It’s so easy to buy presents for women. We love stuff that can be found on the High Street and appreciate even the least expensive token of affection if the gift has a sentimental meaning or a message attached. We even love the worst home made pressies for the same reason. On the other hand I find it difficult to shop for gifts for the men in my life. Somehow they seem either gift-adverse or rather attracted to very expensive gifts. Despite the struggle to find something, I have put together my selection of Valentines Day gifts for men.
Vinyl record player
There’s nothing better than a Dansette to bring back the old times. I found myself dancing away and singing as there was no tomorrow at the crackling sound of old records (including hits from the 80s, Fame, the great western film themes, Johnny Cash, Perry Como, The Platters). Retro gadgets are always charming, aren’t they? Even men will love that!
As a girl grown up in the 70s and 80s I have lots of vinyl records of my favourite bands so much so that my mum has been asking me for years to dispose of my ‘ugly’ looking Scorpions 33 LPs. Now the time has come to get them back on with all their cracking sound from the pre-CD era. Back in the day, every household used to kick it with the Dansette record player. Now the great news is that Crosley has taken the torch and created the Dansette Junior, a two-speed turntable with built-in full-range speakers and blasting vintage-inspired style. I am having the time of my life spinning my classic vinyl, popping any device into the auxiliary input, and dancing with this mad, mod turntable. 
You can only understand the pleasure of doing it if you have grown up in the 80s. The gorgeous soft pastel tones and vintage styling of this gadget makes this a brilliant gift. Available to buy from eBay for £219.99. It sounds pricey but it’s totally worth if you were on a mission to save the old vinyl. Plus it’s priceless pleasure to hear the crackling sound of good old 33 LPs. Even my 10 year old son Diego is loving the old style music especially the part where he gets to put on the record.
A classic jumper
Perfumes
Buying fragrances as gifts for men can be tricky as they are so personal. These two perfumes are really good so I would call them a safe bet.
La Martina Bayres 50ml Fragrance RRP £74.99 
This luxurious spray from sporting designers La Martina gives a natural warm fragrance, consisting of top notes including coriander, pink pepper, rhubarb, grapefruit and bergamot. Middle notes of magnolia, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley and geranium give a relaxing scent. Bottom notes include tonka bean, amber, caramel and teak wood. The La Martina Bayres fragrance is the perfect designer scent to team with any outfit this season. And the bottle is amazingly looking. I would dare say a lady could wear this too. It’s a natural warm fragrance that could be unisex.
The Dreamer Eau de Toilette
The Dreamer Eau De Toilette 100ml is on offer at the moment from Beauty Base for £20.00 instead of £51.50. It’s a bargain as it is a perfume by Versace with an amazing presentation bottle. This fragrance is dry and very macho and sexy with its characteristics notes of Juniper, Mugwort, Tarragon, as well as Tobacco Flowers.
Beauty essentials
Men are increasingly vain and they now buy their own beauty essentials, believe it or not. But, of course, marketing specialists make packaging attractive to men by adding male images, or strong visuals. My favourite range is the Bulldog Skincare For Men collection. Perfect marketing and great products too.
All men should receive gifts that they actually want! The Bulldog Skincare Duo Set (RRP £10) contains the Original Moisturiser (100ml), which is enriched with aloe vera, camelina oil and green tea and the Original Face Wash (150ml), designed to leave skin looking clear, clean and hydrated. With this kit men can start a two-step skincare routine – similar to our ladies’ skincare.
