The Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Him

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the ladies anymore, though we wrote two guides so everyone can get in on the fun. Click here to read the gift guide for ladies, and continue reading for men.

It’s progressed from a Hallmark holiday of showering women with chocolate, flowers and lingerie to a celebration of mutual romance and commitment. Love is a partnership and today more and more couples use February 14th as a time to show their partner how much they mean to them. Here is this year’s curated list of gifts, hand-selected by our editors based on favorite products and what we believe the gentleman that read this magazine would be happy to receive.

Below you will find ideas for all budgets that will appeal to a wide array of gentlemen with unique personalities and discerning tastes.

Under $50

 

Farmacia Santissima Annunziata’s Tabacco D’Autore Shower Gel & Shampoo – $31

My favorite new shower gel, this gel from the legendary and historic Italian perfumer is an aromatic yet light gel that’s so gentle it can also be used as a shampoo. It’s expensive for a shower product, but its scent is intoxicating. With high notes of bergamot, tobacco, leather and cedarwood, it is masculine and yet not overpowering. It’s a perfect scent for a meeting at the office, a date on the boardwalk or a formal gala. Regardless of where you wear it, you’ll be noticed. In a good way. Click here to get a bottle.

Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet Deodorant – $30

I’m often asked why I spend $30 on a stick of deodorant, but the fact is once you try it, you’ll understand. Now, a stick of deodorant may seem like an odd gift for Valentine’s Day and more like a Christmas stocking stuffer, however, we think it’s a great add-on to some underwear or a dressing gown. Plus, if he’s like most men, chances are he won’t buy it for himself.

The deodorant lasts all day in the hottest and most humid weather. Named after Blenheim Palace, the seat of one of England’s most respected families, the deodorant has a superbly masculine scent that isn’t overpowering but manages to do its job. Click here to buy it for him today.

Under $200 

Miles Davis Kind of Blue – $96

You may think spending $100 on a vinyl record is ridiculous, but jazz fans and critics will argue it’s actually a good deal. If he’s a fan of jazz, Kind of Blue is the one album every man should have. Probably one of the greatest albums ever recorded, this is an LP he’ll be sure to cherish for many years to come. Click here to learn more about the album, or click here to buy it.

Crosley Executive Record Player – $109

For the gentleman who travels, spends as much time in the office or takes trips to the cabin to relax, having a record player available to him can significantly impact his day. This Crosley record player isn’t the best on the market if it’s being used as the main stereo. However, it’s perfect if he wants to bring it back and forth. Folding up into a rather beautiful suitcase, it’s the perfect stereo to bring with when you wish to listen to your record collection, but don’t want to drag a large stereo. Over the years, I’ve kept mine in the closet but pull it out when I’m going to the cabin. It requires no maintenance, consistently works and it’s incredibly compact. This is one travel product he’ll be sure to enjoy. Click here to buy the same one I have.

LIX 3D Printing Pen – $149

For the man who likes doodling, is artistic or just wants a neat tech-gadget, this 3D printing pen from Lix is one of the coolest trending toys of the year. No longer are you confined to the page, now you can build art. Click here to get one.

 

Thiers Issard ⅝ Spartacus Straight Razor – $194

If the man in your life enjoys the experience of going to the barber for a hot shave or has expressed interest in traditional wet shaving, this is the gift for him. One of the best straight razors on the market, and a personal favorite of mine, the Spartacus by Thiers Issard is a master crafted straight razor perfect for beginners and experts alike. Up his shaving game by giving him a razor that will last a lifetime. Click here to get one.

Under $500

Cigar Oasis Smart Humidor – Starts at $208

A while ago, Cigar Oasis sent me their smart humidor to try, and it’s changed the way I humidify my cigar collection. Living in an old house from the early 1900s, come winter it’s a challenge to maintain the humidity levels in my humidors. I would have to put shot glasses filled with distilled water in the humidor, and even then the levels were all over the map. Now that I have a smart humidor, the levels are always in the range of perfection. Able to be monitored and controlled from my smartphone and tablet, the humidor even sends me alerts via text and email if there’s an issue. It’s made my humidor virtually maintenance-free, and it’s a gift any cigar smoker will appreciate. Just be sure to get the right size for his humidor. Click here to buy one.

Derek Rose Pajamas – $275

Lingerie on Valentine’s Day is no longer just for women. Okay, so this isn’t lingerie, but a pair of pajamas that fit well, are exceptionally crafted, and are comfortable can make sleeping an even better experience. Derek Rose is the foremost sleepwear designer, and although the prices reflect it, they are also worth every penny. If the man in your life enjoys wearing pajamas, consider a pair of these. Click here to get them or click here for our in-depth pajama guide.

