Oh Valentine’s Day, from overbooked dinner reservations to chocolates, flowers, and the occasional Dear John letter for the less fortunate, this is one love-struck holiday that’s gotten a bit out of hand over the years. Heightened expectations are rarely met, and those of us without someone to treat are left basking in the great red shadow of what could have been. Luckily for us guys, we’re an easy group to please.
No reservations necessary, no ornate notes or candied hearts. Just gear. Good old reliable gear to get us through the day and onward to whatever’s next on the docket for us and our significant others. It’s beautifully simple really. Here, packs, boots, wallets, watches, and apparel are all on the table — easily worn and appreciated for (hopefully) years to come. So, since a little guidance never hurts, we’ve compiled a list of 25 Valentine’s Day gifts we’d be stoked to receive this year. Foregoing the aftermarket vintage Land Rover, of course.
Parks Project Sierra Club Pint Cup
Not just a vessel in which you can enjoy a preferred beverage, each Parks Project Sierra Club cup purchase allocates 20% of every sale to the club’s mission to support a cleaner future. Each pint cup is also durable enough for the modern-day campsite and the perfect size for enjoying a cold beer by the warm fire after a long day-hike.
Amabilis Stash Capsule
Keep your preferred toilettes private and safeguarded against the elements with the Amabilis Stash Capsule. A Dopp kit at heart, this stealthy travel essential features a waterproof tarpaulin and armor-plated SuperFabric exterior, a sturdy zippered closure, bound internal seams, and an internal security pocket for good measure.
Matador Pocket Blanket 2.0
We’re all familiar with the original Matador Pocket Blanket. Now the brand has dropped a sleek all-black 2.0 version that hosts everything you need to enjoy impromptu trips to the park, beach, or wherever the day-hike may lead. It features a Matador-exclusive Hyperlyte Nylon construction, a water- and puncture-resistant construction, and can comfortably fit up to four adults when expanded.
Good Cigar Pack
Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em this Valentine’s Day. If not, hopefully, you’ll be gifted a Good Cigar Pack. Each humidity-sealed pack comes complete with two cigars, a cutter, matches, and tasting notes to help guide you through each stogie. Doesn’t get much simpler than that.
Stanley Master Flask
No questions here. A flask is a must-have without a doubt. Thankfully, this leakproof and BPA-free option comes equipped with not only a lifetime guarantee, but a foundry black powder-coat-finished stainless steel construction, 8 oz capacity, and a machined steel cap.
Douk-Douk LE Tiki Folder
Named after the Melanesian spirit of destruction, the Douk-Douk Tiki is a French-made non-locking friction folder worth its salt. Each elegant piece comes complete with a black-finished carbon steel blade, a silver folded steel handle with unique etchings, and that classic French pocket knife design we all know and love.
Pelican RUCK Personal Utility Case
When out and about in the unforgiving wilderness, Pelican’s new Ruck Personal Utility Case works to keep our tech essentials safe from harm. It’s all thanks to an IP68 rating to guard against water, dirt, snow, and dust along with a rubberized exoskeleton, divider trays, a MOLLE style loop system, and handy nylon straps.
Four Roses Single Barrel
For us, these are the only roses we’re expecting to receive this year. And that’s just fine. Four Roses not only works to masterfully blend their batches together to yield a seamless and well-balanced whiskey but does so in a way that’s continuously won the distillery countless awards in the world of fine spirits.
A Very Serious Cookbook
Here’s one of those gifts that “keeps on giving” as they say. As more and more guys get experimental in the kitchen these days, try opting for this tongue-in-cheek cookbook telling the story of two world famous restaurants in New York’s Lower East Side — Contra and Wildair. You’ll find stories, comedy and, of course, recipes for some of the most cherished dishes around. A win-win for everyone involved.
Craighill Bottle Opener
Whether you’re at home or out and about, a bottle opener is an unparalleled necessity. Cue Craighill’s solid stainless steel Ripple Opener that’s simply both a stunning piece of art and a highly functional item. Each bottle opener is also made right here in the USA and features a nitrocarburized coating to keep things unique.
Norlan Whiskey Glass
Both innovative and design-forward, this transparent double-walled drinking vessel is built utilizing a glass blowing technique that results in two separate molds — an inner and outer wall. Why? Because with the Norlan Whiskey Glass, your spirit of choice is on full display thanks to carefully crafted construction, floating harmoniously within the cradle of the inner wall while refracted light from the outer wall enhances the whiskey’s intensity of color.
Quip All Black Electric Toothbrush Set
If travel is a frequent occurrence, there’s nothing more valuable then reliable grooming products. That’s where quip comes in handy, offering this sleek all-black electric toothbrush set complete with a removable AAA battery, multi-use cover, and — you guessed it — their all-electric toothbrush. And that’s just the beginning.
