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Photograph: Nothing
Photograph: Nothing

The best Valentine's Day 2026 gifts for him

Surprise the best man in your life with thoughtful gifts he didn't even know he wanted

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Guys may come across as fuss-free and say they don't need anything, but watch how fast their eyes light up when you produce a gift on Valentine's Day. But without much indication, how is one supposed to start shopping?

When it comes to gift ideas for guys, one guiding principle never fails: practicality. Whether he’s into coffee rituals, decking out his car, or working with his hands, the most meaningful gifts are the ones that reflect how he lives. This guide offers pragmatic ideas that go beyond clichés, with thoughtful touches that show you've thought of everything.

RECOMMENDED: The best Valentine's Day gifts for her and The most romantic restaurants in Singapore

The best Valentine's Day gifts for him

1. Singapore-inspired silk neckties from Onlewo

"But Senator, I'm from Singapore". If his international associates are still a little confused, show them – don't tell them. Have him wear motifs from the motherland on his shirt in the form of striking silk neckties from Onlewo. Designed by local artist Mike Tay, each pattern recalls iconic scenes and memories from our island state. The 'Kueh Tile' turns the eye-catching designs of classic pastries – in this case, kueh dadar – into a mesmerising, repeated motif, while the 'City in the Garden' is a chic set of outlined drawings featuring hotspots such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Newton Hawker Centre, and ION Orchard. Snazzy and sassy at the same time.

2. Aroma car diffuser from Scent by Six

A man's best toy is his car, but it's true that he can sometimes forget that making it smell good is just as important – and iis not just about dangling a cheap air freshener on the rear view mirror. Elevate your man's ride with the nifty car clip diffuser from Scent by Six. Small and elegant, it attaches easily to the air-conditioning vents to release the aroma from the tablet. Summon crisp winter mountain air with 27ËšF Biei, or drift between clouds of yuzu citrus with Hikaru. Your road trips will never be the same again.

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3. Luggages with personality from Lojel

With its sophisticated palettes and urban design, Lojel has caught the eye with its luggage series. If your beau is the sort that travels a lot for work – or better yet, with you – then this brand will impress without the pomp. Emphasising quality build, the streamlined design has been honed over three generations, foregoing bells and whistles in favour of modern-day functions. For instance, if he finds himself visiting cities like Tokyo or Hong Kong, where rooms are notoriously small, the Cubo line with a top-flap opening is a lifesaver. Play matchy matchy with their everyday bags – it wouldn't hurt to get one yourself, too. 

4. Coffee subscription from Hook Coffee

Keep him caffeinated with a constant supply of his favourite coffee. The makers at Hook have been offering sustainably grown speciality coffee since 2016, and their knack for flavours has made them a to-go-to brand for subscriptions. You can choose from beans, drip bags or capsules depending on his preference, and whether he's into powerful dark shots like the The Godfather Shotpods or prefers the bright citrus nuances of Squeeze the Day, he'll likely find a favourite from Hook Coffee's large selection. And if you want to show him just what you want out of your relationship, there's always Relationship Goals – a sweet, chocolate chip cookie blend. 

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5. A space-age fungarium from Bewilder

If your lad is someone who's into plants and sci-fi, this might just be the collaboration he didn't expect. Bewilder's founder, Ng Sze Kiat, began by making mushroom grow kits, but his research and interest led him deeper into mycological design. The result? Mycelium products, such as lamps that look straight out of a Del Toro fantasy set. The Fungarium Space is a fascinating gift, with medicinal lingzhi fungi plated in a cosmic pod. It's part space coral and part extraterrestrial creature – kooky, spooky, but in the best possible way.

6. Head-turning headphones from Nothing

The design-disrupting brand Nothing truly subverts how smartphones and headphones work and look, so any audiophile boyfriend will geek out over owning a piece of audio equipment from them. The Headphone (1) has become a dark-horse winner among many reviewers since its launch, offering stellar capabilities on par with top brands at a mid-range price. Otherwise, their CMF Headphone Pro is only $149 and boasts hybrid adaptive ANC, up to 100 hours of wireless play, and stylish, swappable ear cushions to match his outfits.

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7. Making a Japanese lamp with Mokko

For the man good with his hands, woodworking is a skill that offers a tactile and grounding reward – soothing in its process yet with a practical outcome. The Andon Lamp workshop at Mokko draws on Alvin Koh's expertise and deep passion for Japanese woodwork, and participants in the one-day session will produce an elegant lamp featuring the art of Kumiko. A traditional technique developed in the Asuka Era (600-700AD), it is used to produce a delicate geometric pattern at the front. The final product is a zen masterpiece that will sit proudly in his home, but don't worry – you'll always remain the light of his life.

Amp up the romance

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