Cire Trudon Ernesto Great Candle – $450

The Ernesto la Grand Bougie candle is probably the most masculine and gorgeous smelling candle ever sold. Reminiscent of Bar Hemingway at the Ritz, it’s a richly scented candle with strong notes of leather and tobacco paired harmoniously with undertones of cedarwood. It’s the perfect candle for his den, office or just to light in the bathroom while shaving. Click here to get one, it’ll last 200+ hours.

Pelikan Souverän M800 Fountain Pen – $450

Every gentleman should have at least one fine writing instrument. Montblanc may be known as the pinnacle of fountain pens, but if you prefer to spend less than $500, the Pelikan M800 is an exceptional pen for the value. In fact, I would probably argue that I use my Pelikan fountain pens far more often then my Montblanc Meisterstück or Starwalker. The collection from Pelikan is exquisite, and the craftsmanship is unsurpassed. The M800 is a great feeling pen to write with, and I’ve never experienced an issue with ink flow or quality. Beautiful, understated and elegant. What more could one ask for? Click here to buy one today.

Under $1000

MyTailor Made To Measure Suit – $799

We’ve tested and reviewed made-to-measure suits from various online merchants, including Indochino, BlackLapel and MyTailor. In the end, the suits from MyTailor proved exceptional when compared to the competition. If the man in your life reads Gentleman’s Gazette, chances are a new suit will be one of the best gifts imaginable. Because you’ll need to know his exact measurements, this gift proves to be a chance for you to take part in something he may otherwise keep rather private. Sit down with a glass of wine and pick out the fabrics, and cut together. Make this the most special suit he owns by walking through the process with him. Perhaps go so far as to include a special message on the lining of the jacket to say how much you love him. Click here to see the options.

Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve Cigars – $900 – $2,000 each

The most expensive cigar ever produced, it may not be the best one he’ll ever have, but it’s an experience he’ll treasure. A 15-year Connecticut Maduro wrapper with a 12-year-old Dominican binder and filler that’s aged and infused with a full bottle of Louis XIII Cognac. Initially only available to dignitaries, Ghurka now makes a limited selection of 75 boxes per year. For the cigar enthusiast, this is one cigar he’ll never forget.

You can also turn this gift into an experience by taking him to The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Colorado, where he can enjoy one from their lounge for the price of just $2000 each.

Fantasy Gifts & Experiences

1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MK III BJ8 MK III – $99,500

A 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII isn’t hard to find, but one in this condition certainly is. Masterfully restored, the seller told me the overall state of this car is comparable to that of a mint condition/concourse example. All of the original metalwork was re-chromed. The gauges and lights are all original, with a clutch, transmission, and brakes that were all re-done at the time of the first restoration in the mid 70’s. This Austin Healey saw limited use (less than 8k miles) between 1976 and 2011, when it was sold to the next owner. It was driven to specialty events and never driven in any bad weather or rain, according to the owner. For the classic car collector, this is one vehicle he’ll be proud to own and drive.

Sometimes, it’s the memory of an experience that outshines a gift. Isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is all about? Just spending time with the people you love. If your budget is big, consider one of the following experiences.

One & Only Ocean Club – From $671 a night

If the Ocean Club sounds familiar, that’s probably because it’s the same resort heavily featured in the recent James Bond’s Casino Royale film starring Daniel Craig. Set on the tranquil powdery-white shores of Paradise Island in the Bahamas, the Ocean Club from One & Only is the pinnacle of Bahamian resorts. With a commanding presence over the beach, this is one of the most revered resorts on the planet and the perfect place to enjoy a romantic holiday for two.

“Impulsive” Yacht Charter – $60,000 per week

I once had a chance to interview hotel tycoon Hank Freid for an article I was writing for James Edition. The owner of multiple super yachts, Freid often offers his ships for charter in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. An adrenaline junkie, Freid’s Impulsive is stocked with the latest toys, including a waterslide that comes off the top deck. The sister-ship to the Moonraker, Impulsive is a backstage pass into the world’s most elite social circles.

The 36.6m yacht sleeps eight guests in four lavishly appointed cabins cared for by an expert crew of seven. The ship boasts warm and cozy interiors with large spaces for entertaining and spacious accommodations. The expansive main deck salon features a formal dining room for six with a sun deck for larger parties. There are multiple lounges, sun pads, and deck dining under the stars. Rather than standard twin cabins, the ship has double cabins and a master stateroom with a king bed and ensuite jacuzzi which make it perfect for couples seeking a romantic holiday. Click here to charter a yacht for yourself.

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day is a time for sharing, caring and showing your partner how much you care for them. We hope this unique list of gift ideas will help inspire you this February. What is the best gift you think a man can get? Should it be romantic or practical?

Finally, don’t miss our gift guide for the special woman in your life!