50 Valentine’s Day gifts that are not roses and candy
First, let’s dispel a Valentine’s Day gift myth: you really don’t have to buy roses, candy, and lingerie every year. Take this opportunity to get a gift your loved one will really appreciate – and for more than just a few hours or a few days. In fact, with the right long-term gift, they’ll think of your thoughtfulness every time they use that item – and what’s more romantic than that? So, instead of 50 roses, we found 50 great Valentine’s Day Gifts that are both practical and fun.
All of these products have been hand-selected by Team 6sqft. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these affiliate links. All prices reflect those at the time of publishing.
Best apparel & travel essentials for her
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This unusual watch is one gift she’ll never forget. The candy-colored ceramic watch has a 3D double-sided skeleton dial and a flexible silicone strap. It’s shockproof, scratch resistant, and waterproof up to 3ATM – and the hands can be viewed in the dark. The watch is available in pink, purple, and white, and comes on a bunny-shaped watch pillow in a stylish box. Mechanical Watch Series X Machina, $399 at CIGA Design |
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Earbuds that look good and sound good make the perfect gift. These true wireless in-ear headphones are small yet powerful, and have advanced noise cancellation that adjusts, depending on the environment, to produce clear phone calls. The earbuds also go into standby mode when removed, and resume playback when put back in your ear. The Music App provides access to direct music streaming, EQ preferences, and noise cancellation adjustments, and also lets you launch voice assistant. Battery life with the charging case is 16 hours, and color choices are storm grey, cloud grey, and spring lilac. Bowers & Wilkins Pi5 S2 Earbuds, $299 at Amazon |
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These stem-style earbuds resist wind noise, making them ideal for wearing outdoors. Noise cancellation options are mild, strong, or adaptive, and the earbuds can also separate voices from background noise. Battery life is 7 hours – 28 with the charging case. The music app provides access to 12 EQ presets (for example, classical, rock, and podcast), and also the smart loudness feature provides rich details at low and high frequencies. The earbuds are available in black and in white. 1More Aero ANC Earbuds, $109 at Amazon |
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Over-ear headphones can provide an immersive experience, and these have cloud foam cushions that are ergonomically designed to fit the ear’s natural shape. The headphones, which can also collapse to fit in the included carrying bag, can be used wirelessly (up to 45 hours) or with the 3.5mm cable. There are four noise control modes and the controls on the earcup make it easy to play, skip tracks, and adjust the volume. The headphones can also be used with Siri and Google Assistant. JLab Studio Pro ANC Headphones, $99 at Amazon |
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Give her the best of both worlds: a hoodie and a dress. This rib-knit bamboo hoodie dress is made of 97% premium viscose from bamboo and 3% spandex. The hoodie dress is not only beautiful but also comfortable enough to hug her when you can’t be there. It has side slits, satin drawstrings, and the hood has a satin lining. Color choices are navy, suede, and black. Rib-Knit Bamboo Hoodie Dress, $165/Sale$132 at Cozy Earth |
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This wristlet is an elegant way for her to keep the phone handy, while also remaining hands-free. The wrist strap can be used with any type of phone, and it provides a strong grip to keep the phone from falling. It’s available in crystal pearl, white marble, or a gold chain. Casemate Beaded Crystals Phone Wristlet, $30/Sale $21 at Amazon |
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Not too round, not too square, these rounded square sunglasses have acetate (plant-based) frames that are stronger than plastic frames. The sunglasses are polarized with UV400 protection and the lenses are scratch resistant. The sunglasses are available in tortoise with brown lenses, and black with grey lenses. Charlie Polarized Acetate Sunglasses, $50 at Quince |
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Quality meets comfort with these modern American classic sweaters. They’re well-designed to be wardrobe staples that remain timeless and relevant. The sweaters are constructed to be durable. Including cashmere, alpaca, and cotton – in crew neck, V-neck, and turtleneck options – the sweater collection is available in a variety of colors. Women’s Sweaters, from $118 at Buck Mason |
