For many, Valentine’s Day is a nationally celebrated excuse to get something special for your special someone — whether that be your boyfriend, husband, or intriguing acquaintance in your life. We think you should always cater gift ideas to the individual, but to help spark inspiration, or save last-minute shoppers, we rounded up some of our favorite Valentine’s Day gifts including kitchen gear, useful tech, beard care and beyond — we tried to find something for every type of guy.
The best Valentine’s Day gifts for men in 2024
Shopping for men can feel like navigating a field mine of questionable advice. People will often point you towards a whiskey stone but finding truly interesting gifts is difficult. Men have different tastes and hobbies, after all. At NBC Select, we like to call ourselves “professional shoppers” for a reason — we’ve tried hundreds of tech, fitness, wellness and travel products, and have done our fair share of gifting. After sifting through our favorite products, we picked gifts across various categories that we think he’ll appreciate.
SKIP AHEAD Best tech gifts | Best practical gifts | Best home gifts | Best fitness gifts | Best outdoorsy gifts | Best entertainment gifts
Best tech gifts
JBL Clip 4
This Bluetooth speaker is one of our favorite tech gadgets for travel, a good accessory for his next hike, bike ride, camping trip or beach party. It’s designed to clip onto a bag (or anything else) using its built-in carabiner. The speaker has 10 hours of battery life as well as water and dustproofing, with an IP67 protection rating, according to the brand.
Apple AirPods Pro
AirPods Pro are some of the best wireless earbuds for anyone who owns an iPhone. We’ve enjoyed their clear audio quality, strong noise canceling and small size while exercising, sleeping, listening to music and everything in between. This second-generation model has new features like swiping to adjust volume and multiple ear tips included in the box.
Kindle Paperwhite
If he can’t stop talking about his favorite book releases for the year or just wants to revisit some classics, consider purchasing a Kindle Paperwhite, which is one of the best e-readers on the market right now. It has access to over two million titles and works with the Audible app, if he prefers to listen to the latest blockbuster novel. The display is 6.8 inches and the battery life can last up to 10 weeks, according to the brand.
Apple AirTag
If they are constantly losing things, or just want peace of mind when checking luggage at the airport, give them this easy-to-use Bluetooth tracker. After setting it up with an iPhone, they can pinpoint the AirTags’ exact location within 33 feet. If it is outside that range, Apple’s FindMy app will show its location as a pin on the Maps app. It does not come with a strap, so gifting a holder like this one from Belkin can make it even more useful.
Nintendo Switch
The original Nintendo Switch offers three types of gaming: handheld, tabletop (thanks to a kickstand) and on the TV (via the included HDMI cord). It has a 6.2-inch screen and comes with removable joy cons (controllers). You can also play local co-op, meaning you can link your system to other friends’ Switches and play games together.
Marshall Emberton II Bluetooth Speaker
The Emberton II has a joystick at the top of the speaker which is used to raise or lower the volume, skip songs and turn it on or off. It also has IP67 dust and water resistance and 30 hours of playtime, according to the brand.
Polaroid Now Camera
If his natural inclination is to grab a camera during family events or parties you can’t go wrong with the Polaroid Now camera. There’s a self-timer for group shots, double exposure for more artistic photos and it works with both i-type film and Polaroid 600 film. The auto-focus is accurate and the flash renders some beautiful colors, in my experience. One thing to note: despite the Outkast song, “Hey Ya!” mentioning shaking the Polaroid picture, you should just flip it over and avoid direct light for the best photo development process.
Amazon Echo Pop
The Echo Pop is a mini Bluetooth speaker that is equipped with Amazon Alexa. He can ask Alexa to play songs, read the latest news headlines, tell him the temperatures, set timers and more. He can also use it as a smart home hub, which allows him to control smart plugs or lights via voice command once paired.
Ultimate Ears Bluetooth Speaker 3
The Wonderboom 3 is a favorite of NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz because it’s compact, durable and can get really loud. “I never have to push the volume past 70 percent,” he says. There’s a small fabric loop that your recipient can attach to a hook or a carabiner, and the speaker is both water- and dust-resistant making it a good match for outdoor use. It also floats, so your recipient doesn’t have to worry about accidentally dropping it in the pool or lake, according to the brand.
