Buying your man a Valentine's gift needn't be a colourless affair

As each gender breaks out of their more traditional roles, women have become faced with a new problem: what to get their man for Valentine's Day. Finding a gift for your boyfriend or husband on Valentine's Day can be very difficult, especially if he's the sort of guy who has everything he needs! So, what can you get him that's interesting, different and will show him how much you love him? It's important not to get overwhelmed when making your decision.

Of course, there are plenty of options for you to consider. You can always buy him a subscription to his favourite magazine, whether it's a sports magazine or a film subscription. Alternatively, why not buy him a cocktail shaker or a bar set so that you can have fun making drinks together in your home. You might even be surprised to know that a lot of men say they would like to receive flowers on Valentine's Day - so make sure you don't rule out any unconventional choices.

Don't be afraid to buy your man something a little more formal, either. A set of cufflinks, for example, can be an excellent Valentine's Day present. Cufflinks are available in a range of styles and colours in today's high street stores, and no longer represent an uptight or unimaginative gift. For example, plenty of men's fashion retailers on the high-street sell interesting cufflinks in various shapes and sizes, which are sure to make excellent gifts for your husband or boyfriend.

But while it's possible to come up with interesting and unique ideas for men's Valentine's gifts, it's also important to remember that you don't always have to reach for the stars. In fact, the most important part of Valentine's Day is showing your male half how much you care about him; gifts that are thoughtful and considerate are sure to make as much impact as any more extravagant purchase you might make.

For instance, why not make a Valentine's Day gift of men's underwear or men's socks? There are a range of high street stores that offer a selection of colourful men's underwear and a bright range of men's socks, and many dedicated fashion retailers, such as Topman, will run special Valentine's shops in the run-up to February 14th. After all, vivid colours will make any gift worth having - and spending money on underwear or socks for Valentine's day will certainly give you more time and money to spend on more romantic pursuits!

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist.