Valentine’s Day can befuddle the best of us. On top of the whole holiday serving as a dedicated relationship reminder (a.k.a. whether we have one or not), there’s an added tricky-gifting component too — 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’ll be no need for present drama in 2021, 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 sleek grooming products that your main man (whether friend, family member or S.O.) will adore. And for those who are opting out of V-Day altogether, the 37 stylish 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.
Man Crates 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 Jerky Heart, $, available at Man Crates
Cable Guys The Child Device Holder
This miniature Baby Yoda is perfectly sized to hold gaming controllers and iPhones, and uses the Force to charge (okay, fine, an included 6 ft micro USB cable) your tech devices, too.
Cable Guys The Child Device Holder, $, available at Urban Outfitters
High Camp Firelight Flask
Whether you want to enjoy a cup of cocoa while camping/#glamping, or want to keep your spiked slushie frozen while in the hot tub, this double-insulated stainless flask can handle it all.
High Camp Firelight 375 Flask, $, available at Huckberry
Polo Bear Dress Sock Gift Set
The OG Polo mascot skiing and wearing sunglasses is certainly a look that someone special will treasure.
Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Dress Sock Gift Set, $, available at Ralph Lauren
Malin + Goetz Saving Face Skincare Set
Since he’s such a big fan of your top shelf bathroom setup, spoil him with his own set of luxe clean cleansing goods.
Malin + Goetz Saving Face Skin Care Set, $, available at Nordstrom
Theragun MINI Portable Deep Tissue Massager
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 Portable Deep Tissue Massager, $, available at Walmart
Bevel Shaving Kit
Keep his beard looking neat with this super-slick shaving set from Bevel. Disposable razors who?
Bevel Shaving Kit, $, available at Amazon
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
Lou Malnati’s Spreading Hearts Charity Pizza Pack
Break his heart into shareable pieces.
Lou Malnati’s Spreading Hearts Charity Pizza Pack, $, available at Goldbelly
Lululemon ABC Jogger
If your man is still wearing his college sweatpants around the apartment, it may be time for an upgrade. This pair from Lululemon’s exclusive collection with Huckberry are just as soft as his favorite worn-in pair, but won’t embarrass you when you’re at the grocery store.
lululemon ABC Jogger, $, available at Huckberry
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
If your man is always on the move, help him get there in ease and style with this lightweight-yet-sturdy backpack made from 100% recycled materials.
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack, $, available at Everlane
Truff Hot Sauce Variety Pack
If your bud appreciates the sauce, gift him this treasure — a trio of fancy-ass truffle hot sauce. He’ll never spend this much on himself for condiments and will appreciate your understanding that he may not want to share.
TRUFF Hot Sauce Variety Pack, $, available at Amazon
Uniqlo x J.W Anderson Beanie
Beanies are like friends: You can never have too many. Double down on cozy with this heattech version from the Uniqlo x J.W. Anderson collection.
Uniqlo x J.W. Anderson Heattech Knitted Cap, $, available at Uniqlo
Homesick Date Night Candle
Set the mood for a cozy night in with this woodsy candle that features notes of patchouli, fig, cashmere, and red current.
Homesick Candles Date Night Candle, $, available at Homesick Candles
Mini Keg Beer Making Kit
Transform his love of beer into a constructive activity — this reusable kit will have him brewing up and bottling his very own IPA at-home in time for V-Day dinner.
Uncommon Goods Mini Keg Beer Making Kit – IPA, $, available at Uncommon Goods
SuitSupply Neat Silk Tie
Math nerds, intellects, and Kornacki fans alike will appreciate that on closer inspection, the repeat pattern on this tie is indeed Pi.
SuitSupply Neat Silk Tie, $, available at Nordstrom
Bob Ross Happy Little Tree Mints
Share these with your work husband or as a token gift of positivity.
Bob Ross Happy Little Tree Mints, $, available at Amazon
Skagen Men’s Jorn Minimalistic Stainless Steel Quartz Watch
Danish brand Skagen makes some of the most stylish, affordable watches around. If you’re looking to give a subtle hint to your perpetually late mate, try this Amazon gem, which clocks in at just $69. (Nice.)
Skagen Men’s Jorn Minimalistic Stainless Steel Quartz Watch, $, available at Amazon
Jaxon Lane Bro Sheet Mask (set of 4)
Do you even sheet mask, Bro?
Jaxon Lane Bro Sheet Mask x 4, $, available at MR PORTER
The Daily High Club Box
Bless your mans with one of 2021’s most wanted goods: a monthly box of curated smoking essentials, including everything from specialty rolling papers to rolling tips, premium matches, and a few other “goodies.”
