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When we opened our holiday Gifting Concierge – a way for our editors to build personalized gift lists for whoever you’re shopping for – we were surprised by how many requests were for men. As it turns out, gifting a non-cheesy gift to your boyfriend, brother, dad, or friend is a tall task.
So ahead of Valentine’s Day, we asked two of the coolest guys in LA what they’d actually want to give and get.
Meet Andrew Lawson, co-owner of Café Telegrama and Ètra (two of LA’s sexiest and most effortlessly cool spots) and Michael Rapetti, founder of Motoring Coffee and The Motoring Club, a haven for car guys and gals who spend weekends cruising the PCH with a cortado in hand.
Their stomping grounds span East to West LA, and their interests range from food and wine to coffee, cashmere, and collectibles. Below, shop their picks – sure to make your sweetie swoon.
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Andrew’s Ideas
- Pacific Tote Company “The Big Sur” Zippered Beach Tote: With a big brass zippered top, heavy canvas, and heavy-duty stitching, this tote was made for him.
- Aldo Sohm Zalto Universal Wine Glass: Take it from a wine guy, this is The Glass.
- Riedel Microfiber Polishing Cloth: The only worthy companion for #2.
- Converse Chuck 70 High Tops: A timeless pick — and under $100.
- Opinel Bon Appetit Steak Knife: Riveted wood handles and non-serrated stainless steel blade that holds a sharp edge. Need we say more?
- Le Labo Hinoki Hand Lotion: Soft hands are much nicer to hold.
- Vince Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater: Another he-can-wear-forever pick. To be styled with #4.
- Tickets to a Dodgers Game: Opening Day is less than 50 sleeps away.
- Café Telegrama Hat: Proven to make him twice as handsome. At least.
- Danny D’s Mud Shop Ceramics Class: An experience always hits.
- Couples Therapy: Because it’s always a good time to invest in your relationship.
- Couples Massage at Tomoko Spa: A gift for you, too.
Shop Andrew’s Ideas
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Michael’s Picks
- An Experience at The Porsche Experience Center: “The big one,” per Michael. Note: This one’s great if they are close to LA or Atlanta, but other track experiences via BMW and other brands are available in other parts of the country.
- A Subscription to Esses Magazine: Perfect for the F1 lover.
- Autodromo Stringback Driving Gloves: Every serious driver needs a serious pair of driving gloves.
- Type 7s Volume 7 Book: If he’s the Porsche type (and buying an actual Porsche is off the table).
- Vintage 1990s TAG HEUER FORMULA1 83.513/1 Qz Black Round 35 mm Mens Watch: “For the watch (and F1 Lover) — score a vintage 1990s Tag Heuer F1 watch on eBay like this one.”
- Numbers Matching Sunglasses: Made from metal of recycled cars. He’ll never be able to stop telling people that.
- A Print from House of Spoils: Effortlessly cool — and already framed.
- Mattel Brick Shop Hot Wheels Mercedes-Benz 300 Sl Building Toy Kit (1600 Pieces): Should you find yourself shopping for a collector.
- VIAR Portable Air Compressor: In case off-roading is his thing (file under: things only the owner of a motoring club would recommend for Valentine’s Day)
- Huckberry Maple & Leather Valet Tray: Made in the USA from solid maple and full grain leather — with a dedicated spot for wallet, keys, pocket knife, and airpods.
Shop Michael’s Picks
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Why You Should Trust Us
At The Quality Edit, we speak directly with brand founders, tastemakers, and industry experts, and only recommend pieces we’d genuinely gift (or happily keep) ourselves. After chatting with Andrew Lawson and Michael Rapetti, every item on this list earned its spot through real-world appeal so you can shop knowing your Valentine’s Day gift is a sure thing.
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