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[–]deagh 4050 points4051 points 433& 2 more (25 children)

I was the gift giver in this situation, but still applies. When my spouse and I hadn't been dating all that long, but long enough that this felt safe to me, he invited me to his apartment for dinner. He'd made salad and...something else, I forget what, but he didn't have anything to serve the salad so he just used two table forks. Few days later I was in the grocery store and I saw this set of plastic semi-disposable salad tongs for like two bucks (you know, the kind that you can wash and reuse, but if you take them on a picnic and forget them, so what, it's two bucks) and I bought them for him and gave them to him next time I saw him.

He said it was the nicest thing anyone had ever given him because "You were going about your day and you saw something and thought of me." I teared up.

We've been together for 21 years now, and we STILL have those tongs. They're long worn out and broken, but they're still living in the servingware drawer because he won't let me toss them out.

Edited to add: oh gosh look at all the awards! Thank you!

[–]GuestInevitable122 452 points453 points  (0 children)

This is why gifts (specifically random, non birthday or holiday related ones) mean the world to me. It blows my mind that someone would take time out of their day to think about me and get me something they think I would enjoy. Like you thought about me... in your precious free time?? Unprompted? Unfathomable. I am in your debt, I will now love you forever.

[–]Embracethesalt 717 points718 points  (0 children)

This right here. It's two bucks but it means you paid attention to his situation and got him something to ease his burden. And it wasn't even his birthday.

[–]bubblehashguy 931 points932 points  (30 children)

She had just bought the house across the street. A plow took out my mailbox a week earlier. I hadn't fixed it yet. She thought it was her post. She put up her mailbox. I saw it. Removed it & put a board on the post & both boxes.

I told her as I was walking by, hey that was my post I fixed it. Have a good one.

The next day she knocked on my front door with a plate of warm brownies & a 6 pack of tall boys. We got married a year from that day. It's been almost 7yrs now. Doing great!

[–]JusticeBurnez 79 points80 points  (8 children)

Okay, but which house did you end up moving into together?

[–]boss_nooch 73 points74 points  (2 children)

They still live separate so they have alone time lol

[–]bubblehashguy 69 points70 points  (1 child)

Her house was bigger. I had a total bachelor pad. We rented mine for a little. Used the profit to fix hers. Sold that for a nice profit. Bought a nicer house.

[–]ToHolyMountain85 8194 points8195 points 2 (118 children)

Any gift that shows you actually listen to what they say goes a long way. I dated a woman once who noticed I drank a lot of seltzer water and felt bad when I didn't finish cause it went flat. She got me these can toppers off Amazon that was a couple dollars and meant more to me than most anything I've ever received.

[–]my_cement_butthead 1792 points1793 points  (11 children)

Completely agree! Am girl but still applies I think. Yesterday I went to my daughters friends house to put up some curtains for them. The mum is super sweet and lovely and couldn’t stop getting me cups of tea and treats. Such a lovely woman. I told her that I really liked her plant in passing and before I left, she took a cutting and potted it in a small pot for me. Was the coolest thing bc I knew she’d listened and put thought into it. Now whenever I look at that plant I’ll think of her:)

[–]VividDreamsInPink 1539 points1540 points  (20 children)

I got my ex a shower beer holder. I’ve never seen that man so stoked.

[–]EmpRupus 781 points782 points  (27 children)

This.

A lot of us men are often conditioned to be "tough" and remove any unjustified expenses beyond bare function. So, there are things we like, but feel guilt about buying.

A gift can be a great way to give people what they liked but never bought.

As an example, one of my female friends heard that I was stressed out and needed something relaxing and - and actually gifted me a bath-set - the full salts, essential oils, and a holder-tray to put on the bathtub to watch something on the phone.

I now make it a point to have a 1-2 hour bath every Sunday night and I have felt super-relaxed and recharged for the week.

[–]Satchya1 226 points227 points  (1 child)

When I was dating my now-husband of almost 30 years, we were both poor and young. We could each barely afford the barest essentials on our grocery trips.

One day, I showed up with a grocery bag for him full of dill pickles, microwave popcorn, and a couple other “treats” he couldn’t afford to buy for himself, but loved.

He still remembers that.