Best practical gifts
Buck Mason Field Spec T-Shirt
I have been on the hunt for the perfect T-shirt for years. My search ended once I found the Buck Mason Field Spec T-shirt. It’s made from a robust and dense heavyweight jersey cotton that is soft to the touch. The cut is also flattering and looks good even after multiple washes. That means no shrinkage and no crinkled bacon neck. It is available in six different colors from size XS to XXL.
Subu Indoor Slippers
Subu slippers look like someone morphed a puffer jacket and a pair of classic slippers. They’re made in Japan and meant to be worn indoors and outdoors. They’re ideal if you must slip them on for a run to the store or a quick dog walk around the block. They have great traction, water resistance and enough downfill to provide insulation during colder days, according to the brand.
Bombas Compression Socks
Bombas’ knee-high cotton compression socks are designed with extra durable yarn, which makes them more resistant to constant wear, according to the brand. The socks have a y-stitched heel to create a cup around that part of your foot for added support, according to Bombas. They’re available in small, medium and large sizes and six different colors.
L.L. Bean Open-Top Boat and Tote
The Boat and Tote is a favorite of NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider and is her everyday work bag. It’s reinforced with bottom and double-stitched seams to make it more durable for heavier items — “it’s incredibly sturdy and can hold so much, like a Mary Poppins bag,” she says. The bag also has shoulder strap handles that can hold up to 500 pounds, according to the brand. It comes in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes and is available in 12 colors, including red, mauve and dark green.
J.Crew Cashmere Beanie
This J.Crew cashmere beanie has been a favorite of mine for two years now. It has all of the qualities that make cashmere great, it’s lightweight and incredibly soft but still able to keep you warm in cold conditions. Some beanies fit awkwardly or too snug around my head, but J.Crew nailed the fit. You can pick it up in six colors and one size fits all.
Salomon Xt6 Sneakers
Salomon sneakers were traditionally designed as trail running shoes but that hasn’t stopped people from turning them into sneakers you just wear around the city. They have an outdoors running-forward design with ortholite insoles, a breathable upper and a quick lace fastening system that resembles a drawstring. I’ve worn my white pair during torrential downpours and they still look clean, my feet were also completely dry. They come in a range of funky colors which change each season, but you can easily find the more conservative black or white pair.
Rains Backpack
Rains make a water-resistant minimal laptop bag perfect for daily commutes. I’ve owned my bag for over five years and it has kept my laptop safe from the occasional downpour or snow flurry. It has a dedicated compartment for a 13-inch Macbook and my favorite feature is a hidden zipper compartment on the back of the bag. You can easily store your wallet, keys or ID. It lacks space compared to some other larger bags but it’s a fair trade-off for a more sleek bag.
GH Bass Lug Loafers
If you’re tired of seeing him wear an overly casual style of dress, have him try on a pair of lug loafers. It’s a bit preppy but it’s a fun pair of footwear that looks good with almost anything. The lugs on the loafers also help make the shoe feel more beefy and substantial.
Birkenstock Super Birki
The Super Birki is an ideal mule for everyday activities. It’s made from a water-resistant and dirt-repellent polyurethane, according to the brand. While it works well as a garden clog, I think it’s a cost-effective alternative to the popular Birkenstock Boston’s. The footbed of the Super Birki is also lined with a moisture-wicking fabric. It also comes in 10 different colors and has unisex sizing.
Casio Watch
Casio makes one of the best affordable stainless steel watches. Besides the obvious timekeeping aspect, it has a digital display with a daily alarm function, a stopwatch and 30 meters of water resistance, according to the brand. I’ve had mine for two years now and it’s a nice alternative to the more techy watches that have taken over most people’s wrists over the last few years.
Gildan Fleece Crewneck
Gildan is known for its basic sportswear, crafting everything from T-shirts, sweatpants, hoodies and more. They also happen to be incredibly affordable. It has a 90s-inspired oversized fit and your giftee can wear it while lounging indoors or throw it on for a quick run to the store. It also comes in over 30 different colors.
Jack Black Beard Oil
This is one of the best beard oils, according to our experts. It has a mix of botanical and fruit-based oils alongside vitamins and antioxidants that can help reduce itchiness and increase hydration, according to the brand.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Quince makes some of our favorite bed and bath products and some popular cashmere clothing, too. You can layer this cashmere sweater with formal and casual shirts. It is made from ethically and sustainably sourced grade-A Mongolian cashmere that is softer and finer than lower-grade cashmere, according to the brand. It is available in nine colors from sizes small to XXL.
