The new fling
If you’ve been seeing your current beau for only a few months, there is a fine line to walk between seeming too casual and coming on too strong. Something small yet sweet will do, so why not pop in to Violent Green and purchase a pair of socks from STANCE or a sweet snapback cap from Stock & Supply in Bakery Lane. A cool print from Junky Comics will look great on your boy’s bedroom wall, or a seductive vinyl from Jet Black Cat, A Love Supreme or Foundry Records can help set the mood next time you hang. Should this new guy like a drink, pick up a growler of craft beer from a local brewery such as Green Beacon Brewing, Bacchus Brewing Co or Newstead Brewing Co. Cookbooks are useful, and if you pick one he loves then a) he might cook for you more and b) you can make date nights an inexpensive joint cooking night.

Going steady
You’ve been dating for a few years and things are serious – maybe this person could be the one? If so, don’t mess things up with a lousy gift. At this stage of the dating game you should get your significant other something you know they’ll use. Make a statement by gifting your guy a nice watch – we recommend Wanderlust’s timeless timepieces for a classic touch. Should your beau need a new look, treat him to a pair of frames from Bailey Nelson, sign your man up to a subscription razor service such as Old Shave Way or invest in top-of-the-line grooming goodies. Any cocktail enthusiast needs a few choice bottles for the home bar – Billykart Provisions stocks a bunch of small-batch brands such as the Melbourne Gin Company and more. If you are feeling bold, subtly suggest they get more active with a Fitbit (get one for yourself and get active together). If you really want to see if this is for real, buy a succulent or plant from The Botanist and see if he is the nurturing type.

The one
You are devoted to this person, they are dedicated to you – the two of you might even be married. There is no gift you haven’t already given across numerous birthdays, Christmases and anniversaries. We suggest an out-of-the-box experience where memories can be made. Take a weekend getaway to the Gold Coast where you can sample the latest in dining and shopping experiences. Our friends at The Weekend Edition: Gold Coast suggest shacking up at either the stunning QT Hotel or Jupiters, before stepping out for breakfast at Elk Espresso and dinner at Bonita Bonita. If your man is a drinker, take him to Brews Brothers Microbrewery in Woolloongabba and pair him up with the experts who can craft a custom batch of beer to his taste, then bottle it (or fill a keg) to enjoy for weeks. Inject some adrenaline into Valentine’s Day with with an instructed night adventure with Riverlife including a kayak tour and abseiling session, or treat yourself and your man to a couples spa treatment at Sofitel in the City, and follow it up with an unforgettable night on the town.