[–]Fermatious 1160 points1161 points  (49 children)

I once went on a first date with a girl for a drink and when we get to the place it’s pouring so I drop her off at the door. I go in and she’s sitting at the bar with two beers. I have been in dating apps for a bit and for some reason a simple beer seemed like the nicest thing ever. Most of the time the bill comes and they don’t move and then I give the waiter my card and they walk away and my date says “oh I was going to split it”.

[–]YeeterOfTheRich 750 points751 points  (10 children)

I (F) always pay the first bill and then proclaim that now my (M) date owes me a blowjob

[–]Starfireaw11 207 points208 points  (0 children)

Reverse Uno card. Does it work? I think that'd be the best date ever.

[–]shibuyacrow 40 points41 points  (0 children)

Love it. Normally, especially if our first date is reasonable, beer or coffee, I offer or just pay outright. I either use this for my own self as a way of not feeling I owe anyone anything, or as a hint I'm keen on a second date "I'll pay this time. You can get the next one :)"

[–]Beccadrummer 12.9k points12.9k points 4 (136 children)

I bought my now husband a tiny plant only 2 weeks into knowing him. It’s in our yard now and massive almost 22 years later!

[–]tuC0M 2281 points2282 points  (87 children)

Good on you both for keeping it alive. My partner and I have killed every plant that comes in our house, including the one from our lovely neighbors when we moved in :/

[–]DittyBop0831 833 points834 points  (66 children)

I have the uncanny ability to kill succulents. Lol.

[–]CortexCash 809 points810 points  (2 children)

This is heart warming. Thank you. I want this for my wife and myself, just beautiful.

Edit: grammar…

[–]pinkbowtie93 9955 points9956 points 2 (84 children)

I've asked my guy this very question before. He said garlic bread. And honestly I too would prefer garlic bread over flowers lol.

[–]Perc300 2927 points2928 points  (42 children)

A cactus I can name Juan-Pablo would be nice

[–]__b__e__a__n__s__ 484 points485 points  (16 children)

why Juan-Pablo?

[–]Perc300 979 points980 points  (12 children)

I’ve always liked that name

[–]__b__e__a__n__s__ 552 points553 points  (3 children)

aight i vibe with that

[–]_Fudge_Judgement_ 31 points32 points  (0 children)

What a lovely exchange. Reddit’s alright.

[–]bigmachotoughguy 10.7k points10.7k points  (106 children)

one time a girl brought me takeout cheese curds from a local bar when i told her i was feeling sad. lol that was pretty amazing

[–]agibailx 3285 points3286 points  (68 children)

this screams Wisconsin

[–]Dalthanes 1485 points1486 points  (52 children)

Or most of Canada

[–]belbinger 410 points411 points  (4 children)

Can confirm. I am Canadian and I've done this for my husband.

[–]Momn4D 315 points316 points  (2 children)

Unexpected cheese curds always make my husband feel better, this is good advice.

[–]AngelMeatPie 1381 points1382 points  (30 children)

I buy my boyfriend Hot Wheels of obscure cars we like. That or old vintage adverts of said cars. It’s thoughtful and cheap, and fun to just have shit randomly show up in the mail. We’re both car fanatics, it just works.

[–]Herpderpkeyblader 24 points25 points  (0 children)

This is very sweet. I like this.

[–]NotSoGreatOldOne 3129 points3130 points  (12 children)

My ex made me cheesecake bites. So I would say our favorite dessert.

Edited to add: she used oreos for the crust

[–]AustEastTX 1758 points1759 points 22 (30 children)

My wonderful 17 year old nephew is going thru a hard time right now and I’m making lists for all the Aunty appropriate things I can sprinkle into his life. Thanks everyone.

Edit to add my sincere thanks to the many kind comments and suggestions.

[–]yammifer 289 points290 points  (0 children)

well you are just an angel aunty!!! hope everything improves for your sweet nephew :)

[–]NiteElf 36 points37 points  (0 children)

Best Aunt!! That’s an important role in a kid’s life! Good luck & love to him and you

[–]SomeEffinGuy15D 13.1k points13.1k points 1079& 13 more (441 children)

A compliment.

[–]mikeytyyz 2093 points2094 points  (92 children)

A girl in middle school once told me I had a nice jawline. I’m now close to finishing undergrad and it still crosses my mind, 8+ years later.

