Valentine's Day Gift Ideas For Your Husband Based On His Love Language
Get the perfect gift that shows you truly understand and appreciate him
By Balvinder Sandhu -
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Men are often described as 'boring' to buy gifts for. While us women have a variety options such as clothes, jewellery, accessories, books, flowers, fancy chocolate or even household items (only fun ones, nothing too 'domestic', please!). On the other hand, gifts for men are generally socks, shirts, aftershave or books (if he even reads, that is). The gift options also get tougher the longer you've been together.
However, when you know your husband well, you might be surprised by the gift options that are on the table. A little imagination might apply at times but it all boils down to assessing your partner's love language. Not only are these types of gifts creative and impressive, they also show your man that you understand and appreciate them.
So what is a 'love language'? It's basically our own unique way of expressing and feeling love. The theory was introduced by Dr Gary Chapman, an American marriage counsellor, in his book, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret To Love That Lasts.
There are five main categories that most of us fall under – receiving gifts, acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation and physical touch. Also, most couples don't speak the same love language and this could lead to misunderstandings. Therefore, discovering your partner's love language is one way of connecting with them, resulting in a closer relationship.
And what better time to show your husband how well you understand him than on Valentine's Day? We recommend the best gifts for your partner, based on their love language.
Love Language #1: Receiving Gifts
It's always the thought that counts when it comes to presents so you don't have to choose the biggest or most expensive one but, instead, choose a gift with a personal touch. Someone with this love language isn't materialistic, they just appreciate the effort others have put into the gift.
Gift ideas:
Ask yourself – what are his interests? Does he love reading or gaming? Get him the latest bestseller or a cool set of wireless headphones for his gaming sessions. Or perhaps he enjoys a rare bottle of whiskey – he'll need whiskey stones to elevate the drinking experience. If your man is into puzzles, get him a personalised printed jigsaw puzzle. If you're a romantic couple, you could even frame something that means a lot to both of you, such as your wedding invite or the first photo you ever took together.
SWW's pick: Special Edition Dyson Supersonic hair dryer in Prussian blue and topaz, $699
Got a man who appreciates a quality grooming tool? Dyson's famed hair dryer in this limited-edition and very handsome colourway will make a great addition to his self-care arsenal. And let's be honest, this is a gift that you can use as well!
Love Language #2: Acts Of Service
This is for the man who believes actions speak louder than words. They don't want you to show how much you love them by buying them gifts but instead prefer if you show them you care in other ways. They'll appreciate you doing things that'll lighten their load or, simply, make their lives easier by giving them one less thing to stress about.
Gift ideas:
Plan a romantic getaway for him so you can have some RnR together – you don't have to travel far, a staycation at a local hotel could do the trick too. Or if you're planning a getaway anyway, take over organising all the bookings, to reduce his workload. If he's in charge of walking the dog, tell him you'll do it a few days a week so he has time to decompress after work. Get his car washed or serviced so he doesn't have to. You could also get him a digital planner if he needs help getting organised – he'll appreciate that you want him to have a more coordinated schedule.
SWW's pick: Urban Company part-time cleaning service, from $81 for three hours
Credit: Getty Images
After an exhausting workday, household chores are about as sexy as wet socks. Do your partner and you a favour by calling in professional help that will relieve him of his household duties for a day. The hired cleaner arrives with cleaning tools so all you need is to orientate him or her to your home and point out areas to be tackled.
Love Language #3: Quality Time
Your partner wants your attention more than anything else. They want to be with someone who's not just physically present but also attentive and 100 per cent listening to what they're saying. They want you to create special moments together, both in your everyday lives and on special occasions.
Gift ideas:
You need to do things to show your partner that you're fully engage with him. Put your phone away, sit close to him, make eye contact and give him your utmost attention. Clear your schedule for Valentine's Day and tell him you're spending the day together doing whatever he wants. You could also book a meal at his favourite restaurant or tickets to a movie or concert you know he wants to catch. If you know he likes activities such as cooking, art, gardening or woodworking, book a class for the both of you so you can spend quality time and pick up a new skill together too.
SWW's pick: Arudio Studio Ceramics Hand Building or Wheel Throwing trial class, $70 per pax
If you've always wanted to learn a new skill together, and maybe recreate that hot and artsy scene from the movie Ghost, consider a trial class at Arudio. This is a date like no other (bonus points for creativity!), and you'll get to make some personalised works for your home in the process.
Love Language #4: Words Of Affirmation
Your husband needs you to tell him how you feel, as often as you can. This can be in the most straightforward way – saying 'I love you' often – or via positive words about how he makes you feel and how much you appreciate him. You can say them, write them down or send him encouraging text messages – the medium is less important than the words you use.
Gift ideas:
You need to vocalise your emotions to show him you love him. Give him an engraved wallet card with your personalised message so he'll think of you every time he opens his wallet. It could even be something as simple as a coffee mug with his name so he knows how much you love him every time he has his cuppa. Leave him little notes on post-its all over your home so he'll get a nice surprise when he finds them.
SWW's pick: Bar Spectre Alchemy of Affection tasting dinner, $88+ per person
Designed by mixologist Andrew Pang and MasterChef Singapore finalist Inch Chua, this five-course V-Day menu pays homage to the five love languages - guests are encouraged to explore these love languages through a series of "sensory activities" for each course. Don't forget to take this opportune time to verbally express your appreciation for your partner.
Available every Wednesday from February 14 to 28, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Bar Spectre is located at #02-01, 120 Tanjong Pagar Road.
Love Language #5: Physical Touch
Body language is important to them and so is the need for intimacy. They need to feel touched to truly feel your bond and to affirm your relationship. Hugs, cuddles, holding hands and kisses are very important to a man with this love language.
Gift ideas:
Physical connection is important here and it can be in the form of fun things like holding hands to something more suggestive such as doing things that he likes in the bedroom. Give him a homemade 'voucher' for a back rub or massage from you whenever he feels stressed. Or get him a massage pillow to help him feel recharged anytime. Want to turn the heat up a notch? Get a bottle of sensual massage oil for a more intimate massage.
SWW's pick: Arcwave Ion, $282.60
Turn up the heat in your bedroom with this sleek adult toy that stimulates the underside of the penis with gentle airwaves, and is said to deliver a "unique" type of orgasm. Now, if this isn't an extraordinary gift to remember...