Valentine’s Day for guys is tricky. A dozen roses and some Hershey’s Kisses seem out of place, not to mention impersonal, so here’s a few gift ideas for all sorts of gentlemen that aren’t overly expensive.
For the Wes Anderson Fan
If he’s your Fantastic Mr. Fox, and also a bit of a geek for indie designs, a lapel pin will spice up his everyday workwear. Woodland Creatures Lapel Pin, $15 at Bespoke Post.
For the Urban Prepster
His days of dorm room bartender are long behind him. Upgrade his apartment bar cart with a monogrammed cocktail shaker that’s just as preppy as all the polo shirts he has hanging in his closet. JDS Personalized Mixologies Cocktail Shaker with Medallion, $25 at Tuckernuck.
For the Loveably Snobby Sweet Tooth
He loves his chocolate–but only if he knows exactly where the cocoa beans were grown that that it’s an authentic bean-to-bar experience. Amazon Rainforest 77% Bar, $9 at Harper Macaw.
For the Bearded Fellow
If he takes pride in his chin–which he should–so make sure he’s got the proper tools to keep it in tip-top shape. Balm & Co. Beard Oil, $18 at Be Clean.
For the Mixologist Who Refuses to Use a Recipe
He loves mixing up an at-home cocktail, but he’s too stubborn to consult Google for proper proportions. Take some of the guesswork out of his mojito with this set of recipe-print cocktail glasses. Bartending Glasses set of four, $20 at Kikkerland.
For the Bike Commuter
He spends his Saturday mornings upgrading his ride–and by that we mean his bike. This retro set will allow him to make repairs at home or on the go. Gentlemen’s Hardware Bicycle Repair Kit, $21 at Vickerey.
For the Rustic Decorator
If he’s a bit of a history buff, this genuine railroad spike–taken from an abandoned American rail track–will make a nice addition to his wall. Hang it next to his bookshelf of first additions to serve as a functioning, and historical, wall hook. The Stanford Authentic Railroad Wall Spike, $25 at The Great Republic.
For the Life of the Party
Waste not, want not. Flask Funnel, $10 at Izola.
For the Business-Casual-is-His-Casual Dresser
His workwear makes up his entire wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean he has to look stuffy all the time. This local brand markets a more casual and stylish breed of neckties. Leaf tie, $25 at Hugh & Crye.
For the Man Cave Inhabitant
He’d never buy a bubblegum pink, peony-scented candle to freshen up his home, but this much-more-masculine soy version might just have a place on his mantle. Pomme Frites Soy Candle in Teakwood & Tobacco, $18 at Frank & Oak.
For the Stylish Minimalist
This sleek keychain may not look like much, but that’s exactly his style. Areaware Bell Key Ring, $16 at Steven Alan.
For the Quality-Not-Quantity Believer
You’ve already bought him a high-end pair of leather boots that should last a lifetime–this water-repellant oil will make sure they do. Boot Oil Finish, $9 at Filson.
For the Quantity-AND-Quality Believer
He’s too much of a coffee snob to drink his brew from a drip maker, but his current pour-over model only makes one cup at a time, which is never enough. This set up will give him five cups of delicious coffee, poured to his impeccable standards. Hario V60 Pour-Over Coffee Kit, $24 at Urban Outfitters.
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
