As a woman in my late (very late...) forties, I don’t often think about the best Valentine’s Day gifts for men. The thing is, I've been with my Valentine for a lifetime so I know what he likes - and doesn't - at this stage in life.
While our wedding anniversary and thoughtful birthday gifts mean more than a commercialised holiday like Valentine’s Day, we do exchange cards. I’ve never forgotten the first Valentine’s card he gave me – a cheeky Purple Ronnie one if you’re wondering, which tells you it was the '90s. And - three kids and 26 years of marriage later - I still appreciate it when he pops a bunch of my favourite flowers in his basket while grabbing bits for dinner. Those little gestures mean more than an overpriced bouquet on February 14th ever could. But this year, like 54% of Brits who also mark the occasion, according to a Valentine's Day survey by M&S, I've decided to treat him to a little gift. We no longer need babysitters and might even get the telly to ourselves, so perhaps I'll even pop open some bubbly to celebrate the fact that we’re still going strong, all those years after Purple Ronnie sealed the deal.
If you’re planning something similar, here’s my roundup of the best Valentine’s Day gifts for men – especially midlife ones. Note that I've chosen items you'll enjoy too because the best Valentine’s Day gifts for him are all about sharing a token of love that benefits you both. After all, it’s a day to celebrate your love, not just your lover.
Best Valentine's gifts quicklinks
In a hurry? Jump straight to these retailers who, in my expert opinion, stock some of the best Valentine's gifts for him:
- Anthropologie: My go-to for the quirkiest, coolest gifts all year round
- Marks & Spencer: Everything from food hall favourites to fancy skincare
- Nordstrom: The coolest gifts they never knew they needed
- Selfridges: Chocs and booze to socks and tees
- Moonpig: Gadgets, games and novelty gifts galore
- Bloom & Wild: Because men like flowers too
For the foodie
Being married to a coffee drinker is the next best thing to having your own barista. Ensure he keeps the caffeine coming with this personalised coffee tamper. Made from solid stainless steel with a lasting, quality engraving, it's a fun but practical gift - and you can drink the benefits.
Playful yet indulgent, this banana-shaped chocolate bar is a lighthearted and unique way to express your affection. It's the kind of Valentine's Day gift that you can exchange over breakfast and which is sure to raise a smile without eliciting awkward questions from the kids.
The ultimate 'it's for you but for me too' gift because your other half is bound to share it. M&S is hard to beat for food hampers and this one includes some of my favourite treats, including a bottle of Merlot and some delish Chocolate Florentines - in a beautiful wicker hamper that you can re-use.
For homebodies
Gifts for the bedroom hit different after a lifetime together and an old-fashioned quilted bedspread is one of the most exciting things to have entered my boudoir in quite some time. The soft, 100% cotton jersey fabric feels fabulous, and it's easy to care for - just machine wash cold and use a low heat setting in a tumble dryer.
If he loves a bit of Lego but you've got no space for yet another Star Wars ship, go for an iconic pop art sculpture to express your love this Valentine’s Day. The Lego Art LOVE set brings one of the world’s most famous artworks into your home - and you could even tackle it as an immersive, mindful project to build together.
Put a smile on his face while filling your space with the soothing scents of ylang-ylang and patchouli with this all-natural soy wax candle. It's a playful yet luxurious gift that gives a teasing nod to your relationship while helping to create a warm, intimate atmosphere - perfect for winding down or setting the mood.
For the fitness fan
This eco-friendly bottle with a leak-proof lid and double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold for 18 hours and hot for 6 - good to know, in case you ever plan to borrow it. It's made from 65% recycled materials too, so you can feel as good about gifting it as he will about receiving it. Choose red, of course.
Even the most dedicated gym goer needs a treat now and again so spoil him (and treat yourself) with a dining experience that's perfect for a Valentine’s date night. Choose from hundreds of locations where you’ll both enjoy a starter and main (or main and dessert) for this unbeatable price.
This mini massage gun can help relieve pain and enhance recovery. Whether he's warming up before a workout or soothing sore muscles after a long day, it delivers targeted myofascial release to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. And when he's finished, it's your turn!
