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Valentines Day For Him
Dear Ethan: I have no idea what to get my boyfriend for Valentine’s Day. We haven’t been dating a really long time but I still want to get him something cute that he’ll like. What do guys really want for Valentine’s Day?
First of all, however much pressure you’re feeling on Valentine’s Day, we guys are feeling it twofold. Men are traditionally expected to lead the way on V-Day, planning fancy dinners, gifting delicious chocolates, and writing sappy greeting cards, so take solace in the fact that your boyfriend might be stressing even more than you are.
Still, it’s great that you want to do something for him. I happen to believe that birthdays and Christmas are occasions for which purchased gifts are more appropriate, and the best valentines I can remember receiving have always been homemade: a collage; a painting; baked goods; a decorated card. Ultimately, there’s no guy I know who expects to collect much on this holiday – if your boyfriend is anything like me and my friends, he likely just wants your attention and reassurance he’s your one and only.
Any guy would love some homemade cupcakes! | Source: Flickr
In fact, I think most guys – including this one – appreciate the idea of Valentine’s Day, but kinda dread its celebration. The mass observance of the holiday tends to dilute the event for every unique couple, and can be pretty depressing for those who are single. So why not aim for multiple Valentine’s Days by spontaneously choosing a few dates throughout the year to splurge on a nice meal, relaxing massage, or special gift for your loved one? You can even pamper your man the day before or after the official date to avoid crowds and make it your own! If you consistently surprise your dude and make him feel adored on any random Tuesday, he honestly won’t expect much more than a little bit of love from you on February 14th – and that’s not just great news for Valentine’s Day, it’s great for your relationship.
Good luck!
Ethan
Are you confused about a guy? Do you find yourself wondering, “What is he thinking?” Tell us everything in the comments! And if you have a question for Ethan, email him at askaguy@gurl.com!
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I know its like a year late to join this convo, but Ethan, how do I know if my boyfriend even WANTS something..?
hi, me and my boyfriend have been together for a year and three months. we’ve been through so much already and i just want to get him something so specail to say thankyou as well as to celebrate Valentine’s day. im getting him some aftershave but want something to put a smile on his face. any ideas would be great thanks
Last year for valentines day my boyfriend and I were together for 104 days. I got a little cute box and inside I filled it with “104 reasons why I love you” I thought it was cheesy but he loved it! He keeps it right by his bed and he said that he always looks at them. I gave him some chocolate too and it was a hit. I’m glad I did it!
I’m 15 & my boyfriend is 16. We’ve been together for 10 months. We gave each other our virginity’s and everything. We really love each other. What should I get him?
Wow, I’m so glad I found this!! Giving a gift to a guy is always sooo hard. They just don’t show how they really feel about something, which leaves me wondering whether I’ve done a good job or not. I’m always scared to give my boyfriend a present on any holiday, cause I’m afraid they won’t like it or something.. But I make sure that every once in a while I tell my boyfriend how much I like him and how happy I am to be with him. I think that it’s important and appreciated when someone is told how much they mean to someone <3
Me and my boyfriend have been going out for 2-3 months and don’t know what to get each other for birthdays and holidays please help Ethan
Before reading this article, I was thinking about getting him something that Ik he likes and uses everyday-like the type/brand of Cologne he uses. I think it would work good if you just started dating, but you have been dating longer, give him something else on the side(something more sentimental) depending on how comfortable you 2 are together.(:
Ethan-would this be a good idea???
Hey Kayla,
Sorry for the delayed response — sometimes keeping up with all the comments on each page gets a little overwhelming!
Anyway, I think your instincts are great. If you know he uses or likes the cologne, he’ll love the gift whether you’ve been dating for 2 years or 2 months. But if you have been dating for a long time, I also like your idea of a gift that might be a little more sentimental. Perhaps pair the cologne (a fairly expensive gift) with something you’ve created that you don’t have to pay much money for (if at all). The combination of the two will be a grand slam!
-Ethan
My boyfriend and I have been together 10 months and even though we’ve been friends for a long time we had no pictures together! I found a cheap photographer to take a few nice pictures of us and he loved it! We’ll both always think of our special Valentines weekend together when we look at them in the future
That’s an awesome idea, Diana. Photos are perfect for remembering the occasion forever!
-Ethan
My boyfriend and I have been together 2 years. We have a 18 month old son and another due in June.. Yet I still have no clue what to get him. He said he has a huge surprise for me tonight… any ideas on what I should get him?
Hey Kails, sorry I missed this message last month — how did V-Day work out??
-Ethan
He woke me up this morning with flowers, a card and chocolotes <3 I had his card waiting in the closet. Its just a coincident we're going abroad together tonight for a one week holiday, but it makes valentines day pretty awesome
Aw, that’s pretty sweet. You picked a good one, Rita!
-Ethan
I think I’m giving my boyfriend a scrapbook titled Our First Year because Valentine’s Day is our one year anniversary! Also, he will probably come over and we will bake cookies together! <3
Wow, that scrapbook is gonna be great. Have fun baking!
-Ethan
I think it kinda depends on the guy, too! I’m giving my boyfriend a handmade (by my mother) crocheted anatomically correct heart! I know he’ll love it because he love the thoughtful off-the-wall gifts like that. I also got him an adorable card with a heart-felt message that I wrote in it!
After reading this, I want to bake him something, too! He, like most guys, loves food! Heart shaped cookies? Valentines cupcakes? I’m so excited to give them to him!!
That’s pretty cool — I want a handmade crocheted anatomically correct heart… And I’m sure he’d love heart shaped cookies OR cupcakes. Nice work!
-Ethan
See’s Candies. You can never go wrong with chocolate! (; It’s sweet and classic, without being too over-the-top.
I love See’s! And I agree that chocolate is a can’t-lose choice.
-Ethan
what can i get for my boyfriend on v-day??