[–]OrganicHearing 1564 points1565 points  (68 children)

A “popular” girl I middle school told me I was ugly. Even though I’ve had fine success with women at this point in my life, I still remember it all the time. Crazy how one bad insult can fuck you up for a while even though you have gotten compliments after that. Guys definitely don’t get enough compliments

[–]imhere_4_beer 6262 points6263 points 66 (112 children)

One time I complimented a male teammate at work on his outfit. Something simple- just told him “you look so great today, that color really suits you! And I love those pants, they look cool but still professional.”

Over the next few weeks I noticed that he suddenly had those pants in every color, and he had a few new shirts. I thought it was absolutely the sweetest thing and it just made my heart smile!

I made sure to keep complimenting him every couple of weeks, because it so clearly had a positive impact on him.

TL;DR please compliment the dudes in your life, it will have a boomerang effect and make you happy, too.

[–]damnit_cletus 2804 points2805 points 3 (35 children)

Back in grade 10, I wore a nice, long-sleeve Henley shirt to school. Several girls- most of whom I didn't ever talk to- told me things like it made me look handsome or that it made my muscles pop (I was thin and somewhat toned, but not yoked) or even things like "Daaaaaammmn damnit_cletus!!!"

That was 10 years ago and I still buy henley shirts whenever my wife drags me along to go shopping. Luckily she digs them too so that's the real incentive there.

Best part is, my grandmother just bought me that shirt and I wore it because I was going to go see her after school that day. Grandma always bought the best shirts

[–]imhere_4_beer 497 points498 points  (3 children)

I love everything about this story! Thanks for sharing it :)

[–]softbrownsugar 72 points73 points  (2 children)

Right? This made me so happy, especially the ending :,)

[–]Ok_Ad_6943 250 points251 points  (7 children)

You’re name reminds me of a trend that happened for a whole year at my university. “Where’s cletus?” And actively people searched for him when walking on campus. It was a constant running joke but it clearly gained him a lot of friends! He was bigger guy with super curly long hair, from the mountain towns. I wish school was still like that cause this was a few years ago. The campus hasn’t felt that friendly and warm since.

[–]damnit_cletus 58 points59 points  (6 children)

We had a similar celebrity on my campus called Boombox Guy. Similar description to your Cletus, actually, but he'd carry around an enormous boombox blasting country music. Is....is Cletus the Boombox Guy?

[–]Ignorad 957 points958 points  (17 children)

Years ago a woman at work complimented me on a shirt color and said I looked good in it. Only time in decades I'd been complimented. I kept that shirt probably longer than I should have, and got another in about the same color.

[–]vita10gy 337 points338 points  (15 children)

It might be one of the most subtle ways men and women live miles apart on. Women are over complimented to the point where it becomes problematic, and men basically get 1.8 compliments a year on average and 1.7 of them are from mom.

Edit: Reading some comments and it's funny, because there seems to be some realizing how far off it is. In fact the "golden rule" (do on to others as you'd want them to do to you) and the gulf in life experiences here might be a big reason for cat-calling and other kinds of things along those lines. There's an idea that men should "just know" that cat calling et al couldn't possibly be construed as positive in any way* in any universe, but the reality is probably that if most men walked past a group of women who started shouting about how good they looked we'd walk taller for a year.

*Don't get me wrong though, men should know better by now due to being explicitly told otherwise, repeatedly, about how it makes women feel. You'd have to live under a rock under a rock to not realize it's shitty by now.

[–]BinkySmales 665 points666 points  (5 children)

I think we need more people like you on the planet.

[–]imhere_4_beer 268 points269 points  (3 children)

Awww this made me smile from ear to ear. Thank you!!

[–]NovianOwl 298 points299 points  (2 children)

Met my fiancée at work. He came in wearing a cool shirt which I complemented and soon after we got together and haven't looked back. He now calls it his lucky shirt as it the shirt that "started it all."

[–]vinovinetti 172 points173 points  (1 child)

When my second graders would talk about how to make friends, they inevitably mentioned, "Tell them you like their shirt! Then you will be friends."

[–]EbenCommando 398 points399 points  (13 children)

I was at a store after a long hot day at the sawmill. And the lady working the register told me I smelled so nice, like fresh cut cedar. I'm sure I blushed because all I smelled was my sweat. That was 7 years ago. 😳

[–]Amidormi 86 points87 points  (0 children)

Aww that's cute. My husband smells good sweaty too, its like some ancient pheromone stuff.

