Valentines marketing for her (and the kids) was in full swing early this year. However, the marketing machine behind great gift ideas for him is lacking. So, I have been scrolling my feed and polling my husband in passing, to put together a few Valentine’s gift ideas you can snag for the guy in your life.
RELATED READING :: 10 Out of the Box Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day
How does that old saying go? “The fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” | Valentine’s Gift Ideas for Him
Bargain: Something sweet; bring home GiGi’s Cupcakes owned and operated by former Texas Longhorns, Brian Orakpo and Michael Griffin. Get him inspired to get in the kitchen or manning the grill with cookbooks like Austin’s own Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto. Have fun with a Celebrity cookbook like Snoop Dogg’s From Crook to Cook. Or top off a themed gift with Cook Like a JEDI.
Splurge: Shopping spree! A gift card to Salt & Time will let him explore Austin’s first butcher shop sourcing directly from Texas ranchers. If your guy is more into veggies, make a date to SFC Farmers Markets where they are following COVID-19 cautious guidelines. Let him pick the ingredients, sample the honey, and carry his haul.
Splurge+: Dai Due’s, Jesse Griffiths, co-created The New School of Traditional Cookery offering Butchery classes, Hunting and Fishing “Schools” and various cooking courses open to all at any experience level. If you just want to gauge interest, first pick-up Jesse’s book, Afield, nominated for a James Beard award.
Everything is on a subscription these days and self-improvement is no exception when it comes to Valentine’s Gift Ideas.
Bargain: Master Class is a fun and approachable way to learn from over 100 of the world’s best minds in Science & Tech, Sports & Gaming, Music, Business and more for only $15/month!
Splurge: Your guy think he can be the next Chip Gaines? Enter the subtle suggestion of Family Handyman DIY University. They offer online workshops in home repair and renovation with easy-to-understand instruction.
Splurge+: The at home gym is the new self-improvement must. Fan favorite among men (and women) are Peloton; offering bike, tread and workout classes, Tonal; eliminating the clutter of weights with a device smaller than a flatscreen TV, and Fight Camp; high-tech, connected at-home boxing.
Looking for a gift to set him on the road to relaxation?
Bargain: Get him in his favorite seat and give him some time to enjoy getting lost in a “borderland dystopia”, Tears of the Trufflepig, or marvel (and laugh) at a real-life quest in The Greatest Beer Run Ever or, aspire to be better informed with The Sun Does Shine.
If relaxation comes with a movie or simple silence, then grab that man a beer from any one of Austin’s breweries. You can try something new on the scene with Hopsquad, offering online ordering.
Splurge: If he needs something stronger, check out “local” whiskey offerings at Garrison Brothers or Balcones Distilling. Already a fan? Make a date of it with a tour to the Distillery!
We have all looked at that shirt or pair of pants he pulls out from years past and wonder what it will take to get it out of rotation. Answer: create a new rotation. | Valentine’s Gift Ideas
Bargain: “Your search for the most comfortable, best fitting tee shirts is over.” Pick out a few cuts and colors from Fresh Clean Tees.
Splurge: Grab him a staple from Bluffworks; easy to wear and easier to care for, thanks to technical materials that look good and feel good.
Splurge+: Offering thousands of top Nordstrom brands in a range of styles and sizes, Nordstrom Trunk Club is no ordinary clothing subscription box.
If your guy has sought refuge in the great outdoors, he can take your gift with him.
Bargain: No matter what you’re doing in Texas, everyone needs a gaiter! Buff at REI offers a variety of options at $20.
Splurge: For the fisher or water lover, a pair of polarized sunglasses from Costa are a must! If you have a hunter in your life, he’s been at it for a few months and may be in need of new gear. Consider the Stealth Cam Trail Game Camera.
Splurge+: At the PGA Tour Superstore, you can snag a gift card, some practice balls and accessories, or go all out with a club or two.
Men also need to be reminded that self-care is essential to help them re-charge and recenter.
Bargain: Have a little fun and introduce your bearded fellow to Austin’s Bossman Brand’s jelly beard oil. No beard, no problem, shop a variety of gift sets for “his set” at Ballsy.
Splurge: GQ’s Best Stuff box is the gift that will keep on giving every quarter with apparel, grooming products, and style accessories.
Splurge+: Create a solid bedtime routine that doesn’t include arguing over the room temperature. Chili sleep has been one of my all-time favorite gifts. Shop with Bubba Wallace’s discount and get in on the quality sleep!
- You can never go wrong supporting the “home” team. You can find Longhorn gear just about anywhere in Austin. My new favorite find is Last Stand Hats, and their inspired UT designs. With the Austin FC inaugural season here, you can score jerseys, hats, scarfs, and more to show your support!
- Every guy has his own style, hobbies, and needs. Huckberry has curated a ton of gear, clothes, accessories, etc… to meet a variety of interests and price points. A few of my faves include; Pappy Barrel-Aged Pepper Sauce, WTHN Acupressure Mat, Mountain Decanter + Half Dome Set of 2 Whiskey Glasses and the Looft Charcoal Electric Lighter & Firestarter.
- If the gift buying experience seems overwhelming, you can outsource a gift box with Knack. Here they help you create a gift by recipient, interest, occasion, or ethos like supporting black and minority entrepreneurs or committing to sustainability. Check out You’re My Hero, Simply Savory, or Work from Anywhere.
Let us know what you end up getting him in the comments and help your fellow busy moms!
