The 45 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Every Type of Boyfriend
Jump to section
Boyfriends are tough to get the right gift for. New relationships, particular taste, or indecisiveness could all complicate things. He may not know what he wants until it’s already in his hands. Finding that gift often takes time, so I’ve combed through our archives and looked back on the best things I’ve tested in the past year. There’s something for aspiring chefs or devout gamers, and at least a few things he probably hasn’t seen before.
I’ve organized everything by price, and there’s plenty to choose from no matter your budget. But if you do need more ideas, we have gift guides for every kind of person (including husbands, guys with expensive taste, and picky guys). We also have guides for coffee snobs, foodies, and candy lovers, so you’re bound to find a gift that’ll spark some joy.
Under $25
For the boyfriend who’s always asking for the scissors
New! You can now save this product for later.
This pocketable pair can double as a box cutter.
For the boyfriend who’s getting into journaling …
New! You can now save this product for later.
Each page in this notebook features one of several grids or patterns, which should help him think outside the box.
… but wants something pocketable
New! You can now save this product for later.
These even have illustrations of national parks on them.
For the boyfriend who writes everything by hand
New! You can now save this product for later.
Strategist deals writer Martha Tuber — who’s very picky about her pens — says this is the best pen for writing. It has a smooth flow and doesn’t smudge at all.
For the boyfriend who scrolls while he gets ready
New! You can now save this product for later.
With this suction mount, he can stick his phone to any flat surface and watch a video (or make one) as he goes about his day.
For the sober boyfriend
New! You can now save this product for later.
This seltzer is made with hops, giving it a unique flavor that’s a perfect substitute on a night out.
For the boyfriend who keeps his gadgets immaculate
New! You can now save this product for later.
A tiny, nice-looking cleaning brush for his earbuds that also has a SIM removal tool if he swaps phones a lot.
For the boyfriend who longs for a classic Mac
New! You can now save this product for later.
It’s not quite the same, but this tribute to the iconic iMac G3 will give some character to his plain, silver Mac.
For the boyfriend with a sweet tooth
New! You can now save this product for later.
Give him a break from his go-to chocolate with this Belgian company’s unique bars; this one has chunks of butter biscuit inside.
For the boyfriend who likes to wind down with a bath
New! You can now save this product for later.
A lavender-scented soak will help him relax after a long day.
For the boyfriend who still wears his old beanie
New! You can now save this product for later.
Get him one that’ll change up his wardrobe. This orange wool cap — it comes in green, navy, and black as well — is cozy and warm enough to wear even on chilly days.
For the boyfriend who always loses his keys
New! You can now save this product for later.
A bright keychain to help him keep an eye on them.
For the boyfriend who packs his lunch
New! You can now save this product for later.
This titanium spork — which comes in a bunch of fun colors — has a smoother finish, a deeper spoon, and longer fork tines than most sporks.
Under $50
For the long-distance boyfriend
New! You can now save this product for later.
An old-school landline headset he can plug into his phone.
For the boyfriend who longs for an iPod
New! You can now save this product for later.
This case will make his Apple Watch feel like an iPod Nano.
For the boyfriend who loves impressing guests
New! You can now save this product for later.
He’ll definitely get some oohs and aahs with this bird-shaped bottle opener.
For the boyfriend who reads in bed
New! You can now save this product for later.
Kobo Remote
Now he can kick back and turn the page without having to lift a finger.
For the boyfriend who keeps his meds on the counter
New! You can now save this product for later.
Help him make it look a bit nicer with this eye-catching pill box.
For the boyfriend who’s always on the move
New! You can now save this product for later.
A rugged sling with enough room to hold all his daily essentials.
For the boyfriend dipping his toe into bartending
New! You can now save this product for later.
Cocktail Kingdom is the gold standard in bartending gear; this mixing glass is essential for making cocktails like a negroni or old-fashioned.
For the boyfriend who takes his drinks to go
New! You can now save this product for later.
Kinto Travel Tumbler
He’ll love this elegant, leakproof travel mug.
For the boyfriend whose apartment smells really good
New! You can now save this product for later.
Incense with a homey blend of cinnamon and frankincense.
Under $100
For the boyfriend who keeps everything in one pocket
New! You can now save this product for later.
