Unusual Valentine's Day Gifts for Him

Cards, flowers, candy, dinner at an overpriced restaurant - these are all Valentine's Day gifts that we are familiar with giving and getting every year. Sure, the tried and true Valentine's Day tie-clip and cuff-links are nice, but if you truly want to give your boyfriend or husband something as unique and cool as he is then it's time to step out of the men's department and head to a place where all of our shopping problems are solved: To the Internet!

The first step in finding the perfect gift for your loved one is to ask yourself, "What does he already do?" Whether your guy spends his life in a corner office or spends all year protecting his status as a weekend warrior, you can find unique and unusual gifts to highlight and celebrate his passions and interests. Let's take a look at some of the great gifts out there this year:

Bug Bomb
Where to get it: UncommonGoods.com
Cost: $50 plus shipping

Don't let the name mislead you, we're not talking about dispatching fleas and cockroaches from the attic. The Bug Bomb is a creation by artist Fred Conlon to make dummy grenades made for training during World War II resemble garden bugs. Deemed the "un-sissy garden decoration", these cool industrial creatures bring interest to the trendy patio at his apartment or the barely-surviving houseplant you gave him last year.
Perfect for: The bar-b-q party host, retired military man turned gardener or the hydroponics enthusiast.

Electric Butterfly in a Jar
Where to get it: ThinkGeek.com
Cost: $19.99 plus shipping

This one is exactly what it says it is, but it's much cooler in person than its name leads on. The Electric Butterfly in a Jar is a magical and amazingly simple gadget brought to us from Think Geek. Available in four species, the lifelike butterfly flits and flies around in its jar whenever there is a loud noise that startles it. The best part is? It never dies - just change the batteries when your butterfly seems fatigued.
Perfect for: The executive who never makes it out of the office, your favorite cubicle jockey or outdoor enthusiast.

Superhero Wall Art
Where to get it: allPopart.com
Cost: $110 to $247 plus shipping

Help your lover to see themselves as you see them - as a graphic novel inspired super hero! The allPopart Superhero personalized comic book superhero picture will look perfect hanging in his office, over his bed or as the focal point of his geeky living room.
Perfect for: The comic collector, enthusiastic entrepreneur or recent college grad.

I Am A Stuffed Animal
Where to get it: I Am A Stuffed Animal.com
Cost: $49 to $69 plus shipping

Does your man have a sensitive side that makes him wish he could hug and snuggle... himself? Now he can with I Am A Stuffed Animal. The process is simple: send them a photo of your man, they'll design his animated self on fabric and then sew him into a stuffed animal that he can cuddle!
Perfect for: The narcissist, your favorite cuddle-buddy, all of your ex's (make them for yourself and have your own anti-Valentine's Day celebration filled with punching, kicking and throwing without being arrested for aggravated assault).

OffGrid Solar Recycled Backpack
Where to get it: The Ultimate Green Store
Cost: $249 plus shipping

He's in the park... on his cell phone. He's camping... with his laptop. He's hiking through the woods... staring at his GPS unit. He's a man of action, as long as that action includes his favorite geek gadgets. The OffGrid Solar Recycled Backpack is the perfect marriage of a durable carry-all made out of recycled materials and a solar charging station for all of his favorite portable technology.
Perfect for: The modern fisherman, the plugged-in hippie or any man who frequently claims he can't check in because "the cell phone died".

No matter which gift you decide to give your loved one this Valentine's Day, a unique gift will help to make your celebration memorable. Not only will it make him feel like you truly appreciate him for who he is, shopping for unusual gifts is almost as fun for you to do as it is for him to open. Enjoy yourself, and may your love last for many Valentine's Days to come.