Grooming gifts
This cologne is the perfect unisex gift for him - so you can enjoy a spritz whenever you need a little coastal joy. This fragrance captures the essence of the sea - waves crashing, fresh air, and rugged cliffs - blended with the earthy warmth of sage and the lively freshness of sea salt.
Elevate his skincare game with this luxurious Elemis grooming set. Packed with travel-friendly essentials, it includes five products designed to cleanse, hydrate, and smooth, neatly packaged in an exclusive Elemis travel bag, making it a stylish and practical gift for you both to enjoy.
Perfect for dry to very dry skin and packed with nourishing ingredients to hydrate and repair hands and feet. The rich formulas accelerate cellular renewal, restore the skin’s protective barrier, and maintain long-lasting softness. He'll never know if you use a tiny bit.
Loungewear gifts
Yes, UGGs for men are a thing. So let him in on the UGG Tasman trend with his very own pair of luxe slippers that combine classic comfort with serious style. Crafted from soft suede and lined with plush wool, these are a luxurious treat for the feet - durable enough for quick outdoor trips but perfect for cosy nights in together too.
If he's ever eyed your favourite cashmere socks enviously, treat him to a pair of his own. Made from soft, high-quality cashmere with the perfect blend of warmth and breathability, these socks are designed for ultimate comfort, with a wide all-over rib that gently hug the feet. Just don't borrow them all the time.
I’m not saying you should buy him a SKIMS hoodie just so you can wear it too but that's kind of cute. And if he’s stuck in the same old loungewear rut (aren’t we all?), this hoodie is the perfect way to level up his casual game. The minimalist design and relaxed fit make it perfect for laid-back days hanging out at home.
For outdoorsy men
The ideal gift for a man who enjoys outdoor cooking and adventure, and one that encourages connection, relaxation, and, of course, delicious food. As the gift giver, you'll get to enjoy it too, whether it’s a chilled-out barbecue in the garden or a camping trip under the stars.
Crafted from handpicked Cornish wood, these eco-friendly fire logs provide both light and warmth for an evening under the stars - perfect for camping trips, picnics, woodland walks, or garden gatherings. They release a pleasant natural aroma and you can even personalise them.
Show you care about both his comfort and the planet with these eco-friendly kicks - the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for men who love outdoor adventures or hiking. Take a day off and plan a hiking trip or a scenic walk together, for a practical gift that encourages connection and exploration.
How to buy the best Valentine's gifts for him
“Many of us can find it tricky to buy gifts for the men in our lives, especially for Valentine’s Day when there is the increased pressure to give them something that represents how much you love and care for them," agrees Jo Reason, Brand & Range Director at Bloom & Wild.
The firm recently ran a survey on male gifting and gender stereotypes which found that men appreciate thoughtful gifts just as much as practical ones - putting an end to the idea, once and for all, that socks and smellies will do when it comes to gifts for men. "Show them you’ve noticed all the things they do for you and treat them to something that means they can indulge or take a moment to themselves," adds Jo. "Look for a gift that ties to their interests, whether that’s a hobby or a newfound passion. That way, you can’t go wrong.”
"When choosing a gift for a male partner, consider his interests, lifestyle, and personality," advises gifting expert and entrepreneur Katrina Aleksa. "Think about what he enjoys - whether it’s tech gadgets, fashion, fitness, or experiences like travel or dining. Personalisation adds a special touch, so consider customised items or something with sentimental value. If you’re unsure, pay attention to things he talks about wanting or needing. Lastly, experiences often make great gifts, offering memories rather than just material items.
"For a refined and personal touch, customised cufflinks make a timeless statement, whether engraved with initials or a meaningful date. For those who value experiences over objects, a luxurious weekend retreat - be it a spa escape, an adventure trip, or a curated wine-tasting getaway - offers unforgettable memories and relaxation. For the tech-savvy, smart home devices bring sophistication and convenience. From voice-controlled assistants to intelligent lighting and security systems, these innovations enhance daily life with seamless efficiency. Whether it’s a bespoke accessory, a curated experience, or cutting-edge home technology, the perfect gift is one that elevates his lifestyle."
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