You know his favorite book, how he takes his coffee, and which breed of dog makes him break out into a goofy grin from a block away. You should have no problem picking out a great Valentine’s Day gift for your favorite guy, right? Well, maybe. But no matter how tight you two are, there’s still something to be said for calling in an expert to help sharpen your gifting game or point you in an unexpected direction.
Enter John Frechette and Christian Burch. As the owners of two charming gift and home goods shops in Jackson Hole, Wyoming — the man-centric Mountain Dandy and the one-stop, something-for-everyone shop MADE — John and Christian are uniquely qualified to dole out some suggestions. “We understand that Valentine’s gift-giving is a daunting task, and one that both men and women struggle with,” Christian says, “but we don’t think you need to.”

Owners John Frechette and Christian Burch in their Jackson Hole, Wyoming, boutique Mountain Dandy
Here, they’ve applied the same principles they use to fill their shops with giftwrap-ready finds to curate a list of unique Valentine’s Day ideas that are “good for all types of guys and all budgets.” As Christian explains, “Our strategy starts with well crafted, American-made goods and adds a little coolness, class, and good design.”
Read on to discover John and Christian’s top eight Etsy shops for exceptional V-Day finds.
Etched hip flask by Jane E. Roberti, $64
A children’s clothing designer turned metalsmith, multifaceted Colorado maker Jane E. Roberti now specializes in cutout metal jewelry and etched accessories: belt buckles, cigarette-case wallets, and a range of flasks, all adorned with images inspired by literature and the natural world. “This acid-etched metal flask comes in a variety of sizes and designs and fits inside a suit coat pocket — or the pocket of your ski bibs,” Christian says.
Calf hair cord keeper by Hatton Henry Bag Company, $6
Whether he’s inclined toward smooth, blond, vegetable-tanned leather, rustic calf hair, or an embossed, guacamole-green clip, there’s a cord keeper in this Houston Heights, Texas, bag shop to fit the bill (and to keep tech tangles at bay).
Travel journal by In Blue Handmade, $32
This Asheville, North Carolina, shop’s lineup of leather goods ranges from wallets and totes to passport covers and customized journals. “They’re the perfect portable answer for grocery or expense lists — or, better yet, for dreams, wishes, and travel sketches.”
XL Walnut Serving Platter by Oh Dier Living, $150
“At Mountain Dandy, we believe that once you reach a certain age (12), you can no longer present Bagel Bites on a paper plate as an appetizer du jour,” Christian says. “A large walnut-slab board with inlaid maple bow ties and crosses is far more fitting for service.” Any guy with a knack for entertaining (or a discerning palate for hors d’oeuvres) will surely agree.
Beard oil by Thirteen Thieves, 1 oz for $20
“This grooming oil comes from a maker in our neighboring state of Idaho, where the air is dry and the men have beards,” Christian says. Infused with vitamin E and organic hempseed, sesame, jojoba and argan oils to soften and moisturize his skin, they also leave behind subtle scents (with citrus, woodsy, or warm vanilla-bourbon notes). Mustache wax, shave kits, and anti-static beard combs round out this shop’s guy-gift options.
Custom hand-embroidered pocket square by W.B. Thamm, from $12
“Some think of pocket squares as trendy, but they are classic. W. B. Thamm’s handmade styles are stitched from vintage and new fabrics (both solid and printed), and add a finishing touch and a pop of color in an instant.”
Beer mittens by Camp Kitschy Knits, $28
Here’s one for the Gifts He Never Knew He Needed category: hand-knitted mittens with built-in cup holders. “Although these are called ‘Beer Mittens,’ we have been using them every hour of the day, at all times of the year,” Christian says. “They are just as good for holding coffee on the dog’s morning walk as for toting beverages at hockey games, broomball brawls, or an outdoor après-ski.”
Japanese yuzu candle by Aydry & Co., $36
With fragrances ranging from Japanese yuzu to white tea, Aydry & Co. candles bring some much-needed diversity to the man-candle landscape (no disrespect to the tobacco- and leather-scented votives of the world). “Our favorite is Bohemian Forest, a mix of woody smoke and earthiness that smells like a clean-shaven man who has just climbed a pine tree to save a kitten: charming and thoughtful.”
Keep up with John and Christian on Instagram at @madejacksonhole and @mountaindandy.
John and Christian use Etsy Wholesale to source unique products for their boutiques. Learn more about Etsy Wholesale and find Etsy products at a shop near you.
48 comments
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 4 years ago
Great shops and items for gifts for men. Congrats on the features.
