Best Valentine's Day gifts for him - 12 present ideas your boyfriend or husband will love
Well, here we are again. Almost a full year has gone by since we were last panic-buying heart-shaped chocolates and forging 'love vouchers' out of the sexiest-looking card at the corner shop.
It doesn't need to be that way. Notoriously difficult as Valentine's Day gifting may be. In lieu of pink tat and flammable lingerie, we're here to help you treat your husband or boyfriend to something thoughtful this year. Something he will love.
We've curated a stellar selection of the best Valentine's gifts for him, below, where you're sure to find something that will make his heart beat a little bit faster:
1. Personalised Limited Edition Whisky
The water of life, for the love of yours. The Whisky Exchange have kept 276 bottles of this mystery 18 year Highland single malt label-free so you can customise your very own with a personalised design, quote, date and dedication. The dram itself is similar to that of Dalmore, Loch Lomond, and Highland Park – rich and fruity with a gentle, spiced finish – which will delight any whisky lover.
2. ION Max LP Belt Drive Turntable
Treat your music-loving boyfriend or husband to a gift that will keep on giving this Valentine's Day. This gorgeous all-in-one wooden turntable combines a record player with a vinyl-to-MP3 converter, as well as the option to connect external devices through the 3.5 mm jack and use it as a speaker. Want to make it extra special? Place a vinyl from your loved one's favourite artist inside, ready to spin, for a one-two love punch.
3. A Visit to Bletchley Park for Two
A wonderful gift for the man who has everything. With this experience day, you can take your partner inside Britain’s once top-secret WWII code-breaking HQ (museum and mansion included) for a tour like no other before indulging in an afternoon tea. It's a phenomenal day out for history buffs in the South, but there are a number of nationwide Virgin Experience Days available if you need to look further afield.
4. Jo Malone London x Huntsman Whiskey and Cedarwood Cologne
Valentine's Day presents the perfect opportunity to gift a special cologne, like this collaboration between Jo Malone London and iconic tailor Huntsman. For 'Whiskey & Cedarwood', the notes are exactly what you'd hope for — it's warm, masculine and balanced with a splash of spicy pimento. One to nuzzle into.
5. Oculus Go
While top-spec VR headsets will still set you back a couple hundred pounds, the Oculus Go is the very best VR headset you can get for the price. It's a standalone system, meaning your man doesn't need an expensive PC or console to run it, and boasts access to over 1,000 games and immersive experiences. Tech lovers and gamers will adore it.
6. Luxury Printed Pyjamas and Eye Mask
Quick! You've got a socially acceptable opportunity to buy his-and-hers/his-and-his pyjamas! A new favourite, Desmond & Dempsey, even craft their unique prints in a wide range of cuts, meaning you can do matchy-matchy mornings in your preferred style of sleepwear (long, short, shirted, robed, et al.
7. Odeon Limitless
If you and your loved one spend any time bickering over film choices, Odeon Limitless could provide the answer to your prayers. For a bit more than the cost of a single ticket, this monthly pass lets you can watch all the films you want, as often as you like. Date night for the next year, sorted.
8. Ray-Ban Sunglasses
If there's one pair of sunglasses that look good on absolutely everyone, it has to be Ray-Ban's Clubmasters. They're timeless, high-quality, available in a range of colours, and generally a perfect replacement for the pair he smashed up over the summer.
9. Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit
World of Zing's Hot Sauce Making Kit is perfect little gift for spice addicts. The kit includes exciting blends of ingredients and exclusive recipes to help you create two hot sauces and a delectable Oriental chilli oil, to taste. It even comes in a gift box, so you don't have to worry about anything else. Vegan/Vegetarian Friendly, and Gluten Free.
10. A Celebrity Masterclass
From £14.17 per month, Masterclass
Whether you're a couple keen on self-improvement or simply have a partner that loves to learn, Masterclass offers an incredible range of one-off and all-access classes run by celebrity experts, entirely taught online. You could gift him a cooking classes with Gordon Ramsay, music production class with deadmau5, poker strategy lessons with Phil Ivey (widely considered the world's best all-round player), and more.
11. Lingerie or Silk Boxers
A classic Valentine's Day gift for a reason. If your partner has a penchant for sexy unmentionables, you could pick up a piece from Agent Provocateur or invest in a pair of luxurious silk boxers from Derek Rose and surprise your guy when the moment strikes. The gift-for-you-for-me vibes are strong with this one.
12. Knomo Laptop Backpack
If leap years have passed since your man last updated his briefcase or backpack, this stylish commuter backpack will come as a welcome surprise. Knomo's Beaufort backpack is kitted out with water-resistant nylon, a padded laptop compartment, pockets for notebooks/chargers/etc, and enough space to throw in everything but the sink.
For more Valentine's Day inspiration, read our guides on the best gifts for her and the most romantic movies to watch this year.