MANDAY: Valentines for Men

Valentine’s Day is just around and the corner. If you’re a guy, chances are you’ve given a great deal of thought about what you’re going to do for that special lady in your life. If you’re a lucky lady, you know you’ve got something special on the horizon. Valentine’s Day has had a strong female focus for years but, truth of the matter is, guys like to receive gifts too.  This year is the year to do something for Valentine’s Day for the guys.

I will admit, when it comes to this day of love, we men have it easy (especially if our wives are on Pinterest), so, to make it easier for you, I’m giving a starting point for something a little different this year.

I love to cook, so if your man is like me, you can’t go wrong with something for the kitchen. Everyone needs a good, solid cutting board, but why not one with style? 1337motif has a hand-made walnut and hard maple end-grain cutting board inspired by Fibonacci’s Sequence. Not only is this a high-quality cutting board that is sure to last, but it adds a cool, geeky element to the kitchen for $140.

 image via 1337motif

While we’re in the kitchen, how about a good chef’s knife?  I got one for Christmas that I’ve been using and love.  The Calphalon Contemporary 8” Chef’s Knife is a solid forged, full tang, high carbon, stainless steel blade with great balance.  It came with a nice, sharp blade that has been a cinch to keep up.  You can pick this up from Amazon.com for $39.98 here.

 image via Calphalon

Dirty Deeds Soaps offers an affordable shave set including a vintage shaving cup, badger hair brush, shaving soap, and “The Art of the Manly Shave.”  If he hasn’t started using a shaving brush and soap, this is a quick, easy way for you to become a hero. You can’t go wrong with this great $50 set available here.

image via Dirty Deeds Soap 

If you’re still looking for something you’re sure he doesn’t have but needs, check out Stitch Coasters.  Not only do these coasters have a unique look, they are made from reclaimed materials, so you can feel good about giving him something with an environmental conscience that looks great.  Prices start at $16/set.

image via Stitch Coasters

 Men like to smell good too.  Bison & Bear, in the heart of downtown, is carrying Moonshine, a gentleman’s cologne, designed for men comfortable in their own skin – those who don’t need to be associated with the latest trend or fad. A classic and timeless scent that embodies a lifestyle of strong history and heritage. Moonshine has a woodsy aroma with hints of spice: including notes of black pepper, tobacco, leather, gin and patchouli. Created by France’s top parfuemers, and designed, owned, and bottled here in the USA. We aren’t selling celebrity, rather this is high quality hootch, crafted in small batches.  This modest bottle is packaged inside a burlap sack that’s protected by a wooden box.  It’s available for $72 at 509 S Boston.  While in, check out all of the other unique men’s gifts he’s carrying.

 image via Moonshine

I’m really picky about wallets and it’s hard for me to find one I really like.  For Christmas a few years ago, the wife picked up a handmade leather wallet from in blue.  This is the longest I’ve ever carried the same wallet, and I still love it.  She had one customized for me with an elk and my initials, but there are so many choices (woodgrain, bicycle, ships, guitar, beer, trees, octopus, and the ever so timely, anatomical heart).  The quality and printing is top-notch, giving you a gift he’ll love for years for around $17.  Check out the selection here.

image via in blue

This Valentine’s Day is a great time to show the man in your life how great he really is with a thoughtful and unique gift.

Thom Crowe

Thom is a native Texan who met a girl, got married, and started a life in Tulsa, the town he proudly calls home. By day Thom works in nonprofit and tinkers in the kitchen by night, secretly aspiring to be a chef. Thom believes eating is a communal endeavor and longs to share his love of cooking with others. In his spare time, he brews beer, studies theology, helps his artist and designer wife, co-organizes Indie Emporium, and is almost always up for trying something new. He has recently launched his blog, MakeItEatIt, where he will walk readers through some of his favorite recipes.

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