Oh love. The stuff that inspires endless songs, poems, and feelings of euphoria. While gifting your beloved with tokens of appreciation is a nice idea every day, one day is reserved for showering your amore with thoughtful, fun, sweet, and sexy presents. Valentine's Day gift ideas for your boyfriend might have you stumped, because let's face it — men can be hard to shop for.
One thing you want to be avoid on the most romantic day of the year is a gift gaffe. For example, on our first Valentine's Day together, an ex boyfriend (who eventually became an ex husband) brought me a dozen roses. Perfect right? I thought so, but when I thanked him for the beautiful bouquet he proceeded to tell me, "It's no big deal. Someone got them for the bartender at work, and she didn't want them." Um, no. Re-gifting is never a good idea on Valentine's Day (or at least telling the person their gift was meant for someone else is a no no).
The key to a great Valentine's Day gift is choosing something that will make the object of your affection feel special, seen, and most of all — wanted. Consider these 21 Valentine's Day gift ideas to make your boyfriend happy that he's your Valentine.
1. Sir Francis Bacon Peanut Brittle
Sir Francis Bacon Peanut Brittle 3 3 oz. boxes, $18.25, Sir Francis Bacon Peanut Brittle
Because, bacon! Unless your guy is a vegetarian, consider gifting him with this sweet and savory treat. For many men, the way to their heart is through their stomach, and if this is true of your guy, this mouth-watering confection is sure to please both.
2. What I Love About You By Me Book
What I Love About You by Me Book, $10, Uncommon Goods
Put your feelings into your own words. This cute and clever book asks you to fill-in-the-blanks using simple prompts to promote racy disclosures or heartfelt sentiments. He can keep this personalized keepsake on his nightstand to read through whenever he misses you.
3. Masquerade Party
Masquerade Party, $22.95, Sportsheets
Let him know you're open to exploring both of your fantasies with this Masquerade Party kit. Act out your favorite Fifty Shades of Grey fantasy, or create a new fantasy together. Additionally, Sportsheets recently announced a fantasy contest that encourages users to share their fantasies for a chance to win a variety of prizes, including a $500 sexy-shopping spree.
4. Carved Heart Art Canvas
Carved Heart Art Canvas, $39.99, Gifts.com
If you're in it for the long-haul, let him know with this meaningful gift. Lovers carving their initials into a tree, or piece of wood, has been immortalized as the ultimate romantic gesture in movies. Show him you're invested with this beautiful gesture without actually harming any trees.
5. MeUndies
MeUndies Love is Love is Love Men's Boxer Brief, $24, MeUndies
These sweet and sexy undies are touted as the ultimate feel-good underwear. Choose a pair for him, and grab a matching design for yourself. They're made of naturally sourced, sustainable fiber so you can feel good about giving them to your love.
6. Animal Farm And 1984 (Centennial Editions) Boxed Set
Animal Farm and 1984 (Centennial Editions) Boxed Set, $31, Bespoke Post
If you man is politically minded, and loves to read, this Animal Farm and 1984 boxed set is a perfect addition to his reading collection. These narrative allegories seem to be playing out on the present-day political stage, and while this gift isn't traditionally sexy, it's smart and timely. And, smart is always sexy.
7. Burroughs Beard Oil
Burroughs Beard Oil, $24.98, Huckberry
If your boyfriend is the burly outdoorsy type (with a beard), this gift will tame his scruff, and make him smell good too. If woodsmen turn you on, this oil is described as smelling like "freshly chopped forest woods move into a dusty carpenter's workshop, leaving behind the deep leathered richness of a cobbler's apron." If that's not an aphrodisiac, I don't know what is.
8. Star Wars I Love You I Know Icon Cufflinks
Star Wars I Love You I Know Icon Cufflinks, $59.95, Amazon
The epic love story of Princess Leia and Han Solo in Star Wars transcends time and space. And, with the recent release of Carrie Fisher's third memoir, The Princess Diarist, we now know (after 40 years of speculation) that the chemistry between Fisher and Harrison Ford wasn't manufactured in Hollywood, but rather it was cultivated in a steamy off-screen affair. Recreate the memorable scene in this sci-fi fantasy when Princess Leia tells Han Solo, "I love you," and he mouths back, "I know."
