What Men Really Want For Valentine’s Day: 9 Ideas for the Holiday

Last updated on January 12th, 2025 at 06:59 pm

While not all men are hard to read, a lot of them are. That’s why many partners can be left a little stumped as to what their boyfriend or husband really wants for Valentine’s Day.

At the end of the day though, most men want quite basic (and similar) things. Let’s get into it. Here are some ideas to help you with your Valentine’s Day shopping.

What Men Really Want For Valentine’s Day

1. Quality time with their partner

For many men, the point of Valentine’s Day is simply to spend quality time with their partner.

Whether it’s a romantic dinner out or a quiet night in, men often value time with their loved one above most other things.

Consider planning an activity or outing that allows you to spend time together and connect on a deeper level.

2. A meaningful gift

While men may not always ask for specific gifts, they still appreciate a thoughtful and meaningful present.

You can go with something as basic as a book on something he’s interested in or a tool for a hobby, or something more elaborate like a special piece of jewellery or a vacation abroad to somewhere he’s always dreamed of visiting.

Personalized gift sites can provide an excellent solution too, with whole categories of Valentine’s gifts for him (and her).

The key is to choose something that speaks to your partner’s interests and shows that you’ve put some thought and effort into the gift.

3. Experiences rather than material possessions

Many men appreciate experiences and activities over material possessions. Something like tickets to a sporting event or concert, or even a fantasy sports camp, may be much more meaningful (and appreciated) than a physical gift. Of course, this doesn’t apply to all men—you know your partner best.

4. A homemade gift

If you don’t want to get something impersonal from a store, but you still want to have something physical to give your partner on Valentine’s Day, nothing says “I love you” like a homemade gift.

Whether it’s a photo album filled with memories, a baked from-scratch cake or cookies, or a hand-knitted scarf, your partner is sure to appreciate the time and effort you put into making the gift.

If you’re stuck for ideas, think about what crafts you’re good at or enjoy—there’s sure to be something, and you can go from there.

5. A special outing

When you’ve been together for a while, it can be easy to slip into a predictable routine. There’s nothing wrong with this, but this year, why not shake things up a bit on Valentine’s Day, and plan a special outing together?

This could be a picnic at the beach, a visit to a picturesque country house somewhere, or something like a sip-n-paint, where you get to drink wine or your drink of choice while painting—whatever you think you’ll both enjoy.

6. A gadget

While this obviously isn’t true of all guys, a lot of men love gadgets, so why not get him something techy that he’ll enjoy using?

If he’s the kind of guy who keeps on using his old tech until the day it dies, you can’t go wrong with a new phone, tablet, or laptop. Or, if you want something a little different, try something unique like a drone or VR headset.

A drone could be an especially suitable gift if he’s into photography, or if you’re planning an adventure somewhere and want some special footage.

7. A break from the routine

For some men, the most meaningful gift on Valentine’s Day may be a break from the everyday routine.

It doesn’t have to be anything massive. It could just be a night off from cooking or doing household chores, or a special outing or activity that allows him to relax and unwind.

8. Clothing

Some guys are very much into taking care of how they look—whether your man is one of those kinds of people or not, getting clothing as a gift is always a great way to show your partner that you care about him. Whether it’s a new shirt, pants, or even a pair of shoes, he’ll appreciate the thought.

If he’s especially into a particular sport, a piece of clothing geared toward that might be perfect (for example, warm gloves if he’s into skiing). Or, if he has a favorite sports team or band, how about a band tee or a sports jersey?

9. A memory box

No matter how long you’ve been together, you likely have a collection of core experiences and memories that mean a lot to you both.

A lovely way of bringing those together is to create a memory box. You could include things like the tickets to the first event you went to together, a few seashells from a beach trip you took, or photos that show a timeline of your relationship.

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to what to include—the items will generally be quite mundane, but will mean the world to you as a couple.

A gift that shows love and affection

Ultimately, what men really want for Valentine’s Day is a gift that shows love and affection. This could be anything from a heartfelt message to a physical gift that symbolizes your love. The goal is to choose something that truly reflects your feelings and shows your partner just how much he means to you.

As you can probably see by now, getting a Valentine’s Day gift for a man doesn’t have to be complicated. Many people feel pressure to spend a lot of money on Valentine’s day, but the main goal of a Valentine’s gift is to express your love for your partner. And, often, that looks more like a well-intentioned and thoughtful gesture than expensive high-tech gear or another over-the-top gift.

The bottom line is, if you put a bit of thought into what your partner values and enjoys, and keep in mind his personal preferences, you can’t go wrong.

Do you have any more about ideas when it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts for men? Leave us a comment.

Also read:
Creative Gifts for Him: 5 Fun Ideas
30 Mini Date Night Ideas for Couples + a Free Printable
The Best Out-of-the-Box Valentine’s Day Ideas