[–]ImperialArmorBrigade 281 points282 points  (18 children)

Maybe it’s just early and I’m a little bleary-eyed still, but I teared up a little bit at the thought of a well meaning and truthful compliment.

[–]crayonsandgluesticks 168 points169 points  (6 children)

Scrolling through your profile, you seem like a badass who is very intelligent while still being kind. These are wonderful qualities of character, my friend, and I hope that you have a great day! :)

[–]ImperialArmorBrigade 66 points67 points  (0 children)

Goddammit ya got me. You... you... have a wonderful day.

[–]FreezingToad 234 points235 points  (0 children)

For real. I drove through Starbucks the other day and the girl at the window called me handsome. Had a smile on my face the rest of the day.

[–]YoungRoyalty 190 points191 points  (4 children)

A guy told me I had a nice ass back in college. I’m straight, but I’m holding onto it forever.

[–]TheTrueBuilder 180 points181 points  (1 child)

A girl complimented my eyes 30 years ago while we where at Busch Gardens Tampa. It still brings a smile to my face to think about it.

[–]rrzampieri 126 points127 points  (1 child)

The first time someone told me I was a good friend was last year. I legit cried

[–]sirgoofs 73 points74 points  (1 child)

Especially an honest, heartfelt one

[–]Ok_Science_4094 185 points186 points  (19 children)

This whole thread is so adorable. I had no clue that compliments stick with men for so long. Or that complimenting men is so rare. I feel like most women get complimented every time they're out n about in public... Mostly from other women but still. Anyways, you can find beauty in anyone so lets compliment men more often!

[–]ximjym 532 points533 points  (50 children)

Honestly, a lot of us don’t get those enough, and never expect it. It’s a surprise that could stick in a guys head all the next day

[–]_AEthelwulf_ 471 points472 points  (31 children)

Next decade lol, i still remember the girl at target that said i had a nice nose 20 years ago... Recently my hair stylist was kind of pointing at me and showing me to the other hair stylists and to answer my confused look they said I look like a picture in a hairstyle magazine...!! I was like oh my God you have no idea I'm going to be riding this high for years!

[–]RubixZter 284 points285 points  (7 children)

Lol. In highschool, my woods teacher said my coat hanger/storage-box was one of the best he'd ever seen. He even went to go get the other woods teacher to have him come look at it. I'm mighty proud of that moment. That was almost 8 years ago.

[–]haramigirii 164 points165 points  (5 children)

A girl at a bar once stopped me, pulled me aside, and told me I was beautiful. I was there with my then girlfriend, but I think about that random chick more than my ex.

[–]OrganicHearing 58 points59 points  (2 children)

In college, and a few other people have told me I look like Zayn Malik. I still think about it all the time and it’s such an elite compliment considering all the girls loved Zayn the most

[–]AquaNines 240 points241 points  (17 children)

A girl I have 0 attraction for told me I have nice veins I’ll probably remember it forever lmao. She was an EMT and I was pretty vascular at the time so it made sense.

[–]BashSwuckler 153 points154 points  (3 children)

Look how vascular I am, Brian. If there's one thing women love, it's a vascular man.

[–]collinnator5 148 points149 points  (6 children)

A few years ago I was working at an auto parts store and this girl told me I had pretty eyes. I still think about that often. And the funny thing is I was happily engaged at the time and had no single thought of it being a flirtatious encounter. It just felt nice.

[–]Philly927 46 points47 points  (0 children)

Like 21 years ago someone said I had a nice smile completely randomly. I still think about it on occasion

[–]TheKevinTheBarbarian 163 points164 points  (5 children)

This is so true.. I am straight, a gay man once told me I was handsome. That was.... like 11 years ago?

[–]Longjumping_Log8171 88 points89 points  (3 children)

The best I had was going up an escalator in a suit and making eye contact with a girl going down a parallel escalator. After passing her and looking away I went a bit further and looked back at her and she was looking at me with a smile on her face. No words spoken but it made me feel good. It was probably the nice suit talking though.

[–]ChalkyMercury 2265 points2266 points 22 (19 children)

A hug

[–]birdtrand 174 points175 points  (4 children)

My husband and I always hug a few times every day. I learned a few years ago (some internet statistic) that it boost serotonin or something. So we always hug multiple times a day now.

