Whaddya give a MAN for Valentines Day (long distance)?

JanieJack
JanieJack Posts: 3,831 Member
OK, first of all, we're geographically separated now so I'm looking for something a little mroe applicable than the "S&BJ" jokes.

V-Day mass marketing gives men a lot of pointers on what to give women, but what do you give MEN?

My ex never did things like V-Day, B-Days, or anniversaries (even Christmas gifts stopped after awhile) so this is something I've never had to think about before. I was thinking of sending BB a card and some of his favorite candy - nothing overboard.

Guys, what would YOU want for V-day?

Anyone wanna share funny stories of gifts gone bad?
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Replies

  • AnnaPixie
    AnnaPixie Posts: 7,439 Member
    The last time I gave a guy a V-gift it was a book!! He used to love reading biographies, so it was personal and appropriate. I wrapped the book in MY favourite underwear!! lol :bigsmile:
  • christine24t
    christine24t Posts: 6,063 Member
    What if you ordered him some kind of awesome dinner from a restaurant, had it delivered and had a Skype date? You could set your table with roses and candles and eat your meal "together" while you're apart?
  • JanieJack
    JanieJack Posts: 3,831 Member
    What if you ordered him some kind of awesome dinner from a restaurant, had it delivered and had a Skype date? You could set your table with roses and candles and eat your meal "together" while you're apart?

    OO that would be nice!! But for some reason my mother decided she and my stepdad are coming to fl for V-Day so I'll have parents in my hotel room. Sooooo not romantic!
  • lniffa
    lniffa Posts: 675 Member
    I would send him something that he is interested in! For instance my guy loves books, cooking and wine, so I will put a little basket together containing those things.

    This is the 1st time in years that I have a bf for V-day and the guy is taking me to a Bed & Breakfast for the weekend. I am soooo excited!!


    Edit: Spelling
  • afv417
    afv417 Posts: 466 Member
    I love the dinner idea!

    I am hoping this v-day turns out nice. With my last two ex-es I always anxiously waited to see what they would do and nothing. It has always been depressing. I chipped in on a wine cooler last weekend so my boyfriend can use as a humidor for his stash of cigars and said: "happy valentines day!" It was a bit more than I expected to pay for v-day ($75). I am thinking of getting him some of his favorite chocolates and a card, and maybe a cigar or two for the actual day. That weekend he is traveling with me to surprise a friend, so I'm pretty excited :)
  • SVCat
    SVCat Posts: 1,483 Member
    I've always received a kiss or special treatment during V-day. I don't think V-Day is as big a deal for guys as it is for ladies. I think a little card with an "I-O-U" special massage coupon inside would suffice. It doesn't need to be sexual, it can be an I-O-U anything coupon.
  • afv417
    afv417 Posts: 466 Member
    I've always received a kiss or special treatment during V-day. I don't think V-Day is as big a deal for guys as it is for ladies. I think a little card with an "I-O-U" special massage coupon inside would suffice. It doesn't need to be sexual, it can be an I-O-U anything coupon.

    What would you do for your lady? I don't particularly want anything from him. I'd like it to be romantic. I.E. I LOVE the ocean so maybe going for a late night stroll on the beach? A walk on the pier?

    I don't even need the fancy dinner. Is this something I need to be direct with him about since you say guys don't think of it as such a big deal?
  • will010574
    will010574 Posts: 761 Member
    Speaking as a guy, we are pretty easy. Get him anything that lets him know you are thinking of him and took the time and made the effort to let him know. I dont know your guy, but for me, if there is something I need or want I just buy it, and as for cheesy V day specific things like flowers or candy...no go. Any little thing that lets him know he is on your mind!
  • DMZ_1
    DMZ_1 Posts: 2,889 Member
    To not have to clean my apartment.
  • afv417
    afv417 Posts: 466 Member
    Speaking as a guy, we are pretty easy. Get him anything that lets him know you are thinking of him and took the time and made the effort to let him know. I dont know your guy, but for me, if there is something I need or want I just buy it, and as for cheesy V day specific things like flowers or candy...no go. Any little thing that lets him know he is on your mind!

    But what about me? I'm such a romantic. If we were dating, would I have to be direct with you as to what I'd like to do that night? Or wait for your to surprise me? I've already mentioned that I'm looking forward to v-day.

    EDIT- I don't want "something", I want romance.
  • poncho33
    poncho33 Posts: 1,511
    I will tell you the best gift you can give a guy on Valentines day: tell him you don't want to do gifts and would rather just get dinner when you get back to town.

    I think most guys don't care for hallmark holidays.
  • RunIntheMud
    RunIntheMud Posts: 2,645 Member
    I will tell you the best gift you can give a guy on Valentines day: tell him you don't want to do gifts and would rather just get dinner when you get back to town.

