Question: Why is it so easy to shop for your best friend but honestly so hard to shop for a male partner? Probably because you and your bestie have the same taste while your boyfriend (or husband or partner) either has niche interests or too-broad ones—there is no in between. And while most guys appreciate a sweet gesture, they’re surprisingly tough to figure out when it comes to making them feel extra special, especially on Valentine’s Day—which is right around the corner. That’s why we asked 16 guys what they really want for V-Day.

From baked goods and simple presents to elaborate dates, there’s no consistent theme among what guys (in general) want for Valentine’s Day. The main takeaway? The best thing you can do is ask the man in your life what he wants directly.

But if you’re looking for a little inspiration, here are a few suggestions straight from the source.

What 16 Real Men Want for Valentine’s Day

1. “I want to stay in, make some meatballs and drink a nice bottle of French wine I can’t pronounce. Some Boursin cheese and tiramisu also sound good.” —Jorge, 29

      2. “I’d love a night where I get to come home from work and do a whiskey tasting with my wife, followed by a nice dinner we make together. Then, we end the night with my favorite, strawberry pie and whipped cream.” —Phil, 30

      3. “Honestly, I haven’t been to the movies in over a year and I love going to the movies. Get all dressed up, sneak in some candy, and just watch a movie.” —Kurk, 33

      4. “I want a relaxing day of peace and quiet. Maybe a back massage and a good meal.” —Brandon, 29

      5. “For me, a gift for Valentine’s Day that would make me feel romanced would be something I could use for self-care. Personal hygiene is big for me, so if my partner were to gift me something to help keep me relaxed, I’d be ecstatic.” —Ahmad, 25

      6. “Honestly, I don’t really want gifts. I’d just really like to go on a nice date that I don’t have to plan! Wine and dine me, you know? Flip the script this year.” —Harold, 25

      7. “The sweetest thing she can do is give me an extremely detailed plan of what she wants me to do so I don’t have to guess or risk messing it up.” —Christian, 22

      8. “I don’t want to do the whole fancy restaurant thing because there’s probably going to be way too many people there around us. I prefer something intimate. As long as we have good wine, I’m good.” —Jared, 31

      9. “A gym date and then a shower together after? Can’t top that.” —Dayvonn, 23

      10. “I think guys like to get something useful that they haven’t really thought about. A small sewing kit for repairing small tears or broken seams is a good idea. A whetstone for sharpening a blade might be nice for someone who loves to cook.” —John*, 37

      11. “A record that we could listen to would be nice!” —Michael, 28

      12. “Literally anything made by her—whether it’s a handmade card, a handmade keychain, etc.…That way, whenever I’m stressed, I can just look at it and smile!” —Luat, 21

      13. “Honestly, I prefer something simple, like chocolates or going to our favorite restaurant.” —Alex, 29

      14. “In general, I like getting gifts that maybe I’ve mentioned I needed in the past. Little things like, ‘Oh, I really wish I had that tool (or appliance or whatever it may be), it would make this so much easier.’ Then a few months later, BAM! I get it. It shows me they’re listening, and I try to do the same thing and keep a running list for my loved ones.” —Stephen, 24

      15. “I’m the worst at receiving gifts, so whenever I do get one or am asked what I want, I like to keep it so simple. Literally, I’d be cool with, like, a pizza or maybe a T-shirt of my favorite baseball team.” —Nick, 27

      16. “ANYTHING handmade. No matter what it is, being handmade makes it something that I greatly appreciate since it took time and thought. I’ve never done it, but I also love the idea of camping on Valentine’s Day. It might be cold, but I think it’d be worth it to have the distance from other people.” —Kevin, 24