Many people aren't sure where to begin when figuring out what to do for your boyfriend on Valentine's Day. Not to worry! Gifts for the special guy in your life can range from romantic to fun... and with a little thoughtfulness, he'll love what you give him. Just make sure to steer clear of cliché guy gifts and consider your man's unique personality and interests, so you're sure to choose the best gift or experience for him.
Cute Things to Do for Your Boyfriend for Valentine's Day
While they might not show it, guys can be sentimental. Many just aren't comfortable sharing their sweet side with everyone. Appeal to his sensitive side with a thoughtful, traditional Valentine's Day gift. These romantic gift ideas for him have a classic feel, but they incorporate items or words that are unique to your relationship.
Create Sweet Love Letters
Valentine's Day is all about celebrating love. Capture your feelings in traditional or creative love notes he can keep and read forever. It's sure to be a sweet gift he won't soon forget.
- Compile loving text messages, saved voicemail transcripts, or love letters you've sent each other into one scrapbook or journal.
- Give him a homemade book about your relationship that highlights milestones like the first time you saw each other, your first kiss, and a list of pet names for each other.
- Handwrite him a 100 reasons why I love you poem and frame it.
How to Surprise Him on Valentine's Day With Food
You really can't go wrong with giving your guy some of his favorite snacks or sweets. Since it's Valentine's Day, look for treats you can customize with labels that include love puns and word play.
- Wrap up his favorite foods and put your own words on the labels. For example, take a bottle of hot sauce and write on it, "You're hot stuff!" or peanut butter and jelly with the saying, "We belong together like peanut butter and jelly." Fill the pantry with these items, so when he opens it for a snack, he'll get a loving surprise.
- Buy him custom candies with his name, a picture of you together, or other unique words and images related to your relationship. You can customize your own pack of M & M's in nearly 20 colors by adding clipart, words, or images.
- Put together a snack bucket or basket with a theme such as "You Make Me Hot." Choose a unique container like a wide-mouth water bottle, then fill it with spicy snacks and sauces.
Give Your Boyfriend Relaxation Sessions at Home
Any guy would melt with the gift of massage... especially when it's from his significant other. An at-home spa day gives your guy the chance to relax with you without any concerns about being seen getting a pedicure.
- Buy massage oil and give him a massage. Light candles for him and create a romantic atmosphere.
- Set up a pedicure station in your bathroom. Push a chair next to the tub, fill it with a relaxing foot soak, and then give him a little foot massage.
- Find a few bonding activities, like staring deeply into each other's eyes for several seconds or playing a romantic game, and print out directions for each. Set up a comfortable seating area and try out each activity.
Homemade Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for a Boyfriend
Your guy and the love you share are one-of-a-kind, so his Valentine's Day gift should be too. Homemade romantic gifts are great for Valentine's Day because they show your love through thought, time, and effort. Get creative and come up with a present no other guy will have.
Create a DIY Love Map
Find a map of your town, state, or country to start. Use a fine-tip red marker to mark points on the map that are important to your relationship, such as where you met, where you got your first place together, where you had your first date, or where you became an official couple. In one corner, make a key or legend that describes each point on the map, then frame it. A love map is a great way to ask your boyfriend to be your Valentine.
Chalkboard Love Tally List
Use chalkboard paint to turn any flat item into a blackboard. Use a heart-shaped piece of wood or metal sign as your base for this DIY Valentine's Day gift for him. Once dry, write a couple of love-related categories on the left side of the sign. For example, categories might be "Hugs," "Kisses," and "I Love Yous." When you give him the gift, add a tally mark to each category after you hug him, kiss him, and say, "I love you." He can continue the tally marks all year long to see how loved he really is.
Celebrate 14 Days of Love
Create a small clothesline from string or yarn and hang it in his home office, over his nightstand in the bedroom, or in a main area like on the mantel. Gather 14 envelopes in Valentine's Day colors and hang each from the line with a clothespin. Inside the first 13 envelopes, add passionate love letters or quick romantic activities. The last envelope should contain or lead to his Valentine's Day gift. Each day for the first two weeks of February, your guy can open one envelope to celebrate the 14 Days of Love countdown to Valentine's Day.
Give Him a Love Jar
Use a large mason jar to jot down one quick reason why you care about him every day. He can make one for you too! Decorate your jar with cute, love-related stickers and phrases. Begin this project about a month before Valentine's Day, so the day of, you can sit and read him all the reasons why he's the best!
First Valentine's Day Gift for Your Boyfriend
Finding a great but appropriate gift for a new boyfriend can feel a bit tricky. Think about small but meaningful ways to show your boyfriend that you care without going overboard. If you need some great ideas, try out a few of these sweet first Valentine gifts to make your boyfriend smile.
Give Him a Collection of Books or Video Games
If your boyfriend is an avid reader or has a favorite author, you can buy him a limited edition version, a signed copy, or a vintage version of his favorite reading material. For video games, try to do some recon and find options that you'll know he will enjoy. Keep your budget low to mid-range and opt for inexpensive but fun gifts.
Buy Useful Accessories
There are always new gadgets coming out that range in price. You can look into getting your boyfriend headphones, a video game controller, a wire-free charger, or a new phone case. Try to find gifts specific to his needs. For example, if he's a runner or likes to work out, you can opt for headphones or phone accessories made for this purpose. These thoughtful gifts are a great way to show him that you care about him and that you pay attention to his interests.
Articles of Clothing
Clothing is another excellent option to gift in newer relationships, although it's not the best for ones that have only been going on for a few months. If you've been together for at least six months, you can gift your boyfriend new pajamas, a shirt, or a new workout outfit. Because clothing is personal, try to find pieces that resemble what he already has, and mimic his style and taste.
Romantic Valentine Experiences for Him
Romantic gifts aren't the only way to make a gesture of love. When you are wracking your brain about what to do for him on Valentine's Day, think about ways you can just be together. This can include fun outings and experiences where you make new memories with just the two of you.
Get Lost in the Outdoors Together
Pack up a few essentials like snacks, water, a compass, and maybe even a small tent. Grab your guy and drive to an unfamiliar hiking spot. Together, you'll need to head out on an adventure and make your way home whenever you feel like going back. For safety purposes, make sure you let a friend or family member know where you're headed, and a hard date when you'll return by.
Have a Couple's Staycation
Turn a night or weekend at home into a romantic evening made for the two of you. Think about a trip you took together or one you'd like to take someday when you can afford it. Plan meals and activities at home that you might find on that dream trip, so you don't need to leave for the entire staycation. Tell others you're leaving town and turn off your phones to be left alone. On Valentine's Day, give your guy a homemade itinerary and even fake plane tickets to tell him all about your excursion.
Sign Up to Be Apprentices for a Day
An easy and inexpensive way to learn something new together is to set up an apprenticeship for one day or longer. Look for a local artisan who creates something of interest to your man, such as wood carvings or restoring antique cars. Call and ask if you could set up a one-day learning experience for your guy or for the two of you. If the artisan is amenable and offers a free experience, make sure you bring a donation or gift basket to say "thanks."
Unique Things to Do for Your Boyfriend This Valentine's Day
When it comes to getting ideas for your boyfriend on Valentine's Day, giving him a creative gift or experience will make the day feel more special than any other. Show your guy some affection by planning ahead and thinking of what would make him feel most loved. Now you've got some ideas about what to do for your boyfriend on Valentine's Day, so it's time to have some fun celebrating your relationship.