Blundstone Boots
Blundstone has been a staple in my closet for over five years. Unlike a typical boot, Blundstone’s break-in process is almost nonexistent, in my experience. They are comfortable, lightweight and durable thanks to the shock absorption and cushioned footbed. The heel is also quite low, so you have good traction on ice or other slippery surfaces. I’ve worn mine during rain storms, winter blizzards and treks through the desert. It’s hard to think of a more versatile shoe in my closet.
Best home gifts
Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe
This 100% long-staple Turkish cotton unisex robe was an NBC Select Bed & Bath award winner and it also happens to be great for a weekend lounge around the house. It has four-ply gauze, two side pockets and a waist tie. NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin says the material is soft and warm without causing her to overheat. The robe was also durable and able to withstand multiple washes and hours of wear.
Hay Portable Lamp
It’s never a bad idea to upgrade his living space with something sleek like this portable lamp from the Danish brand Hay. I’ve owned mine for two years and still love to carry it from different areas of my home as the natural light slowly starts to set throughout the day. There’s a handy touch-controlled light dimmer on the bottom of the lamp, which has three brightness levels. The battery life also lasts 10 hours on a single charge, according to the brand.
Muji Aroma Diffuser
Never underestimate the power a good scent can have on the home. Muji’s aroma diffuser has 15 custom scents including yuzu, french lavender, rose blended and more. It has two brightness levels, a timer and is ideal for a 100-130 sq. ft. space. After you place two to three drops of the scent into the diffuser, the mist should last for three hours, according to the brand.
Casper Original Pillow
If he has a problem falling asleep or just can’t seem to get comfortable at night, he might want to try a new pillow. While everyone loves to point out a terrible mattress, pillows are often overlooked. Some are better at cooling or have more firmness, all of which can help them achieve a better night’s sleep. Casper calls this a pillow-in-a-pillow because it has two layers — an inner core with shorter fibers and an outer layer with clump-resisting softer fibers. NBC Select manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara says it’s soft and decently firm, especially for a non-foam pillow. The NBC Select Bed & Bath award winner is available in standard and king sizes as well as one- or two-packs.
Ember Mug
The avid coffee or tea drinker in your life will appreciate the benefit of an electronic mug that keeps your liquids hot throughout the day. They can pick a specific temperature they prefer or choose from preset temps for specific drinks, such as tea, drip coffee, cappuccino and more. The battery life lasts 80 minutes and the temperatures range between 120 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand.
Fellow Pour Over Electric Kettle
The slender gooseneck, accurate temperature control and digital display all make the Fellow Kettle a great gift if he’s a budding coffee obsessive. If he’s spritzing and hand grinding his beans, he may need to upgrade his kettle. Your giftee can monitor and adjust the temperature in 1-degree increments — ranging from 140 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit — using its digital display, and the Hold feature lets him maintain his desired temperature for up to 60 minutes, according to the brand.
AeroGarden Harvest Elite
The Harvest Elite is perfect for the beginner agriculturist in your life. It can grow fresh herbs and vegetables during any season without direct sunlight, according to the brand. It includes a stainless steel base and high-performance LED grow lights that automatically turn on and off via a customizable timer. It has a digital display that automatically reminds your recipient when to add water and plant food, as detailed on the brand’s website.
Cuisinart Machine Frozen Yogurt Maker
Frozen yogurt, sorbet and ice cream fans can rejoice with this homemade frozen treat machine. If he has a sweet tooth or reminisces about the ice cream truck jingle, he might appreciate a froyo maker. It has a compressor, a programmable timer and an LCD screen displaying a countdown clock so you know how much longer your treat needs to churn. The machine has two paddles that are shaped differently depending on whether you want to make gelato or sorbet. There’s also a keep cool function that helps your treat stay cold for 10 minutes after churning.
Sur La Table Mandoline
While we would all love to cut, slice and dice like chefs on “The Bear” most of us just aren’t at that level yet. Save him from embarrassment with this Sur La Table Mandoline. He’ll be able to slice through cucumbers, carrots and other veggies with ease. Soon enough he’ll have you saying, “yes, chef.”