    I think most guys don't care for hallmark holidays.

    ^^ This was what I was thinking. Or tickets.... to a game, concert or an event you both enjoy?
  • Moe4572
    Moe4572 Posts: 1,430 Member
    I always heard "Valentines Day is for amateurs" meaning only new relationships celebrate the Holiday.

    That is what I have heard since divorce, as when I was married, ex was one of the few men that liked and celebrated that Holiday.
  • JanieJack
    JanieJack Posts: 3,831 Member
    I will tell you the best gift you can give a guy on Valentines day: tell him you don't want to do gifts and would rather just get dinner when you get back to town.

    I think most guys don't care for hallmark holidays.

    hehe...after over a decade of getting nothing I sooooooo want the flowers and balloons at work! Ix nay on the dinner though (too crowded and too expensive). And gifts (like jewelry) can come anytime- doesn’t have to be V-day.

    I told BB he's lucky I'm in a location where he can't send me that kind of stuff bc for some reason just the thought of flowers where everyone can see someone loves me gets me going.
  • will010574
    will010574 Posts: 761 Member
    Speaking as a guy, we are pretty easy. Get him anything that lets him know you are thinking of him and took the time and made the effort to let him know. I dont know your guy, but for me, if there is something I need or want I just buy it, and as for cheesy V day specific things like flowers or candy...no go. Any little thing that lets him know he is on your mind!

    But what about me? I'm such a romantic. If we were dating, would I have to be direct with you as to what I'd like to do that night? Or wait for your to surprise me? I've already mentioned that I'm looking forward to v-day.

    EDIT- I don't want "something", I want romance.

    See Poncho's post below....V Day is a made up day....and guys tend to balk at the "you must be romantic on this day because Hallmark says so vibe"
    If you want romance, demand it everyday, in some small fashion. If you want romance on V day because it is V Day, then tell him exactly that or prepare to be disappointed....That is if we were dating...I cant speak for your bf
  • afv417
    afv417 Posts: 466 Member
    Speaking as a guy, we are pretty easy. Get him anything that lets him know you are thinking of him and took the time and made the effort to let him know. I dont know your guy, but for me, if there is something I need or want I just buy it, and as for cheesy V day specific things like flowers or candy...no go. Any little thing that lets him know he is on your mind!

    But what about me? I'm such a romantic. If we were dating, would I have to be direct with you as to what I'd like to do that night? Or wait for your to surprise me? I've already mentioned that I'm looking forward to v-day.

    EDIT- I don't want "something", I want romance.

    See Poncho's post below....V Day is a made up day....and guys tend to balk at the "you must be romantic on this day because Hallmark says so vibe"
    If you want romance, demand it everyday, in some small fashion. If you want romance on V day because it is V Day, then tell him exactly that or prepare to be disappointed....That is if we were dating...I cant speak for your bf

    Thank you!
  • TheKitsune6
    TheKitsune6 Posts: 5,798 Member
    I'm looking for something a little mroe applicable than the "S&BJ" jokes.

    It's like you know me! :noway: :laugh:

    I do like the idea of putting it as a "Let's do this on X day when I get back". Do you know if he's planning on going out with buddies? Maybe you can arrange to have one of them pick up some of his favorite beer so they can all share and drink it together while you write him a sweet note saying why you love and cherish him?
  • TheKitsune6
    TheKitsune6 Posts: 5,798 Member
    Speaking as a guy, we are pretty easy. Get him anything that lets him know you are thinking of him and took the time and made the effort to let him know. I dont know your guy, but for me, if there is something I need or want I just buy it, and as for cheesy V day specific things like flowers or candy...no go. Any little thing that lets him know he is on your mind!

    But what about me? I'm such a romantic. If we were dating, would I have to be direct with you as to what I'd like to do that night? Or wait for your to surprise me? I've already mentioned that I'm looking forward to v-day.

    EDIT- I don't want "something", I want romance.

    See Poncho's post below....V Day is a made up day....and guys tend to balk at the "you must be romantic on this day because Hallmark says so vibe"
    If you want romance, demand it everyday, in some small fashion. If you want romance on V day because it is V Day, then tell him exactly that or prepare to be disappointed....That is if we were dating...I cant speak for your bf

    I'm pretty sure all days are "made up" days.
  • SVCat
    SVCat Posts: 1,483 Member
    I've always received a kiss or special treatment during V-day. I don't think V-Day is as big a deal for guys as it is for ladies. I think a little card with an "I-O-U" special massage coupon inside would suffice. It doesn't need to be sexual, it can be an I-O-U anything coupon.

    What would you do for your lady? I don't particularly want anything from him. I'd like it to be romantic. I.E. I LOVE the ocean so maybe going for a late night stroll on the beach? A walk on the pier?

    I don't even need the fancy dinner. Is this something I need to be direct with him about since you say guys don't think of it as such a big deal?

