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Best Valentine’s Day 2024 gifts for him that he’ll actually want to receive

Whether he’s a foodie or grooming guru, we’ve found something for everyone

Helen Wilson-Beevers,Sarah Young
Tuesday 13 February 2024 09:07 GMT
<p>We’ve included something to suit every budget and taste </p>

We’ve included something to suit every budget and taste

Our Top Picks

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching – landing on Wednesday 14 February, it will be here before you know it. A calendar moment to embrace love and all things romance, there are plenty of ways to show someone special just how much you care, from a fancy candlelit dinner to simply making time to be together.

While gifts aren’t mandatory, spoiling those important to you with a thoughtful gesture can go a long way, and needn’t cost the earth. Regardless of whether you’re new to a relationship or have been married for years, picking the right pressie can be tricky, which is why we’ve made it our mission to round up a bundle of Valentine’s Day-worthy buys that are guaranteed to make their heart swell this 14 February.

Whether he’s a foodie, grooming guru or bookworm, there’s a pick for everyone, and the IndyBest team has been doing some serious gift-hunting homework. Need food delivery inspiration, a scent steer or support selecting the best gadget gift? Look no further, as we’ve got you covered. Don’t worry, there’s not a novelty pair of socks in sight.

Whatever his style, taste or hobbies, our expert shopping team has a gift sorted for you to select. Keep scrolling for the men’s Valentine’s Day gift ideas he’s sure to be smitten with.

How we tested the best Valentine’s Day gifts for him

We tested a wide range of Valentine’s Day gifts for him

Our team of testers spent several weeks testing potential present picks, taking everything from gift versatility, quality and price points into consideration. We sampled a whole range of products to make sure there is something for everyone, from fashion and grooming to food, fragrance, and fitness treats.

The best Valentine’s Day gifts for him in 2024 are:

  • Best Valentine’s Day gift for him overall – The White Company unisex hooded ribbed hydrocotton robe, pearl grey: £85, Thewhitecompany.com
  • Best hamper – Panzer’s pub pleasures: £75, Panzers.co.uk
  • Best fashion gift – Marks and Spencer pure cotton corduroy overshirt: £40, Marksandspencer.com
  • Best gift for gardeners – The Little Botanical Euphrates watering can and calathea gift set: £57, Thelittlebotanical.com
  • Best grooming gift – Perricone MD hypoallergenic CBD sensitive skin therapy ultra-smooth clean shave cream: £14.50, Perriconemd.co.uk

The White Company unisex hooded ribbed hydrocotton robe, pearl grey

The White Company.png
  • Best: Best Valentine’s Day gift for him overall
  • Why we love it
    • Midweight fabric should work for all seasons
    • Longer length offers full body coverage
    • Soft fabric

A super snuggly buy, we love this robe’s cosy shawl collar, waist tie and deep pockets. Made from cotton, it feels extra soft, and we enjoyed the oversized fit for comfort and relaxation. The midweight fabric should work for all seasons, too. Plus, the longer length offers full body coverage, whether you’ve just had a bath or are lounging around the house. We’ve been throwing it on for lazy Sundays, as the striped-effect robe adds classic luxury to any PJs or loungewear.

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Panzer’s pub pleasures

Panzers pub hamper.png
  • Best: Hamper
  • Why we love it
    • Good selection of snacks

Arrange drinks and snacks from the comfort of your own home, with this pub hamper. The box can be delivered nationwide or picked up from the deli in London. We received the signature green Panzer’s box, which includes Reserve Royal rose beer, Reserve Royal blonde beer, Mexican tortilla chips, salsa dip, pitted olives, and taralli crackers.

The refreshing beers tasted delicious paired with the chips and dip, and we think the food hamper feels like a special treat for a relaxed Valentine’s date night.

