Valentine’s Day can befuddle the best of us. On top of the whole holiday serving as a dedicated relationship reminder (aka whether we have one or not), there’s an added tricky-gifting component too. It’s a February 14 shopping tradition that can become even further complicated when the Y-chromosomes in our lives aren’t longing for standard floral arrangements or heart-shaped chocolate boxes.
But! There’s no need for present drama in 2022 because we’ve got the dude-approved goods lined up right here to save you from last-minute gifting fiascos. Scroll on for our curated hit-list of creative gadgets to unique fashion finds and very cool grooming products that your main man (whether best bud, family member, or partner for life) will adore. And for those who are opting out of V-Day altogether, the 31 finds ahead are all still single-and-fabulous-approved.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team, but if you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Gola Daytona Jogger Sneaker
Upgrade your guy’s style game with a brand new pair of retro-inspired sneaks, like this pair from British legacy brand Gola.
Gola Daytona Jogger Sneaker, $, available at DSW
AllSaints Sunset Riot Eau de Parfum
Gifting fragrance can be a tricky move, but we’d venture to say that any man would be eager to make this complex woody-floral his new signature scent.
AllSaints Sunset Riot Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom
The Sill Hoya Plant
It may be a little on the nose, but nothing says “I love you” better than a heart-shaped succulent for him to dutifully take care of.
The Sill Hoya Heart, $, available at The Sill
Elaine Valentine’s Day Spongeworthy Card
If you and your partner like to keep things simple with a thoughtful card exchange, look to Etsy for well-made, totally unique designs. After all, nothing says “romance” quite like Elaine Benes’ ultimate stamp of approval.
presspops Elaine Valentine’s Day Spongeworthy Card, $, available at Etsy
Cable Guys The Child Device Holder
This miniature Baby Yoda is perfectly sized to hold his gaming controller or iPhone — it also uses the Force to charge tech devices (okay, fine, a 6-ft micro USB cable).
Cable Guys The Child Device Holder, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Duke Cannon Beer & Bourbon Soap Box
Treat him to a toiletry lineup that will keep his top-shelf on brand. Duke Cannon’s epic bundle contains three bars of beer soap (a sandalwood-scented Busch Beer, citrus-woodsy IPA, and warm-cedarwood Budweiser) paired with one bar of bourbon soap (an oak-barrel-scented Buffalo Trace Bourbon).
Duke Cannon The Beer & Bourbon Box, $, available at Duke Cannon Supply Co.
Man Crates Grand Jerky Heart
This year, say it with…beef jerky. If your man has a special place in his heart for dried, smoked meats, then this gift box will surely delight.
Man Crates Grand Jerky Heart, $, available at Man Crates
Tetra Valise Keychain
For men who prefer to roll their own: this sleek and nifty keychain contains a hexagon-shaped interior chamber made to store his rolled smokes (big and small).
Tetra Valise Keychain, $, available at Tetra
Sailor Moon Sailor Scouts Tee
If you’ve recently turned one of his tees into one your favorite sleep shirts, gift him this incredibly rad graphic style.
Urban Outfitters Sailor Moon Sailor Scouts Tee, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Hot Tools Beard Straightener Brush
Gift him the tool he never knew he needed to tame his unkempt beard hairs. The before-and-after shots of dudes across the web all point towards this being a very good buy — as one partner put it, “Works like a charm. It’s sleek and lightweight and does its job. I’m glad I bought it for my boyfriend because his beard was getting unruly, but now maybe he will actually DO something with it!”
Hot Tools Men’s Beard Straightener Brush, $, available at Amazon
Uncommon Goods Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit
Bring the heat this Valentine’s Day with a DIY hot sauce kit that allows you to get creative in the kitchen. (Bonus points if you put your taste buds to the test with an at-home Hot Ones challenge.)
Uncommon Goods Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit, $, available at Uncommon Goods
Bevel Beard Trimmer
If your dad’s still reaching for his circa 1990s-beard trimmer, upgrade his life with this top-rated ultra-sleek model by Bevel. (Plus: It’s cordless!)
Bevel Beard Trimmer, $, available at Amazon
Boy Smells x Kacey Musgraves Slow Burn Scented Candle
A fancy candle he’ll finally appreciate. Set the mood with this luxe Boy Smells candle (aptly named “Slow Burn”) which features a warm, spicy scent profile.
Boy Smells x Kacey Musgraves Slow Burn Scented Candle, $, available at Nordstrom
CamelBak Stoaway 2L Insulated Reservoir
Fuel your man’s next outdoor adventure with this insulated pack, which includes a two-liter reservoir to last through any hike or cycling trip.
CamelBak Stoaway™ 2L Insulated Reservoir, $, available at CamelBak
DUER All Weather Denim Relaxed
This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill pair of good-looking jeans. This performance-stretch denim is water and wind-proof, making it perfect for winter. (Plus, the durable denim will keep its shape and hold up for years to come.)
DUER All-Weather Denim Relaxed, $, available at DUER
ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat
If he’s into his mind-body connection, likes to meditate, or could just use some damn tension relief, then this bestselling acupressure mat will do trick.
ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat, $, available at Amazon
Gogogo Laser Golf Range Finder
If he’s into golf, we’re pretty sure this range finder with cutting-edge pin-seeking and flag-lock technology is a gift he’d love to get.
Gogogo Sport Gogogo Sport Vpro Rangefinder, $, available at Amazon
Star Wars The Mandalorian Baby Yoda Chia Pet
Maybe his WFH space could use a little greenery — so, here’s a plant pet he’ll actually be excited to watch grow.
Chia Star Wars The Mandalorian Baby Yoda Pet, Terra Cotta, $, available at Amazon
Great Jones Holy Sheet Baking Pan
This pun’s for all the big baking guys out there! Gift him something shiny and new he can whip you up some Valentine’s Day treats on.