Pioneer Carry Molecule Card Wallet
An everyday carry essential, the wallet is one thing no guy can live without. And for those minimalists out there, it doesn’t get much lighter and easier than the Molecule Card Wallet. Here, each Pioneer Carry piece is built from 10XD ripstop fabric, can house between 4-6 cards and folded bills, and utilizes FutureForm heat molding for unrivaled durability.
Raen Arlo Sunglasses
Gotta keep those peepers protected somehow. Thankfully, Raen Optics has what it takes to develop shades that get the job done in fine form. Case in point, their sleek Arlo sunnies that host UV protection and are handmade to ensure both quality and care are met from the get-go.
Revtown Automatic Denim
Durable and well-worn denim jeans for under $80? Revtown certainly has our attention with their Automatic Denim. From life in the workshop to casual Friday’s at the office, these are the go-to jeans for any guy at any time and any place. That’s because they’re built for a mobile lifestyle and could very well be your new favorite pair.
Iron & Resin Hemlock Shirt
Purposed to handle the winter chills, Iron & Resin’s Hemlock Shirt is built with an 8 oz. organic cotton brushed back fleece, hosts double needle felled seams, a button cuff and sleeve placket, and chest patch pockets with a flap and button closure. A fantastic heavyweight flannel to add to the collection.
Birdwell 311 Limited Edition Woodland Camo Boardshorts
Built for serious action, this Limited Edition pair of Birdwell’s 311 boardshorts are specially made from their Woodland Camo SurfNyl fabric resulting in an extremely tough set that will accompany you without fail from the tropics to the local bar. Plus, with over 50 years of field testing experience, you can trust Birdwell’s Woodland Camo Boardshorts are made to last a lifetime.
Leatherman Charge+ TTi Multi-Tool
Probably the most utilitarian gift of the bunch, this Leatherman is next-level in the world of multi-tools. That’s because, in addition to the convenience of outside-accessible tools, a 25-year guarantee, and a handy pocket clip, each Charge+ TTi hosts the likes of 19 included tools and titanium handle scales. The tool’s one-hand operable design makes matters even more desirable.
Filson Ballistic Nylon Dryden Briefcase
Nothing exudes iconic legacy brand like Filson. No matter how you slice it they’re simply the best of the best in the realm of Americana. Just take their Dryden Briefcase for example. Each piece is built from 1000D ballistic nylon for some serious durability, hosts a capacity of 14 liters, sports dual large exterior pockets, bridle leather straps, and accents as well as a padded internal sleeve that’ll comfortably fit a 15-inch laptop.
Blundstone Men’s Original 500 Boots
A staple piece of footwear from the land down under, Blundstone is always in season, no matter what. And for those who aren’t as familiar with the brand, try their iconic Original 500 boot on for size. Each pair features premium black 2.5mm oiled waterproof leather, a cushioned midsole, an SPS Max Comfort system for shock absorption, and a slip-resistant TPU outsole. A force to be reckoned with for sure.
Mineral Day + Night Kit
With the prevalence of cannabinoids in the health and wellness market today, it’s tough to ignore their helpful characteristics for both day and nighttime purposes. Mineral, fortunately, offers just that — a 2-part CBD-dense formula with uplifting terpenes to balance out your day while a heightened CBD formula helps to calm the senses into a well-rested night’s sleep.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack
Doesn’t get much more straightforward than an everyday carry backpack. Odds are the name alone should provide you with this weatherproof pack’s purpose. However, the pack is far from basic. We say that because each Everyday features a pair of weatherproof side zippers, dual expandable side pockets, a tuck-away strap system, FlexFold internal dividers system, and a 15-inch laptop pouch.
Baro The Demarco II Jacket
Taking style cues from the old school mac coat yet peppered with 21st Century tech, the Demarco II sports Baro’s signature waterproof and breathable fabric with a fully seam-sealed construction. Each piece also hosts bonded pockets, branded buttons, a collar clasp, and adjustable cuffs for an added touch of protection.
GoPro Hero 7
Hard to argue with the latest and greatest release from GoPro. That’s because, with the HERO7 Black, this waterproof digital action camera now hosts a plethora for user-friendly features to capture professional quality video in the moments that matter most. We’re talking HyperSmooth Video Stabilization, time warp video, voice control features, live streaming, and the ability to shoot 4K60 video and capture 12MP photos.
Oris Dive Control Limited Edition Watch
Nothing says heirloom-worthy staple like a fine Diver Watch. And believe us, Oris has that element under control with their limited edition Dive Control timepiece. Here, the Holstein-based brand offers up a formidable dive-friendly watch complete with a grade-2 titanium case with DLC treatment, 1,000 meters of water resistance, and the brand’s 25-jewel automatic Oris caliber 774 movement.
The 15 Best Everyday Carry Gifts For Valentine's Day
The buck doesn’t stop there. For we’ve honed in on the EDC niche and curated this desirable list of the best Valentine’s Day everyday carry gifts that are sure to please.