For more recommendations, read our review of the best hampers

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Marks and Spencer pure cotton corduroy overshirt

MS Cord Shirt.jpg
  • Best: Fashion gift
  • Why we love it
    • Versatile wardrobe staple
    • Adjustable cuffs

Made from pure cotton, this corduroy overshirt from M&S makes a great addition to any stylish man’s wardrobe. Ideal for layering up against the cold or worn casually when the weather warms up, it’s incredibly versatile. The shirt is made with a comfy, regular fit and features classic details such as a button-down collar and adjustable cuffs.

Our tester loved wearing this unbuttoned over a casual T-shirt for a sleek and simple modern look. While we tested the stone colourway, you can also pick up this shirt in a cool shade of blue.

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New Theory love bite, 750ml

New Theory Love Bite.jpg
  • Best: For wine lovers

One to be shared while you cosy up at home, or to indulge in alone, this bottle of fresh beaujolais-style cinsault is a winner. Courtesy of New Theory – a brand that prides itself on making low-intervention wine – Love Bite is the middle ground between a red and a rosé. Bright in colour, it has strong cassis and cherry flavours, with a light finish and an incredibly moreish taste that’s best served chilled. It’s also 100 per cent vegan, and we think it would pair beautifully with a Valentine’s Day dinner. We also love the design of the bottle, which makes it cool enough to keep once it’s empty.

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Daimon Barber texture dust

Daimon Barber.jpg
  • Best: Hair product
  • Why we love it
    • Long-lasting
    • Easy to work with

If the guy you’re buying for takes pride in his locks but doesn’t like to spend too long in front of the mirror, this texture dust is a game-changer. Unlike texture sprays, this one is a powder but works just like a liquid product, as it gives tresses a decent root boost and added movement, without any shine, stiffness or stickiness. Our tester found it incredibly easy to work with, compared with traditional waxes or pomades, and found that their hairstyle lasted all day.

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Nurture Book by Carole Bamford

Nurture Book.jpg
  • Best: Wellness gift

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Nurture is a wellbeing and seasonal recipes book by Carole Bamford, telling the story of her journey that inspired Daylesford Farm (one of the most sustainable farms in the UK). The book serves as a reminder of the importance of our connection with the planet – from harmony with the seasons to the care we put into the dishes we create. Although it doesn’t have as many recipes as you might expect from a cookbook, they are a part of Bamford’s wider story, making Nurture more impactful than your average cookbook. With beautiful words and imagery, Nurture makes for a lovely coffee table book but it will also sit happily among the other cookbooks in your kitchen. Either way, it’s sure to give your loved one a deeper appreciation for a core part of our lives: food.

  1. £35 from Bamford.coom
Prices may vary
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Percival galaxy cat auxiliary t-shirt

Percival Tshirt.jpg
  • Best: T-shirt

A white T-shirt is a staple in any man’s wardrobe but we love that this one comes with a twist. Ideal for stylish cat lovers, the top features the embroidered silhouette of a cat that’s adorned with space-inspired details, including planets, stars and even a rocket ship. The T-shirt is also incredible quality – it’s made from organic cotton and feels super heavyweight. Available in two different colours – white or athletic grey – you can pick this up in six sizes, ranging from XS to XXL.

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Lola massage gun

Lola massage gun.jpg
  • Best: Massage gun
  • Why we love it
    • Lightweight
    • Includes four attachments

If your partner is particularly into running, weight training or simply tenses up with day-to-day stress, the Lola massage gun could make a world of difference. Smaller, softer and much cheaper than the trendy Theragun, this handy tool gently pummels away any aches and pains, helps loosen tight muscles, and really just helps you relax after a long day. Four attachments are included to tailor the pulses to any body part, and it’s lightweight enough to cover the entire body without feeling like you’re doing an arm workout. Our tester says it’s their favourite wellness tool so far.

For more recommendations, read our review of the best massage guns

  1. £45 from Argos.co.uk
Prices may vary
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Marshall Willen portable bluetooth speaker

Marshall Willen.jpg
  • Best: For music lovers

A great gift for music lovers, this portable bluetooth speaker packs some serious punch. Despite its small size, it blasts out crisp, clear sound that fills the room for up to 15 hours on a single charge. Whenever you need to top up its battery, three hours of charging will bring it back to full power. The speaker is incredibly easy to pair with your phone, too, as there’s no complicated set-up. We also appreciated the little things, like the slick design, which uses softer material to protect the speaker from bumps and scrapes, and the gold-tone detailing.