Bodum Tea Set
Rather than french press or pour over some people like to indulge in the beauty of a good tea steeping. If he’s recently been investing in tea or mentioning how tired he’s gotten of his coffee routine, try this set from Bodum. It has a 34-ounce capacity, stainless steel filter and a heat-resistant plunger to stop the brewing process, according to the brand.
Yeti Hopper Portable Cooler
We’ve been fans of Yeti’s portable coolers for some time now thanks to their portability and security. It has a rubber-foam insulated body and exterior grid straps to attach hiking gear. The shell is made from a puncture- and UV-resistant fabric and both the exterior and interior are treated to resist mildew, according to the brand. The wide-mouth opening is leakproof and zips almost all the way open for easy access; it can also fit up to 11 cans, according to Yeti.
Fly By Jing Trio Sauce
If he likes to add a bit of hot sauce or some sort of heated seasoning to almost every dish he eats you might want to consider picking up Fly By Jing’s trio of Sichuan sauces. The chili crisp variety has a hot and flavorful chili sauce, the Zhong sauce has a sweet umami flavor, while the Chengdu crunch is all about a texture-rich crunchy chili flavor. You can add the sauces to just about anything from rice, noodles, chicken and more.
Atlas Coffee Club Subscription
Any habitual coffee drinker will eventually grow tired of the same old beans. It’s not like you would eat the same meal every day, everyone likes a bit of variation and the same thought applies to coffee. Atlas Coffee Club subscription allows you to choose a coffee type, gift size and the amount of bags per shipment. The Atlas beans are sourced from Ethiopia, Colombia, India and Costa Rica, which provides a range of tastes and flavors.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop
If he loves coffee but prefers the more simplistic route why not supply him with Nespresso’s Vertuo Pop? It allows you to brew five hot or iced coffee sizes ranging from 1.35 ounces to 12 ounces. It also has a compact design so it won’t take up too much kitchen counter real estate. There’s a removable water tank for easy access, Bluetooth connectivity and most importantly a 30-second heat up time, so he can press a button and have his coffee ready in under a minute.
Maldon Salt
Every generation has some eccentric chef who hurls seasoning onto a plate of food in some bizarre but appealing way. Emeril Lagasse famously used to throw a pile of seasoning onto a plate and yell, “Bam”. And then there was Salt Bae who contorted his arms and wrists into a salt dispensing apparatus, where he deposited salt flakes onto a steaming pile of steak. While I can’t condone these more advanced salt-spreading techniques, I know everything tastes better with Maldon’s sea salt flakes.
Fullstar Compact Vegetable Chopper
Fullstar’s vegetable chopper comes with six interchangeable stainless steel blades to help him dice, slice, grate, shred and julienne ingredients. If he’s a home cook that needs to simplify his process the lid lets you chop foods directly into the collection tray, which also acts as a storage container.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
“My Lodge cast-iron skillet is still going strong after eight years of searing salmon, roasting chicken and stir-frying vegetables — more than I can say about most of my other pots and pans,” says Rabinowitz. It’s also considered one of the best cast-iron cookware brands, according to chefs and experts. If he has any interest in cooking, this skillet can handle almost any task on the stovetop, in the oven or on the grill, in my experience.
Best fitness gifts
Alo Yoga Co-Op Stealth Pants
Sometimes, all you need to get more active is a change in your workout gear. I’ve been wearing these Alo Yoga pants for a few months, which have slipped seamlessly into my exercise wardrobe. I’ve worn them during yoga sessions, long walks and running workouts. It has a comfortable elastic waist that doesn’t irritate the skin and the zippered side pockets are a nice addition if you need to carry things like your wallet or a set of keys.
Hoka Clifton 9
Hoka is well known for its supportive and chunky-soled running shoes. If he’s getting into running or trying just to be more active the Clifton 9 is a good starting option. It also won an NBC Select Wellness Award for best workout shoes, thanks to its lightweight design, cushioning and support.
Oura Ring
If his fitness journey is just starting, he might want something more minimalistic than a traditional fitness tracker like a Fitbit or Apple Watch. The Oura Ring is like other trackers, but is wrapped in a more compact design. It can collect data on your sleeping habits, heart rate, blood oxygen levels and more, according to the brand. It comes in two styles, six colors and a range of sizes.
