The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Pickiest Dude in Your Life (2024)

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Say it with a ritzy cologne (or a fuzzy sweater).

By Lori Keong and Timothy Beck Werth

The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Pickiest Dude in Your Life (4)

    Yeah, yeah, Valentine’s Day is a fake holiday. But don’t get it twisted: the stakes are very much real. Making a shortlist of Valentine's gifts for him is a good place to start, because no matter how anti-capitalist your giftee claims to be, they will be secretly disappointed if you don’t buy them a gift, and will read way too deeply into whatever you get them if you do. It’s a real rock-and-a-hard-place situation, but it’s better to take your chances with the latter. That's why we’ve compiled this list of can’t-fail Valentine's Day gift ideas for him that just about every guy will love—including gadgets that both of you can enjoy on a date night in, comfy but stylish layers for his glossiest fits yet, and skincare picks that'll nudge him in the right direction. Good luck out there, everybody.

    The Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Men, at a Glance

    We still have time before Valentine's Day shopping truly kicks off in earnest (i.e. before you need to shell out extra for expedited shipping). But just in case you want to get straight to the goodies, here are some sure winners that make for the perfect gift for the man you're shopping for.

    Looking for more? Head over to our massive list ofValentine’s Day gift ideas, or subscribe to theGQ Recommends newsletterto get all our shopping guides and weekly sale picks.

    All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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      Filson

      24-Hour Tin Cloth Briefcase

      This classic briefcase is a grown-up version of his backpack, and who knows, it might just score him a promotion.

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      Caldera + Lab

      The Body Bar

      Give your guy a fresh-scented body bar from this GQ Grooming Award-winning brand. Instead of plastic microbeads, it uses a blend of natural exfoliants and essential oils.

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      Bang and Olufsen

      Beosound A1 Waterproof Portable Speaker

      Most party speakers favor tacky designs and RGB lights, but not this one. And where other speakers are merely splashproof, the A1 is a true submersible.

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      Epic Games

      Alan Wake 2

      A new game he can lose himself in for hours that ranks among the greatest of all time for horror aficionados.

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      Todd Snyder x Timex

      Blackout Watch

      If your giftee is into the all black everything aesthetic, he'll love this blackout watch, which he'll actually be able to read.

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      Cableami

      Boa Aviator Hat

      Let him cosplay as Elmer Fudd while he chases you, his wascally wabbit.

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      Le17septembre

      Knitted Polo

      Everyone's wearing a knitted polo nowadays, and it's about as close as a guy can get to looking like Jacob Elordi without standing on stilts and speaking in an Australian accent.

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      Byredo

      Suede Hand Lotion

      He'd never buy himself bougie lotion, but you know he deserves to smell like a million bucks and have the smoothest skin known to man.

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      New Balance

      Fresh Foam X 1080v13

      New Balance really nailed the cushiony feel with the Fresh Foam, so much so that he'll feel like he's running on clouds.

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      Ooni

      Volt 12 Pizza Oven

      If you're lucky, he'll invite you over for weekly pizza nights with pies that didn't come from the freezer.

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      Aesop

      Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Hydrating Cream

      You can lead a man to water, but you can't always make him drink. Thankfully, Aesop has enough curb appeal that with this in hand, he'll at least be tempted to hydrate his face every once in a while.

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      Abercrombie & Fitch

      Handcrafted Long-Sleeve 3-Button Sweater Polo

      An invitation to show a little more skin this year.

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      REI

      America the Beautiful Parks Pass 2024/2025

      For the guy who's always down to break new ground, explore the unknown, and maybe even share a tiny van with you out there off the grid, this pass gains you entry to a bunch of new territory to explore around the country.

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      Nike

      ACG Moc Sneakers

      Sensible slip-ons in a pulse-spiking shade, from the Swoosh's ACG line? A slam-dunk as far as Valentine's Day gifts go.

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      Braun

      13-in-1 Hair Trimmer

      Getting him one of our favorite beard trimmers will be a subtle nudge to remind him that No Shave November ended two months ago.

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      Todd Snyder

      Space-Dyed Linen Cotton Cardigan

      Wearing his heart on his sleeve has never looked dreamier.

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      Le Mont St Michel

      French Moleskin Work Jacket

      Nothing more romantic than the kind of trend-resistant jacket that he'll want to keep around for decades to come, no matter what life throws at him. Everytime he wears it, he'll have reason to think of you.

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      Apple

      Watch Series 9 [GPS + Cellular 45mm]

      For your type A valentine who's always self-optimizing, stat by stat by stat.

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      Acne Studios

      Multicolor Check Scarf

      It's a classic for a reason, but in a pattern that feels as new and exhilarating as a first crush.

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      Beer Drop

      Craft Beer Box

      For the guy whose love language is receiving a trove of deep cuts from the best breweries from across the land.

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      David Yurman

      Helios Band Ring

      To infinity and beyond.

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      Atlas Coffee

      Chocolate and Coffee Gift Set

      Name a better duo than chocolate and rich coffee beans...we'll wait.

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      Alex Mill

      V-Neck Lightweight Cashmere Sweater

      This sweater is so soft he'll be wondering why you keep hugging him (it's the sweater).

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      Fellow

      Clara French Press

      Get him to finally ditch the Keurig.

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      The Elder Statesman

      Cashmere Socks

      Remember when socks as a gift used to be a punishment? That quickly ended once we became adults, especially when those socks are as luxe and soft as cashmere.

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      Firsthand

      Find Your Style Sample Kit

      Whether he has Yu-Gi-Oh spikes or a Johnny Bravo pomp, he can keep his hair in check with some of this excellent schmutz.

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      Fluance

      RT81 Turntable

      Turn that funky music up!