The Daily High Club El Primo Box, $, available at The Daily High Club
Urbanstems The Geoff
Brighten up any space with this adorable air plant (a suitable choice if you’re far from having a green thumb) in a whimsical giraffe planter.
Urbanstems The Geoff, $, available at Urbanstems
Trailtopia Ramen Noodles Pack
Your adventurer deserves some sustenance for his next trip out on the trails.
Trailtopia GF Ramen Noodles, $, available at Back Country
Guss’ Pickles
This gift of pickles from America’s oldest family-run pickle shop comes in a gallon bucket so it should be reserved for true enthusiasts only.
Guss’ Pickles NY Fresh Kosher Dill Pickles – 1 Gallon, $, available at Goldbelly
Maude Rise Condoms
Because nothing is sexier than keeping things safe in the bedroom.
Maude rise, $, available at Maude
Veja V-12 Sneaker
Upgrade his ancient, formerly-white sneaks with a responsibly-made pair of leather V-12s (or a vegan option) from French label Veja.
VEJA V-12 Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom
Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
Getting your partner roses may be Valentine’s Day 101, but a bottle of Four Roses? This year, we’re making the case for raising a glass of bourbon sweeter than a first kiss.
Four Roses Bourbon Single Barrel, $, available at Drizly
Frank & Oak Relaxed Tee
If you’ve recently relegated one his tees into one your favorite sleep shirts, gift him this sustainable organic cotton T-shirt from Frank & Oak’s minimal collection as a upgraded replacement.
Frank & Oak Good Cotton Relaxed Tee, $, available at Frank & Oak
Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise
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
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
Bellroy Note Sleeve Wallet
Dads, grandpas, husbands, VIP buds… they’ll all appreciate this high quality, low on bulky wallet. It’s made of superior leather, comes with a coin holder, secret pocket, is RFID-blocking , comes in ten colors and a three-year warranty. Boom.
Bellroy Note Sleeve, $, available at Bellroy
3D Laser Cut Metal Model Building Kit
Slip this flat metal model building kit into your favorite hobbyist’s V-Day card. We sourced this gift idea from The Grommet’s small business section and we’re super impressed with the options from a Ford Mustang to the Brooklyn Bridge.
Metal Earth 3D Laser Cut Metal Model Building Kit, $, available at The Grommet
Kin Euphorics Dream Light Nightcap
If he’s on a new-year wellness kick, 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
Seinfeld George Costanza Valentine’s Card
If you and your partner like to keep things simple with a thoughtful card exchange, look to Etsy: After all, nothing says “romance” quite like George Costanza striking a sensual pose.
Influential People George Costanza Valentines Day Card, $, available at Etsy
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
Warby Parker Downing Sunglasses
These Warby Parker sunnies are the chicest way to shield eyes from UV rays. Pro tip: Shop them now so he can have them for your next trip together.
Warby Parker Downing Antique Shale Fade with Green-Grey lenses, $, available at Warby Parker
Thursday Boot Company Men’s Rugged & Resilient Captain 6″ Lace-up Boot
If you’re going to splurge this year, treat him to a pair of timeless leather boots that will only get better with age. (Just like him!)
Thursday Boot Co. Men’s Rugged & Resilient Captain 6″ Lace-up Boot, $, available at Amazon
Merry Color Nicholas Cage Mermaid Pillow
An oldie but a goodie.
Merrycolor Nicolas Cage Magic Reversible Sequin Pillowcase, $, available at Amazon
LiveMusic! HearSafe High Fidelity Earplugs
As recommended by our Shopping Director’s composer husband, these were the best set of earplugs he’s ever purchased. If you have a professional or enthusiastic musician in your life, they’ll appreciate keeping their working assets (their ears!) protected while still enjoying a live show. The set comes with two pairs of earplugs at different strengths and a handy holder that can attach to his keychain so he’s never without protection again.
LiveMusic! HearSafe High Fidelity Ear Plugs for Musicians, $, available at Amazon
Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Boxer Brief 2-Pack
There’s nothing wrong with a practical, affordable gift — when’s the last time he invested in some new underwear? — and your male S.O. will feel like he’s the star of his own #MyCalvins campaign with this two-pack of candy-colored briefs.
Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Boxer Brief 2-Pack, $, available at Urban Outfitters
We suggest heading to Huckberry in general to see what’s in store at this mecca for guys who like gear.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
These Self-Love Gifts Are Exactly What You Need RN