Great Jones Holy Sheet, $, available at Great Jones
Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie
Beanies are a lot like friends: he can never have too many (and already has a lot).
Carhartt Men’s Knit Cuffed Beanie, $, available at Amazon
Theragun Mini
Theragun’s mighty massager has taken the world by storm, and it’s easy to see why: The device is a magic wand for sore, overworked muscles, making it a great gift if you’re splurging on your fitness-loving partner this year.
Theragun Mini, $, available at Theragun
Big Hug Mug
A mug for the man who knows that season one of True Detective is the GOAT.
Applicable Pun Big Hug Mug – Ceramic Coffee Mug, $, available at Amazon
Bespoke Post Cask
Transform his love of spirits into a constructive activity — this reusable kit will have him brewing up and bottling his very own aged whiskey at-home in time for V-Day dinner.
Bespoke Post Charred American White Oak Mini Barrel, $, available at Bespoke Post
Cole Haan Men’s GrandPrø Tennis Sneaker
Upgrade his ancient pair of sneaks with something that strikes the perfect balance of knock-around luxe.
Cole Haan GrandPrø Tennis Sneaker, $, available at Cole Haan
6-in 1 Multitool Pen Gadget
This nifty little hand gizmo isn’t just a sleek writing utensil; it’s also a level, ruler, phone/tablet stylus, and both a flathead and Phillips screwdriver all in one. (Don’t mind if we order one for ourselves, too.)
CRANACH 6-in 1 Multitool Pen Gadget, $, available at Amazon
Judy The Starter Emergency Preparation Kit
If your guy’s the survivalist kind, we’d suggest a sweet Valentine’s Day emergency-preparedness kit. Judy’s bright-orange waterproof fanny pack contains a streamlined safety lineup of First Aid medical supplies, a whistle, glow sticks, emergency blanket, ponchos, dust mask, and meal replacements.
Judy The Starter, $, available at Huckberry
LEGO Creator James Bond Aston Martin DB5 10262
Appeal to your guy’s inner child with an all-grown-up LEGO set in the likeness of 007’s iconic set of wheels.
LEGO Creator James Bond Aston Martin DB5 10262, $, available at Target
Lululemon ABC Jogger
His sad college hey-day sweatpants could use an upgrade — this bestselling performance pair from Lululemon is just as soft and won’t embarrass him OR you whilst errand-running around town.
Lululemon ABC Jogger Warpstreme, $, available at Lululemon
The Best Paste
If your significant other has ever gone to the barber with a photo of Ryan Reynolds or Daniel Craig…or Jake Gyllenhaal…or Shawn Mendes (should we go on?), chances are they’ve unknowingly come across the work of master stylist and celebrity groomer Kristan Serafino. This matte-finish, firm-hold hair paste from her very own brand is leading man hair in a jar — and is as close as one can possibly get to booking her for what we can only assume would be a very expensive house call.
The Best Paste The Best Paste.™, $, available at The Best Paste
Artifact Uprising Color Series Photo Book
Appeal to your partner’s sentimental side by commemorating your most special memories via an elevated photo book.
Artifact Uprising Color Series Photo Book, $, available at Artifact Uprising
Bellroy Note Sleeve Wallet
Dads, grandpas, husbands, VIP buds… they’ll all appreciate this high on the quality, low on the bulk wallet. It’s made of superior leather, comes with a coin holder, secret pocket, comes in ten colors, and a three-year warranty. Boom.
Bellroy Note Sleeve, $, available at Bellroy
Maude Rise Condoms
Because nothing is sexier than keeping things safe in the bedroom.
Maude rise, $, available at Maude
Nintendo Switch Lite
Win 10,000 relationship points by gifting him what’s likely been collecting dust in his Amazon wish list since last year: A portable, sleek Nintendo Switch Lite — and if you’re feeling extra generous, add in a game for him to enjoy.
Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise, $, available at Amazon
Monos Metro Sling
If your man is always on the move, help him get there in ease and style with this lightweight-yet-sturdy crossbody made from water-repellant nylon.
Monos Metro Sling, $, available at Monos
Warby Parker Toddy Sunglasses
The easiest way to upgrade his look is with a pair of fresh shade blockers that you can both get behind.
Toddy, Warby Parker Toddy Sunglasses, Azure Crystal With Oak Barrel, $, available at Warby Parker
Solento Organic Reposado Tequila
This organic tequila is harvested in small batches in Jalisco, making it perfect for savoring every sip together.
Solento Organic Reposado Tequila, $, available at Drizly
Kin Euphorics Dream Light Nightcap
If he’s alcohol-free, then surprise him with a trending bottle of botanical elixir that’s specially crafted to encourage dreamier sleep. Kin’s Dream Light “nightcap” is made from a blend of earthy adaptogens and serene nootropics (like Reishi mushrooms) that can be mixed with milk or water before bed.
Kin Euphorics Dream Light Nightcap, $, available at Kin Euphorics
The Office: Antics And Adventures From Dunder Mifflin
If rewatching The Office is among your favorite pastimes, then this pocket-sized superfan gift will be an amazing present for the Jim Halpert to your Pam Beesly.
Urban Outfitters The Office: Antics and Adventures from Dunder Mifflin, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Portable Cell Phone Touch Speaker
No more Bluetooth #struggles here — this minimally-designed wireless speaker magically connects to your phone when put in direct contact, allowing you to instantly blare your favorite songs (and let all your friends take a turn playing DJ) without any technical difficulties.
On Trend Goods Portable Cell Phone Induction Speaker, $, available at Amazon
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
These Self-Care Gifts Are Exactly What You Need RN
