Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and finding that special token of affection for a guy can be tricky.  The sweet spot lies in a gift that is personalized to the guy and speaks to what’s important to him. Certainly doesn’t need to be expensive or extravagant, it actually is the thought that counts here.  Ladies, this guide is for you.  I’ve put together a collection of gifts that work for just about every guy.

From top left:

1. A New Hat:  It’s never a bad idea to have a new hat ready to go.  This trout needlepoint hat is a great one to freshen up his collection before the fish start running this Spring.
2. A Box of Flies from Orvis:  Head over to your local Orvis store and fill up a box with the right flies.  Let them know where he fishes and what he’s after, and they’ll get you set up just right.
3. Tickets to Dead & Company’s Summer Tour:  I am a huge fan of concert tickets as gifts.  First off, I know it takes some work, especially for a show at this level.  Second, I have something to look forward to doing together.
4. A Bottle of Great Bourbon:  Weller 12 Year is a great starting point.  It can be hard to find, but if you ask for this at the liquor store, they will point you in a similarly appropriate direction.
5. ‘Recipes from the Woods’:  Do you have a freezer full of game?  Everyone loves poppers, but this book can help you expand your options into dinnertime menus.  He’s not a big hunter?  Then a more general cookbook should do the trick if he’s your favorite cook.
6. The Savannah Hunting Knife from Williams Knife Company:  This is the type of knife that he wouldn’t buy for himself, which makes it the perfect gift.  A field knife is a must-have for any hunter or fisherman.
7. Sterling Cufflinks from Tiffany & Co.:  If he’s a cufflink guy, then he’s already got a pair of monogrammed cufflinks, and I’m sure he’s got something fun.  Now add something artsy.
8. Rosewood Grill Tools from Williams Sonoma:  Tools make the man…go for simple and good quality.  A three-piece set is all he’ll need to the be master of his domain.
9. A Round of Golf:  Mid-February is too cold to swing the sticks, but an IOU for a scheduled tee time and dinner is a great gift.  You get to spend ~4 hours on the course, and then enjoy a nice dinner.  Pick a fun club that he hasn’t played before, that way it will be a new experience for both of you.
10. A Portable Speaker:  A little mood music is always nice, and a wireless portable speaker will become a priority when he’s packing for a vacation.  This one from Audio Pro is a cool green color that doesn’t look too tech-y.
11. The Herringbone Needlepoint Belt from Matthias Kauppermann:  You’ll enjoy the look on his face when he opens a new herringbone needlepoint belt from MK.  He’ll be able to use that monogrammed buckle and look like a million bucks.
12. ‘Labs and Flags’ Tie from Southern Proper:  If his closet is full of stripes and dots, get him something fun.  Wearing a tie doesn’t have to be so serious all the time…
13. Drinks and Dinner at His Favorite Steakhouse:  A key ingredient to a great steakhouse is an outstanding bar.  Make a night of it: get an Uber, have a few cocktail, and then a late dinner.  At this point, finding a reservation actually on Valentine’s Day may be out of the question, unless you can pull some strings.

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