Is it just us, or has going out on Valentine’s Day become something of an endurance test? If the restaurant reservation wasn’t made three months ago, there’s a good chance the local chicken shop will still have a space near the window. Everywhere else? Dream on.
Perhaps you were lucky enough to score the last table in your favourite spot? Well then, enjoy the overpriced set menu in a room exclusively filled with couples, and try not to compare the size of your bouquet with the neighbouring table.
We say go back to basics and make it all about the treats. If he’s known to ace the brief on what to get you, here’s a list of thoughtful presents we’re sure he’d like in return. Take the stress out of shopping for your loved one with Ape’s edit of useful, stylish and special gifts.
Carl Friedrik
Escape together in style
A city break is the original romantic getaway, so pack correctly. Start with the Compact Weekender by Carl Friedrik.
This smart carry-on is made from hard-wearing recycled nylon. It features a roomy main compartment with three interior pockets for smaller items, an overall capacity of 24 litres, and a detachable shoulder strap to help distribute the load.
With custom nickel-plated hardware, seamless nylon zippers, and vegetable-tanned leather detailing, it has the kind of look that should bag an airline lounge pass.
Shop now at Carl Friedrik
Shackleton
For adventure lovers
Nothing will strengthen a bond like getting out of your comfort zone together. If scaling famous peaks, trekking pristine polar landscapes, or motorbiking across the Himalayas appeals, Shackleton excels at bucket list expeditions to some of the world’s most extreme regions.
All luxury trips begin with a foundation programme, to help mentally and physically prepare intrepid explorers for the challenge, with starting prices nudging £8k.
Unforgettable experiences are guaranteed with Shackleton, but if the budget doesn’t stretch, he can still be prepared for inclement weather wearing the Hero sweater. Taken from an original design favoured by Sir Ernest Shackleton throughout the Endurance expedition of 1914-17, this basket weave patterned roll neck is made in Britain from Super Geelong lambswool.
This prized wool comes from a specific breed of Australian sheep, favoured for its similarity to cashmere in warmth and softness, while the style is nicely fitted.
Shop now at Shackleton
Intimissimi
Underwear he’ll want to wear
What’s better than a pair of novelty briefs? Quite a lot, actually. First, how about the luxury feel of cashmere at a not-cashmere price? Smalls specialist Intimissimi has got Valentine’s underwear aplenty, and a selection of merino and cashmere modal thermals.
Short and long-sleeved styles can be worn as everyday sleepwear, loungewear or underwear, and they even function as cold-weather base layers for winter sports and walks.
Superfine and snug-fitting, they sit comfortably under heavier shirts, sweats and knits and provide appreciable insulation.
Shop now at Intimissimi
Sealskinz
No cold feet in this relationship
His extremities will never feel the chill in a pair of Sealskinz, makers of genuinely waterproof socks favoured by the British military. Show your affection by kitting him out like a pro for all his outdoor pursuits – or just his commute – with the same endurance accessories preferred by elite athletes, explorers and the army.
Sealskinz specialises in technical materials and waterproof socks that live up to their name. The Surlingham sock benefits from a three-layer construction: a premium merino inner layer, an Aquasealz impermeable membrane in the centre and an extra-durable nylon outer.
Hard-wearing, fully waterproof and supremely comfortable, Sealskinz’s innovation keeps toes bone dry and blister-free in all conditions.
Shop now at Sealskinz
Thomas Sabo
Keep your romantic tryst under wraps with this subtle token
Still hedging your bets? Even if it’s early days, you can mark the occasion with this highly affordable adornment from Thomas Sabo.
The classic Little Secret bracelet is made of an adjustable black cord and a silver or gold plate that can be engraved for free with discreet initials or a special date.
It looks nice on its own, alongside a watch or with a stack of beads and bracelets. And, should it all end in tears, you won’t be left crying over the price tag.
Shop now at Thomas Sabo
David Gandy Wellwear x Hackett
Looks as good on the hanger as the bedroom floor
A possible hangover from childhood, but it does seem that some grown men loathe buying their own sleepwear or slippers. Boring but practical items are often the gifting preserve of female relatives who are stumped for better ideas.
