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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      Huckberry x Blundstone

      1320 Chelsea Boot

      Turns out limited-edition Blunnies are the key to his heart.

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      Tom Ford

      Myrrh Mystere Eau de Parfum

      Ford's typically sultry cologne—which mixes notes of myrrhe, sandalwood, and sweet vanilla—is practically an aphrodisiac, and makes for a sensational signature scent all year-long.

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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

    The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Pickiest Dude in Your Life? ›

    An Intimate Night With You. On the list of things guys want for Valentine's Day, intimate alone time with you is at the top. Make it special by turning up the romance more than normal or trying something new. Book a hotel room for the night or turn up the heat with a few toys; he'll be thrilled.

    What is a good Valentine's Day gift for a man? ›

    Best Valentine's Day Gifts For Him At A Glance
    • Uncommon Goods History By Mail Subscription.
    • Line Of Trade Canvas Weekender Bag.
    • The Couples Game.
    • Modern Map Art Where It All Began Map.
    • The Larq PureVis Water Bottle.
    • Colsen Tabletop Fire Pit.
    • Apple AirTag.
    • Montblanc Legend Red Eau De Parfum.
    Feb 5, 2024

    How do I make my man feel special on Valentine's Day? ›

    How to Plan the Perfect Valentine's Day for Your Husband
    1. 1 Start the day out with breakfast in bed.
    2. 2 Make some time for just the two of you.
    3. 3 Give your husband a gift he'll find meaningful.
    4. 4 Get dressed up in date clothes.
    5. 5 Use food-based scents to get him in the mood.
    6. 6 Set aside the business talk.

    What do men actually like for Valentines Day? ›

    An Intimate Night With You. On the list of things guys want for Valentine's Day, intimate alone time with you is at the top. Make it special by turning up the romance more than normal or trying something new. Book a hotel room for the night or turn up the heat with a few toys; he'll be thrilled.

    What to get a guy you're talking to for Valentine's Day? ›

    That means it can be anything from a sleek wallet that he'll put to good use (and the more organized him will benefit you both) or a sexy article of clothing you can slip into to really blow his mind. Don't let the fact that it may be the first of many gifts for Valentine's Day throw you off.

    Do guys want Valentines gifts? ›

    Now that we have discovered that men do love celebrating Valentine's Day, here's a list by Bustle on what men want for Valentine's Day. Tickets to a live sports match. Noise-cancelling wireless headphones. Their favourite everyday cologne.

    How do I make him feel special? ›

    Strengthen your relationship with these 9 ways to make your significant other feel special.
    1. Show your appreciation. ...
    2. Tell them 'I love you' throughout the day. ...
    3. It's in the little things. ...
    4. Try to do at least one nice thing for your partner every day. ...
    5. Give them your undivided attention.

    How can I surprise my man? ›

    Valentine's Day 2023: Romantic Ideas To Surprise Your Boyfriend
    1. A surprise date night. ...
    2. Leave little notes on the mirror. ...
    3. Sign him up for a professional massage. ...
    4. Plan a movie night. ...
    5. Sign up for a class together. ...
    6. Book a ticket to an event. ...
    7. Fuel up his car's tank. ...
    8. Gift a pet.
    Feb 14, 2023

    How can I impress my boyfriend on Valentine's Day? ›

    Cook their favourite meal: Put on some music, light some candles, and recreate their favourite dish from their childhood. A meal is incomplete without a sweet treat, so order for him or her Valentine's day special desserts like heart-shaped cakes and chocolates.

    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.

    What are good Valentine's Day gifts? ›

    • Valentine's Day Beauty Gift. Beauty Sleep Overnight Lip Mask in Pink Champagne. ...
    • Practical Gift. Phone Bag. ...
    • Custom Jewelry. Personalized Bar Pendant Necklace. ...
    • Gift for Mom. Enameled Cast Iron Heart Cocotte. ...
    • Little Gift. Heart-Shaped Tea Bags. ...
    • Personalized Guitar Picks. ...
    • Vintage Valentine Seals Puzzle. ...
    • Best Floral Perfume.
    Feb 5, 2024

    What to do for Valentine's Day when you just started talking? ›

    How to Celebrate Valentine's Day When You've Just Started Dating
    1. Talk it out. Whatever you do, don't avoid talking about how you will spend the day simply because you are nervous about an awkward conversation. ...
    2. Consider a compromise. ...
    3. Keep gift giving simple, or skip it altogether.
    Jan 31, 2024

    Should you get your situationship a Valentine's Day gift? ›

    Just to reiterate, you probably shouldn't be getting your situationship anything. In fact, you shouldn't be in a situationship at all. A piece of unsolicited Valentine's Day advice? Be clear about what you're looking for and set those boundaries.

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