Many people struggle to find gifts for people who have everything — dads and boyfriends, we’re looking at you — but we’ve been told that the best gifts for men are things they need but wouldn’t think to buy for themselves. So if you pay close attention, the men in your life have probably mentioned a thing or two they’ve been putting off buying — maybe it’s the winter jacket they’ve been meaning to buy since last year or the luggage set they needed to replace two vacations ago. And there are more opportunities to find that perfect Valentine’s Day gift since men’s skin care and self-care have come a long, long way.
Now that more men are embracing an expansive skin-care routine — and the myth that most men wash their face with a bar of soap and call it a day has been busted — Sephora is an ideal spot to snag a gift for the guy in your life. This could even be the year you finally put your best guy friend on to your own favorite skin-care brand (or just sunscreen, at the very least). Of course, there’s the timeless option of a classic cologne. Both your gadget-obsessed dad and sneaker-head brother could likely benefit from a new scent in their (maybe non-existent) fragrance arsenal.
So if you’re on a mission to upgrade a man’s life this Valentine’s Day, look no further than the following guide full of unique gift ideas where you’re bound to find a present or two (that are more thoughtful than a gift card, per say) in the grooming, self-care, and clothing categories. Then, rest easy knowing that you’re the reason behind the huge smile on his face come February 14.
Fragrance & Cologne Gifts
Whether the man you’re gifting is a cologne expert or exclusively uses Axe deodorant as his fragrance, both Issey Miyake‘s L’Eau d’Issey Eau & Cèdre and Acqua di Parma‘s Oud Eau de Parfum are ideal options. Both have a warm, woody scent profile, with the lighter Eau & Cèdre boasting notes like cardamom and patchouli and Oud Eau de Parfum skewing a bit heavier with some cedarwood, sandalwood, and musk.
For a citrus flare, you can’t go wrong with Prada‘s Infusion D’Iris. A few of its notes include Italian mandarin, cedarwood, and amber. When combined, this fragrance is a fresh yet sophisticated vibe that your man will love.
One for the bathroom counter, and one for the work briefcase. Giorgio Armani‘s Code Parfum, which comes in two sizes (2.5 and 0.5 ounces) in this particular gift set, is a woody scent blend that mixes tonka bean with notes of iris, sage, and bergamot for long-lasting wear.
Grooming & Skin-Care Gifts
The King C. Gillette Neck Razor is made with a single blade that is ideal for edging sideburns and keeping lines straight on beards or on the back of the neck. The razor also comes with five blades, so it’ll last your special guy a while.