One thing gay people love? Gifts. I can attest to this because I’m gay. It’s something that simply comes with the territory. But gay men aren’t always the easiest to shop for. As much as we hate to admit it, we’re a bit needier than our straight brothers and sisters. We want a gift with pizzazz; something with a little bit of je ne sais quoi. Socks and underwear will not suffice. (Unless they’re, like, really cute.)
Though it’s a bit traditional, a gay man in a relationship would be lying if he said he’s fine without exchanging gifts for Valentine’s Day. Gift exchange is coded in our DNA. It’s not our fault. That said, any good boyfriend must ensure he’s not only getting his man something he wants, but something he needs. It has to be tangible, thoughtful, brag-worthy, and useful. Oh, and it has to come from the heart. Got it? Good.
Admittedly, I’m single as all hell and haven’t been in a serious relationship with a man in years. But I can give a gift just as well as Anetra can walk that fucking duck, and I also asked a handful of gay friends in relationships what they’re cooking up this Valentine’s Day.
Find the ultimate gay Valentine’s Day gift guide for 2024 below.
LEGO Roses
“This year, my boyfriend and I are skipping the gift exchange and doing a cooking class,” says New York-based senior account executive Owen Meyer. “We also bought each other a bouquet of LEGO roses as an activity we’re planning to work on together while watching a rom-com; we are unapologetically two grown men who have really gotten into LEGOs over the last few years.”
Southwest Airlines Gift Card
Gifts don’t always have to be physical, and that’s something Brooklyn-based model Miguel Smith stands by. “It’s a little extravagant, but we haven’t gone on vacation in a long time so I’m buying Justice and I plane tickets to Miami in May,” he says. “We went two times last year and it’s our favorite place for a few days of sand, sun, and rejuvenation. He has no idea!”
Meridian Maintenance Package
I promise, this isn’t a suggestion based on shade. It’s a suggestion based on logistics. I’ve noticed that many of my guy friends, straight or gay, are using the same grooming tools on their face as they are on on the rest of their body, which is absolutely filthy. It’s so easy to not do that when brands like Meridian create reliable, affordable body groomers for easy upkeep. Of course, some of us like our men on the hairy side, but a little trim around the hedges never hurt anyone!
Slip Silk Sleep Mask
Chicago-based teacher Brody Palan doesn’t only plan on a gift this Valentine’s Day — he’s got a whole night in store. “Lucky for us, Valentine’s Day falls around Chicago’s Restaurant Week this year, meaning we can have a relatively cheap date around the holiday,” Palan mentions. “And while I can’t go into much detail because I’m a teacher, let’s just say we like to… try new things on Valentine’s Day. Whether or not it involves turning my sleep mask into a blindfold is up to the reader.”
Gay For You Candy Heart Card
It’s silly, it’s gimmicky, but hey — we finally live in a world in which gay-centered Valentine’s Day cards are normal enough to sell and buy openly. And we should be thankful for that.
1-800-Flowers Rose Elegance Premium Long Stem Pink Roses
“I know this will sound really cliche, but I’m going to give my boyfriend pink roses with a nice dinner and good wine,” says Chicago Marketing and PR professional Luke Lael. “Pink roses are his favorite — he told me so on our first date. And who doesn’t love drinking wine with the man you love?”
Rombauer Chardonnay 2022
While we’re talkin’ wine, I simply have to throw Rombauer on the table. I’m not the biggest chardonnay fan, but nine times out of 10, I’m a white wine-drinker. If I’m meeting someone who has a chard preference for dinner, I’m only picking up Rombauer. It makes other chardonnays taste like B*refoot.
Bearaby Weighted Plushie
We don’t judge stuffed animal gays, okay? They’re valid. Stuffed animals are cute and warranted — and Bearaby creates some of the best modern-day ones for adults. Made with Terraclay and 100% cotton knit, these weighted (yes, they’re heavy) stuffed animals are designed to feel soothing — ideal for snuggling when your boyfriend can’t snuggle with you.
Fly By Jing Year of the Dragon Triple Threat
“The best way to a man’s heart is through his sigmoid rectal colon — I mean, his stomach,” laughs Boystown bartender and podcaster Jake Muñoz. “My boyfriend and I have been obsessed with Fly By Jing’s chili oils lately, so I’m gifting him this timely Year of the Dragon Triple Threat box. I just hope he makes me something good.”
Dandy Del Mar Swim Briefs
Speedo season isn’t quite around the corner, but there’s no better time than the present to give your man a pair of swim briefs for the beach this summer. While your eyes likely won’t be the only pair on him since he’ll look so damn good, you’re the one who’s got him. Bragging rights for both of you.
Orange Aluminum Moka Pot
DC-based radio host Nick Gomez is celebrating his very first Valentine’s Day with his brand-new beau. One thing he learned quickly in this budding relationship? His boyfriend loves coffee. “He’s not a coffee snob, but he enjoys the process of making coffee in different ways every morning,” Gomez says. “This Moka is affordable and authentic. It also helps that [my boyfriend’s] favorite color is orange.”
Montec Doom Ski Jacket
The Seattle-dwelling Giuseppe Inglima and his boyfriend are big into the outdoors. (They live in Seattle. What did you expect?) “Valentine’s Day isn’t always a gift giving holiday for us, but this year, I’m going to surprise him,” Inglima explains. “I’m probably going to get him this Montec ski jacket that matches his skis exactly.”
Yeti 48 Wheeled Cooler
While we’re on the topic of outdoorsy gays, I have to bring up this gorgeous cooler from YETI. A lilac-colored cooler perfect for camping, beach trips, and the like? Sign me up.
