From the Mailbag: Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him
Hi Joe:
I know that my boyfriend reads your website, and I was wondering if you had any ideas for Valentine’s Day gifts for the Dappered-enthused man. I’m sure others would be interested too. Thanks.
– Christina
How ’bout some burgundy, shell cordovan, cap toe boots by Alden? No? What… you love him, but you don’t six hundred dollars love him? Kidding.
Here’s the thing about most of us guys. Even though there are some of us who like and/or appreciate various style related things, most of us don’t usually skip around town shouting about what those things are. That falls into the category of shopping. It’s just not something that’s naturally real manly to do. So buying for us can be a pain. 10 suggestions follow, all of which shouldn’t cause Christina, or someone like Christina to go broke.
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1. Tools to take care of his stuff: B.B. Shoe Shine Valet – $128 | A.E. Shoe Bags – $10
Guys like tools. Even if they’re not always in the garage, grunting away Tim the Tool Man Taylor style. If he loves to shine his shoes? Consider some upgraded shoe shine supplies. Like a horsehair brush, daubers, or go all the way with the slick shoe shine valet from Brooks Brothers (a less expensive alternative can be found here.) If he’s got a favorite pair of shoes you’ve seen him wear time and time again (or, only on special occasions), consider the flannel shoe bags from Allen Edmonds. He’ll think of you every time he gets out his favorite pair of oxfords.
2. A watch case: Red Envelope Monogrammable Watch Case – $59.95
He’s given her jewelry, and she keeps it in her jewelry box. He’s got a small collection of watches, and he… keeps them loose on top of a nightstand. This does quite nicely.
3. His favorite brewers reserve series, or, an upscale craft version of his favorite beer.
Beer. Yeah, it’s awesome. If he’s got a favorite brewer, look into what kind of reserve series they offer. The bigger bottle specialty brews can be incredible, and a great way to experiment. If he’s more of a standard mega commercial pilsner/lager type, help him expand his horizons with a similar beer from a smaller brewery. Above beers: Anderson Valley Winter Solstice, and Full Sail Brewer’s Share ESB. Dynamite. Both of em.’
4. An Awfully nice money clip: Tiffany Money Clip – $170.00
So the Tiffany version is pretty expensive, but it’s timeless. Something he can hand down to the next generation. But don’t bring that up if you’re new to dating him… he could think you’re bringing up having kids. That, and you can order Tiffany stuff VERY late and still have it delivered in time for Valentine’s Day. Deadline for Tuesday delivery is ordering by Noon ET on Monday.
5. An accessory for his favorite gadget: iPad Atari Arcade – $60.00
He has an iPad? Awesome. Is he over the age of 25? Great. Give him this, play some strip Centipede, and after the final round of… uh, Missile Command, then all I ask is you name the kid Joe come November.
6. Tickets to an event. His favorite band/team/etc…
It’s up to the gift giver to read this situation correctly. Most of us want to experience our favorite band or team with our significant other. But if he’s got a buddy he’s been going to see the Steelers/Cubs/Gwar with since he was a kid… well then he should take him.
7. Tan Leather Gloves: All Gloves british tan nappa leather – $66.00 ($110)
Black gloves. We all have those. Dark brown probably too. But not many men have a pair of stand out, tan, ready to be worn till they fall apart gloves like these. They’re a bit of a treat. Cashmere lined too.
8. Favorite Sports Team Throwback: New York Knights Flannel Cap – $40.00
Most guys like sports. Most guys who like sports have a team or two (or more) that they root for. Hard. A throwback allows him to still support his team, but avoid all the over-done slicked up logos of today. Throwbacks have a real nostalgic feel to them.
9. His favorite movie’s throwback: The Original Ocean’s 11 – $7.19
Plenty of movies have been remade
10. You, wearing something out of the ordinary in the bedroom
Giving a woman lingerie is more of a gift to the guy than the actual recipient. So most of us won’t do that very often, if ever. But for a woman to go out and pick up something she likes, fits her well, and is a little different from what she usually wears under her clothes? Well that can be a very nice surprise.
Of course you guys have more suggestions. To the comments with you. All of you…
Concert Tickets Photo Credit: nzhamstar. Lingerie Photo Credit: Emery Co Photo. Top Cupid Photo Credit: RBerteig
Nothing says love like Cannibal Corpse tickets. Well done.
Number 3 + Number 10 = Best Valentines Ever
It’s understandable to view lingerie as more a gift to the dude than to the lady who wears it for him, but my research indicates that women find lingerie liberating, empowering, and enabling. They love being able to tap into that part of themselves that the world (wrongly) has them repress. At the risk of sounding sexist (whatever. I am), I like that my girl loves how I look in a suit, but I wear it for me more her. So lingerie can do a lot more for her than for him.
Nice watch case for your non-auto watches. There’s a discount code for 15% off with promo code srch25t2
The shoe shine kit is missing neutral polish. If started when first bought and the leather is never scuffed during wearing you do not need the colored polish. Nice to have on hand but neutral is the first polish to use and have
Or use ‘SGIFTS20’ for a 20% discount. I ended up purchasing the case myself, unfortunately it will not be delivered until the 27th.
Also neat:
Monogrammed brass collar stays ($25):
http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=16954db
And I tried to post this earlier, but it didn’t go through…
Truefitt & Hill Classic Razor – Horn ($99):
http://www.truefittandhill.com/detail_00266__46.html
Three cheers for the James Bond link in no. 9!
better still
http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-HD-34C-Chrome-Plated/dp/B001LYAQ9E
#10, if pulled off properly, will suffice. He can get everything else on the list anytime he has the cash.
I know the Merkur safety razors are popular. Truefitt & Hill makes some, too. I’ve just always prefered th simplicity of runing down to the grocery store to get more when I run out. Plus I like the horn and ivory handles over steel.
Great call on Nos. 6 and 8. Gifts that are activities, whether going to a concert or whitewater rafting, are awesome. And, style-wise, sports gear from back in the day is the way to go, IMHO. And, you can never, EVER, go wrong with No. 10, of course.
Gwar is the gift that keeps on giving. I recommend Gwar for all holidays.
I like the classic baseball cap idea. All of us grew up wearing them. It’s an American style tradition. However, it’s gotten a bad rap because dudes buy cheap ones and don’t take care of them. Baseball caps and hats are like shoes: different models for different occasions. And if you’re going to wear a baseball cap, make it fitted and classy.
4 #3’s before #6, then a little #10. Have her stay in that ensemble and watch #9 and split another #3 with her. Then #10 again. Maybe add in #7 if you’re feeling kinky. Oh and then #5 after she falls asleep.
Nailed it.