You may have thought the gift giving season was finished, but you’d be sorely mistaken. December is well and truly over, but February is fast approaching, which means one thing - Valentine’s Day.
Whether you’re in the camp that dismisses it as a commercial sham or you’re a die hard romantic that can’t think of anything better than a day devoted to celebrating love with your nearest and dearest, the truth of the matter is we’ll all be on the lookout for thoughtful, quality gifts that will guarantee smiles when the day rolls around.
You could keep it wholesome with a pair of trainers or a new season sweatshirt, or you could take the opportunity to give something you wouldn’t want the inlaws to see - sex toys and underwear, we’re looking at you (yikes!). Either way, it’s time to start thinking about your favourite person’s wishlist so you’re prepared when February 14 rolls around.
If you’re going down the romantic, affectionate route, perhaps look to the likes of Smythson or Aspinal of London for personalisable designs which are thoughtful without requiring any form of arts and crafts - you certainly don’t want to end up in a gifting situation à la Chandler and Monica (“make the presents, make the presents”).
So, we’ve had our gift-searching-fingertips at the ready, finding the best pieces out there that any discerning man would be pleased to receive on the day of love.
Horace X Bisous Skateboards Tuberose & Santal Wood Shower Gel
French grooming label Horace has collaborated with Bisous Skateboards for a collection of Valentines Day themed products, including a shower gel, a T-shirt, and a face mask.
The cute hugging hearts motif makes it the perfect gift for your partner or your bestie.
Buy now £16.00, Horace
Axel Arigato Dice Lo Sneaker
Founded in 2014, Axel Arigato has become a cult favourite globally in as little as eight years - so it’s time to get your favourite man on trend. One of the brand’s more recent additions, the Dice Lo sneaker, is a vintage inspired design with suede, leather panelling and a contrast navy heel, but with the modern update of recycled fabrics, a branded rubber sole, and gold foil logos. His favourite kicks, but better.
Buy now £205.00, Axel Arigato
thisisneverthat Globe T-shirt Heather Grey
One for the boys who like to be ahead of the curve, thisisneverthat, Korea’s answer to Supreme, is a cult favourite loved by K-pop stars and street-stylers alike. Notting Hill boutique Couverture & The Garbstore stock a range of the brand’s skate-inspired designs, among countless other independent, interesting brands, and our favourite is this T-shirt that’s brimming with vintage appeal.
Buy now £55.00, Couverture & The Garbstore
Smythson 2023 Soho Notebook with Slide Closure in Mara
If you’re looking to splash out for someone special, Smythson is always a safe bet. A gift for the man who has everything, a luxurious notebook will make him feel special on the daily - and this mock croc navy style with a suede lining, gilt-edged paper and metal slide will do just the trick. Even better, you can get it personalised with his initials to make it unique.
Buy now £240.00, Smythson
Le Labo Santal 33
One of the most addictive scents on the market, if he’s yet to try New York based perfume house Le Labo’s Santal 33, it will be sure to become his favourite aftershave. Woody, aromatic, and long lasting, just a couple of sprays is enough to keep him coming back for more.
Buy now £157.00, Selfridges
Calvin Klein Underwear Three-Pack Stretch-Cotton Boxer Briefs
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, his birthday, or December 25, a multipack of Calvin Klein boxer briefs will go down well every time. A gift for him, but it’s actually for you, these will up his underwear game so you can get rid of any styles in his drawer that are looking a little worse for wear.
Buy now £38.00, Mr. Porter
Norse Projects Twill Sports Cap
Every man needs a quality baseball cap in his accessories arsenal - and, in our humble opinion, a six panel structure is always better than five. Crafted in a fern green, Norse Projects’ offering is a minimal design with their classic ‘N’ motif, that’s understated enough for even the fussiest of men. The best news? If it’s a win, you can get it in three colours.
Buy now £80.00, Norse Projects
Ami de Coeur Sweatshirt Grey
What better way to show your love than with Parisian brand Ami’s little red heart? The label’s signature Ami De Coeur branding is not only apt for the day of romance, but is also loved by fashion editors and celebrities alike, making for a piece that will certainly live on beyond February 14. With a range of classics emblazoned with the cute logo, there’s sure to be a style he’ll love.
Buy now £175.00, Ami
Mindful Shagging By Rhonda Yearn
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be reserved for medidtation or yoga classes - with Rhonda Yearn’s self help book Mindful Shagging, you can achieve inner peace with your sex life, too.
