10 Valentine's Gifts To Get You in the Mood

Matt Doyle and Ryan Steele | Photograph by Rob Howard

We've already suggested a bunch of sophisticated and creative gifts to show your partner how much you love him this Valentine's Day. However, we know the day is not always about love. Somtimes it's about lust. This year, we gathered a few items (some classics, some new) that will help get you in the mood this weekend. Many of these gifts will last beyond the holiday, so the satisfaction should last longer than whatever dinner you may have planned.

Beards, an Unshaven History by Kevin Clarke

The guys featured in this beautifully illustrated volume from sexy book publisher Bruno Gmunder may surprise you. The cult of the beard has grown and even encompasses hetero Hollywood these days, but editor Kevin Clarke has reached deep into history, highlighting bearded men through millenia (and even a shout-out to Out's Chris Pine cover). Don't worry, there's plenty of furry eyecandy to get you growling (hello, James Jamesson), but check out the gender-bending and cultural taboos sections and you'll learn a little something, too. ($60.66, Amazon.com)

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BIlly Boy Condoms

We want you to play safe, and we know there's a lot of options out there when it comes to condoms, but there's few companies that offer so many options. Billy Boy offers contours, thicker-yet-sensitive (when play gets a little rough), and even some that let you last a little longer. Try the variety pack, and you'll see what we mean. And if you're in New York City, you can even get delivery to your door (just email what you need). How's that for full-service? ($7.97, Billy-Boy.us)

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The Passion of Gengoroh Tagame, Gengoroh Tagame

This volume by gay bondage, bara manga master can test your kink limits. Gengoroh Tagame's work is not for the faint of heart, but the fact that Chip Kidd designed it (and Edmund White wrote the intro) is just the beginning. Open at your own risk. ($22.86, Amazon.com)

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Slick It Up Black and Blue Jeans

Sometimes you want jeans with a little access. These jeans are so tight, they come with a slit in the back. You know, for the discerning man. If these pants are too much kink for you, then you may find something more suitable on Slick It Up's website. The brand offers a full range of clothing. But why not try something a little different? ($134, SlickItUp.com)

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Uberlube

Not only will this super fancy personal lubricant work wonders in errogenous zones, it looks nice on your nightstand. The manufacturers even claim you can even use it as a hairstyling alternative. We don't know about that, but try it. You might like it. ($18, Uberlube.com)

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor: Jim French Polaroids, Jim French

From the man who started Colt Studio comes a book of polaroids that look like outtakes from the heyday of '70s pornography. The snapshots blend the world of porn and art in a study of the male form. A limited edition of the book comes with a Polaroid camera if you should become inspired to take photos of your own. ($50, AntinousPress .com)

Nasty Pig Rubber Jock 2.0

If there is one thing Nasty Pig is known for, it's producing quality jockstraps. The brand has always promised to make "fun clothing that gets you laid," and nothing screams sex more than their line of underwear. The jocks don't come with frills, just with classic sensibilities and a clear intention. ($35, NastyPig.com)

COBRA Libre

This is the first male vibrator designed for men, and ONLY for men. This self-stimulator may look like rocket science (or a rejected Tron toy), but it's way more fun. ($129.99, FunFactoryUSA.com)

Querelle

Hands down one of the sexiest gay-themed movies of all time, Reiner Werner Fassbender's 1982 adaptation of Jean Genet's novel about a dangerously handsome murderer never goes out of style. It plays out like the love child of Pierre et Gilles and Tom of Finland (and, shhh, you can also watch it on YouTube). ($95.95, BarnesAndNoble.com)

Butt Magazine Towel

The Butt Magazine towel is nothing new, but it's a fun item that arouses and humors. Besides, you may need something to clean up with. ($13.50, AmericanApparel.net)