10 Gifts for the Hard-to-Shop-For Manly Man

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we’re all trying to find the perfect gift that will show our spouses and significant others that we cherish them.

I have always had a hard time coming up with a Valentine’s gift for my husband. What do men actually want for Valentine’s Day anyway? Men complain about picking out things for their wives and girlfriends, but I think they have it pretty easy. Get something A)Sparkly, B)Yummy, or C)Sentimental and you’re good to go!

Men, on the other hand, aren’t into sparkly or sappy, and their hobbies and interests are SOOO much more expensive. Getting Levon something he wants is almost always out of my budget.

(Of course, I realize this is a generalization. I’m basing this on my husband and most of the men I know. If your husband loves mushy and will go weak in the knees at flowers and chocolates, great! By all means get him those if that’s what he wants!)

My husband is a strong, rugged, outdoors-y, quintessential “manly man.” He is so not going to be wowed by cologne, ties, cards, or jewelry of any kind. The typical things I find on lists of “Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men.”

So I put a LOT of thought into this list to help you if you can relate to my struggle. This is the list I came up with:

10 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Manly Men

Beard oil set or beard kit

This is the beard oil my husband has and likes.
Subscription to a Steak of the Month Club

Or Cheese of the Month, or Bacon of the Month, or Jerky of the Month, or Rub of the Month. Just Google his favorite food or drink with the phrase “of the month.” You’d be amazed at what’s available out there! Also, know that not all month clubs are autorenewel, and you can always cancel at any time!
BBQ Tools
Multitool

I know next to nothing about multitools, so I asked my husband for his recommendation. He said a Leatherman was the way to go.
Spice blends and rubs

My husband is an avid griller & smoker. If your manly man enjoys a good grilled or smoked meat, check out some of these rubs and spices for a new twist!
Knife

Again, I had to get input from my husband on this one. Here were his recommendations:

For an everyday, affordable, but long-lasting option, he suggested a Kershaw. That’s the kind he currently has.
If you really want to impress your man this year, he suggested a Benchmade. That’s the kind he would like to have.
Hot sauce or BBQ sauce set

Levon’s favorite BBQ sauce is Famous Dave’s, and his favorite hot sauces are Tobasco or Cholula. But you can find out your man’s favorites or try something new!
This hunting shirt

This describes Levon almost every day. 🙂
Food Basket

What man doesn’t love food? Nothing says “I love you” like a basket full of Meats & Cheeses, Candy, Jerky, or cookies. I don’t know about your manly man, but the fastest way to my husband’s heart is with a homemade pie! Put together an assortment of his favorite foods, snacks, or baked goods.
This Gourmet 3lb Bacon Lovers Feast Gift Basket

Bacon. ‘Nuff said.

After spending hours working on this list, I then asked Levon what he enjoys getting for Valentine’s Day. His response? He gave me “the look.” I’m sure you know the one I’m talking about. The one with the slight smile, a raise of the eyebrows, and a wink.

So there you have it. I’ve come up with 10 gifts I think your manly man will enjoy … but know that what he really wants is probably sitting right in front of your screen.

Yep, turns out they’re not so hard to shop for after all. 🙂

Non Gift Ideas for Every Love Language

Physical Touch

Foot, Back, or Full Body Massage

Quality Time

Participate in his favorite hobby or pastime with him. Go fishing (in warmer weather), take a walk, watch a football game, go shooting, play a game or sport, watch a movie, cook together, take a class, shop for sports/hunting gear, go camping, take a hike, etc.

Acts of Service

Make him a special meal, bake his favorite dessert, wash his truck, do one of his most-dreaded chores for him, give him a “night off” to do whatever he wants, or let him sleep in.

Words of Affirmation

Make a list of all the things you love about him or his greatest strengths. Maybe even frame it or laminate it. Present it to him in a special way, or leave it somewhere for him to find.