Romantic Advice: Valentine gifts for men

Valentine's Day gift giving can be easier if you give gifts any man can use. Here's a list of common ideas that will help you choose what is right for your love.

Gift giving can sometimes get tricky, especially when the gift you purchase is not well received. Of course, you can eliminate gift giving by giving cash. However, with a little creative you can express appreciation and love on Valentine's Day by opting for a gift any man could use.

1. Tickets. Does your valentine have a favorite sports team or recording artist? If so, consider buying a front row seat to an upcoming game or performance.

2. Footwear. Whether dressy or sporty, shoes, sandals and/or athletic footwear can simultaneously fulfill a need and a want if you select a pair from your valentine's favorite designer.

3. Food. Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, your valentine is likely to enjoy a meal if you opt for his favorite restaurant, or his favorite dish.

4. Clothes. Clothing is as personal as an individual gets, so eliminate gift rejection by either taking your valentine or a shopping spree, or wrap up a gift card or gift certificate from his favorite store. Even if you choose to stick to underwear, get creative and buy something he would love but is too shy or too cheap to buy himself.

5. Jewelry. From watches to chains to tie pins to rings, there are many great things you can buy your valentine from the jewelry department. Here, however, proceed with caution. Buy something that either can be used daily or something for a special occasion. Anything in between might just sit in a drawer until next year.

6. Hobby helps. Whatever your beau's interest, consider buying something that can be used to further enjoy his hobby. Again, since such things as golf clubs, mitts and certain balls must feel right to the user, you may want to offer a gift certificate to his favorite hobby shop. Then, too, since your reading interests may be in sharp contrast to his, consider offering a gift certificate to an online or traditional bookstore where he can choose what he likes.

7. Write stuff. Investing in your valentine by giving gifts like designer (not always expensive) pens and pencils, or other home office supplies will keep you on his mind as he uses these great instruments daily.