The best Valentine’s Day gifts for men in 2024
Forget the usual trinkets, say 'I love you' with things he’ll actually appreciate
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
What good’s a pair of cufflinks when he’s not worn French cuffs since before the pandemic? Ditto ties, tie bars (though they’re a no-no on any occasion), briefcases, fountain pens, pocket squares, lapel pins and, to be honest, formal shirts in general (unless, of course, you’ve got a wedding on the horizon. In which case, Eton shirts gets our vote).
Nope, now that dressing up is on the way out and office dress codes belong to a time of fax machines and VCR recorders, the best men’s gifts for Valentine’s Day 2024 are all about toys, tech and tasteful accessories. Here’s what the man in your life really wants this Valentine’s Day…
Hermès Montre Arceau Automatic watch
You can never go wrong gifting a great watch but, if your other half isn’t a seriously clued up watch guy, best stick with a brand he knows for maximum kudos. Luckily, many of the world’s most famous luxury houses now also do a fine line in stylish mechanical watches. With its clean, classic dial, stainless steel case and navy alligator strap, this Hermès Montre Arceau Automatic watch is a brilliant addition to any collection.
Adidas Pureboost 23 running trainers
During the period when team sports were cancelled and social interactions banned, dopamine hits became hard to come by. If, during the pandemic, your other half turned to running as a way of generating some feel-good chemicals (and keeping the lockdown weight gain at bay) chances are he also developed a mild obsession with running trainers. Not only have Adidas’s Pureboost shoes been developed to be more comfortable than ever, they also feature uppers made from a minimum of 50 per cent recycled materials. Choose this classic white pair for something he can wear straight to the pub, once he’s finished pounding the pavement.
A staycation at Sopwell House
Schedule some you-and-him time at Hertfordshire’s Sopwell House, a country spa hotel that’s less than an hour’s drive from central London. Formerly the summer home of Lord Louis Mountbatten – and one-time refuge for Anne Boleyn – today, Sopwell House is a contemporary spa retreat set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens, which boasts indoor and outdoor swimming pools, two restaurants and a cocktail bar. Because, although he’d never admit it, he enjoys a spa break just as much as you.
Lizzie Mandler cuff
There was a time when signet rings were exclusively for stockbrokers, and sovereign rings were for men who minded doors. Those days are gone (although probably still best to steer clear of sovereign rings). These days, men are free to ornament themselves with as many rings, cuffs, bracelets and earrings as they like. Into this space has stepped a smorgasbord of brands established to help men elevate their outfits with a grown-up accessory, or several. Not sure what to pick? Remember the sacred style maxim, KISS (Keep it simple, stupid) – this Lizzie Mandler cuff is a case in point.
Rapha Pro Team Long-sleeve Thermal Jersey
Sliding temperatures might have kept him off the saddle during the winter, but now that the mercury’s rising, the tarmac will be beckoning. This mid-layer, long-sleeve Pro Team jersey from Rapha has been engineered to provide warmth without adding extra weight – perfect for long rides in cool conditions. The fabric’s four-way stretch and seamless construction creates a streamlined silhouette while reducing bulk. The three rear pockets provide plenty of space for his energy bars and sarnies. He’ll be over the moon, trust us.
Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Bunka Black kitchen knife
Family-owned knife brand Yoshida Hamono traces its history back to blacksmiths on the Japanese island of Kyushu. As well as high-grade swords, the company manufactures smaller blades – like the seven-and-a-half-inch one on this hand-forged chef’s knife. It’s made from ZDP-189 stainless steel, the hardest money can buy, and has been left unprocessed at the top, where it will develop a unique patina.
Harvey Nichols Red Wine & Chill gift box
If you’re staying in this Valentine’s Day, dial up the romance with Harvey Nichols’ delectable red wine hamper. Packed with everything you need for a sophisticated date night at home, settle down in front of a favourite film and feast on smoky nuts, pimento olives, cheese rounds, sherbet lemons and salted caramel biscuits all perfectly paired with a bottle of Rioja Reserva.
Giorgio Armani bamboo-buckle leather holdall
If he’s still heading off on business trips and weekends away carrying that battered Samsonite he’s had since you met him at uni, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to upgrade him to something a little chicer. Made in Italy using supreme nappa leather and finished with a lacquered bamboo buckle, Giorgio Armani’s understated holdall is just the thing.