Thoughtful gift ideas, reasonably priced.
Well, gentleman, per usual we’re all cutting it pretty close with buying our Valentine’s Day gifts. If you think about it, it’s really only a thoughtful gift if you wait until the days prior to Valentine’s Day stressing about what you’re going to do. If it isn’t painful, is it really love?
I kid, of course. Valentine’s Day is one of those made up holidays that all of us gripe about but still feel obligated to participate in. Between anniversaries, holidays, and birthdays, I feel like the relationship gift-giving is pretty well covered, BUT HEY THAT’S ME.
Nonetheless, there is a sense of shame when you choose to do nothing for your partner on Valentine’s Day. Like bringing a bottle of wine that never gets opened to a party, it’s better to be safe than show up empty handed.
And if you’ve looked up Valentine’s Day gift idea guides, you’re presented with either ridiculous suggestions that are more expensive than the furniture in my living room, or, it’s like…a Champion baseball cap. (I straight up saw that in a guide. What are you doinnggggggg.)
That’s why I’ve compiled the following list of thoughtful gift ideas that should still arrive in time as long as you make a decision quick.
My recommendation? Do something low key and thoughtful, meaning specific to your partner and relationship like takeout cocktails from the restaurant you had your first date or a quiet picnic with a view, and include one or two of the gifts below as something to tie the whole thing together. Don’t forget to write a Valentine’s Day card.
Something fun to bring you closer together
The Ultimate Game For Couples, $25
A card deck featuring guesses and challenges designed to help you get to know each other more deeply.
A perfect at-home and romance-building date night
Date Night: Living Room Dancing for Couples
You can have two left feet and still create a new start to your relationship with this digital date night. It walks you both through simple, repeatable moves so you and your partner can smile and laugh to your favorite music all night. Plus, the program has thousands of positive reviews from couples.
An attractive handmade mug for their favorite morning coffee
Japanese Ceramic Mug, $60
Made by hand by Taiwanese artists, the HMM matte black mug is made of Japanese ceramic.
Some casual boots for casual weekends
Women’s Blundstone High Top Boots, $215
Get her in on your boot game.
Something they can cuddle up in all day
Marmot Sherpa Fleece Jacket, $105
Some guys buy their partners skimpy lingerie for Valentine’s Day, others mega comfortable shirt jackets. We’re more of the latter. For a men’s version, check out this cozy option.
A cashmere blanket for your head
Fishers Finery 100% Pure Cashmere Ribbed Hat, $48
I wear this super soft and lightweight watch cap regularly.
Start speaking the same language
The Five Love Languages, $8
One of the most important and revealing concepts you can learn in your relationship is your, and your partners, love language. It clears up a lot of things. So buy two copies and read it together this month. There’s a reason it has 43,000 reviews with a 5 star average and is one of our essential books to read when the honeymoon period is over.
A pretty but casual piece of jewelry
Signature Turquoise Pendant, $48
You know what’s expensive? Fancy, luxury jewelry. Most people don’t wear that stuff day-to-day.
A scented candle connected to their home
Homesick Scented Candle, $34
Add a personalized touch to your gifts with one of these highly rated home state candles that are hand-poured in the US.
A daily fill-in-the-blank reflection journal for couples
One Question a Day for You & Me: A Three-Year Journal, $12
A daily short prompt for both of you to fill in, with spaces on each page for the next 3 years to watch how you, individually and as a couple, evolve.
An instant print digital camera to save your memories in the physical world
Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Camera, $99
Take it up a notch and some extra film and add in a scrap book. By next Valentine’s Day you’ll have a year’s worth of memories
Schlep around in sheepskin-lined suede slippers
UGG Men’s Scuff Slippers, $80
They’re so comfortable you’ll both want to wear them.
California Cowboy La Sirena Robe, $148
Featuring a terry cloth lining, a dry pocket that protects your phone, and a bottle pocket that fits a full bottle of champagne. This ain’t your mom’s robe.
Give your travel-loving partner hope
Mini Cork Globe with 50 Different Colored Push Pins, $45
A small, stylish cork globe that you can pin where you’ve been together and, maybe, where you’re going next.
For the couple that are also WFH coworkers
Sony Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones, $298
Blocking the noise from all your Zoom meetings may be the most wonderful gift of all.
A USA-made cutting board that’ll last as long as your relationship
Sustainable Acacia Wood Cutting Board, $50
Made in the USA by Sonder LA, these attractive cutting boards feature beautiful grains.
Some satisfying self care
Herbivore Natural Coco Rose Body Polish, $38
Nothing like super soft skin after a long day, this body polish exfoliates and moisturizes.
An Instagrammer-favorite throw blanket
A good blanket should be super comfy, and this may be the comfiest of all. I purchased it as a Christmas gift and it’s employed on the couch daily.
Something sweet for your sweetie
Omnom Chocolate Bar Trio, $25
This highly rated treat hails from Iceland by Omnom, a bean to bar chocolate company.
A quality minimalist watch that looks like it cost a lot more
Orient Bambino Version IV Dress Watch, $126
I’ve had this watch since we first featured it a few years ago. It’s simple and clean but with great details like rose gold tick marks and the brown and black suede strap. We even named it one of the best watches under $200 on our list.
The gentleman’s lanyard alternative
James Brand Mehlville EDC Carabiner, $60
Machined from a solid block of aluminum, this carabiner features two sections and a bottle opener, updating your key ring from utilitarian to form meets function.
A Candle that looks as good on the shelf as it smells
Sequoia National Park Candle, $38
Good + Well Supply Co.’s national park collection features American-made small batch candles with 80 hour burn times.
The perfect quarantine date night recipe book
Date Night In Recipe Book, $24
This couples’ recipe book features cocktails, meals, and desserts you can make together.
Leatherman Multitool, $70
Every Leatherman tool has a 25 year guarantee, and the FREE line is designed to be opened with only one hand.
Their new favorite socks
CHUP Suerte Sock, $25
Socks are only bad gifts when they sucky socks. Chup socks are made in Japan, using traditional machines that can only produce 20 pairs per day.
A gear bag for going back to the office
Parker Clay Eleni Day Tote, $348
Made from full grain leather, the Eleni Day is an ethically produced tote bag and will only look better the more it’s used.
Whiskey glasses for the adventurer at heart
American Mountains Rocks Glasses – Set of 4, $48
A unique set of glasses, each featuring an impression of one of America’s great mountain ranges Half Dome, Denali, Mt. Rainer, and Mt. Whitney.