Valentine’s Day 2008: 12 Gifts for Him

Feb

2008

Posted by Gift Giving Guy in gift ideas, guy gifts

Keeping in mind the seven guidelines for guy gifts, I’ve selected a dozen presents to consider for the man you call your Valentine. Admittedly, some of these gifts may not reflect the romantic spirit of February 14th. But I still think guys will enjoying receiving them — if you think the gift is a match to their tastes and interests. To help rationalize these as Cupid gifts, I’ve identified a Valentine’s Day tie-in for each.

		#1. Leatherman 81030003K Squirt S4 Inferno Multitool with Small Scissors ($30, Amazon.com). I gave a similar Leatherman to my groomsmen as a gift. Pictured left, the top image reveals the multitool expanded; the bottom image shows it collapsed. Great for his key chain. Valentine’s Day tie-in: That inferno red color fits the holiday.

		Techie version of #1. Victorinox SwissMemory USB Multitool ($77 for 1 GB, Amazon.com). I received a similar model as a gift from my wife, and I use it regularly. The retractable ball point pen has saved me several times when I’m without a writing instrument. Valentine’s Day tie-in: Again, translucent ruby says February 14th.

		#2. Cookies by Design – Lots of Love ($60 for seven cookies plus delivery, CookiesbyDesign.com). Send your guy a sugar cookie bouquet at work or home. This clever twist on flowers for Valentine’s Day appeals your man’s sweet tooth. Valentine’s Day tie-in: The picture to the left speaks for itself.

		#3. Apple TV ($229 for 40 GB or $329 for 160 GB, Apple.com). Access the iTunes Store’s movies, TV shows, songs, even personal photos — all from the living room. Take two of Apple TV (a free software upgrade coming soon) will bring movie rentals. Valentine’s Day tie-in: If you must, add the classic romance Breakfast at Tiffany’s from the iTunes Store for $9.99. Tell him Col. Hannibal Smith from The A-Team is in it.

		#4. Racy Hidden Message Collar Stays ($35 for a dozen stays, RedEnvelope.com). If your beau wears dress shirts regularly, he probably uses collar stays. Keep his collar points crisp and send him a secret romantic message. (Pictured left, the stainless steel collar stay engraving reads “A Surprise is Waiting.”) The messages come in “PG” and racy versions. Valentine’s Day tie-in: Stainless steel has never been more romantic.

		#5. Ugg Scuff Slippers ($64, Zappos.com). Keep his feet cozy with these suede slippers lined with wool fleece. Lightweight for travel and available in two colors: chestnut or black. Valentine’s Day tie-in: Great indulgence in warmth and comfort.

		#6. Gorillapod Digital Camera Tripod ($25, Amazon.com). Attach a digital camera to this flexible tripod mount from Joby. Grapple the Gorillapod around a fence, handrail, or park bench to take the perfect shot. Valentine’s Day tie-in: Ideal for taking those couple shots when using the digital camera’s time-delay feature.

		#7. Nooka Zoo V2 Digital Watch ($250, Amazon.com). With most guys carrying cell phones that sync time precisely, watches have become less of a necessity. That is, unless it’s cool. This Nooka watch re-invents how time is displayed, showing a large hour digit, small minutes and a progress bar for seconds. Valentine’s Day tie-in: For Valentine’s Day, exquisite watches are the men’s equivalent to jewelry for women.

		#8. Sony ICF-S79V Weather Band Shower Radio ($50, Amazon.com). Give his shower singing some backup with Sony’s water/humidity resistant radio. He can program in his favorite radio stations or the audio for local TV channels (2 through 13). Valentine’s Day tie-in: Helps him practice for your next serenade.

		#9. Flatlinks Titanium Cuff Links ($75, Amazon.com). These Stewart Stand titanium cuff links have clean, elegant lines. The halves fold and lock flat. Available with black or blue enamel inlays. Valentine’s Day tie-in: Dresses up his dress shirts for formal events, even Valentine’s Day dinner out.

		#10. The Adventures of Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark/ Temple of Doom/ Last Crusade) – Widescreen Edition ($34, Amazon.com).If your guy has mentioned the new Indy movie coming out this May, check his DVD collection for this essential box set. Valentine’s Day tie-in: Indiana Jones is the quintessential romantic adventure hero.

		#11. Chocolate Beer (price varies). My wife gave me Miller’s chocolate lager in 2006 when the brewer sold limited batches to six Midwest regions in the U.S. I thoroughly enjoyed this “dessert” beer. Try your local liquor/spirits store to find a specialty lager, bock or stout with chocolate flavor. Valentine’s Day tie-in: The gift of Valentine chocolate in beer form.


		#12. Kickstand Barbecue Tools ($40, Plowhearth.com) and Cook-Perfect Color-change Grilling Thermometer ($15, Amazon.com). Keep your barbecue tools from leaving a mess with elevating kickstands for the tongs, two-prong fork and meat flipper. And check your beef, chicken or fish for doneness with a color-coded grilling thermometer. Valentine’s Day tie-in: Who doesn’t love a barbecue for two?