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Show some love for your loved one’s feet with these cushy slides. Made of PVC-free vegan leather and a 100% natural cork footbed cover, the slides – with a 1.75” platform – have a soft, lightweight design with enhanced arch support. The slides are available in numerous colors, including natural, peacoat, seashell, champagne, and black; and also in braided designs in black, white, chocolate, and vintage. Cushion Vista Hi Women’s Slides, $65 at Reef |
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The perfect bag for a weekend getaway, this water-resistant weekender is made of ultra-microfiber vegan leather and designed to be abrasion- and scratch-resistant. In addition to a zippered sleeve that can fit up a 16-inch laptop, the bag has a spacious interior, two slip pockets, and a zippered side pocket. Plus, the zippered compartment at the bottom can store shoes or other items separately, and the trolley sleeve allows the bag to fit on top of a suitcase. It’s available in saddle tan, mahogany and ivory vegan leather colors. Nylon options include carbon black, oxford blue, juniper green, and dover grey. Metro Weekender, $270 at Monos |
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Your sweetheart can enjoy coffee (or tea) on the go with this lightweight French Press. Just pour coffee grounds and hot water in it, wait 4 minutes, then press. The container can also keep coffee hot for hours, without letting sludge and grit seep in. The 16-ounce, shatterproof French Press is available in 9 colors, including blue, brushed stainless steel, cranberry, and green. ESPRO P0 Ultralight Travel Coffee Press, $49 at Amazon |
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This cool-looking water bottle can hold 25 ounces of liquids, but it can also collapse to a 1.5-inch disc when not in use. This makes it easy to store the leakproof water bottle in a handbag, gym bag, desk drawer, or even her back pocket. Color choices include mist, bluebird, fern, sunset, midnight, and seaside. Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, $32 at Amazon |
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With the 100% cashmere upper and lining, combined with a memory foam insole, she’ll feel like she’s walking on air. And the non-skid bottom provides grip power on the floor to prevent slipping and sliding. These plush, comfortable house shoes are available in heather grey and heather oatmeal. Mongolian Cashmere Slippers, $50 at Quince |
Best home gifts for her
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Sitting all day can lead to all types of health problems, but here’s a gift that helps your sweetheart maintain good health. This adjustable standing desk can be adjusted in height from 24 inches to 49.2 inches, allowing her to alternate between standing up and sitting down while she’s working. The desk adjusts in seconds with a touch of a button, and the bamboo desktop has a lacquer coating that resists water, scratches, and insects. The desk also includes a convenient desk drawer and USB charging ports. Comhar Pro Standing Desk Q8, $799 at Flexispot |
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Anyone who hates having to microwave their coffee (or endure lukewarm coffee) will love this smart mug that can keep coffee between 120 degrees and 145 degrees. It uses a built-in battery that can maintain the temperature for 1.5 hours – and using the charging coaster, it can keep the mug hot all day. The smart LED light provides visual notifications when the beverage is heating up, cooling off, ready to drink, or needs to be charged. By downloading the app, it can also be controlled via smartphone. Ember 2 Smart Mug, $146/Sale $125 at Amazon |
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This elegant lamp is beautiful, yet functional. The LED lamp is cordless (and has a USB charger), and the handle makes it convenient to take from room to room in the house and even use outdoors. The Scandinavian design means the lamp can also serve as a décor accessory on a table or bookshelf – whether it’s on or not. Color choices include black, bronzed brass, brushed brass, white, burned red, and olive. Carrie Portable LED Lamp, $250 at Menu |
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It’s great when love is in the air, but allergens, smoke, and dust – not so much. This air purifier, which has an H13 True HEPA Filter, can purify 280 square feet in 12 minutes, or 950 square feet in 30 minutes, thanks to the U-shaped air inlet that lets more air pass through. The air purifier also provides real-time air quality indicators, both on the device and also via smartphone after downloading the app. In addition, the washable pre-filter catches airborne pet fur and hair so it won’t clog the filtration system. Levoit Vital Smart 200S Air Purifier, $190 at Amazon |
