Life

20 Valentine's Day Gifts For Men You Love, Whether It's Your Boyfriend, Crush, Or Best Friend

Having trouble finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for guys? Fear not, reader. We’ve got you covered. Whether it's your boyfriend, your best friend, or simply a man in your life you’d like to do something special for, Feb. 14th is a great opportunity to remind him you think he's great (especially if you’re both single — exchanging valentines celebrating your mutual singledom can work wonders for a friendship).

I've put together a list of gift suggestions that sidestep the saccharine in favor of practicality (with a healthy dose of thoughtfulness). So hey, while you’re shopping for your male friend or significant other, feel free to shop for yourself as well. And be sure to head over to our “For Your BFF” and “For You” gift guides (because who says you can’t be your own Valentine?) to keep the spree rolling.

Image: Mamuka/Fotolia

by Catie Keck

Multipurpose Beard Oil

Burroughs Beard Oil, $28, Prospector Co.

This earthy, multipurpose beard oil works as a follicle conditioner, skin moisturizer, and even as an oil-based cologne. And it smells delicious.

Harry's Shaving Set

The Winston Set, $25, Harry’s

If he’s still using a disposable razor, help him take the next step to adulthood with a legit shaving kit. Harry’s makes high quality products with elegant razor sets, and you can even have them engraved for an additional $15. (“Big kid now,” might be fun.)

Home State Print

Home Sweet Home Prints, $10, Blessed Type

A safe bet? Sure. But these hometown prints are as thoughtful a gift as any. And if this particular style doesn’t suit the aesthetic interests of your guy, there are plenty of other affordable prints over on Etsy.

'The David Foster Wallace Reader'

‘The David Foster Wallace Reader,’ $16, Amazon

For the book worm in your life, we suggest The David Foster Wallace Reader , a carefully curated selection of essays, excerpts from his novels (The Broom of the System, Infinite Jest, and The Pale King among them), and selections from the late author’s tenure as a teacher. Published last year, it’s a must-have by an icon of contemporary literature.

Nixon Timepiece

Nixon Time Teller P Watch, $41, Amazon

OK, sure. Everyone carries around miniature computers now that tell them the time. But there’s something elegant about wearing a watch, and this sexy design from Nixon is sure to woo the sartorial interests of your beau.

iPad/Laptop Case

Leather iPad Case, $35, Felix Street Studio

For the absurd amount of money we spend on digital devices, we sure keep a lot of them laying around uncovered and vulnerable to pets, children, and people in general. This handmade leather case says, “I care about both you and your peace of mind,” and can be personalized with engraving.

Subscription To His Favorite Publication

This is the gift that keeps on giving, folks — particularly if it’s a monthly or weekly. And they’re cheap! Year-long subscriptions usually cost less than $20. A few suggestions: The New Yorker , The Atlantic , Nylon Guys, New York Magazine (i.e., get him something you can snag after he’s finished).

Converse Chuck Taylors

Chuck Taylor All Star Rubber, $65, Amazon

We’ve got a ways left before summer arrives, and these bad boys are perfect for spring showers. They’re made of weather resistant rubber with a French terry lining. And they’re so comfy. (Bonus: they’re currently on sale.)

Customized Flask

Personalized Flask, $17, Frederick Engraving

Inside joke? Favorite movie quote? Other thing you’d like hand engraved on an item he’ll probably use often? Put it on a flask.

'An Illustrated Guide to Cocktails'

‘An Illustrated Guide to Cocktails,’ $15, Amazon

Whoever concocted that ridiculous trope that men don’t like cocktails is, to put it lightly, full of sh*t. Written by Orr Shtuhl and illustrated by Elizabeth Graeber, this is a gift you’ll both enjoy (while raiding your liquor cabinet).

Portable Device Charger

Anker 2nd Gen Astro Mini Portable Charger, $26, Amazon

Phone consistently dead? Not anymore, amigo. Love you madly!

Herringbone Scarf

Herringbone Long Scarf, $34, Elegant Scarf Store

It’s still cold out there, y’all. This unisex herringbone scarf in grey is a great basic for any style (and especially for your budget).

Twill Weekender Bag

The Twill Weekender, $98, Everlane

He’s going to need it for those weekend getaways you’ve been planning ;)))

Portable Turntable

Crosley CR8005A-TU Cruiser Portable Turntable, $70, Amazon

It’s a bit of an investment, sure. But if you feel like splurging, this one’s a great Crosley portable turntable with built-in speakers. Record selection (of your choosing) sold separately.

'Norwegian Wood' by Haruki Murakami

’Norwegian Wood,’ $10, Amazon

An oldie, but a goodie. Many are familiar with award-winning Japanese author Haruki Murakami, whose most well known works include titles like Kafka on the Shore, 1Q84, and of course, Norwegian Wood . The latter is a beautiful reflection on love, loss, and political activism as told through the meditative lens of a male protagonist during his time as a college student in 1960s Tokyo. A thoughtful Valentine’s gift for any reader in your life.

Urban Ears Headphones

Urban Ears Plattan, $49, Urban Ears

As a person who has personally owned these headphones, I can attest to their quality for the price point. If the guy in your life has been pining after a pair of headphones for a while, these aren’t a bad investment. (They also come in literally every imaginable color.)

Bacon and Eggs Mug

Love Bacon and Eggs Mug, $11, Cafe Press

Because who doesn’t enjoy bacon? Spell your affection out with food on a mug he’ll use forever.

Natural Cologne Oil

Wild Man Unisex Cologne Oil, $26, Wild Rose Herbs

Finding the right scent for your body is tricky. How our natural odors are going to fare with a perfume is almost impossible to know until you’ve given it a spritz. But natural oils, particularly ones with wood undertones, tend to be a pretty safe bet. I suggest this one, which is handmade in Oregon and made with cedar wood and rosemary oils.

Vinyl Record

Merriweather Post Pavilion, $23, Amazon

For the music lover in your life, consider getting him his favorite record on vinyl. No record player? No problem. Pick him up a frame to hang it.

Booze & Coffee

Koffee Kult Dark Roast, $25, Amazon

Shop Drizy for a Wide Selection of Booze.

When all else fails, get him a bottle of his favorite booze or a pound of his favorite coffee beans. Buy some for yourself while you’re at it.

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