9. Marvin Gaye – Let's Get It On (Vinyl)
Marvin Gaye – Let's Get It On (Vinyl), $40.84 (CD $12.36), Amazon
If your guy is into collecting vinyl, this is a perfect addition to his collection, and it let's him know how you feel without saying a word. You can also get the CD version for decidedly less money, or if you're really low on funds, you could even text him the You Tube version for free. He'll get the hint.
10. Get Him Tickets To Something He's Dying To Go To
Maybe your man doesn't need anymore stuff. After all, research shows that anticipating an experience creates more feelings of happiness than receiving a gift. Is there a concert he's been dying to see? A sporting event he's hinted at? A weekend destination you know he'd just love? Plan something fun for him; you really can't miss with this idea.
11. Pangea Star Wars 2-Slice Darth Vader Toaster
Pangea Star Wars 2-Slice Darth Vader Toaster, $39.99, Kohls
Let him know the force is with him with this fun Star Wars toaster. This gift is light-hearted, but also lets him know you've been paying attention to how big of a fan he is. And, maybe he'll even make you breakfast with it.
12. Immerse Plus Virtual Reality Headset
Immerse Plus Virtual Reality Headset, $32, Urban Outfitters
Give him the gift of escape without making him leave his couch. This virtual reality headset allows him to watch 3D movies and videos while experiencing virtual realities. Let's face it, the stress of the every day in today's political climate has everyone craving a little escape. This is the perfect high-tech way to do it on the cheap.
13. Create Your Own Custom Love Coupons
Create Your Own Custom Love Coupons, $24.95, Love Coupons
Here's your chance to give him everything you know he loves in a cute coupon book. You can customize this gift to reflect his tastes, and he gets to redeem coupons for things he loves, like a bike ride (with you) or a back rub (from you).
14. Beer Company Color Changing Beer Glass
Beer Company Color Changing Beer Glass, $14.99, Gifts.com
Most men won't balk at a gift that involves beer. This is affordable, classy and creative. The can-inspired shape of this glass is temperature-sensitive so you can pour in a cold beverage and watch the logo change colors.
15. Man Cave Doormat
Man Cave Doormat, $24.99, Gifts.com
If I'm being honest, sometimes boyfriends have terrible taste. For years I thought I singlehandedly invented the man cave because when my boyfriend and I moved in together I wanted to shove all of his tasteless decor into a single room where I could shut the door and never have to look at it. Clearly I am not the only one because man caves are now a thing. If your man has a cave, get him this personalized doormat.
16. Revolucion Mike Tee
Revolucion Mike Tee, $65, Revolucion
For the socially conscious guy, this is perfect, and this moisture-wicking shirt has a secret power. By purchasing it you also give your the guy the gift of knowing that just by owning it, he has provided 10 years of clean water to someone in need in an under-developed country. It's purchase with a purpose.
17. Whiskey Stones Gift Set
Whiskey Stones Gift Set, $15.99, Amazon
Ice melts, and melting ice cubes can dilute a good whiskey, which is really sad. Get your whiskey-loving boyfriend these rad whiskey stones. They're affordable, and portable so whiskey problems can be solved on the go.
18. Make Him a Music Playlist
One thing that has gone by the wayside with all of the technology of the past 20 years is the mixed tape. In the '90s, if someone took the time to make you a mixed tape, it was seen as a real act of devotion. While your boyfriend likely doesn't have a cassette player, you can make him a playlist of all of his favorite songs on Spotify. And while it's not as labor-intensive as an old-school mixed tape, it will still show that you pay attention, and he'll think of you every time he listens to it.
19. Valentine Mailbox (Of Cookies)
Valentine Mailbox (of Cookies), $32.99, Cheryl Cookies
For the sweetie with a sweet tooth, this mailbox of cookies is the perfect way to show your love. The cookies come individually wrapped so they stay fresh until he's ready to eat them.
20. Cook Him A Meal
Surprise your boyfriend with a home-cooked dinner, or breakfast in bed. Something that shows you've put thought and care into your gift will make him feel extra special. Leave a handwritten note on the breakfast tray, or next to his dinner plate to let him know how much he means to you.
21. Exotic Meats Jerky Gram
Exotic Meats Jerky Gram, $39.99, Man Crates
Sign your boyfriend up for a "Critters-I've-Eaten Passport" with this fun jerky gram. Gift your favorite carnivore with samples of Buffalo Trapper Style Jerky; Wild Boar Jerky; Alligator Jerky Singles; Alpaca Jerky Strip; and an Ostrich Jerky Blend.
