Just about every year I make a lists of gifts to get the man in your life for Valentine’s Day. Why not one for her too? Sometimes I do, but I usually stick to the boyfriend gifts because it’s harder to buy for him. (AND we don’t appreciate men very much during this holiday. We should work on that.) Guys don’t give you hints and they don’t care where you go to eat as long as there isn’t a crazy wait. Most of the time. They just want to get Valentine’s Day over with.

With that in mind, I always try to come up with some creative gift or experience ideas to improve the outlook of the holiday. That means no cuff links, monogramed junk or lovey dovey quotes. I’m going to take a creative or practical approach to gift recommendations. Which also means the prices aren’t going to be astronomical. Let’s be realistic. You can say I love you (or I like you) without blowing your paycheck.

There are also some DIY ideas in the bottom half if you don’t want to go out and buy something.

Gifts to Buy

I know, we’re starting out super practical on this one. But seriously, stainless steel mugs with temperature retention are amazing. I have one (not this brand) for coffee and it keeps it hot for 4 hours and water cold for 8. So when I get called to a last-minute meeting and forget my coffee at my desk, it’s still nice and toasty when I get back. Traveling with these is awesome too. I’d recommend this mug to anyone as a gift. Bonus points for it be eligible for Amazon Prime.

 

Disclosure: I’ve never seen this bracelet on someone in person. BUT I’d love to. The design is simple, yet elegant, in a way. It looks like it could either be dressed up or down. They’ve also listened to their customer’s feedback and made improvements recently. Can’t complain about that.

 

This gift by ADADesigns3 on Etsy is pretty neat. You can get the growler customized to the state you live in. They will even send you a proof before they make it to ensure you like the way it looks. Some states might look a little strange, but if you’re located in a spacious one, I say get on this!

 

This one, from alkohaulers on Etsy, is pretty exciting! An insulated growler carrier that attaches to your bike. The perfect gift for the adventurer! Don’t limit yourself to beer though. He could carry water, soda, or whatever other beverage he fancies.

 

Artwork on the Run on Etsy sells awesome coffee art. If the man in your life enjoys coffee, art or coffee shops, he’ll love this stuff. I bought this painting at a craft show last year and I really enjoy it.

 

Gifts to DIY

It doesn’t have to be pink, obviously, but these DIY travel carriers are so easy to make and I’ve taken mine with me every time I’ve traveled since I made it about 4 years ago (it’s probably time for an update). Go to the Dollar Store, buy a wash cloth and ribbon, flip up the bottom and sew each compartment. It’s cake.

 

Another really easy DIY gift is these beer cap magnets. You could do it with glass soda bottle caps too. Or whatever he drinks. Super glue a magnet to the back and stick it on his fridge. If he has a beer fridge, that works even better.

 

Speaking of magnets, borrow some pictures from his Instagram and make these cute photo magnets. All you have to do is cut the images to size and glue them to the back of these glass tiles along with a magnet.

 

This homemade beard oil is pretty awesome, so I’ve been told. I made it for my husband a few years ago because he said he would get dry skin under his beard. It worked really well and he still uses it. His friends have even started asking for it.

More Gift Ideas

Here’s a list of my previous Valentine’s Day gift ideas for him:

• Gift ideas from 2016
• Gift ideas from 2014
• Gift ideas from 2012
• The best V-day cards on Etsy
• Date night ideas

 

I’d love to hear your ideas for gifts or date nights! Leave them in the comments!