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This beautiful, 13-piece knife block can upgrade any kitchen countertop. It includes a chef knife, slicing knife, Santoku knife, utility knife, paring knife, steak knife, six curved paring knives, and a magnetic knife block. The stainless-steel knives have nonstick fine-edge blades, a glossy copper finish, and oversized ergonomic handles for a comfortable and firm grip. The knives are also dishwasher safe. Skandia Forte 13-Piece Knife Block Set, $219 at Kohl’s |
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The definition of luxury, this throw looks lavish and indulgent. But since it’s made of soft faux fur, you don’t have to feel guilty. The throw, which is 50” x 60” is big enough for two to snuggle underneath, and it’s thick and plush enough to provide much-needed warmth during winter months. In addition, the luxe sheen ensures that it looks good, whether it’s draped across a chair, couch, or bed. Safavieh Luxe Sheen Faux Fur Throw, $250 at Kohl’s |
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Working is so much fun with this colorful keyboard and Bluetooth mouse combo. The retro-mechanical keyboard can work with both Mac and Windows layouts and includes shortcut, media, and swappable emoji keys. It can connect to up to three different devices. The mouse, which can also connect to up to three devices, has a 24-month battery. Both devices are compact enough to make them easy to transport, and come in 5 colors: cosmos, blast yellow, daydream mint, heartbreaker rose, and mist. Logitech Pop Keys + Pop Mouse, $140 at Amazon |
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Romantic dinners always look and taste better on sophisticated dinnerware. This handmade stoneware set is matte ivory with a water-reactive glaze and includes a dinner plate, salad plate, pasta bowl, and mug. It’s both dishwasher and microwave safe. In addition to ivory, the set is also available in bronze and green. Drift 4-Piece White Dinnerware Set, $47 at CB2 |
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Help keep your loved one (and their packages) safe with this battery-powered peephole camera. Since it fits in most existing peepholes, there’s no need to drill holes. With 1080p video, and two-way talk, it’s easy to see when people or packages are on the other side of the door, and also communicate with visitors without opening the door. The peephole camera also sends real-time mobile notifications when it detects motion, or when someone rings the doorbell or knocks on the door. The peephole camera is compatible with Alexa-enabled devices as well. Ring Peephole Camera, $130 at Amazon |
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Aptly named the “hugger,” this weighted blanket is big enough for a queen or king-size bed, so it’s plenty large enough for a couple. Handmade (95% organic cotton, 5% spandex), and in a choice of 30 pounds or 35 pounds, it evenly distributes weight to reduce stress, increase melatonin, and stimulate serotonin – all of which help to relax and put you to sleep. Color choices are asteroid grey, moonstone grey, and cloud white. Hugger Weighted Blanket, $369 at Bearaby |
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Who says cookware isn’t a good Valentine’s Day gift? It’s always a good time to gift heirloom quality items. This tri-ply stainless steel skillet set heats evenly and stays hot for excellent performance. It’s also oven and broiler safe up to 500 degrees and can be used on electric, glass, ceramic glass, and induction cooking surfaces. In addition, the cookware is stain-resistant and the stainless-steel handles remain cool while cooking. Stainless Steel Skillet Set, $285 at American Kitchen |
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This clever glass set is a conversation starter. The glasses have varying heights and diameters – although they each hold 9.8 ounces – so they can be nested, which means the glasses won’t take up as much storage space. Each glass is made of a thin, lead-free crystal, with a thick, curved base. Nesting Glasses Set, $50 at Aarke |
Best apparel & travel essentials for him
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If you’re considering getting your sweetheart a new smartphone, this unlocked 5G Android phone can be used with a variety of carriers and data plans. It also has an adaptive battery that can last for more than 24 hours, and in extreme battery-saver mode, it can last up to 72 hours. The phone has 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, with an M2 chip and multiple security levels. In addition, it has one camera with a wide lens, another one with an ultrawide lens and autofocus, and a third camera with a telephoto lens. Google Pixel 7 Pro Smartphone, $899/Sale $749 at Amazon |
