Back in November, the internet got really steamy for a second when the SheaMoisture Men #DefineYourBeard campaign dropped. The video featured 15 regular men with exceptional beards, pretty much just existing, but that was enough to catch our eye. This video (which this writer has watched it too many times to count) and these men have already given us so much, so we asked a few of them what they want in return for Valentine’s Day. Living up to their romance-novel-paramour-come-to-life reputations, the men we spoke to insisted that all they really desire is quality time with their significant others. When pushed, they admitted they wouldn’t mind unwrapping a few choice gifts on February 14, from love-language tomes to gold jewelry. This wish list just might inspire a gift for the real man in your life, too.
Christopher Ryan
While Chris would love a romantic cabin getaway “to spend quality time uninterrupted with my partner,” which he thinks is “so needed in our busy world,” he’ll take a copy of The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.
“Sometimes it’s hard to say what we want and need in a relationship, especially for men,” explains Chris. “The Five Love Languages helped me know myself and others better.” He says this gift is great “because it gives language and tools for couples to be more communicative and open about how they show and receive love. And isn’t that what it’s all about?”
Ross Kim
For Valentine’s Day, Ross “would love an all-expense-paid trip to The Ellen DeGeneres Show, so I can co-host with her on an episode,” or “an all-expense-paid trip to Africa and Europe for an entire month” complete with a private helicopter ride, Rolex, and a meet-and-greet with Simba.
But he’d also be happy with a bottle of cologne. “I love Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue and Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud, because I love to smell amazing and I’ve always gotten compliments on the fragrances I wear.”
Richard Nwaoko
And while Richard would love a couple’s getaway — nothing crazy just “us, some good food, and an activity to end the night” — he’ll gladly accept some jewelry. “You can’t go wrong with gold jewelry,” he says. “A gold necklace, bracelet, gold earrings all are dope gifts for Valentine’s Day. I believe your partner is an asset in your life. Gold is an asset, asset on asset, now that’s appreciation.”
Anthony Okray
For Anthony, “Valentine’s Day has always just been another ordinary day to express my devotion and appreciation,” but if he had to put something on his wish list, he “would love for it to either be something I’ve been raving about or something that my significant other knows means a great deal to me.” Right now, that’s museum tickets. “I’d say a ticket to Washington, D.C., to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture while staying at a hotel that has a spa and amazing view,” he says.
Keith Pough
Keith loves “music, especially jazz and old classic cuts, so a turntable to play vinyl records would be absolute love.” A set of new undies would also delight him. “Albeit pricey, anyone who owns Lululemon can confirm not only the quality but also the comfort of its products,” says Keith. “If you’re looking for a lovely gift for your significant other, ladies, Lululemon Always in Motion boxers is it.”
Harold Lamour
As for Harold, he’d love to be “spoiled” for Valentine’s Day. “I’d definitely appreciate more of a home-cooked meal, romantic candles and wine kind of vibe,” he says. “Maybe like a spalike day, but from her, with a full-body massage, facial, etc. Just nice good vibes and stress-relieving energy throughout the whole day; then waking up feeling revived and refreshed — like a new man!” However, he could also use a new suit. “Because of all my goals and aspirations I have for myself this year; being successful means I can’t have enough suits,” he says.
(Editor’s note: Harold didn’t explicitly say which suit he wanted, just that it be blue and sophisticated, so we think this Chris Black–approved one is a perfect match.)
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