20 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him

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V-Day Gifts He’ll Love

Men are notoriously hard to buy gifts for, especially for holidays like Valentine’s Day. This year, think outside the chocolate box with these 20 unique gift ideas that he’ll love.

For the booze connoisseur

Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet? What about a rose gin? Give him the kind of flower he’ll appreciate—one that’s infused into Canadian-made craft booze.

Dillon’s Rose Gin, 375mL, $25 at store.dillons.ca

For the daydreamer

Give him a place to jot down his dreams, plans and lists—and make it this brown leather journal. It’s a pleasure to smell and hold.

Dream Big, Work Hard journal, $36 at indigo.ca

For the everyman

He’s the kind of guy that exclusively wears jeans, movie or band T-shirts and hoodies. Get him to go a little bit out of his comfort zone with a sweatshirt that’s vibrant red. It is Valentine’s Day, after all.

Full-Zip Sweatshirt, $40 at UNIQLO stores

For the guy who just wants to have fun

Whether you want to spend Valentine’s Day in the hot tub, winter camping, watching movies by the fireplace or chilling in bed, this portable speaker is the perfect companion. Make it an extra special gift with a personalized playlist that you can blare on date nights in.

Bose SoundLink Colour II Splashproof Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker, $150 at bestbuy.ca

For the naturalist

If he’s an outdoorsman, a health nut or is conscious about the environment, a woodgrain S’well water bottle will make him swoon.

S’well 500mL Water Bottle, $45 at healthhutboutique.com

For the frequent traveller

Scented with lavender and nutmeg, this men’s skin-care set from L’Occitane includes travel-ready shower gel, after shave balm, soap and samples of Shea Butter Comforting Face Cream and Shea Butter Comforting Face Oil. This gift is especially nice if you have a little weekend getaway planned for V-day.

L’Occitane Aromatic L’Occitan Voyage Gift, $27 at ca.loccitane.com

For the gym rat

He may live at the gym, but that doesn’t mean his wardrobe has to make him look like he’s still on the high school swim team. This duffel is stylish, but still functional and sporty.

Duffel bag, $130 at shop.herschelsupply.ca

For the guy with one thing on his mind

In other words, this gift is for every guy. He’ll love this sensual mix of massage oil, a candle, bath salts and a sensuous mist that you can use together one special evening.

Saje Wellness Tantra Sensuous Kit for Lovers at $40, saje.com

For the rebel

‘Til death do you part? Well, this stainless steel watch with a skull motif is a slightly alternative way to say it.

Men’s “Rebel Icon” Watch, $239 at thomassabo.com

For the old-fashioned gentleman

A delicious fragrance is a must for date night, and if your guy is lacking in that department (or if he simply loves to collect scents), it’s time to give him a dash of old-fashioned charm with this refreshing spritz. It has top notes of orange, bergamot and lemon, a spicy heart of nutmeg and pepper and a smooth vetiver, tobacco and tonka bean finish.

Guerlain Vetiver, $102 at sephora.ca

For the kid at heart

Make your days and nights a little more fun with an instant camera that can print snapshots on the spot. One afternoon, wander around together and document your journey.

Fuji Instax Mini 8 Camera with 10-Pack Film $100 at indigo.ca

For the trendsetter

Climbing is the hot new sport. Get your man scaling the walls with his very own harness that he can put to use at one of the new climbing gyms popping up around the country.

Black Diamond Momentum Harness, $54 at mec.ca

For the metrosexual

If he takes his shaving seriously, treat him to a shave kit that has more than just shave cream. Anthony’s The Perfect Shave Kit also contains facial cleanser, pre-shave oil and after shave balm.

Anthony The Perfect Shave Kit, $77 at sephora.ca

For the sneaker collector

Is there ever such a thing as too many shoes? We didn’t think so.

Vans runners, $125 at vans.ca

For the stress ball

If he spends long hours at the office, make his space a little more relaxing with a fragrance diffuser. He’d never buy one for himself, but he’ll love it once he’s got it.

Puebco Fragrance Diffuser in Pure Silk, $48 at drakegeneralstore.ca

For the homebody

Who says sweatpants can’t be stylish? These black Lazypants are fitted and cozy for the man that would prefer to spend his evenings cuddling and watching movies instead of going out to the hottest new restaurant or lounge.

Drop-Crotch Sweatpants, $135 at shoplazypants.com

For the guy who doesn’t buy anything for himself

If your beau uses an elastic band to hold together his cash and cards, it’s time for him to grow up. Choose a slim wallet that will fit easily in his pocket. One that won’t embarrass you when he pulls it out to treat you to dinner.

Slimfold Wallet, $68 at roots.com

For the coffee fiend

Treat his taste buds to a new blend of coffee from his favourite local roaster or the Starbucks down the street. “Casi Cielo,” which means “almost heaven” in Spanish, is the newest Starbucks coffee and it has a cocoa finish.

Starbucks Guatemala Casi Cielo Whole Bean, $20/pound at starbucks.ca

For the best friend

You do everything with him, which means he’d appreciate if you stopped to pick him up after being abducted by aliens.

Phone case, $35 at society6.com

For the bearded bloke

He’s a bit of a hipster (don’t worry, we won’t tell him you said anything), which means his beard is a VIP (very important part) of his appearance. This balm, with the scent of cedar and citrus, will soften his beard, soothe his skin and make him smell delectable.

Proraso Beard Balm, $18 at Shoppers Drug Mart