Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Nurture Your Man - Valentine's Day Gifts For Him



Valentine's Day will be here next week and I've been thinking about what to get for my husband.  Why is gifting for men always such a challenge? Maybe its because every time I ask my husband what he wants for any holiday (birthday & Christmas included) he says, "I don't really want anything. Save your money." Problem is, I don't want to save, I want to spend a little on him! This retort requires me to engage in some serious mind-reading to find something that will make him smile and that he will actually use.  Here are a few fun and affordable gifts for the man in your life, several of which I've wrapped up for next Tuesday. Enjoy!

Hex bottle opener, $48, Iacoli & McAllister.

The only bottle opener currently in our house plays the Duke fight song and after several years of hearing it on a weekly basis, this is just as much a gift for me as it is for him.  Whether he's having his friends over for some college hoops or opening beers at a cocktail party, this beautifully designed bottle opener will impress even the most apathetic of his friends.


Half Heart Personalized Mugs (Set of 2) by Modern Madness, $30, etsy.com. 

Something to make you both smile every morning before work, these personalized heart mugs have a contemporary design and will let him know you put some pre-planning and thought into his gift.


Personalized Faux Bois Heart Print by Blockpartyprints, $16, etsy.com.  


Faux Bois Personalized Carved Cufflinks by Blockpartypress, $45, etsy.com. 

Two great options from Block Party Prints, both inspired by nature. The heart print reminds me of junior high when we used to carve the trees at the neighborhood park with our initials.  If your guy wears cufflinks on a regular basis, the carved faux bois links have an unique design without being to loud or overpowering. 

John Varvatos Oiled Canvas Tote Bag, $295, bloomingdales.com. 

Spruce up his work wardrobe with the new version of a traditional briefcase.  Even if he is a high-powered exec, there is something about this oiled canvas bag that screams professional and hipster at the same time.  And coincidentally, it could also double as a diaper bag or a carryall on your next weekend shopping trip. Practical for you both!

Natte BB#1 Stripe Tie, $79.50, brooksbrothers.com. 

I come from the school of conservative ties, in large part because my banker dad always said that unless a tie was red or navy, it wasn't appropriate for the workplace.  I like my ties simple, classic and understated. This Brooks Brothers Stripe tie will look just as good 5 years from now as it will next week when you surprise him.

Kiehl's Ultimate Men's After-Shave Balm and Moisturizer, $18, kiehls.com. 

Us ladies have no problem stocking up on the latest beauty products, but most men don't spend the time or money on anything more than what they can find on a quick trip to the supermarket toiletries isle. I bought this for my husband a couple years ago for V-day and he's been using it ever since. Something simple and thoughtful like this will brighten his morning routine and his complexion.

Monogrammed Steak Brand and Carving Board, $69.95, williams-sonoma.com.

If your valentine spends a lot of time at the grill, this would be a practical gift with a little humor thrown in. I can't imagine any man not having fun branding his steaks when they come off the grill and he'll appreciate having his own cutting board for his culinary adventures in BBQ'ing.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

these are all good and have not seen or thought of any of them. do you go out or stay in on Valentine's Day?
Teri

California Chic said...

@Terri - Thanks! We are headed to Laguna to celebrate over the weekend so I think we will be staying in on the actual day. That's usually what we do anyway after a few chef friends told us some horror stories about going out to eat on V-day. What about you?

Block Party Press said...

Thanks so much for including my cufflinks and my print in this wonderful collection!

California Chic said...

@blockpartypress - My pleasure! Thank you for making such lovely things!

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