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 4 years ago
I always find it difficult to choose the perfect gift for him. Thanks for sharing these great ideas!
Eric Lindley from wireandwoods said 4 years ago
Love the mittens with built in cup holder. Nice find!
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 4 years ago
cool gifting list.... Beard Oil ; ) ... who knew? ; ) great ideas! tfs!!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 4 years ago
I love the serving platter. It's so pretty.
Olga from LinenAndTailor said 4 years ago
Great gift Ideas! Thanks for sharing!
emaxtees from EmaxTees said 4 years ago
Keep walking guys :) Good job
Colleen O'Neal from truthbeautyandlove27 said 4 years ago
Such great gift ideas for men! Men are always harder to buy for in my opinion!
Valentina . from Exclusive72 said 4 years ago
Great gift Ideas and great shops! Thanks for sharing!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 4 years ago
Great gift ideas! Thank you for sharing :)
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
very nice and creative!!!
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 4 years ago
The walnut platters are beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing these great gift ideas! :D
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 4 years ago
Love the wood serving boards. What a nice idea!
msroriginaldesigns from MSRoriginaldesigns said 4 years ago
Love the journals! Going on the birthday list for my sis.
Olen House from WyomingWoodshop said 4 years ago
That's a great choice of shops! All good gift ideas! Really liking the flasks and the serving boards.
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 4 years ago
Those mittens are amazing !
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 4 years ago
Love the picks!
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 4 years ago
Great ideas! Thanks so much for sharing.
Catheryn Dallenbach from SomeKindOfPretty said 4 years ago
I think I want one of the cord keepers for myself! Great shops!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 4 years ago
Very nice gift ideas!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 4 years ago
Thank you for sharing such great gift ideas for him. All are fabulous.
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 4 years ago
Great gift ideas! Thank you for sharing.
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 4 years ago
Terrific choices with something for everyone ~*~ I like the idea of giving candles to the one I love. Japanese yuzu candle by Aydry & Co
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 4 years ago
Great gift selections for men! Thanks for sharing!
R. Anne from LnRworks said 4 years ago
These are such great ideas!
Kristine David from KristadoreStudios said 4 years ago
Thanks for the Awesome Ideas
elm the person from elmtheperson said 4 years ago
i like the platters
Yuri Pysar from Pysar said 4 years ago
wow. I need one of those stylish flasks now! :) Great items, thanks!
Haley said 4 years ago
Every list: Leather goods, beard oil, candles. ??????????
Isabel Lin from BellaElisheva said 4 years ago
Awesome ideas!
Charlotte Rose Dressen from CharlotteRoseStudio said 4 years ago
Always fun to find gifts on etsy!
Henry Fitzgerald from HenryLeeMenswear said 4 years ago
Very interesting ideas. Way to go guys.
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 4 years ago
Nice picks. Lots of great choices here!
M B from BeachStudio7 said 4 years ago
Very cool!
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 4 years ago
Great work! Congrats!
Suzanne from AllwaysSomethingBlue said 4 years ago
It is about time guys get some attention......good job!
Joann Hayssen from JoannHayssenDesigns said 4 years ago
Wow - so many wonderful ideas! Love the mitten beer holders and the gorgeous cutting boards!
Rachel A. from TheNapTimeArtist said 4 years ago
What a beautiful selection of gift ideas!
Samantha Hartman from infiniteabyss said 4 years ago
Two great stores and a must visit when in Jackson. John is great to work with and I love having my products in MADE!
Jessica Schaefer from theBirdandtheBeard said 4 years ago
Embroidered pocket squares are a favorite to give!
AM Doherty from absolutemarket said 4 years ago
Congrats on the features guys.
Nupur Goyal from iDukaan said 4 years ago
Great stuff ...Good ideas superb stuff Congrats :-)
laurenolsonsmith said 4 years ago
For awesome guy gifts check out www.dealbubbleinc.com
Roma Tailor from WoodenLook said 3 years ago
very nice and creative!!!
Inidara Brand from Inidara said 3 years ago
This is a great list. Thanks for sharing. Hope our handmade bowties make it to lists like these someday.
Rhonda Carter from RhondaJsAttic said 346 days ago
these are some really great gifts for a man and not only for Valentine's day but for Father's Day too.
Florence Markowitz from twogigi said 267 days ago
Thank everyone for stopping-in to our ETSY store. We want all to know that your complete satisfaction is our utmost desire. We try to have only the very best quality items. Stay well during these very trying times.
Cindy Cisneros said 239 days ago
Enjoyed looking into gift ideas for men. Gifts are exquisite, love them great ideas.