    Something out of the ordinary...if you're married, and you hardly ever cook or clean, then get up off your *kitten* and cook and clean and light a candle or two. I you're single, what is that you know she loves and you've not done it in a while?

    I love buying flowers for my lady and showing up at her work with flowers and Starbucks. So naturally, I'm not going to show up with Starbucks and flowers on V-day because that's something I already do. I prefer something simple and thoughful. A card, a walk at the park. I'm not one to go all out and go to an expensive resteraunt, I'd rather cook the meal myself and she can by my dessert.
  • will010574
    will010574 Posts: 761 Member
    for some reason just the thought of flowers where everyone can see someone loves me gets me going.


    This is really it, isnt it ladies??? Flowers at work so all the other ladies can see you are loved etc...Ill send flowers to work, on random occassions but on V Day I say NO FLOWERS for you!! Possibly pettty and immature but I honest to god see no point in V Day, other then to stimulate the economy.
  • afv417
    afv417 Posts: 466 Member
    I've always received a kiss or special treatment during V-day. I don't think V-Day is as big a deal for guys as it is for ladies. I think a little card with an "I-O-U" special massage coupon inside would suffice. It doesn't need to be sexual, it can be an I-O-U anything coupon.

    What would you do for your lady? I don't particularly want anything from him. I'd like it to be romantic. I.E. I LOVE the ocean so maybe going for a late night stroll on the beach? A walk on the pier?

    I don't even need the fancy dinner. Is this something I need to be direct with him about since you say guys don't think of it as such a big deal?

    Something out of the ordinary...if you're married, and you hardly ever cook or clean, then get up off your *kitten* and cook and clean and light a candle or two. I you're single, what is that you know she loves and you've not done it in a while?

    I love buying flowers for my lady and showing up at her work with flowers and Starbucks. So naturally, I'm not going to show up with Starbucks and flowers on V-day because that's something I already do. I prefer something simple and thoughful. A card, a walk at the park. I'm not one to go all out and go to an expensive resteraunt, I'd rather cook the meal myself and she can by my dessert.

    Oh, SVCAT... Good answer... :)
  • will010574
    will010574 Posts: 761 Member
    Speaking as a guy, we are pretty easy. Get him anything that lets him know you are thinking of him and took the time and made the effort to let him know. I dont know your guy, but for me, if there is something I need or want I just buy it, and as for cheesy V day specific things like flowers or candy...no go. Any little thing that lets him know he is on your mind!

    But what about me? I'm such a romantic. If we were dating, would I have to be direct with you as to what I'd like to do that night? Or wait for your to surprise me? I've already mentioned that I'm looking forward to v-day.

    EDIT- I don't want "something", I want romance.

    See Poncho's post below....V Day is a made up day....and guys tend to balk at the "you must be romantic on this day because Hallmark says so vibe"
    If you want romance, demand it everyday, in some small fashion. If you want romance on V day because it is V Day, then tell him exactly that or prepare to be disappointed....That is if we were dating...I cant speak for your bf

    I'm pretty sure all days are "made up" days.

    Agreed, but V Day is especially bogus. What historical significance is there and when did it become about buying all sorts of crap. At least Xmas, at my house anyhow, is a celebration of the birth of Christ...with a lot of presents for my kids (yeah I fall prey to the commercialism of Xmas).
    Maybe im just grumpy gus but I think VDay is garbage
  • JanieJack
    JanieJack Posts: 3,831 Member
    for some reason just the thought of flowers where everyone can see someone loves me gets me going.


    This is really it, isnt it ladies??? Flowers at work so all the other ladies can see you are loved etc...Ill send flowers to work, on random occassions but on V Day I say NO FLOWERS for you!! Possibly pettty and immature but I honest to god see no point in V Day, other then to stimulate the economy.


    Yep. I'm shallow…I guess someone as awesome as me has to have at least one fault.

    If I got flowers any other time, or if my partner was romantic enough in other ways, maybe I wouldn't care about not getting them when everyone else does. It’s just another reminder of the lack of love at home. The first time I got flowers at work in my entire life was when my friend bought me some for my birthday last year. When I was married, I bought my own flowers for around the house, but it's just not the same.

    And I understand it's so cool to rebel against commercialism... but I’ve seen too many guys who get that stuff willingly for their ladies that I call bull on men who refuse.
  • will010574
    will010574 Posts: 761 Member
    Im not rebelling against the commercialism per se. The commercialism is garbage, yes, but it is in your face and I can choose to partake or not partake. I am (on my soapbox) rebelling at the men and women who think because we are told today is V Day we need to do something special. If you love someone why not do something special because its Tuesday. Or why not do something special just because she deserves it for putting up with your **** and making you happy.

    So I rebel because so much of society says oh its V Day you must do something special for someone because we have been trained to believe this blah blah blah.