Buy now £6.00, Urban Outfitters
Malin + Goetz rum hand+body wash
A delicate cleansing gel enriched with amino acids and glycerin hydrate, Malin + Goetz’ body wash, which is even suitable for sensitive skin, will leave him feeling refreshed and moisturised - and smelling amazing. With a mix of fresh, spicy, and sweet notes, it’s an addictive aroma that he’ll enjoy every time he steps out of the shower.
Buy now £32.00, Space NK
Orelia Luxe ID Signet Ring
For a gift he’ll keep forever, you can’t go wrong with jewellery. A signet ring is a classic choice, suitable for both accessory aficionados and men who are yet to adorn their fingers with jewels. Crafted using 18kt gold plated sterling silver, it’s made using the finest materials and can be engraved to make it extra special.
Buy now £20.00, Orelia
UGG Fluff Up Slide
UGG slippers are elite. With some of the fluffiest styles on the market, they’re super cosy, stylish, and the perfect addition to any loungewear look, whether it’s a tracksuit or pyjamas. Any man would be lucky to swan around their home in a pair of these slides.
Buy now £110.00, UGG
The Macallan 12-year-old double cask Scotch whisky 700ml
A good bottle of whiskey goes a long way. From a Scottish distillery that dates back to 1824, Macallan has a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies. This particular bottle is 12 years old with an aroma of creamy butterscotch, toffee apple, and candied orange and a honeyed palate of wood spices and citrus with raisins and caramel. For £5, you can add Selfridges gift wrap to tick another job off your list.
Buy now £68.12, Master of Malt
Soho Home House Robe
Imagine the luxury of drying off every day in a monogrammed Soho Home fluffy towelling robes. Well, you can make this dream a reality, by treating him to this hooded design that can be embroidered on the chest with three initials. Crafted using 100 per cent recycled polyester, it’s an eco-conscious choice, too.
Buy now £85.00, Soho Home
Byredo Tree House
Byredo founder, perfumier Ben Gorham, develops scents with emotion in mind. Tree House is packed full of childhood nostalgia, evocative of early years spent playing amongst the trees - or at least daydreaming of doing so. With notes of cedar, bamboo, sandalwood, guaiac wood and hay, it’s a medium intensity woody profile that’s accented with notes of spice, myrrh and labdanum - and the iconic masculine glass jar makes the perfect gift for any stylish man.
Buy now £60.00, Space NK
Lelo Tor 2 Couples Ring
Designed for couples, Lelo’s vibrating cock ring guarantees enhanced satisfaction for both partners - so it’s a gift that you can benefit from, too. A comfortable smooth silicone fit that works for all sizes, it boasts six settings, from a teasing murmur to a powerful pulse, and is sure to deliver longer-lasting and stronger orgasms across the board.
Buy now £101.00, Lelo
Aesop Arrival
For the globe-trotter who always has a holiday on the horizon, why not treat him to a travel set from Aesop? Comprising of a shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body balm, it’s got everything he could want for a week away - and all in the Australian brand’s signature earthy, herby scents. Packaged in a neat, no-nonsense box, it’s a great gift for any jet setter.
Buy now £29.00, Aesop
Zara Vibrant Leather 100ml
Having been designed by Jerome Epinette, the perfumer who has blended scents for the likes of Byredo, Vilhelm Parfumerie and Atelier Cologne, Zara’s Vibrant Leather Eau De Parfum is brimming with complexity and sophistication. Striking a balance between the woody notes of bamboo, the citrusy notes of bergamot and lemon, and the intensity of leather, it’s a masculine aroma that’s worth more than its £25.99 price tag.
Buy now £25.99, Zara
Studio Nicholson Merino Cotton Beanie
Creating timeless, minimal pieces designed to live beyond the season is London-based label Studio Nicholson’s MO, and this beanie is no exception.
The perfect cold-weather-companion, crafted using a soft wool blend in a classic neutral brown hue, it’s a gift that he’ll use winter after winter to deliver ultimate warmth.
Buy now £89.00, End Clothing
Date night
It’s hard to find the perfect spot for Valentine’s date night, but fret not, because we’ve done the legwork for you.
Here are a few of our favourite London spots that will guarantee a romantic dining experience for you and your special someone.
Jeru - Based in Mayfair. Medditeranean cuisine.
The Meat & Wine Co - Based in Mayfair. African inspired meat dishes.
The Maine - Based in Mayfair. Decadent brasserie.
Chotto Matte - Based in Soho & Marylebone. Japanese Peruvian fusion.
