“What is the best gift for a man?” must be one of the hardest questions ever asked. Scientists have been studying it for centuries and the best they've come up with is, "not socks". Which is useful, up to a point. Valentine's Day gifts for husbands or boyfriends bring an extra level of complication. Men aren't traditionally impressed by flowers, chocolates or the other things we associate with February 14. The best Valentine's Day gifts for men are a little smarter than that.
It helps to remember that the whole point of buying a Valentine's Day present for a man – as with Valentine's gifts for women – is to show not just that you love him but why you love him. If you appreciate the way your husband or boyfriend cooks, his skills in the garden, his love of music or his sense of adventure, you can show him with the right choice of present. We've found 15 ideas that should cover all those bases – but if you're in a rush, here's a quick look at the key five:
The best Valentine's Day gifts for men, at a glance
- Best unique gift for men – Personalised Airpod Case
- Best luxury gift for men – Clase Azul Reposado Tequila
- Best tech gift for men – Fitbit Versa 4
- Best gift for older men – Personalised Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Best fitness gift for men – Theragun Mini
How much should you spend on a Valentine's Day gift?
Naturally it depends on your budget, which is why we've divided the gift ideas below into price bands. All are available online. Where next-day delivery is available, we've marked it below to help you find the best last-minute gifts. The others may take a little longer to arrive.
From personalised gifts to crowdpleasing comestibles, one of these should make a man feel loved, valued and proud to have such a thoughtful gift-giver in his life. Don't forget to remind him of that on Valentine's Day.
Best gifts for men under £50
1. Not Another Bill Personalised Airpod Case
Best personalised gift for men
- Express delivery (2-3 days) available for £8.95
Airpods are a status accessory, more so than wallets or shoes these days. Which means this will go with him everywhere, reminding him how thoughtful you are roughly 150 times a day.
- Next day delivery available for £7.95
Impeccably masculine, this matt aluminium stick hooks on to the air conditioning vent and can be filled with any fragrance or essential oil.
- Instant delivery via e-voucher, next day postal delivery available for £8.50
When surveyed about the gifts they really want, men reliably rate experiences over things. Red Letter Days base their whole existence on this. Their man-centric vouchers start at £49.99 for experiences like supercar and speedboat rides, go-karting, bungee jumping... actually, best buy one for yourself too.
Best Valentines gifts for men under £100
4. Personalised Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
From £59.95, The Whisky Exchange
Best gift for older men
- Express delivery (2-3 days) available for £6.95 or free click-and-collect same day in four London outlets
There are six personalisable single malts at The Whisky Exchange, ranging from this Highland Special Reserve to a 30 year-old single grain Lowland (£200), of which only 200 bottles are being made. Choose the label, have it engraved with the lucky man's name, and he'll have a whisky he can show off as well as savour.
- Instant delivery via e-voucher, next day postal delivery available for £8.50
Men love to be given experiences, as mentioned above, and a special meal is right up there with Ferrari-driving (well, nearly). This BuyAGift voucher offers a choice of 725 dinners, lunches and afternoon teas for two around the country. Step up a level to the Award-Winning Dining Experience Box (£150) and he gets to choose restaurants with Michelin stars, two AA rosettes or other prestigious culinary awards.
6. Van Hunks MCC Brut and Brut Rosé gift box
Best sparkling wine gift for men
- Express delivery (2-3 days) available for £6.95
We all know you can't call it champagne if it's not made in Champagne, but the méthode cap classique used by South African vineyard Van Hunks is exactly the same. So he'll get two bottles of excellent mousse in a wooden box, with a pipe-smoking dude on the label. And it's called Van Hunks. What man wouldn't love that? (Single bottles are available on Amazon too.)
- Free delivery in 1-3 days
Cheese is chocolate for men, in case you hadn't heard. Snowdonia Cheese, famous for their Black Bomber mature cheddar, have put together this date night hamper to show that you adore his cheese-loving ways. He'll get truckles of Black Bomber and Red Storm, a rhubarb and gin chutney, buttermilk crackers, sea salt caramel pearls, a Welsh slate serving board and a 75cl bottle of Ca' Morlin Prosecco. The perfect Valentine's evening – for him, anyway.
- Next or named day delivery available for £7.50
And since we're talking cheese and wine, how about a decanter so he can show he's a proper connoisseur? Riedel are the big name, but with prices to match, and for our money this set from Le Creuset has everything he'll need, including an aerating fountain which goes in the neck as you pour the wine in and (not pictured here, but very useful) a set of cleaning balls to restore it to crystal cleanliness.
- Instant delivery by e-voucher. Masterclasses happen once a month
If you know men, you know they like to be experts in the stuff they enjoy. And that definitely goes for champagne. Searcy's hold champagne masterclasses all year in a special private room at their St Pancras brasserie in London, with a three-course meal to help the learning go down. For Valentine's Day you'll want to book the February 15 masterclass. But they'll also be held on March 8, April 19, May 17, June 8, July 13, September 28, October 26 and November 9.