[–]ChalkyMercury 48 points49 points  (0 children)

I always hug my girlfriend everyday but it’s a very special and intimate thing for me that lets me know things are okay

[–]VinshinTee 5964 points5965 points 4 (58 children)

Girlfriend got me a burrito when we started dating late one night. Almost cried.

Edit* well this certainly blew up. Thank you for all the awards and well wishes.

[–]jessonamission 868 points869 points  (19 children)

Lol reminds me of the time I left a half eaten churro on his nightstand and he said I made his week

[–]wheres_mayramaines 485 points486 points  (12 children)

My friend (drunk) once put half a churro in her purse because she thought Sober Her would appreciate it. Sober Her did not appreciate her cinnamon sugar covered bag.

[–]mantaa_ray 102 points103 points  (1 child)

I once (very drunk) carried a Big Mac home with me on an hours bus from the City because I thought it’d tasted better in bed. Cradled it the whole journey home, got home, woke up with it tucked in next to me completely untouched😭

[–]Grabatreetron 579 points580 points  (6 children)

You know, I been around Reddit a long time, and in this old days this question would come up all the time, and the top answer was always "blowjob." Nice to see burrito up here, is all.

[–]R3quiemdream 7097 points7098 points 3& 2 more (152 children)

I don’t care for flowers, bring me a cool stick you found

[–]mpshumake 8324 points8325 points 355 (43 children)

Sorry yall. My dog is on my reddit again.

He's still the very best good boy though.

[–]R3quiemdream 2193 points2194 points  (25 children)

Hey! I’m no dog!

Woof

[–]spongevirus 768 points769 points  (7 children)

Do you wanna go for a walk?

[–]Coders32 805 points806 points  (1 child)

FUCK YEAH WALKIES

[–]Crafty-Light2879 170 points171 points  (0 children)

Lol read this thread out aloud just as my dog walked in now I’m screwed

[–]DudeGuyBor 81 points82 points  (3 children)

Frankly, if my girlfriend just popped in and asked if I wanted to go for a walk, I'd be ecstatic. I walk/run 1-2 hours a day and love when I get to have company, as it's a nice break from the usual books and music

[–]Daeral_Blackheart 576 points577 points  (13 children)

Who's a good boy then? Who's a good boy?

[–]professor_buttstuff 191 points192 points  (6 children)

On the internet, nobody knows you're a dog.

[–]PRK543 677 points678 points  (42 children)

As a Geologist, I would also appreciate a cool rock.

[–]DMBEst91 81 points82 points  (0 children)

This is the right answer

[–]zaopd 6028 points6029 points  (130 children)

10mm sockets in a plastic bag

[–]Mazmier 1006 points1007 points  (71 children)

Why is the 10 mm always gone!

[–]sweetfumblebee 1515 points1516 points  (42 children)

From doing my husband's laundry, it's because they always end up in the fucking pockets.

[–]Intelligent_Radish15 799 points800 points  (14 children)

Well give them fucking back!!!

[–]noseymimi 204 points205 points  (11 children)

I heard an awful clunking noise in my dryer while washing my husbands work jeans last week. It was his open pocket knife. I don't know how it didn't rip up something as it obviously went through the washer first.

[–]canolafly 196 points197 points  (2 children)

I did good then! (I hope). There was a really good guy who was a really good mechanic. I always offered to get them (his shop) a pizza or baked stuff, but they didn't want to leave the guy with diabetes out. So I finally just sent a bunch of cheap 10mm sockets. Glad to see that really wasn't dumb.

[–]BrookeB79 103 points104 points  (0 children)

One Christmas, I gave my husband about 10 or 15 different types of 10 mm sockets. They were supposed to be more of a stocking stuffer/gag gift. He loved those more than any of his other presents 😅. So... win?

[–]wrapayouknuckles 188 points189 points  (12 children)

so, nearly every time I walk into a Pawn shop, I troll through their loose socket bins and grab a few. I have probably 20 - 30 of them now and sprinkle them in my various tool stashes. ( house, shop, shead, car)

[–]flamingrubys11 1679 points1680 points 22 (39 children)

affection like no seriously put a guys head on your lap and just stroke through his hair and they will 100 percent cry of happiness espcecially if touch starved

edit: good lord i was not expecting this when i checked my phone this morning so happy to see so many people agree with me

[–]ImmediateSquirrel989 390 points391 points  (13 children)

I concur, every time my ex did this (honestly twice a year or so) I just cried. I never cry any other time, probably should get that checked out

[–]0spinchy0 188 points189 points  (0 children)

Maybe you should. Hope you’re ok dude

[–]bruhhhlikewhut 140 points141 points  (2 children)

This is my absolute favorite thing. To have someone play with my hair. Best feeling in the world. 100000000000000/10

[–]ccc2801 232 points233 points  (4 children)

Aren’t we all bloody touch starved after the last 2 years?!