For the boyfriend who enjoys a drink by the campfire
New! You can now save this product for later.
This outdoorsy flask won’t look out of place among everyone’s thermoses and mugs.
For the boyfriend who prefers to cook grillside
New! You can now save this product for later.
Even if he lives in a small apartment, there should be room for this compact yakitori grill that’s perfect for a few steaks.
For the boyfriend who treats smoking like a ritual
New! You can now save this product for later.
An elegant ashtray set that rises to the occasion.
For the boyfriend who’s sick of scrolling
New! You can now save this product for later.
The Brick
Finally, the perfect companion in the war against our phones.
For the boyfriend who always forgets his charger
New! You can now save this product for later.
Now he won’t have to give up on his Mario Kart race when his battery gets low: This case has a charging stand built right in.
For the boyfriend who bikes to work
New! You can now save this product for later.
A bike lock that’s as secure as it is nice to look at.
For the boyfriend who eats the olives you don’t want
New! You can now save this product for later.
He can keep this fancy jar all to himself.
For the boyfriend whose thumb isn’t so green
New! You can now save this product for later.
Under $200
For the boyfriend who’s all in on e-books
New! You can now save this product for later.
Kobo Clara BW
I’ve tested tons of e-readers, and this is one of my two go-tos. It’s lightweight, the screen is gorgeous, and it lets me read articles from Instapaper. You can’t do that with a Kindle.
For the boyfriend who hates cables
New! You can now save this product for later.
Twelve South Valet
A chic wireless charger to decorate his nightstand.
For the boyfriend who likes to dress cozy
New! You can now save this product for later.
Stylish slippers that can handle being outside as well as they’ll keep his toes toasty inside.
For the boyfriend who keeps it simple
New! You can now save this product for later.
This bag is like a classier version of the iconic Jansport. It has a single front pocket with enough space for some notebooks and all his smaller items, plus a thin laptop sleeve inside. Because it’s so lightweight, he can roll it up and stuff it in a carry-on if he needs an extra bag while traveling.
For the boyfriend who’s working on his knife skills …
New! You can now save this product for later.
Get him a blade that’ll make him feel like a pro.
… and wants to ditch his plastic cutting board
New! You can now save this product for later.
Boos Edge-Grain Cutting Board
He’ll love this chef-favorite cutting board that’s durable enough to withstand a lifetime of chopping.
For the boyfriend who takes his coffee every which way
New! You can now save this product for later.
A simple coffee maker that does brew and espresso by the cup.
For the boyfriend with a bag collection
New! You can now save this product for later.
Totepacks give you more options for carrying them than most bags. This one has straps that easily transition from handles to backpack straps, so he can wear it however he wants.
For the boyfriend who’s at home outdoors
New! You can now save this product for later.
He won’t have to worry about tarnishing his gear with this case, which is strong enough to avoid scratches and is even fully submersible.
Over $200
For the boyfriend who’s all in on Android
New! You can now save this product for later.
Google Pixel Watch 4
Google’s newest smartwatch has a domed display that makes the whole interface look like it’s rolling off the screen.
For the boyfriend who needs peace and quiet
New! You can now save this product for later.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Nothing will get through when he’s wearing our favorite noise-canceling headphones.
For the boyfriend who listens to music on his phone’s speakers
New! You can now save this product for later.
WiiM Sound
WiiM’s first dedicated speaker works like a Sonos, but has a built-in display and can be tied to WiiM’s other gear that works with dedicated stereo systems.
For the boyfriend who gets every Nintendo game
New! You can now save this product for later.
Nintendo Switch 2
He should play them on Nintendo’s newest console, which is a worthy successor to the original Switch.
For the boyfriend who prefers company with his coffee
New! You can now save this product for later.
This gift box is packed with everything he’ll need to share a Moka pot with you. The gift tin contains a Bialetti x North Face co-branded coffee pot, two insulated espresso glasses with matching spoons, and, naturally, a bag of coffee.
More Valentine's Day Ideas
- 33 Gifts for Every Type of Husband
- Mother’s Day Gifts to Give Your Wife
- A Gift for Every Type of Wife
- Valentine’s Gifts Under $25 That Look Like You Tried
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best women’s jeans, rolling luggage, bedsheets, coffeemakers, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.