Father’s Day gift guide
According to the Internet (so it must be true) 65% of dads would rather have no Father’s Day gift than be given a tie. So if you observe Father’s Day, here are some different ideas that have passed our way. And yes, there’s a lot of eating and drinking on the list.
Days out
The sun finally looks like it’s here to stay so why not take advantage of the warm weather and spend Father’s Day at a Royal Horticultural Society garden. For budding botanists a gift membership might also meet with approval especially when your dad finds out he can buy early bird tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show – that’s sure to go down well with your mum come next year!
Come rain or shine treat your dad to a trip to a National Trust property for a walk through history complete with cold locally-brewed beer and home grown food.
For the more adventurous dad why not try indoor skydiving? Not for the faint-hearted but open to all ages Airkix are offering special “Superhero Flights” for Father’s Day. Prices start from £29.99 and group discounts are available – goody! Maybe you can do it with them! Maybe not…
Cheese please
Something a little different from the plastic-wrapped Cheddar could go down nicely with a glass of wine. There are plenty of brick and click cheesemongers to choose from including Dad’s CheeseBox, a monthly cheese subscription on offer from The Dairy Girl or some cheese accompaniments from artisan suppliers such as Paxton and Whitfield. We definitely like the idea of a ploughman’s lunch or afternoon tea delivered from Delimann.
Let them eat cake
If we said you either love it or hate it you’d be right in thinking we’re referring to Marmite. If your dad can’t get enough of the stuff why not indulge his sweet tooth with a Marmite Caramel cupcake from Lola’s Cupcakes. Pick one up for £2.75 to satisfy those marmite cravings.
A firm favourite – chocolate
Swiss confectioners Toblerone have created a limited edition bar branded with a special father’s day message “To My Dad, Happy Father’s Day” for those dads who’re notoriously difficult to buy for or for those of us who’ve simply run out of ideas. When in doubt a gift of chocolate seems to be a good default option.
Unusual and artisan
Not On The Highstreet has been an outstanding success as a marketplace for high-quality, crafted goods. Other sites are popping up to give you even more ideas, including unusual kitchen tools from ClareLoves.
Luxury gifts
As Marylebone Cricket Club celebrates the bicentenary of the Lord’s Ground, the Lord’s endorsed bench from Scotts of Thrapston’s starts at £1,200 and the Lord’s Clock Tower from £3,000.
The past, present and future
Sainsbury’s is selling a whole range of ‘Dad’s Army’ themed products such as flasks, mugs and socks. The range includes the inevitable “Don’t Panic” themed tin, but perhaps they have more right to do so than most. Available in-store only.
The Future Mapping company offers modern maps together with magnets to chart the whereabouts of friends and family for parents, and grandparents, who’d like to keep track of their relatives’ adventures. Prices start at £25.
For a father who loves his music a Spotify premium account may be just the ticket. With unlimited listening to over 20 million tracks your dad can create his own playlists and listen to new music recommendations based on his personal preferences. Good for those in need of a new sound.
Or a simple message in a card
If Father’s Day gifts aren’t your family’s thing or you’ve run out of time for a gift, there are several companies offering personalised cards. As well as the more well-known Moonpig you could take a look at The Dog’s Doodahs which describes itself as having a slightly cheekier sense of humour.
Cheers
A few classic cocktails, courtesy of Drinks21 (who will of course happily supply the alcoholic ingredients too)
The God Father
- 1 ½ oz scotch whisky
- ½ oz amaretto
Combine in a rocks glass with ice.
Dad’s Dry Daiquiri
- 2 oz. rum extra dry
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice
- 0 .75 oz. syrup
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wheel
Whisky Daddy
- 2 parts whisky
- 1 part fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 part syrup
- 1 egg white
- 3 sage leaves
- 4 peppercorns
Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and muddle the sage leaves and peppercorns. Add ice and shake. Double strain into an old fashioned glass filled with ice and garnish with a sage leaf.
Gardening
Garden Organic supports the heritage seed library, making it an interesting cause for horticulturalists. Its gardening catalogue includes a retro-style garden goodies caddy as well as more serious products.
For dads who prefer the great outdoors and take pride in their neatly-trimmed lawns they may enjoy a National Garden gift voucher to spend on new gardening gadgets or hi-tech lawn mowers and sprinkler systems. Vouchers start at £10 and can be used in over 2000 nurseries and suppliers in the UK.
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