Fitbit Charge 6
The Fitbit Charge is easy to set up, lightweight and crucially, one of the best low-priced fitness trackers we’ve tried. It tracks basic fitness and health data like steps, heart rate, sleep quality, exercise distances, pace and more. The battery life also lasts up to seven days and it has water resistance up to 50m, according to the brand.
Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker Jacket
It can be tricky trying to figure out what to get for a serious runner. While they may put in multiple miles a week if you see them struggle during especially windy or rainy days they might just need a shell jacket. Patagonia’s Houdini windbreaker is made of recycled nylon. It also has an adjustable hood and a reflective panel for any late-night runs. The jacket is incredibly lightweight but also has a durable water-repellent coating, according to the brand. It comes in six colors and sizes ranging from XS to 3XL.
Beats Fit Pro
Give him the gift of a comfortable listening experience while working out. Whether he’s running, climbing or biking, he’ll appreciate a good pair of workout earbuds that stay put even after heavy movement. These have small, built-in wingtips that create a secure fit without making the earbuds feel too cumbersome. Both earbuds have buttons to stop, start and skip songs, you can also hold them down to change between noise cancellation and transparency modes. They come in ten colors including neutral and neon options.
Oofos Slide
Oofos is known for its recovery slides and slippers. The foam footbed design is meant to cradle the arch and promote a more natural foot movement, according to the brand. It also has the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) seal of acceptance, which we’ve written about in our guide to slippers with arch support. It’s made of moisture-wicking and odor-resistant materials and you can choose between six colors.
Theragun Mini 2nd Gen
The Theragun Mini is the brand’s most compact and portable massage gun. It has three massaging speeds and head attachments and comes with a soft case and a charging cable. At 5.5 inches by 4.9 inches and only weighing one pound, it’s easy to bring and use the Theragun Mini anywhere. It has fewer speeds than other, more expensive Theragun massagers but its compact size makes it great for travel, according to the brand — one of the main reasons the NBC Select team loves it.
Best outdoors gifts
Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit With Stand
With this tabletop fire pit, he can roast s’mores or warm up a backyard get-together. It’s made of stainless steel and ceramic, weighs only 1.4 pounds and has a stand for easy placement. The stove can burn pellets or firewood as fuel, according to the brand.
Merrell Moab 3 Shoe
The Merrell Moab is a quality, affordable option for light hiking. It has a combination of suede leather and mesh uppers that make it both durable and breathable. The cushioning helps absorb shock and the contoured footbeds provide both arch and heel support, according to the brand.
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
This cozy hooded down jacket has been invaluable to me during cold and windy weather. In my experience, it is warm enough to wear as an outer layer for commuting, errands and hiking. It’s also lightweight enough to wear underneath a hardshell jacket for below-freezing temperatures. The whole thing also packs down into the size of a thermos.
DJI Mini 2 SE
If he’s ever wanted to take to the skies or capture a special moment from above, this is one of the best drones for beginners. The DJI Mini 2 SE is small, portable, and easy to set up, in my experience. It takes detailed 4K photos (4000x3000) and quad-HD videos (2720x1530) from up to 10 kilometers away, with a battery life of around 30 minutes, according to the brand.
Best entertainment gifts
Lego Bonsai Tree
They can build their very own maintenance-free bonsai tree with this 878-piece adult Lego set. The set has green and pink leaves, so they can choose their style or swap to mimic the seasons. The tree measures about 7 inches high and 8.5 inches long.
Criterion Collection Subscription
If he’s the type of person who religiously logs the latest movie he’s seen on Letterboxd, then he needs a Criterion collection subscription. He’ll have access to a library of over 1,000 critically acclaimed international and classic films. There are guest curations from directors such as Barry Jenkins, Guillermo Del Toro and much more. There are also series that spotlight contemporary directors, actors, genres and more.
Jake Cohen Cookbook
“I’ve followed Jake Cohen on Instagram for years and have made dozens of his recipes,” says Malin. This cookbook is a collection of curated recipes centered around Jewish classics with a modern twist. If he’s new to cooking, he should find these recipes easy to follow thanks to the in-depth instructions and beautiful photos.
Why trust NBC Select?
Jordan Bowman is a commerce editor for NBC Select who writes and edits stories on various topics including tech, fitness and more. For this article, he used his years of commerce expertise and NBC Select staff recommendations to compile a list of the best Valentine’s day gifts for guys.
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