorite places. Add pics of his hunting spot, local bar, coffee shops, even his favorite place to lounge around his or your home. You could even pose in each photo so it features one of his favorite places and one of his favorite people.
Man's Best Friend
Romantic men are often loving caretakers, so a puppy might be the perfect gift to keep him company when you're not around to snuggle. Make sure he's ready for a dog, pick a breed he loves, and buy the beginner accessories he'll need. If you're not ready to make the purchase alone, take him to see the puppy litter and let him choose for himself.
An Intimate Night With You
On the list of things guys want for Valentine's day, intimate alone time with you is at the top. Make it special by turning up the romance more than normal or trying something new. Book a hotel room for the night or turn your bedroom into a romance-filled location for the night; he'll be thrilled.
Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Traditional Men
While they might not be totally original Valentine's Day gift ideas, the gifts a lot of traditional men want are easy to find. If this sounds like your guy, he might be looking for something classic and potentially useful.
A Man Cave
Whether he wants a sports-themed room or a place to play pool and enjoy some beers with the guys, creating a space dedicated to your husband will make him feel special. Choose a room in the house or your garage if you don't use it for cars and spend time secretly converting it to the man cave of his dreams.
Large Metal Tool Box
If your guy likes to tinker around the house or with the car, he could use a great tool box. Look for a large, metal tool box with lots of drawers, a tray on top, and wheels so he can make the most of this gift. While it's not super romantic, a bright red tool box fits with the Valentine's Day vibe and he'll think of you every time he grabs a wrench.
Streaming Service Subscription
With so many TV and movie streaming services available, you can get your guy the one he's been hesitant to order for himself. You can find services that specialize in sports or specific types of movies. Prices for most of these services are around $10 per month and you can opt for a whole year to make it worthwhile.
Personalized Money Clip
Traditional guys don't necessarily want to flaunt their loving side, so subtle reminders of your love are perfect. Money clips are small and useful, so men love them. Look for a money clip that includes a design of something he loves and add a cryptic message about your relationship that only he'll understand.
Stylish and Multifunctional Watch
People don't need watches as much as they used to, thanks to cell phones. However, watches can also be a fashion statement or clothing accessory. Look for a watch that is both stylish and functional for his lifestyle.
Valentine's Day Gift Experiences for Men
If your guy doesn't really need more stuff, gift him an awesome experience instead. It's just a bonus that you might also get to enjoy these fun future date nights.
Progressive Dinner at All His Favorite Eateries
Plan out a night to hit up all of his favorite restaurants and bars. Hit one place for appetizers, one for dinner, one for dessert, and one for after-dinner drinks to show you know what he likes. If possible, you could even work with the restaurants to make reservations for specific times and order his favorite items in advance.
Tickets to a Sporting Event or Concert
If your guy follows a certain sports team or enjoys a favorite band, consider buying him tickets to the game or the concert for Valentine's Day. Ideally, you would go along with him to the event. If it is something you can't stand, however, then buy him two tickets and tell him to take his best friend for a boys' night out.
Brewmaster for a Day
Check with local breweries to see if you can put together a Brewmaster for the Day experience for you and your man. If he's a beer lover, he'll love the chance to use all the equipment and spend the day drinking beer. Make sure you buy him a six-pack of whatever beer he makes!
Valentine's Dinner and a Show
If you've got a little more money to spend, a nice dinner out followed by a Valentine's Day comedy show can be really romantic. Pick a restaurant you know he's been dying to try, and look for a special show made for couples.
Romantic Scavenger Hunt
Give your guy an unforgettable adventure all about your love when you plan a romantic scavenger hunt for him. Leave him notes that will lead him to all the places that are special in your relationship with homemade clues. When he gets to the end, he can find you and a gift or picnic lunch.
A Trip From His Bucket List
Every guy has that one place they wish they could visit, like Wrigley Field or Pebble Beach. Plan a trip for the two of you to one of these places as your Valentine's Day gift. Nothing says love like taking the time to plan and enjoy time together, saving money for the trip, and making it all about fulfilling his wish.
Valentine's Day Gift Sets for Him
Gift sets made for guys are great for Valentine's Day because they often have a few fun gifts in one. Buy or make a gift set themed around his interests, like these ideas:
He'll Eat Up a Grilling Gift Set
Is your guy king of the barbecue? Get a grilling set complete with grilling tools, a personalized apron, and custom spice blends that incorporate his favorite flavors. If you want to spend Valentine's evening at home, pair it with some nice steaks or seafood so he can try out his gift.