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You can’t go wrong with this leather motorcycle jacket, which is made of 100% top-grain sheep leather with a 100% poly satin fabric lining. It has a buttery-soft feel and is designed to be durable. The biker-style jacket has zip pockets at the hip and chest, in addition to zippered sleeve gussets, a two-way YKK zip front closure, and snap button lapels on the broad collar. 100% Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $199 at Quince |
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This sweater is made of Merino wool, a natural fiber that is not only softer but also thinner than typical wool, which makes it soft and comfortable and also better able to regulate his body temperature. It’s also great for layering. The sweater has been pre-shrunk and machine-washed and comes in several colors, including, tank, ink, chai, and storm. Men’s Campo Merino Wool Sweater, $165 at Alex Crane |
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Give him a break from his smartwatch with this chronograph watch. The case is made of black PVD stainless steel, and the dial is made of matte stainless steel. The watch has an alarm, date, tachymeter, 12-hour chrono subdial, 60-minute chrono subdial, and 1/10 second subdial. The bracelet is stainless steel as well, and the watch comes in a canvas and leather watch roll. 1972 Maverick Chronograph Watch, $350 at Dan Henry |
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He can listen to music the way it was meant to be heard with these planar magnetic headphones. Snapdragon Sound with aptX series decoding makes the hi-res audio crystal clear. Bluetooth 5.2 provides wireless listening (up to 80 hours), but there’s also a headphone jack included. The lambskin leather headband and earpads are luxurious and designed to be comfortable when worn for extended periods of time. It’s also easy to switch between two different devices such as playing music or games and taking phone calls. Edifier STAX Spirit S3 Planar Magnetic Headphones, $400 at Amazon |
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If your sweetie needs to block out noises, these have hybrid active noise cancellation to let him choose which sounds to allow in. The headphones, which are adjustable (and foldable to fit into the carrying case), have memory foam earcups for a comfortable listening experience. Battery life is 45 hours, and using Bluetooth 5.0, can pair with multiple devices. The autoplay sensor detects when the headphones have been removed and will pause playing – and then resume play when the earcups are back in place. TREBLAB Z7 Pro Hybrid ANC Headphones, $160/Sale $127 at Amazon |
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For those who prefer earbuds, this pair has smart active noise cancellation and can adapt to sounds in the environment. The earbuds also have a 12-hour battery life that extends to 36 hours with the charging case. He can use the earbuds together or independently, and both auto-connect to devices. Connecting to the app provides the ability to customize controls and use presets. In addition, each bud includes a wear-detect sensor to pause music when it’s taken out of the ear and resume when placed back in. JLab Epic Air ANC Wireless Earbuds, $100/Sale $66 at Amazon |
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Whether zipping around town or going to the gym, this duffle bag looks good and is also sustainable. It’s a zero-waste bag that can be recycled over and over again. The bag is made of recycled polyester fabric, webbing mesh, lining and padding as well as recycled polyester vegan leather trim. It has 12 pockets – including a padded pocket for a laptop up to 16 inches. The other pockets can hold a phone, keys, bottle holder, pens, and other items, and the spacious main compartment has room for shoes and clothes. In addition to a grab handle, there’s also a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap. Orbis Duffle, $331 at Troubadour |
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You’d be hard-pressed to find a more practical gift to show how much you care than this combination jump starter with an air compressor. The device can be used to jump-start a dead battery, add air to a flat tire, and it can also be used as a power bank for dead smartphones and other small devices. Plus, there are 3 LED flashlight modes: strobe, stable, and SOS, and the digital screen provides instructions and progress indicators. AstroAI Jump Starter with Air Compressor, $170/Sale $130 at Amazon |
