7 delicious Valentine's Day gifts for your man

Want to show your lover some love this Valentine’s Day, but not so sure he’ll appreciate a dozen red roses or artfully arranged tulips? Even whispering sweet nothings in his ear might not get the reaction you were hoping for.

For this Valentine's Day, remember the tried and true adage and find your way to his heart through his stomach. Here are seven tasty treats he’ll love – and you won’t even have to set foot in the kitchen.

1. Choose chocolates

It’s the perfect, classic Valentine’s Day gift. But rather than pick up a huge heart-shaped velvet box of inexpensive chocolate at the drugstore, go for quality over quantity.

Chocolate Planet imports Leonidas Belgian Chocolates and delivers across Canada. Try the 27-piece Truffle Sampler where each chocolate is filled with rich ganache. Now that’s love!

2. The candy man can
For film fans whose favourite date night includes an evening at home with the latest DVD or a trip to the multiplex for a Hollywood blockbuster, an assortment of candy is a great way to show how much you value him and your time together.

Bella Basket Boutique has a Movie Time basket with bite-sized chocolate bars, popcorn, suckers and more, cleverly packaged in a reusable plastic popcorn container.

3. C is for cookie
If your partner is more of a home cooking guy rather than a fancy restaurant guy, you can’t go wrong with cookies.

Consider the Large George Tin from Cookies by George, a British Columbia company that’s been in business for 25 years. They now have stores across western Canada, but deliver throughout the country.

Best part: Their delicious cookies, including Double Trouble Chocolate Chunk and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin, have no preservatives. If you’re lucky, maybe he’ll share some with you.

4. Brownie brouhaha
Since we’re talking baked goods, let’s not forget about the goodness of a chewy, delicious brownie. At Toronto-based Brownies and Squares.com you can choose from flavours including Rocky Road, Skor Square and Espresso.

For an extra romantic – and chocolatey - twist, try their heart-shaped brownies enrobed in Belgian chocolate. They’ll even gift wrap them before they ship them out on next day delivery across the country.

5. Fresh and fruity
Maybe you and your valentine are trying to cut down on all the sweet stuff? Well, nature has some candy that won’t go quite so directly to his waistline and is chock full of antioxidants, too!

Check out the beautifully tasty works of art available at Edible Arrangements. Fresh fruit is cut and placed to resemble bouquets of flowers, which makes this gift both practical and pretty. And if you still want a little bit of the traditional Valentine’s Day chocolate in there, they have plenty of options that include some (or all) of the fruit dipped in chocolate.

6. Take one for the team
Show your sports fanatic that you understand his passion with a sports-themed gift basket.

Calgary-based gift basket company It’s In the Basket has a selection of gifts branded for specific teams, such as the Nuts About the Ottawa Senators tin, which is full of supplies for a game night on the couch.

And while the pretzels and nuts may be gone by the final buzzer, the branded glasses, coasters and bottle opener will be a lasting reminder of your thoughtfulness.

7. Be cheesy
And for something completely different – a Valentine’s Day gift that keeps giving all year long – consider a cheese of the month club. The folks at Igourmet.com will send your honey three different half pounds of cheese from around the world every month, along with a newsletter outlining the history, origin and flavour profile of the selections. They even help with wine pairing ideas and serving suggestions.

If your paramour isn’t a turophile (that’s a cheese expert), consider other of-the-month options that can ship to Canada such as tea, coffee or salsa.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
-5 fun Valentine's Day dates
-Valentine's Day recipes for your sweetie
-Fun, food and romance for Valentine's Day