25 Men Reveal What They Actually, Really Want for Valentine’s Day

Quick question: Why is it so easy to shop for your best friend but honestly so hard to shop for a male-identifying partner?! Probs because you and your bestie have the same (impeccable, might we add) taste while your boyfriend (or husband or partner) either has niche interests or too-broad ones—there is no in between. And while, sure, 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, hi, is right around the corner, btw. That’s why we asked 25 dudes what they really want for V-Day, and their answers varied.

From baked goods and simple presents to elaborate dates and sex things, there’s no consistent theme among what guys (in general) want for Valentine’s Day. Even though men can be simple creatures who believe shampoo, conditioner, and body wash can all come from one container, each dude is different, so take it from us: The best thing you can do is directly ask yours what he wants, ask for details, and don’t take “I don’t know” for an answer. You know your guy best, so take notes and opt for something he’ll love and that’ll make him feel romanced. For some that’s a t-shirt (for them), for others it’s lingerie (on you). Ultimately, the only wrong thing to get your partner is nothing at all. As cliché as it sounds, it mostly is the thought that counts.

Don’t know where to start? Below, a few suggestions straight from the source.

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. “Nothing, Valentine’s Day is stupid and couples should celebrate their love every day.” —Danny, 27

6. “I want to see her wearing lingerie for me. Let’s get dressed up and go out to eat at a nice restaurant. Then I get to open her up after. I love flowers wrapped in newspaper too.” —Orlando, 25

7. “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 and a big way to relax and decompress, so if my partner was able to know that and gift me something to help keep me relaxed, I’d be ecstatic.” —Ahmad, 25

8. “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 for once! Wine and dine me, you know? Flip the script this year.” —Harold, 25

9. “I’d want to try out our biggest fantasies. Valentine’s Day is the best time to get sexy with it.” —Garret, 26

10. “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

11. “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. Even if that means being taken out to an obscure restaurant. As long as we have good wine, I’m good.” —Jared, 31

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

13. “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

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

15. “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

16. “Taylor Swift tickets. Obviously.” —Stephen, 33

17. “A nice romantic date to a fondue restaurant because I love food. Then maybe a movie and, later, a surprise of her wearing some new lingerie. That’d be the perfect date and present!” —Mason, 27

18. “Honestly, I prefer something simple, like chocolates or going to our favorite restaurant. Or…a corgi.” —Alex, 29

19. “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 family and lady.” —Stephen, 24

20. “I’m the worst at receiving gifts, so whenever I do get one or asked about one, 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. Also, I’m never mad about someone going down on me either….” —Nick, 27

21. “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

22. “Can I preface that I don’t like the holiday? But being honest: oral sex in bed in the morning, a couples run later, and cook a great dinner with my girlfriend or spouse with two bottles of real good wine. Our favorite music playing all night. And close it out with some good sex. Oh, and giving each other massages pre- or post-sex.” —Brendan, 26

23. “I would be happy if my girlfriend cooked me anything wearing just an apron. Literally anything. Well, nothing with onions. Or if she planned the whole day herself—she knows what she wants to do on Valentine’s Day more than I do. So she’d plan the whole day and I’d be a kind, gracious, loving boyfriend all day.” —Sam, 21

24. “We’d stay in bed longer than usual and watch something in the morning, then have some good ol’ sex. We’d get dinner that’s too expensive for either of us but that we really want (probably some nice sushi). Then have a LOT of wine and hang out all night.” — Marshall, 26

25. “My ideal Valentine’s Day is a normal day at work, then we meet up for a cute dinner for which we made our reservation months in advance, get dessert and booze, then go to a place that has a nice view of a cute park. We’d cuddle, chat, eat dessert, drink, and then it would end with getting frisky.” —Kim, 26