Grooming Essentials
If your guy has a love affair with his beard or is trying to grow it out, a beard grooming kit is perfect for the guy who likes to take special care of his facial hair. Other essentials, like men's body wash, lotion, or exfoliating cloths can be welcome too.
Valentine's Food Basket
Put together a themed food basket featuring things from the town of his favorite team or just his favorite foods. If you'd like, you can even give it a Valentine's twist with heart-shaped treats or make it romantic by including a bottle of wine.
Cue In to His Interests
A gift set related to his favorite hobbies makes a great Valentine's present for guys. Buy a nice pool cue and chalk set in a case if he loves pool or a new board game if he loves game night. A gift set related to his interests will be w winning Valentine's present.
Help Him Relax With a Custom Drink
Buy or make a liquor or beer set with the proper glasses for that drink. It will be even more fun when you join him for a drink at the end of the day.
Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Your New Man
If your relationship is new or you're only casually dating, generic gifts are the way to go - but that doesn't mean they can't be thoughtful and romantic. Try to pick up on something personal you know about your new guy and tie that into the gift, like picking out something in his favorite color.
Homemade Valentine's Day Card
If you set the bar too high on your first Valentine's Day, you'll forever be trying to top it. Keep the day stress-free, yet special, by acknowledging whatever feelings you currently have about the relationship in a homemade Valentine's Day card. The time, thought, and personalized sweet message will make him feel special without the pressure to match an expensive gift.
Lottery Tickets
Use a phrase like "I'm lucky to call you my Valentine this year!" paired with a DIY lottery ticket gift. You can fan the scratch-offs out and secure with a paper clip or create an elaborate display in a coffee mug. Pick out inexpensive scratch-off tickets with a luck, heart, or Valentine's Day theme.
Jerky Bouquet
If your new guy isn't a vegan or vegetarian, he'll probably love a beef jerky sampler. Look for local varieties and unique meat sticks you can fill a beer mug with to create a cute but masculine bouquet. If he isn't into meat, do the same with a plant-based jerky for a tasty treat he'll love.
Cologne Sampler
Buying cologne can be tricky since not everyone agrees on what smells best. Since you might not know him well enough to know what cologne he loves, opt for a small sampler pack with a variety of scents you enjoy.
Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Teenage Guys
Gift ideas for a teenage boyfriend on Valentine's Day aren't too different from teen guy gift ideas on other holidays. While not all teen guys are the same, he might not be ready for major public displays of romance on Valentine's Day. Look for a thoughtful gift he can enjoy at home or something cool he can show off to his friends.
Personalized Playlist
Gather all the songs your guy loves or all the love songs that remind you of him and create a custom Valentine's Day playlist. If you do something similar for all holidays, he'll end up with a custom playlist tailored to him for every occasion.
Snack Pack
They say the way to any teenager's heart is through his stomach. So, why not pack your guy a bin full of his favorite snacks? Add a couple of single-serve drinks, snack foods, and even candy to a storage bin or box decorated by you. For about $10 at your local dollar store, you can get a ton of snacks to fill your gift box.
Men's Cord Bracelet or Touch Bracelets
Teen guys who wear sentimental jewelry will love romantic keepsake jewelry for men that includes their favorite colors and a charm or two tied on. You can find tons of cord bracelets online that include things like camping and fishing charms and braided designs. It will be an outward symbol of your relationship he can wear with subtlety. Another idea is to try out a set of touch bracelets, so you can share how often you're thinking of him!
Two-Player Video Game
If your guy is into video games, show him you can enjoy his hobby together with a new two-player video game. Look for a game that's made for two players, fits with his gaming system, and includes elements of the games he typically plays on his own. New games typically cost between $30 and $60, but you can find great used games for under $20 at most gaming stores. He'll get a new game and the promise of fun times spent with you.
Punny T-Shirt
Give your teen boyfriend a punny shirt to wear that'll make him think of you. Prices for shirts range from $10 to $30 and can include food puns, people puns, or punchlines and characters from his favorite TV show. This gift shows you know him well and appreciate his sense of humor.
Two-Person VR Experience
If you have a local virtual reality (VR) place and a healthy budget, you can book a two-person experience for you and your guy. He'll be able to pick the game when you arrive and you'll both have fun making new memories in an alternate reality. Prices typically start around $15 and up per player for a half hour of gaming.
Don't Stress About What Guys Want for Valentine's Day
It's possible to show your man that you love him with a gift - you just have to know what he likes. Men often appreciate gifts related to their specific interests or presents that solve a problem and make something in life easier. The amount you'll spend will vary based on your relationship and budget, but remember, what he really wants most of all is probably just spending time with you. Don't stress; any gift you give your guy that's from the heart will be perfect for Valentine's Day.
