Because your better half needs a better present.

It’s that time of the year again, when we all start fretting about whether we should get our significant other a gift to show that we care. Although we might say “let’s not bother getting gifts this year”, someone inevitably ends up buying a bunch of flowers, resulting in some rather awkward exchanges, which are always worth avoiding.

Moreover, if you actually decide to find a Valentine’s gift, it can feel like you’re tip-toeing through a relationship minefield… Is it too much? Do I seem cheap? Am I coming on too strong? Will he think I’m secretly planning our wedding?

Thankfully, we’ve put together some helpful suggestions as to what to gift the man in your life (or if you are the man in someone’s life, what to drop some hints about) whatever stage you are at in your relationship. Panic well and truly over.

FOR THE MAN YOU’RE GETTING TO KNOW

So, it’s early days, and you’ve only been on a handful of dates or perhaps you’ve officially passed the “seeing each other” phase and entered “couple” territory. At this stage, your gift needs a fair bit of thought as you don’t want to a) scare the horses or b) seem like you don’t give a damn. The best advice here is to keep it simple, but thoughtful. These John Smedley socks, made in England by one of the UK’s oldest apparel manufactures, are a solid choice that any man will appreciate. They’re made from Sea Island cotton – prized for its long-staple fibres, making them exquisitely soft. You can’t go wrong with a little something for his grooming cabinet either and this Perricone MD face wash is just the thing to get him looking his best. And, of course, you have the added bonus of not having to worry about getting his size right.

FOR A SURE THING

It’s going well – perhaps you’re two years into a stable relationship. Maybe you’ve even got your own place. At this stage, even though we’re all taught to believe it’s the thought that counts, a pair of socks just isn’t going to cut it. If he’s the type to spend half the morning perfecting the perfect brew, Toast Living’s coffee carafe set, with its slick yet functional design, is a sure-fire winner. But it’s also worth remembering that it’s Valentine’s Day, so a bit of clichéd romance is, if not exactly encouraged, certainly not frowned upon. Why not suggest a candlelit dinner with this candle from Cire Trudon? Produced by the world’s oldest candle maker still in business – with notes of Egyptian jasmine, Indonesian sandalwood, bergamot and exotic spices – it will burn long after the evening. Much more bang for your buck, then, than a box of chocolates.

FOR SOMEONE YOU REALLY (REALLY) LIKE

Your soulmate – a man of discerning tastes, who supports you in every area of your life – really deserves a treat. Or perhaps you didn’t do so well at Christmas and need to make amends. Either way, you could do a lot worse than a Berluti briefcase. This brand is the master of leatherwork and it’s not hard to see why – this piece has been made from the brand’s signature Venezia hide and has been hand-polished and finished with suede trims (all of which brings a new meaning to “bag for life”). If you’re looking for something even more impressive, you might consider investing in a watch. This Swiss-made TAG Heuer Carrera is based on the brand’s racing design from 1963 and like all things mid-century, is right on the money at the moment. Gift him this and you can consider yourself well and truly off the hook for the next Christmas present or three.

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