Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show the special men in your life how much you care, whether it’s your father, brother, boyfriend, husband, or a new acquaintance. Our updated guide includes a variety of gift options, such as the best sweats and boxer briefs, as well as a unique Lego garden for the grown-up in your life. So, whether you’re celebrating a long-term relationship or just a casual fling, these gifts are sure to impress.
Lego Succulents 10309 ($50 at the time of publication)
Lego Succulents are a great gift for anyone who appreciates the satisfying experience of building and maintaining a garden without the hassle of watering. As a certified adult fan of Lego (AFOL), Children’s Area lead editor Josh found this set of nine plants to be both challenging and enjoyable to build. The set includes 771 pieces and can be assembled using the included pegs to create a cohesive display or displayed individually. According to Josh, this set is perfect for adult relationships and peaceful cohabitation, unlike more complex sets such as the 3187-piece Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantina.
Western Digital My Passport SSD (1TB) ($90 at the time of publication)
A portable solid-state hard drive is an excellent gift for anyone whose personal or professional life requires large amounts of digital storage, such as video editors, photographers, or graphic designers. After testing 17 different models, the Western Digital My Passport SSD was the top choice due to its reasonable price, fast transfer speeds (up to 10 Gbps), and a generous five-year warranty. This small device at 4.0 by 2.2 inches, is smaller than a smartphone, and can easily fit in a pocket. Our tests showed that it has equal read and write speeds, which makes for efficient and stress-free work and less distraction during down time.
Nespresso Essenza Mini Espresso Machine by De’Longhi (about $155 at the time of publication)
The Nespresso Essenza Mini is a great gift for anyone who appreciates coffee, gadgets, and efficiency. Our coffee experts tested hundreds of espresso machines and found that this compact unit can brew beverages that are just as delicious as more expensive machines. It is easy to clean, doesn’t take up much counter space, and can make the same one-touch ristrettos, espressos, and lungos as other Nespresso machines. To make the gift even better, include some extra pods and recycling bags with it.
Our Q&A a Day: 3-Year Journal for 2 People ($15 at the time of publication)
If you’re looking for a unique gift idea for your dating anniversary, consider the book Our Q&A a Day: 3-Year Journal for 2 People. Staff writer Kaitlyn Wells gave this book to her then-boyfriend, now husband, for their third anniversary. She appreciated that it’s not a typical Hallmark holiday gift and that it allows both partners to participate and reflect on their relationship over time. The journal has a question for each day of the year, that is repeated annually for three years, giving the couple the chance to see how their answers have evolved over time.
Azul (about $30 at the time of publication)
Azul is a popular choice among adults and often appears on our list of best gift ideas. The fast-paced board game is easy to learn, with a visually appealing design, unlike other darker and fantasy-based options. Players act as artisans decorating the walls of a palace and earn points by strategically placing Portuguese tile-inspired pieces. The game offers a bit of a challenge and is perfect for an afternoon at home, as mastering the strategy takes a little bit of time.
Lucas’ Papaw Ointment ($16 for a pack of two at the time of publication)
Lip care is important for everyone, men included, as having hydrated and smooth lips is important (especially if you plan on kissing them). Our team at Children’s Area tested 22 different lip balms, and this unscented and untinted option is among our favorites. It is also versatile, as it can be used for moisturizing not only lips but also for treating sunburns, cracked skin and mosquito bites.
Xi’an Famous Foods ($19 at the time of publication)
New York City’s Xi’an Famous Foods, known for its Western Chinese noodles, has gained popularity since its humble beginnings as a single stall in Flushing in 2005 and now has 14 locations across three boroughs. Now, even those who don’t live in New York can enjoy the restaurant’s spicy dishes with the release of their cookbook. The book includes recipes for their most popular dishes, beautiful photos, and personal anecdotes from the owner, Jason Wang. It makes for a great gift for anyone who loves to add some spice to their cooking. Alternatively, for those who are less confident in the kitchen, you can give them the Xi’an experience with the restaurant’s meal kits which requires minimal preparation.
Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Dehydrator (about $135 at the time of publication)
The Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Dehydrator is the perfect gift for the dried-food lover in your life. It allows for making delicious homemade jerky, better than anything found in stores. It performed best among the dehydrators we tested for drying apples, beef jerky, onions, garlic, and fruit puree for fruit leathers. To enhance your giftee’s snack-making skills, you can also include a copy of The Dehydrator Bible, which Wirecutter senior staff writer Lesley Stockton found to have the best recipes and advice among the six dehydration cookbooks she read while researching for our guide.
Professor Fuzzworthy’s Beard Shampoo and Conditioner Set (about $30 at the time of publication)
A shampoo and conditioner set specifically designed for beards is a great gift for the bearded person in your life. It will ensure that their beard is well-groomed, soft, and has a pleasant aroma. The Professor Fuzzworthy set uses only organic ingredients from Tasmania and has received positive reviews for its effectiveness and great smell. It’s been reported that it leaves no beard burn, making it pleasant to nuzzle. Reviews on Reddit and Amazon have also been positive.
Philips Wake-Up Light HF3520 ($100 at the time of publication)
If your valentine struggles with being woken up abruptly by their phone alarm, the Philips Wake-Up Light HF3520 is a great gift that can provide a more peaceful wake-up experience. This sunrise alarm clock, currently recommended by Wirecutter, simulates a natural sunrise by gradually increasing in brightness over 30 minutes, simulating the light of a spring day. It can make the transition from sleep to wakefulness more smooth and natural.