Call off the search, I've found 18 of the best Valentine's gifts for him (and you'll totally benefit too)

18 of the best gifts for your Valentine - especially if he's male and middle-aged

Three Valentines day gifts for him - a barbecue, a Lego set and some love-themed chocolate
(Image credit: Future)

As a woman in my late (very late...) forties, I don’t often think about the best Valentine’s Day gifts for men. The thing is, I've been with my Valentine for a lifetime so I know what he likes - and doesn't - at this stage in life.

While our wedding anniversary and thoughtful birthday gifts mean more than a commercialised holiday like Valentine’s Day, we do exchange cards. I’ve never forgotten the first Valentine’s card he gave me – a cheeky Purple Ronnie one if you’re wondering, which tells you it was the '90s. And - three kids and 26 years of marriage later - I still appreciate it when he pops a bunch of my favourite flowers in his basket while grabbing bits for dinner. Those little gestures mean more than an overpriced bouquet on February 14th ever could. But this year, like 54% of Brits who also mark the occasion, according to a Valentine's Day survey by M&S, I've decided to treat him to a little gift. We no longer need babysitters and might even get the telly to ourselves, so perhaps I'll even pop open some bubbly to celebrate the fact that we’re still going strong, all those years after Purple Ronnie sealed the deal.

If you’re planning something similar, here’s my roundup of the best Valentine’s Day gifts for men – especially midlife ones. Note that I've chosen items you'll enjoy too because the best Valentine’s Day gifts for him are all about sharing a token of love that benefits you both. After all, it’s a day to celebrate your love, not just your lover.

Best Valentine's gifts quicklinks

In a hurry? Jump straight to these retailers who, in my expert opinion, stock some of the best Valentine's gifts for him:

For the foodie

For homebodies

For the fitness fan

Grooming gifts

Loungewear gifts

For outdoorsy men

How to buy the best Valentine's gifts for him

“Many of us can find it tricky to buy gifts for the men in our lives, especially for Valentine’s Day when there is the increased pressure to give them something that represents how much you love and care for them," agrees Jo Reason, Brand & Range Director at Bloom & Wild.

The firm recently ran a survey on male gifting and gender stereotypes which found that men appreciate thoughtful gifts just as much as practical ones - putting an end to the idea, once and for all, that socks and smellies will do when it comes to gifts for men. "Show them you’ve noticed all the things they do for you and treat them to something that means they can indulge or take a moment to themselves," adds Jo. "Look for a gift that ties to their interests, whether that’s a hobby or a newfound passion. That way, you can’t go wrong.”

"When choosing a gift for a male partner, consider his interests, lifestyle, and personality," advises gifting expert and entrepreneur Katrina Aleksa. "Think about what he enjoys - whether it’s tech gadgets, fashion, fitness, or experiences like travel or dining. Personalisation adds a special touch, so consider customised items or something with sentimental value. If you’re unsure, pay attention to things he talks about wanting or needing. Lastly, experiences often make great gifts, offering memories rather than just material items.

"For a refined and personal touch, customised cufflinks make a timeless statement, whether engraved with initials or a meaningful date. For those who value experiences over objects, a luxurious weekend retreat - be it a spa escape, an adventure trip, or a curated wine-tasting getaway - offers unforgettable memories and relaxation. For the tech-savvy, smart home devices bring sophistication and convenience. From voice-controlled assistants to intelligent lighting and security systems, these innovations enhance daily life with seamless efficiency. Whether it’s a bespoke accessory, a curated experience, or cutting-edge home technology, the perfect gift is one that elevates his lifestyle."

Heidi Scrimgeour
Ecommerce Editor

Heidi is a seasoned lifestyle journalist with almost 20 years of experience. Before joining Future in 2021, she enjoyed a successful freelance career that spanned more than 15 years. During this time, Heidi achieved bylines in most of the UK's national newspapers, including The Guardian, The Times, and The Telegraph, and wrote for a wide variety of print and digital magazines, including Psychologies, Red, Glamour and Mother & Baby, where she was Shopping Editor for six years. Heidi specialises in consumer content including buying guides, product reviews and gift guides that solve every 'what to buy for...' problem you can think of.