Men can be extremely difficult to buy for - I know, because every time my mum asks me what I want for my birthday, or even Valentine's Day (don't laugh - we're not all 50% of a match made in heaven) I tend to say ‘I don’t know. Just give me money and I'll get something.'

I imagine most of your other halves are similar...Not that their mothers buy them Valentine's gifts but that they're tough to buy for. And money; well it's a practical but not very personal solution.

I’ve found in recent years, there is real charm in giving someone a present they 1) didn’t expect and 2) are genuinely delighted with when they open it. It's nice to be nice and so on and so forth.

So, I thought I may help you out and provide a list of gifts I believe will go down well.

Leather Gloves

I used to be perplexed as to why my mother bought me gloves that had a tie to go round my wrist. Yet, in the last few years when I finally outgrew those beloved mittens, I realised I was buying a new pair every year because I kept misplacing them…and the penny dropped.

That said, every pair I lost were cheap and fairly nasty. I failed to look after them because of that very reason. It became a vicious cycle.

I believe just like sunglasses, if you receive a chic pair of gloves, you’ll make sure to look after them. Leather gloves are a great accessory for many different looks and something not many blokes would purchase themselves. But I think most guys would welcome them with open arms (and a warm pair of hands).

Holdall

Whether your man is a gym monkey, weekend getaway regular, or perhaps he just needs a new bag - a holdall is Always welcome.

Not only are they a practical gift but a modern essential - a stylish hold-all can certainly elevate someone's outfit. Food for thought...

Cooking Classes

And whilst food is on the mind, a practical option that has the potential to benefit you greatly in the future. Cooking classes are a fantastic opportunity for a productive date day/night, learning how to cook accompanied by multiple glasses of wine - what’s not to like?!

A Standout Aftershave

There are plenty of great aftershaves out there, many of which are sprayed across the necks of many a British man. Yet, the exceptional ones, perfect for a Valentine's present, can really lift someone’s profile and allow them to subtly stand out from the crowd. Try any of the below and you’ll be on to a winner.

• Bleu De Chanel

• Creed — Aventus

• Penhaligon's - Portraits the Tragedy of Lord George (yes that's actually the name)

• Tom Ford - Neroli Portofino

• Acqua Di Parma - Colonia

Journal

In this digital world that seems to be evolving at a frightening rate of noughts (feel about 85 saying that) some things are best done the old fashioned way like planning your week with a classic journal and ball point pen.

Moleskin are a great option, however if you’re feeling extremely generous then you can’t get better than Smythson - they really are a thing of beauty.

Espresso Coffee Maker

Fresh coffee, Italian style? That sounds like a key component to the perfect breakfast in bed.

And then, post Valentine's Day, it becomes a Saturday morning ritual you simply must maintain. Brew fresh coffee and then back to bed; if that's not an ideal Saturday morning, I don't know what is.

Happy Valentine's Day when it comes.