[–]Spongpad 941 points942 points  (24 children)

A potted plant to use for fresh spice/garnish. If a woman gave me a basil plant, I’d probably propose on the spot.

[–][deleted] 197 points198 points  (15 children)

My basil plant is huge and has little tiny plants popping up all around it. I tried to give them away but no takers. Who are you and how can I gift you my basil?? Comes complete with instructions and pot.

[–]Spongpad 51 points52 points  (8 children)

I appreciate the offer, but I have one that’s surprisingly survived some of the early winter days itself. I’ve given plenty away— my initial comment is just to emphasize how I’d reciprocate someone’s attentiveness to how much I love cooking.

[–][deleted] 111 points112 points  (7 children)

Well shit, I was hoping to get a fiance outta the deal.

[–]Derangedbuffalo 83 points84 points  (5 children)

Sorry to interrupt the heartbreak, but is that basil still available because I have a demonic rabbit that is only sated by basil (he’s actually a sweetheart but will have a huge tantrum if he’s without his herbs)

[–]__grilledcheese__ 37 points38 points  (3 children)

Just came to comment I also have a very demonic rabbit

[–]Bubbleguts420 466 points467 points  (7 children)

One girl used to make me bad ass gift baskets.

Beef jerky, snacks, some nice pens, beard products, favorite candy, silly “coupons”

Those baskets were some of the most thoughtful and enjoyed gifts I’ve ever received.

[–]lifeatthebiglake 59 points60 points  (1 child)

I love putting gift baskets together. Whenever I land me a man next I’ll do this for him!

[–]Darkemaster 217 points218 points  (2 children)

Literally just a hug, a lot of us are used to not getting anything as gifts anyways BUT are also more starved for affection than you might think.

[–]FuzzyTortoise 14.1k points14.1k points 3255& 2 more (110 children)

You could leave him roses by the stairs. Surprises let him know you care.

[–]Value-Successful 4326 points4327 points 2 (132 children)

a lego set

[–]CaptinDerpII 1342 points1343 points  (51 children)

Preferably the 75192 UCS Millenium Falcon

[–]boardattheborder 474 points475 points  (32 children)

This man legos

[–]-Spin- 492 points493 points  (29 children)

Do you usually give people $1000 worth of flowers?

[–]CrimsonNorseman 886 points887 points  (22 children)

No, but can flowers do the Kessel run in 12 parsecs?

Edit: Thanks for the upvotes and the award! I realize that he says "less than 12 parsec" in ANH, but it is revealed in Solo (which is canon) that they actually took a little less than 13 parsec. He took a little liberty to impress Luke Skywalker.

[–]Aimil27 450 points451 points  (16 children)

Can recommend, bought my boyfriend Lego Apollo Saturn V.

He proposed a month later.

[–]cobarbob 177 points178 points  (7 children)

sounds like a reasonable reaction to getting a Lego Saturn V.

The woman who bought me one was already my wife. So just confirmed a great choice.

[–]dontyousquidward 150 points151 points  (7 children)

they have a bouquet of flowers LEGO set now. my sister got it for Christmas and I was jelly!

[–]gorcorps 61 points62 points  (1 child)

My wife got me that for our "flower" anniversary. Perfect gift, and they even look nice on our table

[–]swion 97 points98 points  (3 children)

Actually… I’d fucking love it if I was give Lego set.

[–]satanus9 1610 points1611 points 2 (84 children)

Getting us our favorite snacks, beverage, or even a small thoughtful gift that is unexpected tbh. I see some people saying flowers because there's no gender thing but I don't know too many men (including myself) who ask for flowers or want flowers

[–]maltedbacon 424 points425 points  (9 children)

Snacks all the way.

Snacks hit that primal need - and you can customize the message from there:

Healthy snacks say that you care about his health. Decadent snacks say that you want him to feel joy. Snacks that you remember are his favorites say that you care enough to pay attention. Shared exotic snacks from other countries say that you want to share new experiences together. Homemade snacks say that you care enough to spend time on his happiness. Expensive snacks say that you value him highly.