Best luxury Valentines gifts for men
10. Theragun mini
£155, John Lewis
Best fitness gift for men
- Next or named day delivery available for £7.50
It might come as a surprise to some, but these vibrating post-workout muscle-pummelers are the must-have gadget of 2023. Whereas the full-sized Theragun Pro (£469) is too expensive for most wish lists, this six-inch model is a touch more affordable and still has everything he needs to beat cramps, knots and tension: a quiet motor, 150 minute battery life, three speed settings and 15mm of travel. We rated it highly in our review of the best massage guns this year.
- Next or named day delivery available for £7.50
Continuing a theme (clearly today's men are healthier than the whisky-supping dads of yesterday), the second most-wanted gift of 2023 is the latest fitness tracker from Fitbit. Again, it's not exactly cheap – but it does combine the functions of a very nice watch with heart rate and sleep trackers, built-in GPS, on-screen fitness coaching and voice assistants (choose Google or Amazon) which allow you to check the weather, set reminders or get on-screen answers to questions. The battery lasts six days. We rate it one of the top three best fitness trackers available.
12. Sony WF-1000XM4 noise cancelling in-ear headphones
Best music gift for men
- Next or named day delivery available for £7.50
There's no getting around it, these are pretty pricey for a Valentine's gift. But phones are the centre of our lives now and good bluetooth in-ear headphones are a must. These are the best available, according to our reviewer Rob Waugh. He said: "The sound quality is so incredible that they almost belong in a category of their own. For any music fan who can stretch to this price, these are an incredible audio treat and worth every penny."Anyone receiving them will be a very lucky man.
- Next or named day delivery available for £6.95
If you've been in a classy Mexican restaurant you'll have seen this tall, hand-painted ceramic carafe behind the bar, up on the top shelf where they keep the good stuff. It's one of the finest tequilas you can get, aged for a minimum of eight months before bottling in the small Mexican town of Santa Maria Canchesda. It's a very expensive gift, true, but he gets to keep the carafe as a symbol of his good taste and worldliness. (And your generosity.)
- Free delivery in 2-5 working days
Did you know vinyl is now outselling CDs again? Any man serious about music has started collecting records and will need something to play them on. This belt-driven turntable from Swiss audio specialists Lenco is a stirling choice. It looks great, finished in 1970s-style natural wood, but the killer app are its built-in speakers: not only will it fit snugly on a shelf but you can use it as a bluetooth speaker to play music from your phone or other devices. Modern meets traditional. Which is what men usually want.
- Next-day delivery available with Amazon Prime
Now we are in the realms of fantasy: has he really been good enough to deserve a £335 iPad as a gift? But if you actually ask men what they want, the latest iPad is consistently up there – and this is the most affordable. The 9th-generation 64GB iPad has a 10.2-inch screen, ultra-wide front camera, super-sharp Retina display and the latest A13 Bionic chip, enough to power the most demanding apps. Buy him this for Valentine's Day and he will love you forever. Seems like a fair deal?
FAQs
What should I gift my man on Valentines? ›
- Personalised Chocolates.
- Personalised Greeting Cards.
- Personalised Water Bottles.
- all personalised gifts.
1. Valentine's Day cards. Although cards are usually given in combination with other gifts like flowers or chocolates, more than 52% of consumers will present their loved one with a Valentine's Day card.
What gifts do guys like? ›- Customized Cooler. ...
- A Custom Wallet. ...
- An Individualized Toiletry Bag. ...
- A Personalized Poker Chip Set. ...
- An Engraved Decanter Set. ...
- A Personalized Watch Box. ...
- A Personalized Golf Shoe Bag. ...
- An Engraved Lighter.
- Compliment him. ...
- Tell him you appreciate what he does for you and your family. ...
- Make time for things to get hot in the bedroom. ...
- Be supportive of his alone time. ...
- Put down your phone. ...
- When you get something for yourself, get something for him, too. ...
- Look him in the eyes.
- Personalized gifts for your boyfriend. Williams Sonoma/mpix.
- Monogrammed whiskey glasses. Williams Sonoma. ...
- A leather photo album. mpix. ...
- Their very own star. Star Register. ...
- Fun matching underwear. MeUndies. ...
- A durable, insulated water bottle. ...
- A custom-engraved bottle of tequila. ...
- A leather Dopp kit that will age gracefully.
Men love women who are thoughtful, caring, loving and kind. A woman who does little things for her man for no other reason other than that she loves him. A woman who makes him smile back whenever she smiles at him. A woman who radiates love and warmth from her heart.
How do you spoil a guy on Valentine's Day? ›- Set a romantic scene. Create a romantic environment in his or your home as a surprise after a long day at work. ...
- Movie night in. ...
- Make art together. ...
- Create a grand entrance. ...
- Give him a spa treatment. ...
- Music and dancing. ...
- Plan an outdoor adventure. ...
- Take him out of town.
- Make them a good breakfast.
- Have all of their laundry done the morning of V-Day.
- Leave a note in his or her briefcase or purse so they'll see it when they get to work.
- Surprise them with morning sex.
- Bake your SO's favorite dessert.
- Start a Couple's Bucket List. ...
- Eat Breakfast in Bed. ...
- Slow Dance to Your Song. ...
- Stay in a Suite. ...
- Recreate Your First Date. ...
- Stay Up All Night. ...
- Take a Bubble Bath (with Champagne & Strawberries!) ...
- Eat a Fancy Dinner Out.
Yup, Men Also Like Flowers and Chocolates
Roses are red, violets are blue, and men may be gifted them, too. Some of the biggest players in Valentine's Day flower retail now focus sections of their site to touting products for guys. 1-800 Flowers has a "Valentine's Day Gift For Him" page, as do FTD and Teleflora.
Who receives the most Valentines gifts? ›
According to an array of different sources, teachers receive the most Valentine's Day cards. This is then followed by children, mothers, wives and pets who are placed within the top five.
What do you get a man to show appreciation? ›- Always Start With Food. ...
- Take Him Out To Events He'll Love. ...
- Look Him In The Eye. ...
- Give Back When He Does Kind Things. ...
- Give Him Space. ...
- Surprise Him With Thank You Notes. ...
- Praise Him In Front Of Your Friends.
Men want to be treated in a way that doesn't diminish their egos or make them feel inadequate. They love to be praised and acknowledged for the things they do right. Above all, they like to be reminded that they are great guys who are well-loved and appreciated. Simply put, men care about the same things as women.
What is the simple gift for boyfriend? ›When choosing a gift for your boyfriend, you'll want to opt for something personal and (most likely) inexpensive. We recommend handwritten cards, cute candies and small items that show you pay attention to the details. For example, if he's always reaching for hot sauce on dates, gift him an artisanal flavor.
How do you make a man feel truly loved? ›In plain language: Men often feel most loved by the women in their lives when their partners hug them, kiss them, smile at them, and explicitly offer gratitude, praise, and words of affection. Men also feel loved and connected through sexuality, often to a greater degree than women do.
What words make a man feel special? ›- You make me feel like a million bucks.
- I love every little thing about you.
- You could never bore me.
- Your intelligence is so attractive.
- I can't stop telling my friends how great you are.
- You are so handsome.
- You always know how to sweep me off my feet.
- Personalized Gifts.
- Photo Frames.
- Watches.
- Perfumes.
- Grooming Kit.
- Fashion Accessories.
- Chocolates.
- Flowers.
The five love languages are five different ways of expressing and receiving love: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Not everyone communicates love in the same way, and likewise, people have different ways they prefer to receive love.
What does a man want most? ›Men Crave Emotional Intimacy
Such vulnerability includes expressing concern, showing pain, divulging fears, etc. But some men do crave emotional support from their partners. They want to feel comfortable enough with their partner to share their secrets, their fears, and how they really feel if they are wired this way.
Men want love as badly as women do. They just might not always be as obvious about it. But generally, they want the same thing: friendship, companionship, chemistry.
What does a man want from a woman he loves? ›
Both men and women consistently cite emotional stability and maturity as one of the most attractive traits in a potential spouse. While men often fall victim to the stereotype of prioritizing physical attraction, when it comes to a potential wife, they want a woman who is grounded and secure in herself.
Do guys like getting Valentines Day gifts? ›A number this big indicates that everyone, both men and women alike, enjoy buying and receiving gifts for Valentine's Day. Just as you would like a gift on Valentine's Day, your boyfriend would surely appreciate one as well. However, getting a Valentine's gift for your boyfriend is often easier said than done.
Do men like gifts on Valentine's Day? ›Yup, Men Also Like Flowers and Chocolates
Some of the biggest players in Valentine's Day flower retail now focus sections of their site to touting products for guys. 1-800 Flowers has a "Valentine's Day Gift For Him" page, as do FTD and Teleflora.
- Surprise Him With His Favorite "Thing" ...
- Make Love… and Art. ...
- Do A Group Date. ...
- Plan a Movie Night. ...
- Indulge Him In That Hobby You Hate. ...
- Plan A Surprise Night Out. ...
- Try Something Totally New Together. ...
- Block Off Time For A Night Out With The Boys.
- A music-related gift. Your gift to the music lover will have to depend on his listening preferences. ...
- A favorite wine, beer, or liquor. ...
- A meaningful book. ...
- Motivational letters. ...
- A donation in his name. ...
- A grocery gift card or meal subscription.
Originally Answered: do guys like surprises? Yeah guys do like surprise!! I know every girl love surprises, but this doesn't mean that boys don't. It does't matter what the surprise is either it's a gift,a surprise visit, a date or his fav.