Choosing the right Valentine's Day gifts for him can be tricky, as many men pride themselves on being less mushy. The flowers and chocolates that commonly go to women on Valentine's Day won't work for a guy. Think about what he might like, and then find a gift or plan an event that shows you've taken the time and effort to get him something special.
Getting Started
When coming up with Valentine's Day gift ideas, you need to get to know the gift recipient first. This may sound simple, but it's the most often overlooked step in selecting a gift. If possible, at least a month before Valentine's Day, begin by listing that special person's interests, hobbies, favorite outings and favorite foods. Also list the qualities you like the most about that person. Think of the meaningful things you've done together, great memories, inside jokes and moments that you know he holds dear. The more detailed the list, the more perfect for him the Valentine's Day gift will be.
Gift Baskets
Your list of his interests might lead to themed gifts for Valentine's Day, all of which you can package in a basket. Select one of his interests, pick up some small gifts that touch on that theme and gather them into a basket. If he regularly goes to football games, for example, you could make him a football-themed basket that includes warm socks, a hat with his favorite team's logo, some gourmet snacks and a mini-radio with earphones for catching the broadcast of the commentators' calls. Get two tickets to the game, place them in a romantic Valentine's Day card and plan to join him for that one.
A romantic gift basket could include an assembly of items for a special night together, or even some clues of what you have planned. For example, candles, a bottle of something bubbly, two glasses, a small bag of rose petals with a label saying "for the bath" and a pair of silk boxer shorts tied with a ribbon could get him thinking about you all day.
Romantic Gestures
Sometimes, a special event is the best Valentine's Day gift. For example, get him two tickets to the kind of concert, movie, sporting event or comedy show that he really likes. You could make the day a real night on the town by including restaurant reservations, but keep in mind that you'll need to act quickly, as restaurants quickly fill up on Valentine's Day.
To show your romantic side with an event gift, focus on the presentation. Hide the tickets in a card that he has to find by following clues. Think of all the creative places you could hide clues for him to find throughout his day, such as his car, his briefcase or laptop bag, his desk or the pocket of his jacket. You can also leave clues on his voice mail or e-mail. Solving the puzzle will build his anticipation.
Another event gift might include a home-cooked and beautifully presented meal. Make his favorite dishes, break out the candles and play a mix of his favorite songs. End the meal on a high note by giving him a present that helps both of you reflect on your time together.
The more creative the gift is, the better. Decorate or buy a box, and then fill it with photographs of the two of you, ticket stubs from events you attended together, souvenirs of trips, things that make him laugh and reminders of inside jokes. He'll remember this Valentine's Day gift, and you'll remind him of many other events you've shared.
If the gift recipient is a real wordsmith, you can create a crossword puzzle online with whatever words and clues you choose. Feature reminders about fun times you've had in the puzzle, and watch him fill it out.
A Little Romance
You could always give your significant other a menu that doesn't involve a meal. This "love menu" could include a backrub, a foot rub, hugs, kisses or whatever you choose. The prices for the items he wants could be candy hearts you've hidden for him to find and collect throughout the day. He could also earn credits by answering questions about your past, or he could make up a poem or song to earn those credits. A game like this sets a playful tone for Valentine's Day.
If you have a little extra time to celebrate, consider a quick weekend getaway. Beds and breakfasts are local, and they provide the same kind of break that an expensive vacation would. Sometimes a little change in atmosphere can rejuvenate the two of you. No matter where you wind up going or what you end up doing, your gift will be successful if you take the time to get to know him even better and give him a gift that reflects his personality.
 | While chocolates and flowers are traditionally the way to express affection, there are plenty of sweet ideas for Valentine's Day to send messages of love. With so many Valentine's gift ideas out there, you'll find that the perfect gift should be personal and from the heart. |
 | If you make your own Valentine card, you'll delight your loved one with the effort you've made. Even if you use a computer, you can make a Valentine's Day card with a personal touch. Here are a few ideas to get you started. |
 | It can be tricky choosing Valentine presents for men. Oftentimes, a woman's idea of a great romantic gift and a man's idea of a perfect romantic gift can be two different things. While the girls are all about the swoony stuff, the guys sometimes see things a bit differently. |
If you like scrapbooking and have a lot of buttons, why not combine the two with fun and easy memory collages to give to a loved one this Valentine's Day? |
Best Buy reported a $43 million gain in revenue in 2006 due to unused gift cards. This is just one example of why you should Save Your Money - Give Cash not Gift Cards. |