Wearing a dressing gown that your Nan chose is all very well until there are actual suitors to impress. As his ‘significant other,’ this now falls under your remit – so claim your territory with this Bottle Green Waffle Robe from British supermodel David Gandy.
Made from soothingly soft cotton waffle, the advanced material is even specially treated with a Wellwear Care moisturising aloe vera extract to make it extra nice to touch and wear.
Shop now at David Gandy Wellwear
Dior Homme Parfum
The scent of sweet harmony
When gifting fragrance, always choose a name guaranteed to be a home run.
As the Perfume Creation Director at Dior, Francis Kurkdjian conceived a new perfume that plays on the signature iris note and has run through all the Dior Homme fragrances since the beginning. This time, he has utilised the full power of the flower, using everything from the root to the petal, which gives it sweet accents of chocolate and coffee, with a deeper amber accord of patchouli, vetiver, coumarin and hay.
Etched with your loved one’s initials for that personal touch, he’s going to love it.
Shop now at dior.com
Tateossian
Put a ring on it
A signet ring shows you’re committed, without the pressure of tying a knot. This rhodium-plated silver signet ring by Tateossian is an heirloom in the making with considered details like the diamond pattern on the band and the brushed top.
Leave it plain, or fill the space with a crest or family initials engraved with your choice of font and colour.
Shop now at Tateossian
Mujjo Echelon Air Pods Pro Case
Stay together forever
For the man who finds it hard to keep tabs on his earbuds, keep the boys together in this crafted moulded case from Mujjo.
Wireless charging compatible, it has cutouts on the front to display charging indications and on the base for sound alerts. It also opens on the side so that it can be attached to a lanyard with a secure clip.
It’s a small and beautiful thing of wonder.
Shop now at Mujjo
Tony’s Chocolonely Personalised Chocolate Bar
Make it theirs
Still buying generic chocolate off the shelf? It takes five days to get a personalised bar of Tony’s Chocolonely – but it’s worth the wait. Add their name, photo or a message to the wrapper, customise the colours and choose from nine popular flavours, including our picks: milk caramel sea salt, dark milk pretzel toffee and white raspberry popping candy.
Bingo, you’ve got an extra special bar of chocolate with added brownie points for effort.
Shop now at tonyschocolonely.com
The Kettle Kids
Hunt down an exclusive timepiece
Want to make his dreams come true? Real watch collectors and enthusiasts know the game the big brands play, the hoops you have to jump through and the inevitable waitlist to secure that extra special piece.
Want to skip the queue for an in-demand model? Harvey and Jacob Hutson are a rags-to-riches story of two east-end brothers who parlayed £1,000 of their grandmother’s money into a thriving, hand-picked watch and jewellery business.
Sourcing, buying and selling exclusive, rare and pre-loved timepieces and hand delivering them to their new owner, often overseas, has earned them over 250,000 followers on Instagram. The sumptuous wares from Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet, Cartier and Rolex have caught the eye of rappers, NBA stars and more.
Find them on Maddox Street, London, at an exclusive concession at Flannels, Liverpool, or drop them a DM @thekettlekids.
Shop now at thekettlekids.com
Le Bonnet
A beanie for all seasons
There is plenty of winter weather left in the pipeline to get good wear from a matching beanie and scarf. Dutch brand Le Bonnet makes them in Scotland from a super soft blend of 75% lambswool and 25% certified, traceable Angora, with a choice of no less than 50 colours.
With at least seven shades of green, eight shades of blue, pop brights and neon tones, Le Bonnet accessories are an easy way to liven up a wardrobe stuck in neutral. Crimson Red makes the romantic choice, symbolising strength, passion and love.
Shop now at lebonnet.com
National Art Pass
Make more memories together
For the creative type who prefers culture and experiences over accumulating more stuff, the National Art Pass opens up a year of inspiration, with free or subsidised entry to national exhibits, galleries, museums, historic buildings and gardens around the country, from the Tate Modern and the Science Museum to Cardiff Castle and Chatsworth House.
Obviously he’s not going alone, so get the double pass.
Shop now at artfund.org