  1. £89 from Argos.co.uk
Prices may vary
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Barbour matt leather belt, brown

Barbour.png
  • Best: Accessory gift
  • Why we love it
    • Good-quality leather
    • Hardwearing

This classic leather belt is a timeless gift. Available in black and brown, it has a gold buckle and Barbour branding. It’s an accessory to be worn every day, and our tester noted how well the belt goes with any smart or casual outfit.

Our tester was impressed by how well-made the belt is and noted it’s good-quality leather. Robust and hardwearing, this luxury buy will be a present he wears for years to come. A versatile present pick, whatever his taste.

  1. £34 from Barbour.com
Prices may vary
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ESPA fitness salts

Espa bath salt.png
  • Best: For relaxation
  • Why we love it
    • Revitalising scent
    • Helps soothe sore muscles

Perfect for unwinding after a busy day, a run or a workout, these fitness salts include soothing ingredients such as magnesium and arnica, which our tester found relaxing. He also picked up on the clove bud, peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus scent, which is invigorating but not too overpowering. After adding the salts to bath water, the scent gently lingered in the bathroom, and smelt revitalising. Our tester noted the salts helped soothe sore muscles, and his skin felt softened, too.

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Joseph Joseph cut & carve bamboo chopping board

Joseph Joseph cut carve.jpg
  • Best: For culinary enthusiasts

Foster moments of togetherness in the kitchen with the cut & carve bamboo chopping board, wich not only elevates the cooking experience but also adds a touch of sophistication to your culinary adventures. The heavy-duty bamboo chopping board set is the perfect choice for the man who appreciates quality craftsmanship and practicality in the kitchen.

Crafted from tough bamboo, it has an array of features designed to enhance the cooking process, including an angled cutting surface that cleverly catches meat juices, easy-pour corners and convenient handles for transferring from kitchen to table. Paired with a sleek knife set (£30, Josephjoseph.com) and handy knife sharpener (£20, Josephjoseph.com), it’s the ultimate gift for the aspiring chef in your life. Whether he’s whipping up a romantic dinner for two or treating you to a gourmet feast, this cutting board set is a gift that keeps on giving.

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New Balance fresh foam x hierro v7 trainers, faded teal with blacktop and vintage teal

New Balance.png
  • Best: Gift for fitness fanatics
  • Why we love it
    • Lightweight
    • Excellent grip

These stylish trail shoes have a foam sole that we found to be impressively lightweight while running, walking, and exploring. The hardwearing outsole also has excellent grip for navigating terrain – we tested this by heading on a hilly run.

There are two colourways available, including concrete grey with hot marigold laces, but our favourite is the faded teal shade. A beautiful pair of kicks, they’re as well suited to being a noticeably comfy and robust fashion buy as for fitness.

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Biscuiteers the art of love biscuit tin

Biscuiteers.png
  • Best: For a sweet tooth
  • Why we love it
    • Presented in keepsake tin
    • Colourful designs

These brightly decorated heart-shaped biscuits are presented in a keepsake tin, with a matching pattern. The blue, pink, green and orange icing looks like abstract art, and our tester loved how colourful the designs are. There are eight decent-sized biscuits included, packaged within different layers, so unwrapping them is a treat.

Our tester enjoyed the crunchy and sweet – yet satisfyingly soft on the inside – biscuits, which are decorted with a delicious vanilla-flavoured icing. Tucking into them with a cuppa, he quickly demolished the tin’s contents. These biccies would also make a lovely gift for a couple to share this Valentine’s Day.

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The Little Botanical Euphrates watering can and calathea gift set

The Little Botanical Euphrates watering can and calathea gift set.png
  • Best: For gardeners
  • Why we love it
    • Ceramic pot should work with most decor schemes

Including a calathea plant in a ceramic pot, along with a metal watering can, this gift set is great for any green-fingered loved ones. Our tester liked how aesthetically pleasing the on-trend copper watering can is, but you can choose an antique gold-tone version.

The grey ceramic pot looks lovely on any surface – our tester has been keeping it on the mantelpiece alongside other plants – while the calathea has plentiful, patterned leaves and adds pretty greenery that’ll last a lot longer than a bouquet of flowers.

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Paul Smith botanist scented candle

Paul Smith.png
  • Best: Designer gift
  • Why we love it
    • Luxurious fragrance
    • Even burn

Presented in a green glass holder, this candle comes complete with a contrasting purple lid. The citrus, woody and velvety scent blend comes from ingredients such as lemon, black pepper, vetiver and moss. Our tester noticed how this luxurious fragrance filled his living room, and saw an even burn without any smokiness. A bougie buy from fashion designer Paul Smith’s eponymous brand, this is a gorgeous gift for candle afficionados and label-lovers alike.

  1. £65 from Harrods.com
Prices may vary
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Perricone MD hypoallergenic CBD sensitive skin therapy ultra-smooth clean shave cream

Perricone MD hypoallergenic CBD sensitive skin therapy ultra-smooth clean shave cream.png
  • Best: Grooming gift
  • Why we love it
    • Helps ensure a nick-free, even shave
    • Left skin feeling moisturised

A soothing and smoothing shaving cream, this silky-soft formula added everyday luxury to our tester’s grooming routine. Created with easily irritated skin in mind, the rich cream glides on and creates a glossy layer to work from. Ingredients include CBD, cannabis sativa seed oil and allantoin, delivering skin-calming hydration. Our tester noted the consistency enables an even shave and helps avoid any cuts or nicks. His skin felt gently moisturised after use, too, and suitably prepped for any other skincare application.

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Robert’s Radio revival uno BT

Roberts Radio.jpg
  • Best: Nostalgic gift

Whether you’re cosying up at home or planning a romantic picnic in the park (weather permitting), go wherever the romance takes you with the Roberts Revival Uno BT. You have the option to stream directly from your smartphone using bluetooth, along with playing your favorite DAB/DAB+/FM radio stations to sets the perfect romantic ambiance. A perfect blend of classic aesthetics and contemporary convenience. With both battery and mains power options, the retro design adds a touch of nostalgia to the gift, with a range of eight colours to choose from, making it not just an audio device but a stylish accessory for any space.

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Burberry hero eau de parfum for him

Burberry hero.png
  • Best: Fragrance gift
  • Why we love it
    • Long-lasting scent
    • Chic bottle

Available in 50ml, 100ml and 150ml sizes, the angular bottle of this Burberry scent makes for a chic addition to any shelf. The warm scent features three cedarwood oils as its base notes, while pine adds a heady freshness, and incense contributes a rich, sexy finish. Our tester enjoyed wafts of this long-lasting scent during a long day and into the evening, only adding a top-up for extra oomph. Our tester’s wife has been enjoying wearing the strong, refreshing woody eau de parfum as well.

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Pen Heaven Caran d’Ache 849 ballpoint pen

Pen Heaven.png
  • Best: Personalised gift
  • Why we love it
    • Sits nicely in the hand
    • Comes with an ink refill

This slimline ballpoint pen can be personalised with the addition of your giftee’s initials, for example. We sampled the stylish matt black shade but you can choose between a variety of other colours.

The streamlined shape sits neatly in hold – our tester used the pen for writing notes, signing papers, and scribbling down thoughts at work. It comes complete with an ink refill, too.

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The verdict: Best Valentine’s Day gifts for him

For a classic buy perfect for snuggling and sharing, we love The White Company’s unisex hooded ribbed hydrocotton robe. Meanwhile, Paul Smith’s botanist candle adds velvety scented ambience and makes for a bougie gift this Valentine’s Day. We also have to give special mention to the M&S overshirt, which we think will be a guaranteed hit, owing to its quality, sleek look and versatility.

Looking for a present for the woman in your life? Read our review of the best Valentine’s Day gifts for her

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