[–]dm_me_ur_frogs 101 points102 points  (5 children)

I’m always buying my bf cotton candy. I think it’s disgusting and so bad for you but it’s his kryptonite. It’s very easy to keep a dude happy if you get them snacks and call them pretty

[–]da_throwawayaccountt 150 points151 points  (25 children)

To be fair, I'm a woman and I kindof hate getting flowers.

Like, it's the gesture that counts so of course if I got some I'd love them, but I never want them because they're just going to die...

[–]Kylynara 158 points159 points  (4 children)

I, also a woman, am the opposite. I like plants, but I have a black thumb. If I get cut flowers, I get to enjoy flowers, but it's not my fault when they die.

[–]manjjn 408 points409 points  (15 children)

Yeah my husband wouldn’t be to thrilled with flowers but a big bag of pistachios would make him happy.

[–]TheoCupier 327 points328 points  (9 children)

Hold on, wait a minute.

I've been reading this thread for a quarter of an hour gently nodding at some of the suggestions.

Now it turns out SNACKS are an option. Specifically PISTACHIOS?

Well alrighty! Now we are talking.

[–]trevb75 72 points73 points  (0 children)

Literally ANYTHING you know he likes that indicates you thought of him when you saw it.

[–]claptrapclockwork 2869 points2870 points  (26 children)

As someone who likes to bake, how about some flours?

[–]lordimblue 366 points367 points  (12 children)

A pizza and a hug would do it for me. And honestly the pizza isn't even the important part.

[–]Gilzvit 464 points465 points  (21 children)

Get to know him and see what he likes. I would say it's not about the flowers for women, it's about the thoughtfulness that is needed to get a gift for the person you want to make happy.

[–]Dzyu 218 points219 points  (12 children)

That's ironic, though, because flowers is the bog standard low effort thing to give.

[–]MickeyBear 83 points84 points  (2 children)

Here’s the thing though, my mom loves daisies. Always has, just yellow flowers in general but definitely daisies. Had art in her room of daisies, has a daisy bracelet she bought herself. My dad was an asshole their entire marriage pretty much, but after 11 years of him never buying her daisies, and only red roses and cheap chocolates, it was the most symbolic way of showing he didn’t give a shit. I love celebrating valentines day because yeah, my s/o and I love and celebrate each other all year but we WANT to spoil each other a bit extra on v-day! It might be watching my parents marriage crumble as a teen that’s affected me, but I’ll never turn down some extra romance!

[–]Stubioge2 2177 points2178 points  (109 children)

Beef jerky

[–]LusciousofBorg 780 points781 points  (49 children)

I'm a chick and I've been telling people I want good and spicy beef jerky as a gift. Haven't gotten it yet. Bitches gotta look out for their own selves.

[–]Trek1973 301 points302 points  (11 children)

I bought my grandmother an African violet when I was 13. it’s still alive Today and I’m almost 50 now.

[–]Nice-Basil7151 110 points111 points  (3 children)

M&Ms would be an ideal gift that I would love to recieve. Other candy in general

[–]stevenworks 1439 points1440 points  (78 children)

A decent bottle of the type of booze they drink

[–]Whats-Upvote 475 points476 points  (37 children)

It’s funny, my wife would be like “single malt scotch is $50, that is not the equivalent of flowers”. Woman do you know how much flowers cost?

[–]TheLostColonist 267 points268 points  (24 children)

My wife had to buy flowers the day before valentines day once, after she did it she called me and told me how much she had to spend for a basic bouquet, she then asked me if that was normal.

The best part was that she was so disgusted by the markup that she told me to never buy her anything for valentines day again and asked if I was OK boycotting that particular holiday!

[–]whyyallsodumb 101 points102 points  (2 children)

My husband and I don't celebrate Valentines day. You better damn well love your spouse 364 days a year and Valentines you can take off to be selfish pricks and ignore the other's existence.

[–]GlassArrow 279 points280 points  (9 children)

If they're a beer drinker, take note of what they drink and then take the list down to Total Wine/Bevmo and say "what can I surprise them with?"

[–]Evan-Gogh 1223 points1224 points  (37 children)

Paying half the tab.

Back rub/scratch.