    Oh and a word of advice to the ladies....V Day (well known amongst single men) is the perfect night to go find and seduce a female...Go out anywhere on V Day and notice there are plenty of women out with no bf's all contemplating why dont I have a bf etc etc etc....and this leads to bad decisions on their part which often ends up with them waking in some strange mans bed.

    There is my word of caution for all of you!
  • poncho33
    poncho33 Posts: 1,511
    Oh and a word of advice to the ladies....V Day (well known amongst single men) is the perfect night to go find and seduce a female...Go out anywhere on V Day and notice there are plenty of women out with no bf's all contemplating why dont I have a bf etc etc etc....and this leads to bad decisions on their part which often ends up with them waking in some strange mans bed.

    There is my word of caution for all of you!

    Is this code for: Hey fellas, V day is a great time to hit the bars?
  • MissingMinnesota
    MissingMinnesota Posts: 7,486 Member
    Im not rebelling against the commercialism per se. The commercialism is garbage, yes, but it is in your face and I can choose to partake or not partake. I am (on my soapbox) rebelling at the men and women who think because we are told today is V Day we need to do something special. If you love someone why not do something special because its Tuesday. Or why not do something special just because she deserves it for putting up with your **** and making you happy.

    So I rebel because so much of society says oh its V Day you must do something special for someone because we have been trained to believe this blah blah blah.

    Oh and a word of advice to the ladies....V Day (well known amongst single men) is the perfect night to go find and seduce a female...Go out anywhere on V Day and notice there are plenty of women out with no bf's all contemplating why dont I have a bf etc etc etc....and this leads to bad decisions on their part which often ends up with them waking in some strange mans bed.

    There is my word of caution for all of you!

    If you are Barney from HIMYM the day before V Day is the best day to pick up a woman.
  • JanieJack
    JanieJack Posts: 3,831 Member
    Here's a funny twist to my situation. BB and I had a bit of a blow-up the other week (my fault, admittedly) and when we didn't speak for a couple days (after two months of hour-long nightly phone calls plus daily texts and emails) I thought we were done. We're "back on" so it's all good, but I'd heard that holidays like V-day are a good time to dump someone so you aren't obligated to buy anything, and I was worried he was playing that game.
  • RosscoBoscko
    RosscoBoscko Posts: 632 Member
    Seeing as have never managed to time a relationship to hit valentines day then can't answer what have done or ex has done.

    But for me, I would try to do something out of the ordinary like SVCat said.

    maybe go with the flowers, chocolates as well, but took my ex to a london stage show for her birthday, so would possibly do something similar and or a nice meal/trip away. A lot of it is about judging the person and what would make them feel more special.

    So that would be my answer as to what to get/do for your man, choose something that will resonate specifically with him, which isn't generic and overdone, but chosen specifically to match his personality etc.

    As for Valentines Day being a commercial day only, yeah in many ways it is, but doesn't mean you have to make it that way or refuse to do anything. Make it something special anyway. For my family where none of us are very religious (more spiritual), Christmas is more about spending time with family and friends than celebrating anything religious and enjoying the result of the commercial aspect by seeing peoples and particularly childrens appreciation of presents. No reason you can't enjoy the appreciation of your other half.

    So do something that will mean something specifically to him or between you, will hold much more meaning and memory.
  • JanieJack
    JanieJack Posts: 3,831 Member
    Regarding the guys who said "Be direct" I know a lot of ladies don't wanna do that (we often feel “If I have to tell him, it doesn’t count or it’s not special enough”) but nothing frustrates a man like spending a lot of extra effort on something you’re not happy with. It’s just easier and you’re more likely to get what you want when you just tell him.

    So, for example, I told BB that I’m not into the V-day dinner bc (imho) it’s overpriced, restaurants are crowded, and the food quality usually goes down. I would rather (if I were in town) have him cook me a special dinner. I just saved him time and effort. At the same time, I REALLY would like flowers for V-day at least once a decade (lol) and I let him know, in a joking way, that even though he can’t do that for me this year, it’s on the “makes her happy and in the mood” list for next year.
  • Moe4572
    Moe4572 Posts: 1,430 Member
    Here's a funny twist to my situation. BB and I had a bit of a blow-up the other week (my fault, admittedly) and when we didn't speak for a couple days (after two months of hour-long nightly phone calls plus daily texts and emails) I thought we were done. We're "back on" so it's all good, but I'd heard that holidays like V-day are a good time to dump someone so you aren't obligated to buy anything, and I was worried he was playing that game.

    When the break up between my ex and I occurred the week after Thanksgiving, I had several guy friends suggest that that was exactly the reason-so that he did not have to worry about exchanging Christmas gifts...........I don't think that was it, but it was interesting that the guy friends came up with a reason...............