When He Says He Wants Nothing: What To Get Your Boyfriend for Valentine’s Day

By Charlotte Pompa

Shopping for a significant other is way more complicated than it should be. He swears he “doesn’t need anything,” but will be upset if you get the wrong gift. Meanwhile, you are searching for a gift to prove you are the ultimate girlfriend. After spending all your gift-giving inspiration on the holidays, you may have no ideas and a boyfriend who doesn’t know what he wants.

After consulting with several guys, I curated a list of their favorite previous Valentine’s Day gifts and gifts they hope someone will get for them in the future. Here is the ultimate gift-giving list to satisfy all boys who “don’t know what they want” based on what your boyfriend really prioritizes.

1. The meaningful gift
   1. The hardest yet best gift to give is from the heart. No one wants to receive a gift that lacks meaning putting more pressure on the creativity of the gift. My advice, find his true passions, hobbies, or interests and find an object that is associated with that. Then, make it personalized by adding monograms or personal touches to make it unique to them and demonstrate that you pay attention to subtle cues in the relationship.
      1. Examples:
         1. Vinyl with his favorite song with a vinyl player
         2. Tickets to his favorite sports team/concert
         3. Matching permanent bracelets
         4. Custom Star Map: a framed print of the night sky on a meaningful date
2. The practical gift
   1. Why waste money on something that’s just going to sit on the shelf, like the textbooks he never uses? Let’s face it-some guys aren’t into overly sentimental or lavish gifts. If your boyfriend prefers functionality, the best way to show you care is through a gift he could actually use. And he’ll think of you whenever he uses it.
   2. Examples:
      1. Wallet
         1. Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Suffolk Slim Leather Card Case, $69.50
      2. Cologne
         1. Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum, $85
      3. Boxers
         1. Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer Brief 3″ 3 Pack, $74 
      4. Watch
         1. Carraway Three-Hand Brown Leather Watch, $170
      5. Sweatsets
         1. Alo Micro Waffle Fast Break Hoodie, $138
      6. Duffle
         1. Revolve Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle $110
3. The fashionable gift
   1. If your boyfriend’s style consists of wrinkled t-shirts and that one sweatshirt he refuses to retire, take this Valentine’s Day as the perfect opportunity to subtly upgrade his closet. Whether he’s already into fashion or majorly needs a helping hand, clothing is a safe gift option that will satisfy both you and your boyfriend. No more need to cringe on date night.
   2. Examples:
   3. Revolve Menswear Chore Coat, $135
   1. L.L. Bean Men’s Unshrinkable Mini-Waffle Henley, Long-Sleeve Traditional Fit, $59.95
   2. Patagonia Men’s Lightweight Synchilla® Snap-T® Fleece Pullover, $139
   3. Revolve Vintage Terry Polo, $55
   4. Abercrombie 3-Pack Relaxed Essential Tees, $50
   5. Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater Men’s $98
4. The gamer gift
   1. If your boyfriend always has a controller in his hand, embracing his hobby is the easiest way to get a gift for your boyfriend. Although it may be a tricky gift, depending on your boyfriend’s gaming addiction, it is a valuable and easy gift to come up with. Whether it is an upgraded console, a video game, or something to make the whole gaming experience more comfortable, he will fall more in love with you.
   2. Examples
      1. PGA2k25 $70 (released next month)
      2. College football NCAA 2025 $70
      3. Call of duty, $70
      4. PS5, $450
      5. Don’t know what type of games he likes? A game store gift card is the perfect and safe option for him to pick a game he wants.
5. The luxe gift
   1. Money can’t buy love, but it can get you a nice gift to make this Valentine’s Day one he will never forget. You can show him how much he means to you with an expensive price tag if you’re not as creative to come up with something. Plus, he will wear it daily and brag about it to all his friends.
   2. Examples:
      1. Saint Laurent Court Classic sl/06 embroidered sneakers in canvas and leather, $750
      2. David Yurman Box Chain Necklace, $175
      3. Hermes Out of the box tie, $270
      4. CD Icon Cufflinks, $660

6. The handmade gift
   1. Handmade gifts show the most effort and commitment to make your boyfriend feel extra loved this Valentine’s Day. You don’t need something pricey to show how much you love your boyfriend. Something simple goes a long way, and they will keep it forever. They also are perfect for the last-minute gift giver who needs something creative to whip up at the last second.
   2. Examples:
      1. Surprise Date Night – Plan a special evening with his favorite things (homemade dinner, movie night, or an activity he loves).
      2. Matchbook/collage gifts
      3. Framed photo
      4. Scrapbook
      5. Home-Cooked Meal or Baked Goods
      6. iMovie video collage from video diaries; perfect for long-distance couples

No matter what gift you choose, letters are essential to seal off Valentine’s gift on Valentine’s Day perfectly. Out of every gift, a letter is the most effortless final touch that contains the most meaning. While material things are great, nothing makes a person feel better than a constant, physical reminder of how much they mean to you. Whether a short note or a heartfelt letter, ensure they know they are your life’s most essential and valuable gift.