If you’re not sure what to get dad this year we had a look at gifts that are a step up from a panicked Card Factory card
Father’s Day is almost here, literally a week today, and with it comes the annual sense of panic that maybe we should have gotten something earlier. I’ve been quizzing my siblings on what would be the best thing to buy for our dad and been getting lots of not so subtle suggestions of things that they want for themselves.
So I spread the net a little wider and decided it was time to look a little closer at what I think my dad might like other than a card and box of chocolates that the rest of us will no doubt eat ourselves. It can be a challenge thinking of something that hasn’t been done before.
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Kitchen accessories
If dad is a foodie there are plenty of gadgets and goodies that can elevate life in the kitchen, from high-tech app-controlled meat thermometers perfect for upping your barbecue game through to a surprisingly budget friendly Ninja device to take the hassle out of chopping.
For something a bit more unusual, why not zhuzh up the essentials? I was lucky enough to head out to France earlier this year to see behind the scenes of Peugeot’s new salt mill mechanism – I even put together my own pepper mill. As a result my dad has been dropping constant hints that his kitchen is missing something special. There are so many options available but I think the Paris mills are the best.
They’ve recently been released in a few gorgeous green shades, which I think makes them a great option for dads with a green thumb, but there’s a massive range of colours. Notably the mills mechanism comes with a lifetime guarantee, so it’s truly a gift that will last. Peugeot homewares also has a huge range of kitchen accessories from tart dishes and tagines to barware, typically all available in the same colour, so it’s an easy way to have a matching and linked gift for birthdays and Christmases to come.
Paris mills are available from £31.99 although the price is impacted by the height.
Custom mugs
It’s a classic for a reason, there’s something nice about dads looking at their children’s faces when they make their morning brew. While there are plenty of generic mugs in the supermarket, Moonpig offers mugs for £11.99 with the opportunity to add your own pictures. Quite a few even offer five pictures alongside a sweet message so it’s a great opportunity to get in siblings too.
Emma Bridgewater also offers personalised mugs, from £19, but they’re hand painted which means that there will be a name or initials rather than a printed image. For those who like the hand painted touch but want something more personal Pott’d Paintables Paint-a-Mug Kit is available on Amazon. It’s £29 for a single mug or £34 for two, it could be a cute activity with dad or a fun surprise on the day.
Experience Days
My dad has told me out right how cool he thinks the driving experience days look. Virgin has a massive range of them available up and down the country with prices from £25. It’s important to read the small print though as some are only allowed on certain days
Whether it’s drivign an American Big Rig Truck (£148), a Lamborghini (£182.50) or simply classic cars (£25) there’s quite a big variety of options. It’s not just driving days though, there are stadium tours, cocktail masterclasses and more. What’s more, if you are working on the really last minute you can get a virtual voucher so you don’t even have to worry about how long it takes to get delivered.
Alcohol
Whether it’s a bottle of rum, whisky or a nice bottle of wine, booze tends to always go down a treat as a present. My dad prefers rum so I’ll be reaching for a bottle of my favourite Project #173 Butterscotch Rum, which is currently £20.95 on Master of Malt, but there’s a lot of other flavour options. At 42% it’s on the strong side but great for sipping neat. It could also be a good idea to get drinking glasses to elevate the experience.
For those who don’t like darker liquors, Smirnoff recently came out with Miami Peach flavoured vodka which is available in premixed cans with lemonade as well as a 70cl bottle for £18.49. Inspired by the Miami beach lifestyle this peach vodka is ideal for garden parties and is even said to be delicious in a peach mojito.
It’s important to note that alcohol should be drunk responsibly.
Candles
Candles can change the atmosphere of an entire room and while they might more often be first thoughts for Mother’s Day, there’s no reason dads can’t also enjoy. WoodWick Renew Tomato Leaf & Basil is a great option, and currently £20.62 on Amazon. Terra Haze is also a new scent from the Woodwick Candles range at Yankee Candle. It’s currently reduced to £24.74 at Boots and aims to replicate the scent of ‘nature being stripped down to its molecules’. The candle has a natural scent that fills a room without being overpowering and the crackling wick adds a touch of ambiance that can’t be denied.
Bath and Body Works Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity (£32.99), is often described as ‘smelling like a man’ with woody notes and a touch of frosted lavender. It could be a nice option for dads who are looking for a relaxing moment to themselves.