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      Miansai

      Thin Lennox Jasper Ring

      You liked it, so you put a ring on it. Just not that ring.

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      Flint and Tinder

      Flannel-Lined Waxed Jacket

      He's always under-dressing for the weather, but a jacket this good (and warm) will be the perfect outerwear piece for many years to come.

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      Sonos

      One Speaker

      He'll finally stop talking about how badly he wants a Sonos One now that he actually has one of the best speakers around.

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      Nintendo

      Switch

      A Nintendo Switch could take your relationship to the next level. Playing head-to-head on Mario Kart is another story.

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      lululemon

      Fast and Free Lined Shorts

      "Babe, maybe this year should actually give running a shot before you decide it's not worth all that effort."

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      Humanrace

      Routine Pack

      A sampler skincare gift set for the guy who wants to age as gracefully as Pharrell.

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      Outdoor Voices

      High Stride Pant

      Joggers designed for workouts but fit for lounging, too.

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    The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Pickiest Dude in Your Life (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the best Valentine's gift for a man? ›

    A great Valentine's Day gift strikes the balance between personal and indulgent, which is a very different measure depending on whom you're shopping for. Some guys may be yearning for a high-quality turntable; others may want nothing more than a reliable chef's knife. Some want a trip to the spa and fancy skin care.

    How do you make a guy feel special on Valentine's Day? ›

    How to Surprise Your Boyfriend at Home
    1. Set a romantic scene. Create a romantic environment in his or your home as a surprise after a long day at work. ...
    2. Movie night in. ...
    3. Make art together. ...
    4. Create a grand entrance. ...
    5. Give him a spa treatment. ...
    6. Music and dancing. ...
    7. Plan an outdoor adventure. ...
    8. Take him out of town.
    Jan 16, 2019

    What is the most gifted thing on Valentine's Day? ›

    What are the most popular gifts to send for Valentine's Day?
    • Flowers & Chocolates. ...
    • Cook a Romantic Dinner Together. ...
    • Treasure Hunt. ...
    • Couples Activity. ...
    • Make Your Own Card.

    What is a good gift for a man? ›

    • Best Jewelry Gift for Men. Percival Signet Ring. ...
    • Best unexpected gift for men. Tushy Basic 2.0. ...
    • For a Film Lover ... or Gamer. ...
    • Best Drinks Gift for Men. The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin. ...
    • Best Wellness Gift for Men. Therabody SmartGoggles. ...
    • Best Headphone Gift. Apple AirPods Max. ...
    • Best Shorts for Men. ...
    • Best Jewelry Gift for Men.
    Apr 12, 2024

    Do guys like getting Valentine's gifts? ›

    Valentine's Day is a popular holiday for couples that dates back to the 1300s. Throughout history, this holiday has been celebrated by couples but, more so, the women in the relationships. However, a survey has proven that men enjoy celebrating the holiday and getting showered with gifts too.

    Do guys care about Valentine's Day? ›

    In Today's Talker — it seems men care more about Valentine's Day than women do. According to a new survey by One Poll, more than half of the men questioned expected their partner to put in max effort for the holiday. Only 36% of women felt the same way.

    How to impress a boyfriend romantically? ›

    Show your interest in him by acting a little flirty: touch your hair, make eye contact, lean in and casually touch his arm when chatting with him. Try to mirror his movements. Being in sync and sharing his body language signals that you're both on the same page and similar.

    How do you tell a boy you like him on Valentine's Day? ›

    5 Ways to Tell Your Crush You Like Them on Valentine's Day
    1. Send a Card. Sending a card is one of the most classic but effective methods to express your feelings for your sweetheart. ...
    2. Give a Gift. ...
    3. Plan a Date. ...
    4. Write a Letter. ...
    5. Tell Them in Person. ...
    6. Conclusion.
    Feb 7, 2024

    What are some great Valentines gifts? ›

    Best Valentine's Day Gifts Under $50
    • S'well Stainless-Steel Ice-Cream-Pint Cooler. $35. Buy at Amazon.
    • Maude Burn No. 2 Massage Candle. From $31. From $31 at Amazon. $30 at Maude.
    • Le Creuset Mini Cocotte with Heart Knob. $32. Buy at Amazon.
    Feb 2, 2024

    What are some good Valentine's gifts? ›

    30 Valentine's Day gifts for women she'll swoon over
    • Lego Icons Bouquet of Roses. ...
    • Kate Spade Love Shack Heart Crossbody. ...
    • Baked by Melissa Valentine's Day Love Gift Box. ...
    • Godiva Chocolatier Valentine's Day Heart. ...
    • Ekouaer Women's Classic Button Down Long Satin Silk Pajama Set. ...
    • LifeAround2Angels bath bombs.
    Apr 19, 2024

    What are three facts on Valentine's Day gift giving? ›

    10 Fun Facts about Valentine's Day
    • Over 8 billion candy hearts are produced for Valentine's Day every year! ...
    • Nearly 250 million roses are grown in preparation for Valentine's Day each year.
    • According to the National Retail Foundation, Americans spent nearly $26 billion on Valentine's Day gifts in 2023.
    Feb 14, 2024

    Should I give my boyfriend a Valentines gift? ›

    Even if your boyfriend isn't upfront about wanting a gift and brushes off the idea, the truth is that he wants to feel loved just like you do. He wants to feel cared for and appreciated, and getting him the perfect Valentine's Day gift is a great way to do that.

    Who receives the most valentines gifts? ›

    And how sweet: Teachers receive the most Valentine's Day cards annually, followed by children, mothers and wives.

    Who buys the most Valentine's gifts? ›

    Ages 35-44 sweet spot for Valentine's spending

    Although consumers age 35 to 44 are expected to spend the most on their significant others, they're also expected spend the most on gifts for pets.

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