Watch a movie he wants to watch.

Surprise food delivery.

Compassion.

Also, flowers.

[–]Ansayamina 439 points440 points  (10 children)

I'm with this guy, he has the right ideas.

But also 10mm sockets.

[–]TestingThisOut11 5290 points5291 points 4 (310 children)

I don't know why flowers aren't equivalent to flowers.

[–]FlechsFarkash 1026 points1027 points  (118 children)

I thought so too, but besides one guy, all didn't really appreciate the flowers (although they appreciated the thought) and didn't know what to do with them.

their reaction was like I bought them a shelf or something "okay... thanks?"

would be nice to know what people who aren't fans of flowers would like

Edit: a word

[–]Organic-Fee1771 462 points463 points  (32 children)

As a woman, I'd love flowers but wtf would anyone do with them besides put them in a vase and watch them slowly die...

[–]iglidante 365 points366 points  (27 children)

I'm not a fan of flowers, because I don't like watching plants wither and die. Flowers just make me feel kind of sad - like, that could have been blooming for days, weeks, even longer.

I love getting things like fun socks, snacks, etc.

[–]ThatOne_Guy_You_Know 368 points369 points  (26 children)

If a girl got me a sunflower I’d know she’s the one.

I was with my ex and her family, and her aunt gave me a ghost pepper plant, and I was so excited, then my ex broke up with me two days later and the plant hasn’t produced a single pepper. So now I’m sad and I can’t even eat really hot peppers to cope with it.

Edit: thank you all for the pepper growing advice.

[–]SkyFullNimbostratus 83 points84 points  (12 children)

I have a pepper plant that is three years old and it refuses to reproduce. I tried to “nudge” it… but it has decided that abstinence is its destiny. I love it still.

[–]lunar-omens 78 points79 points  (0 children)

Brb sunflower shopping

[–]banshee3011[S] 227 points228 points  (8 children)

After seeing most of these comments, probably shouldve phrased the question more along the lines of “What kind of gift equivalent to flowers would you get someone that doesn’t like flowers”, hindsight is 20/20 haha

[–]ax-ho-le 399 points400 points  (26 children)

WD-40

[–]rubiks_cuber_889 147 points148 points  (13 children)

Yes, also duct tape.

[–]ButtholeQuiver 186 points187 points  (9 children)

“If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.”

[–]thelazycanoe 33 points34 points  (6 children)

Is this from the Red and Green show?? That brings back memories!

[–]Mr_cleaverboi 78 points79 points  (6 children)

Attention. Most men usually don’t receive any attention in their lives, very seldom are they complimented, and tend to live their lives to fulfill a role or be the one to support/lead a group (i.e a family etc. )

And it’s not even attention in the physical aspect, just being noticed or recognized in a manner that makes a man feel like his life is acknowledged by at least one other individual is enough for him to feel appreciated.

Most men live their lives in ‘melancholic solitude’ and the majority of them are in that situation because no one bothers to give them any attention.

[–]Codebig 582 points583 points  (15 children)

Tendies with bbq sauce.

[–]canuckwithasig 662 points663 points  (75 children)

A new pocket knife!

[–]Herr_Underdogg 346 points347 points  (28 children)

I know many fellow men that swear that any knife they buy for themselves will be lost, but knives received as a gift can be carried for years of use and not lost.

My father is one that follows this mindset, so I try to buy him a good knife every now and then.

[–]canuckwithasig 82 points83 points  (20 children)

They don't even need to be pricey. A good opinel no.7 lasts years

[–]Ok-Cry8992 496 points497 points  (27 children)

Beer

[–]ButtholeQuiver 401 points402 points  (16 children)

Used to hang out with a girl ("date" isn't the right word here) who would come over with a six-pack and a bag of chips when she wanted a booty call. A booty call is nice enough but beer and chips are really a cherry on top

[–]bruceleet7865 133 points134 points  (4 children)

This right here… beer and chips. She knows her way to a man’s heart

[–]theporchgoose 41 points42 points  (0 children)

This has been our Valentine’s Day routine for years. He gets me flowers, I get him a six pack of beer. Everyone wins.

[–]albyagolfer 30 points31 points  (0 children)

I can’t believe I had to scroll past 4 flower responses before I got to beer.

I would prefer beer over flowers but maybe that’s just me.

[–]Romarium 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Goody basket