The best last-minute Valentines Day gifts for him
Shop Esquire's edit of the best last minute gifts for those who insist they don't want anything
By 
V-DAY, the great Hallmark holiday to ever be put to the pen. Although the day may inspire capitalist cynicism in some, for others it’s as festive as Christmas. But more realistically, it is a nice excuse to schedule in a day for all things love.
But for a day that can quickly become sentimental, Valentine’s Day presents another roadblock: what do you get the main man in your life? To accompany a box of chocolates and flowers (guys like flowers, too!), the writers and editors of Esquire have curated well-thought out Valentine’s Day gifts to solve your last minute woes. Scroll on and get shopping.
Valentine’s Day gift ideas for him
Creed Millésime Impérial
With summer coming to an end, Creed’s Millésime Impérial is like sunlight in perfume form to wear in all seasons. Starting with salty fruit top notes, it’ll evolve throughout the day into softer woods. Whether if it’s your first or thirtieth V-Day together, there’s no better statement than gifting a golden perfume bottle to mark the occasion. And in our experience, fragrances are best served unisex (so you can spritz this one on, too).
Bassike Regular Fit T-Shirt in Stone Clay
White T-shirts are a standard wardrobe essential, so why not go a shade warmer for something a little different? Going on that the best version of X beat, Aussie label Bassike has been making the best basics since 2006 with their sustainable fabrics and trendy cuts.
Levi’s Men’s 555 Relaxed Straight Jeans
As the first word in denim, Levi’s has been visiting its own archives as of late to rerelease vintage cuts that are finding their time in the trend sun again. With their 555 model in a relaxed straight-cut, it’s like finding a vintage store grail without needing to get elbow deep in a pile.
Maui Jim Laulima Sunglasses
If you want to level up his sunglass game, something tinted in a trendy shape will add an instant lift to the most banal of fits. The Laulima shades from Maui Jim have that Miami beach mixed with ’90s Brad Pitt airport fit vibe to them.
Dior Normandie Tote Bag
The latest in a long list of signature items by Kim Jones at Dior Men, the Normandie Tote ticks all of our boxes: it’s stylish, elegant and practical. Add spacious into the mix and you’ve got a carry-all that he’ll carry forever. The hardest part is choosing the colour: black, beige or brown?
Tod’s Belt in Blue Suede
Gifting a beautifully made belt will send one message: you’ll always be holding him up.
Burberry Check Cashmere Scarf
It’s not too early to start shopping for the colder months. Done in their iconic check, this Scotland-made cashmere scarf from Burberry is done in a lichen colourway with blue lines for something a bit different from the brand. And with the option to customise it with his initials, it’ll make your first Valentine’s Day together more special.
Louis Vuitton Amazone Bag
Menswear designer Pharrell Williams knows what men want. Saying this, Williams has been rereleasing archival designs from the maison since taking the reins, and the Amazone bag is one of the best models yet. With Vuitton’s iconic brown monogram canvas, this little guy will be his ideal daily companion.
Rimowa Aluminium Card Holder
Virtually indestructible, he won’t be needing another card holder ever with Rimowa’s aluminium design. He can drop it on the floor as much as he likes, but his cards (this fits six) won’t fly out.
Loewe x On Running Cloudtilt 2
Fresh sneakers are always appreciated. And with Loewe’s latest collab with Swiss label On Running on their Cloudtilt 2 model, he’ll be hitting the pavement with one of the year’s most stylish kicks.
Mont Blanc MTB 03 In-Ear Headphones
These in-ear buds from Mont Blanc are way more elegant than having buds that stick out.
Carl Friedrik City-Hopper Backpack
Everyone seems to be swapping out their work tote bags and satchels for a good-ol’ backpack. But this one won’t make him feel like it’s the first day of school. Made of durable nylon with the folded top design, we’ve never seen urban chic done better than this. This will also look great on a Lime bike to work.
Aesop Screen 2 – Body Care Kit
Being the best smelling guy in the room starts with a stellar body care regimen. This pre-packed trio from Aesop starts with cleansing the skin, exfoliation, and then moisturising in the brand’s fresh and herbaceous geranium leaf.
Catalina 7-Course Tasting Menu
Iconic Sydney institution Catalina has released its spring 7-course tasting menu that will bring you and your partner through the best that. the harbour-side restaurant has to offer, expertly paired with wine.
Catalina’s spring tasting menu is available until June 30.
Calibre Leopard Print Short Sleeve Shirt Caramel
An all-rounder party shirt should be lightweight and loud. Aussie label Calibre has him covered with their new spring/summer collection, with this leopard print silk number catching out eye.
Valentine’s Day at Crown Melbourne’s Marmont
For Valentine’s Day, the Crown Melbourne’s Marmont bar has brought their Valentine’s Lobster menu: lemongrass poached half lobster with salad, to be enjoyed with their Valentine’s Day special cocktails.
What to buy a guy for Valentine’s Day?
The day of love may be a marketed Hallmark holiday, but that still doesn’t mean the main man in your life wouldn’t cherish a well-thought out gift.
Aside from heart-shaped boxed chocolate and flowers, a customised present would look great to accompany those. We’re talking initials stitched into a scarf, stamped in gold foil on a leather card holder, or etched onto the front of a beautiful pefume bottle. Some brands and companies may already include this service free of charge (see Burberry cashmere scarf). Point is, men are simple creatures; if they see their name on it, it’s their’s.
Experiential gifts are also a great way to show that you heard him say he wanted to go sky diving – even if it was an aside. Or something more realistic like he wanted to try the hottest new restaurant in town. So book that res!
Esquire participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
Related:
