Creative Valentines Day Gifts for Him

In my experience, men are a bit more difficult to give to than women. Maybe it's that men are more particular, or want bigger and better... Women are a bit more appreciative of simple gestures, like a single rose, dinner being cooked and served, laundry being done, or a box of chocolates to indulge a sweet tooth. Men, on the other hand, (again, in my experience) have something particular in mind, like a remote control helicopter, the latest lithium ion battery-powered drill, or the biography of Steve Jobs. Without asking him for suggestions, what are some creative gifts that you can give, that are sure to bring a smile to his face?

Here are some suggestions for Valentines Day gifts for the man in your life. Some of the following are inexpensive or free, some funny or entertaining, but all are gifts that will hopefully be unexpected.

*All of the following have been man-approved. This hub was edited by a man prior to being published. Hopefully, the rest of you find it just as agreeable!*

Around the house. Clean his office, workout area, "mancave", tool storage area, closet, or other space that is primarily "his". However, when cleaning, make sure not to throw anything away, no matter how much you may think it should be tossed! Do not overly organize, as men organize in a way that they know where things are, whether they are in a pile or drawer, or scattered messily. Add a finishing touch, like a new picture of the two of you, framed and put on his office desk, or an encouraging note on the treadmill. If cleaning up a work space where tools are involved, leave a note complimenting him on a time that he used those tools well, or how fun it was to remodel together. Helping to organize or clean, but doing so in a manner that still fits his needs and personality will most definitely lead to a smile, and maybe even a kiss!

Do something that he wants to do. Think long and hard about this one. What is something that he has said in passing, that he would enjoying doing, or that he already likes, but would like for you to become a part of or join? Buy tickets to a game or a movie that he really wants to see.Then, (yes, because this is the selfless part!) follow-through with whatever it is. Go to the game or movie with him. Or, cancel a future night out with the girls, and plan a "guys' night" for the two of you, involving games (like poker), his favorite beer, talking about business or remodeling ideas, going to see a speaker, letting him hog the remote, or whatever else that your dearest may enjoy. If you decide to do the "guys' night", give him some sort of contract for V's Day, like a card that says that that particular day will be all about him.

Make something! Make a calendar and add game times, meetings of his that you know of, or other events that are special to him. Add pictures of just you, the two of you, or things that remind you of him. Make him a picture frame with pictures of the two of you, song lyrics from your song, and pictures and sayings of memories. Place a picture of the two of you inside. Make him something that makes his life easier, such as a storage container for pens and pencils or tools, a new container to house his business cards (that will fit in his pocket), or a holder for the remote (maybe that attaches to the couch?). If you are really crafty, make a hat, shirt, socks, or bag that is personalized with "Man of the Year" or his favorite sports team. Making something could be as simple as making his favorite food for dinner, or making the bed (if he normally does).

Spa. Need I say more? Men do not typically get massages or facials for themselves. This is something that they know that they would enjoy, but are not comfortable admitting to wanting to do (let alone actually doing it). Schedule a massage, facial, pedicure, or other spa treatment for him. Make sure that it does not interfere with work or other engagements/hobbies. Present it in a light way; do not make too big of a deal about him going to get pampered. Stroke his ego a bit, by saying something like:

• "You work so hard, honey. Your muscles must be sore. They deserve some work, too!"
• "Being on your feet all day must be exhausting. Relax for a bit and give your feet a break."

If money is an issue, or you know that your burly man will absolutely not go to the spa, bring it to him! Get an inexpensive bottle of lotion, take off his shoes and socks, and give him a foot massage. Or, give him a shoulder and back massage. If he is lucky enough to have a thick do, give him a scalp treatment (deep conditioning and scalp, head, and neck massage).

Coupons. Oh, the classic coupons. Coupons for Mothers Day, coupons for birthdays, but the most popular have got to be "love coupons" for Valentines Day. Make a simple book of coupons, or print some off of the internet. There are numerous websites that offer free printable coupons. Keep in mind what you are actually willing to do when making the coupons. They can be as risque or selfless as you desire. Here are a few ideas for coupons:

• "A night off. No dishes, no laundry, no giving the kids baths. Just relax."
• "Movie Night. You choose the movie, and whether we go to the theater or stay in to watch it."
• "Full body massage."

Candlelit Dinner. Plan and execute a romantic dinner for two, sans restaurant noise and bitter servers and bartenders. Have candles that are a neutral scent or one of his favorites. Try to keep the dinner a bit light, as neither of you want to be too bloated or tired later, right? Or, if you must go out (in order to get a baby-sitter), try to wow him by choosing somewhere that is not too popular, somewhere of meaning to the two of you, or somewhere that you do not frequent often. Call ahead and ask to be seated somewhere quiet, and maybe even dimly-lit. If you do go out, get dressed up! Feeling attractive and comfortable will help put you at ease so that you can really enjoy the evening together.

I do not want my mom to blush when she reads this hub, so I have attempted to keep it PG-ish. Here is one suggestion that I have to give. Sorry, mom!

Something for you, something for him. You avoided the desert table at Christmas, drank a glass of wine instead of a glass of beer, and are a few days/weeks into your resolution to eat healthier and exercise more. Show it off! Buy that little black dress or the naughty outfit that would make a sailor's mom blush. I am willing to bet that this suggestion will lead to a bit more than a hug...

If all-else fails, or you're in a time constraint, or maybe you do not know him too well, opt for the gift that he wanted for his birthday or Christmas, but was maybe already too-spoiled to get. (Or, maybe it was not on sale, or was out of stock?) Think about something that he would really use or enjoy, and not just another tie or belt clip. Of course, the following may not be the best ideas for the man in your life, but here are a few suggestions to get the wheels turning:

• Gloves that still allow him to talk, text, and type.
• The latest headphones, arm band (for working out), or heart rate monitor. Something cool and sleek, but useful.
• A new grill cleaner tool, meat thermometer, or apron (yes, a grill apron) that says "King of the Grill" or something else that is silly and not too demeaning. Something for the grill is always a great idea - as men love to grill, and can never have enough tools to do anything.
• A book that he has not exactly mentioned wanting, but suits his personality, or something that he wants to do... like, a book about yoga, traveling to New Zealand, history of airplanes, ghost hunts, or an inspirational book of quotes.
• A kit, software, book, or tutor for learning a new language.
• A new football jersey, baseball hat, or watch. Men can be quite particular about these three things, but if you can pull it off, you'll definitely be Woman of the Year!
• A new travel coffee mug, water bottle, or camel pack. These items are usually not high on a man's shopping list. Do him a favor, and buy something that he forgets to buy for himself, but that he would actually really like and use!

Remember that Valentines Day is not about who can better "prove" love for someone, but is about letting people know that you do care. Do not forget to say "I love you" to dad, grandpa, brothers, and other men in your life; Valentines Day is not just about romance, it is about love.

Have fun with these ideas, and feel free to add your own below. I probably could have spent days writing this. My mind is still racing with funny and creative ideas. I probably should save a few for myself to use...

Happy Valentines Day!

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