Gift shopping is a breeze when money’s no object, but for most of us, it’s nice to show our love and appreciation without breaking the bank. There’s also the question of how serious a Valentine’s Day gift should be — did you just meet? Have you been married for decades? Regardless, any of us can find it tough to choose the perfect little something to say, “Here, I was thinking of you.” The good news is we’ve assembled a broad list of items that all make great gifts—all at under $75. Whether the man in your life needs to refresh his EDC, wants a little kitchen inspiration, loves a dose of luxury or just appreciates a great bottle of champagne, we’ve got a pick for you.
Love Letters of Great Men
This anthology of love letters, written by notable historical figures from Ludwig Van Beethoven to John Keats and Winston Churchill, is the kind of thing that will make you feel warm and fuzzy all over. It’s a highly-digestible read that can be taken one page at a time, making it easy for anyone—even the busiest people—to dig into.
Hill City Socks
A quality pair of socks is a low-key-yet-excellent gift. Most socks are functional but forgettable and just as likely to get lost in the laundry. This pair stands out in the best way; for socks, that’s a strong endorsement.
Craighill Enameled Keyring
This practical and stylish alternative to the hum-drum steel keyring will keep a guy’s keys where they belong — the kind of gift you get for a guy who’s lucky his head is screwed onto his shoulders.
A Man & His Watch
This volume is a wealth of horological history, from Paul Newman’s now-iconic Rolex Daytona to the timepieces worn by Brat Pack members and U.S. presidents. Few things tell a story quite like the patina of a great old timepiece, and that’s exactly how this book lays it out for you.
Archie’s Press City Map Print
These letterpress prints are a wildly-cool and slightly-offbeat take on the map art trend, and the fact that they’re made for just about any city in the USA makes them the perfect gift for someone with a healthy dose of hometown pride.
RTIC Double-Wall Travel Mug
While there are dozens (maybe even hundreds) of different travel mugs you can choose from on Amazon, it’s rare that a single one works really well, looks good, and holds up to daily use. This is that mug, and we endorse it.
Lodge Cast-Iron Cookbook & Lodge Skillet
Lodge has helped make cast-iron cookware more affordable and popular than any brand has in recent memory, and a piece of that success can be accredited to just how capable the classic cast-iron skillet can be. Cast iron makes a terrific tool for the budding home chef, especially when you gift it with Lodge’s own cookbook, which is packed with recipes for cornbreads, pies, roasted dinners and much more.
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A Sappy Pop Record
Music recommendations run the risk of falling flat, but a sappy pop record like this one works well for the occasion. The 1975’s “I like it when you sleep…” is catchy, upbeat and more than sweet enough to qualify for the perfect Valentine’s Day vinyl.
Missoni Wool Scarf
A brushed lambswool scarf like this one will hold up to use (and occasional abuse) better than most cashmere ones, and Missoni’s quality weave won’t feel scratchy against your skin. With a selection of neutral colors, this scarf makes a great gift you’ll always be able to “borrow” back when you forget your own.
Perrier-Jouët Champagne
To make your low-key night-in more special, there’s nothing like sharing a nice bottle of bubbly. Bonus points if you figure out the perfect food or chocolate pairing and have the ice bucket ready to go.
Gear Patrol Tote Bag
For practical gifts, it’s hard to beat a nice rugged tote bag. This collaboration from the Gear Patrol team is extremely burly and slightly oversized, which makes it perfect for hauling to the gym, the office, or even out of town for the weekend.
Artifact Uprising Prints
Whether you want to create a photo album or just get one large print to hang on the wall, you can look to Artifact Uprising to do it right. This company specializes in high-quality printing of whatever images you send in, and their print processes and framing techniques are nothing short of excellent.
Uniqlo Cashmere Sweater
It’s hard to go wrong with a cashmere sweater. Uniqlo’s crew, turtle- and v-neck options come in a wide palette of neutral and jewel-toned colors, and at a price that makes them an easy buy when you want to give a gift that feels hugely luxurious.
Wahl Beard Trimmer
This well-made trimmer is housed in stainless steel and boasts one of the best rechargable runtimes we’ve come across. One full charge will yield hours of use, but best of all, you can shave for three minutes with one 60-second charge — perfect for rushed mornings and last-minute touch-ups.
Crosley Portable Record Player
High-end hi-fi this is not, but Crosley’s basic portable record player is portable, extremely simple to use and gives you access to whatever vinyl you have lying around — or the stack of jazz albums you’re about to discover at a sidewalk sale.