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9 best Valentine's Day gifts for him under £20

Start planning early to secure that special present - at a great price, too

Jochan Embley,Olivia Toye
Friday 15 January 2016 18:14 GMT

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, we’ve rounded up the best gifts for him. And if you’re on a budget this year, then worry not, as each of the gift ideas we’ve featured will give you change from a £20 note.

We’ve tried to avoid the classic heart-shaped gifts (although if you’re into that, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding something). From beautiful-looking books to innovatively shaped chocolates, here’s what we reckon you should giving as a token of your affection come the 14th.

1. Choc on Choc Chocolate Oysters and Champagne Truffles: £14, Choc on Choc

We couldn’t quite believe how much these handmade chocolate oysters looked like the real thing – we half expected to taste seafood when we took our first bite. But they are, in fact, chocolate, and delicious chocolate at that. Accompanied by six “pearls” – white and strawberry chocolate truffles filled with champagne – they make a great alternative if you want to steer clear of all those pink heart-shaped options.

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2. Skandinavisk Hygge Cosiness Mini Scented Candle: £14, Selfridges

The Danish word hygge – untranslatable into English but basically meaning “cosiness” – seems to be everywhere at the moment, but we think it works particularly well when applied to a candle for Valentine’s Day. From the Copenhagen-based candle maker Skandinavisk, this one would work well as a present to both of you. It has a homely, fruity scent and will burn for around 16 hours (larger versions are available but they will push you past the £20 budget).

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3. The Folio Society, Emily Dickinson Selected Poems: £19.95, Folio Society

If you share a love of literature, then they’ll love to receive a book from the Folio Society. Each of the books it issues – ranging from poetry to novels to reference – is beautifully designed, inside and out, often with ornate covers and illustrations among the text. Most books, understandably, break the £20 barrier, but we think this Emily Dickinson collection is a steal. It’s something that will take pride of place on the bookshelf for years to come.

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4. Sunday Football Photo Book: £14.95, Hoxton Mini Press

There’s a romance to Sunday League football – perhaps not the exact kind of romance you’re trying to generate on the 14th, but romance nonetheless. In fact, this hardcover, gold-foiled photo book is described as a “love letter” to Hackney Marshes, the hallowed grounds in east London and the most famous of hub of amateur football in the capital. With some excellent pictures of the players themselves and some, shall we say, colourful quotes, it’s an excellent book if you’re buying for a football obsessive.

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5. Coffee Factory Subscription: from £7.50 per month, Coffee Factory

If your partner can’t start their day without a cup (or three) of coffee, they will surely appreciate this – a service which delivers freshly roasted coffee to their door every month. When we rounded up the best coffee subscriptions last year, the Coffee Factory came out on top thanks to its taste and responsible business approach – click here for more info on that. If you sign up in time, you’ll be ready to brew up something for that post-romantic dinner coffee.

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6. Mr Natty Bring Me Sunshine Beard Elixir: £9.50, John Lewis

Mr Natty’s Bring Me Sunshine Beard Elixir is a delicious smelling concoction of natural essential oils: citrus, black pepper, and vetiver, an aromatic grass oil. Just a couple of drops from the 8ml bottle will keep your man’s beard conditioned and his skin moisturised (preventing in-growing hairs), all while smelling like a balmy summer evening. The mega-beard trend may have come and gone, but Mr Natty’s beard oils are perfect for stubble too.

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7. Beer Gift Card: £20, The Real Ale Company

Here's something for the man who loves an alternative tipple. The Real Ale Company has a huge selection of the finest craft booze, from a can of Magic Rock Brewery’s Dark Arts (pictured), to a bottle of Cornish Orchards cider. Select the amount for either a print-out to deliver in person, or an e-voucher which will be delivered straight to his inbox on a day of your choice. And if he fancies himself as a brewing pro, home brewery kits are also available online. Gift vouchers must be redeemed through PayPal.

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8. NN07 Mélange Wool-Blend Socks: £17, Mr Porter

We may be creeping towards spring, but there’s definitely still a chill in the air. And nothing says "I love you" quite like a pair of posh of socks does. These NN07 Wool-Blend socks are a versatile charcoal grey, and the chunky rib makes for extra comfort. It's a perfect boot sock, so it'll double up as a possible hint at a romantic Valentine’s Day walk. Plus you can chuck them in the washing machine without shrinking worries.

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9. Scaramouche and Fandango Men’s Travel Pack: £15, John Lewis

You can’t go wrong with a grooming set for Valentine’s Day, especially when it’s from Scaramouche and Fandango, a brand which specialises in simple but effective products. In this pack of four, he’ll find all the essentials: shampoo, body wash, shave cream and hydrator – they’re each 50ml, so he can even take them on the plane if you’re planning a romantic trip away.

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The Verdict: Valentine's Day gifts for him under £20

We're big fans of Choc on Choc's "oysters and pearls", occupying the space between traditional and left-field as they do. Oh, and they taste as good as they look.

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