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He’ll stay cozy and warm in this half-zip jacket that’s made from 29 recycled plastic bottles. The actual materials include 71% recycled polyester, 24% rayon and 5% spandex. The jacket is soft and has a degree of stretchiness for mobility. It resists wrinkles and water and has a water-resistant zipper as well. In addition, the moisture-wicking fabric will keep him dry when engaging in strenuous activities. The jacket comes in true black, charcoal heather, and total eclipse. It is also available in full-zip and hoodie versions. Atlas Half-Zip Jacket, $118 at Mack Weldon |
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You can’t go wrong with this long sleeve, lightweight jersey T-shirt. It’s made of premium cotton and light enough to be worn in almost any season. The handcrafted shirt, which has an athletic fit, is preshrunk to maintain its shape. It comes in crimson, black, heather gray, white, desert rose, fir, and British racing green. Men’s Lightweight Jersey T-Shirt, $70 at Reigning Champ |
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Whether off to work or his next adventure, this lunch box keeps food at the desired temperature using Coldcell Flex insulation, which is a closed-cell foam. There’s also a Thermosnap (magnetic) closure to keep hot foods hot and cold items cold, and the lightweight lunch box zips all the way around and has carry handles on 3 sides. It’s the perfect size to hold a sub, some fruit and snacks, and a can of beer – or it can hold 5 cans or 5 pounds of ice. There are 12 colors to choose from, including Nordic blue, Nordic purple, highlands olive, Alpine yellow, and sagebrush green. YETI Daytrip Lunch Box, $80/Sale $64 at Amazon |
Best home gifts for him
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If you’re looking for a unique gift for him, this telescope can help him explore the stars and get closer to nature. It mounts on a strong tripod with locking leg braces and provides magnification from 15X to 150X. Multiple, interchangeable eyepieces (H6 mm, F12 mm, and H20 mm) provide options for different magnification needs. The telescope can also be rotated 360 degrees, and the views can be saved to his smartphone. Dartwood Astronomical Telescope, $95/Sale $77 at Wasserstein |
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He may tolerate your pastel-colored bedding, but it would be nice to get him a linen duvet cover set in a color that he’d appreciate. This navy linen duvet cover is made of 70% viscose from bamboo and 30% linen. The breathable and temperature-regulating material is designed to be used in every season. It has interior snap closures to keep the comforter or duvet insert from shifting and a hidden zip closure. In addition to navy, it’s also available in olive, light grey, natural, and white. The matching linen sheet set completes the look. Navy Linen Duvet Cover, $339/Sale $271 at Cozy Earth |
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No one really likes cleaning, but this robot vacuum and mop combo lets him clean his floors using his smartphone. It can clean wood, tile, laminate, vinyl, and marble floors with 3 vacuum modes (normal, strong, quiet) and 3 mop modes (normal, wet mopping, slightly dry). The silent brush roller vacuums hard floors as well as carpets, and it’s smart enough to lift when in floor mopping mode to prevent cross-contamination, The robot, which also recognizes and avoids obstacles, can be programmed via your smartphone to vacuum and mop on demand, or you can schedule cleanings and customize cleaning routes. It can also refill itself with water and clean itself – and has 3 intelligent mop drying heating modes to eliminate concerns over soggy mop pads. Narwal Freo Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo, $1,399 at Amazon |
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This fun and inexpensive gift can be used as a work light, reading light, or when working on vehicles or making other types of repairs. The two-in-one snake light has a large light at one end and a small directional light on the other end. The brightness levels can also be adjusted, and the gooseneck design allows it to be bent in any direction, wrapped around an object, or even hung upside down. The rechargeable battery on the large light lasts 15 hours and the battery on the small directional light lasts for 4.5 hours. Black+Decker Snake Light, $35 at Amazon |
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This beverage dispenser holds up to 101 ounces of liquid, making it a great choice for people who like a large volume of coffee. The polished stainless container has a vacuum glass liner and retains heat well. Also, the removable lid makes it easy to fill up and empty the air pot’s content. And the smooth pump mechanism makes it easy to pour liquids into cups, mugs, and other smaller containers. Zojirushi Supreme Polished Steel Airpot, $99 at Amazon |
