Valentine's Day gift ideas for him that aren't a waste of your time and money
It’s the thought that counts. Let us do the thinking for you
The great thing about Valentine's day is that it gives us an opportunity to pick the gift that tells your special guy exactly how special he is. The not-so-great thing about it is that it's also an impending deadline. Still deciding how to say "I love you"? We've got you covered with our guide to going beyond the clichés and giving romantic gifts for all budgets.
Insulated steel beer growler
What does he want? Beer. How does he want it? Outdoors, ice-cold, and five-times the size of a regular bottle. This insulated beer growler from Stanley will keep 64oz. of beer chilly for 24 hours. The beer-drinker's equivalent of the coffee thermos: a must-have.
Stanley Growler & Adventure Stacking Pints Gift Set, $84.91, amazon.com
Album cover coasters
One of the sad consequences of the digital age is that album art winds up confined to tiny glowing thumbnails. LiVnSoL on Etsy will turn your guy's favourite album covers onto attractive, and useful, drink coasters.
LiVnSoL Set of 4 Album Cover Coasters, $28.35, etsy.com
The card
No card or, worse, a typical drugstore card is a telegram of thoughtlessness. DIY cards are great, but if your crafting skills leave something to be desired, the solution is a small-run card designed by an artist which you personalize with your own message. Canada-based artist Marijke Bouchier's line of cards strikes just the right note for Valentine's day.
"Two Chicken" Greeting Card, $6.50 each, marijkebouchier.com
A grooming sesh
The spa treatment is not, traditionally, the domain of men. But a new generation of boutique barber shops specialize in the manly-man version of the massage and facial. A hot shave and a haircut will leave him feeling fresh and looking sharp for your big night out. We recommend Hollow Ground in Toronto, or Scotch and Scissors in Montreal.
A sweet ride
You may not know where you're going together, but you should definitely arrive in style. Turo is a peer-to-peer rental network for cars with coverage across Canada. From classic corvettes to bleeding edge Teslas, Turo is a chance to drive something really special.
Prices vary, turo.com
Pickle-of-the-month
Whether he's into pickles, salty snack, or craft spirits, mouth.com has you sorted. Every month they'll deliver a carefully selected care package based on your chosen theme, just to keep reminding him what great taste you have.
Pickle-of-the-Month, $60/month, mouth.com
The art of love
This gift from Uncommon Goods takes the "art of love" trope literally. The kit comes with non-toxic washable paint, a white cotton canvas, and a body scrubber (some assembly required). Basic couples "make beautiful music". You make abstract expressionism.
Love Is Art Kit, $36.00-60.00, uncommongoods.com
Giant ice cubes
The amateur buys the whisky; the pro gifts the cube. All cocktail bars worth their muddlers have them, and so should anyone who might want to serve or enjoy a cocktail at home. This is an affordable gift that doesn't seem like much coming out of the box, but he'll appreciate you more with every sip.
Giant Ice Cube Tray, $17.99, amazon.com
Leave him alone
Hear us out. If your guy is the forgetful type, he's going to disappoint you. If he's aware that Valentine's day is coming up, the possibility of disappointing you is bearing down on him like an oncoming train. Save everyone the stress and cancel Valentine's day. To make sure it stays cancelled, treat yourself to a little getaway. Don't forget not to text!
Free.