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After a long day at work or an intense day at the gym, this deep tissue massage gun can eliminate soreness and stiffness in his muscles, and increase blood flow. It has 30 adjustable settings and 3 percussive therapy levels. Six different massage heads are designed to work on various parts of the body, and the digital display is easy to read. The lightweight (2.5 pounds) massage gun comes in a travel case for easy transport. Dartwood Deep Tissue Massage Gun, $100/Sale $51 at Wasserstein |
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If clean drinking water is a concern, this water filtration system doesn’t take up much space on the countertop (14.4 inches tall, 7.5 inches wide) and is easy to use: insert the filter, fill the 12-cup water reservoir, and plug in the device. Choose either 12-ounce or 20-ounce presets (or use manual mode) for push-button dispensing. The water filtration device reduces over 70 contaminants, including lead and chlorine, and one filter lasts for 6 months, which means that it can filter 120 gallons of water. Brita Hub Instant Water FIltration Device, $180 at Amazon |
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Help him keep his car clean with this cordless handheld car vacuum cleaner, which is lightweight enough (1.44 pounds) to be kept in its storage bag in the vehicle. It has strong suction and is versatile enough to be used to clean the seats, floor, and console – anywhere crumbs and debris are hiding. The LED illumination makes it easy to see in dark places and the vacuum can be used for 30 minutes before it needs to be recharged. Attachments include a built-in retractable tool, brush head, and extension hose. Eufy HomeVac H20 Cordless Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner, $120 at Amazon |
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Movies, TV shows, and music sound so much better with a good sound bar – and this one won’t break the bank. It uses Dolby Atmos surround sound technology to make him feel like he’s sitting in a theatre. And the wireless subwoofer results in rich, deep bass for more intense beats. Bluetooth provides wireless streaming of music and podcasts from Spotify, Pandora, etc., via smartphone, tablet, or laptop. TCL Alto 8 Plus Smart Sound Bar, $249 at Amazon |
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Help your man care for his skin as much as you care for your own. This skincare suite includes an exfoliating face wash, freshening face toner, daily face lotion, and hydrating night lotion. It also includes brightening eye cream and targeted blemish treatment – all of the basics for clean and healthy skin. Full Skin Care Suite, $51 at Harry’s |
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Finicky toast makers will love this smart toaster. It has a four-inch LCD touchscreen with four modes: smart, fresh, reheat, or frozen. There’s also an intuitive toasting level slider and the toaster uses “Intelliheat” and “Goldencrispy” technology to lock in moisture and achieve a crisp texture that is also flavorful. The two slices of toast can also be customized individually and still cook simultaneously – and the screen displays separate progress indications for each. When done, the toaster chimes and then auto lifts to make it easier to remove the bread. There’s also a removable tray at the bottom to catch crumbs and make cleanup easier. Tineco Toasty One Smart Toaster with Touchscreen, $339 at Amazon |
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Every man needs a high-quality essential knife set in his kitchen. This one includes a chef’s knife, Santoku knife, bread knife, paring knife, kitchen shears, sharpening steel, and magnetic acacia wood knife block. The user-friendly knife set is made of high-grade chromium German steel that’s designed to stay sharp. The fully forged construction results in perfect balance, and the handles have an ergonomic design. Color choices are mulberry, black, and smoke, and also white-on-white. The Knife Set, $210 at Kilne |
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He can keep his vinyl record collection safe in this retro storage case, which can hold 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch records. The lightweight case can store over 30 records, and the heavy-duty hardware and handle make it easy to transport. Color choices are plentiful, and include black, brown, turquoise, grey, white, tie dye, and retro map. Victrola Vinyl Record Storage and Carrying Case, $70/Sale $53 at Amazon |
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