Geez, is it that time already? If you’re stumped for ideas for what to buy the dad in your life, here’s a Father’s Day gift guide, by an actual father!
That’s right, I’m pretty much your common garden dad, a normal and everyday bloke. I’m going to make it really easy for you to find a great gift. You don’t have to wrack your brains for something, us men are simple creatures with simple desires. Most of the best Father’s Day gifts can be broken down within these categories.
Watches
Almost everyone that knows me is aware that I’m a bit of a watch nerd, and it’s far from an unusual hobby for men to have. I believe that there’s a latent watch enthusiast hidden within every bloke. All any guy needs is a nice watch or two to set him off.
Of course, we’re not talking Christmas or birthdays here though. Most folk spend a little less on Father’s Day than on the major holidays, so don’t feel that you have to run off to a Rolex dealer in order to find a nice Father’s Day present (although, if my family are reading, I do like the look of the new green dial Datejust if you’re feeling extra flush).
You can actually find a watch that’s iconic, durable, and currently pretty darn trendy for around £20.
Everyone loves a digital Casio. Whether it’s a classic F91W-1 with a plastic strap, or an A168WA with metal bracelet.
Trust me, what Casio lack in snappy model names, they make up for in reliability. I had these back in school, and each time I see them now, I’m overcome with temptation to strap a bit of nostalgia onto my wrist. If your gift recipient is an 80s/90s kid, then he’ll undoubtedly be happy with one of these.
Personalised Items for a Garden Bar
If your dad is lucky enough to have a garden bar, why not get him some personalised merch? I’m a big fan of custom coasters and beer mats to give the bar a real pub feel.
A New Apple Watch Strap
What? You mean a watch without the bit that tells the time?
Yes! If your recipient already has a watch that they’re happy with, new NATO straps can create an entirely new look for his old timepiece.
Straps tend to take the strain of regular wear, and it’s not uncommon to see scuffed-up bracelets or grubby straps after several years of wearing the same watch. It makes sense to switch them up every so often.
The best thing is that you can find new straps to fit almost any type of watch. If your recipient has an Apple Watch though, you’re really spoilt for choice!
Specialist retailers like The Watch Strap Co have a dizzying variety of different straps and bracelets for Apple Watches. You can make your Apple Watch instantly dressier by adding a steel link or Milanese-style mesh bracelet, or funk it up with silicone loop bands or NATO-style straps. There really is a plethora of options available to you.
The straps The Watch Strap Co feature are more akin to the premium offerings you’d find on a luxury Swiss watch than those normally bundled with smartwatches, with premium leather and suede-finished straps available too.
Personalised Gifts
Some of my favourite Father’s Day gifts have been things made for me by my son. I’m a big sop like that, and love any pictures he’s made especially for Father’s Day.
If you want to take this to the next level, why not have gifts made from your child’s original artwork? That picture could be adorning mugs, mouse mats, or even clothing!
There’s a multitude of items that can be customised and ordered online now. Even if you can’t decide on anything he might use, you can have the picture framed or put on a canvas from most of the same places.
If you’re interested in surprising your dad with something a little different, you could also try personalising items via metal stamping. Impressart produce tools and stamps that make it easy to leave a personal touch on most metallic items. You might decide to personalise a ring, or a metal tankard or flask. Your list of options is as long as your imagination!
Something for Car Enthusiasts
If your dad takes care of the appearance of his car, a DIY touch-up paint kit can be a thoughtful Father’s Day present suggestion. All the supplies required to repair small scratches and chips in his car’s paint are included in the kit. He can keep his car looking like new without spending money on expert repairs thanks to this economical approach. Giving your dad this kit will enable him to take pride in the overall condition of his car and maintain its beauty.
For the Dad Who Loves Unique Hobbies
If your dad is the type who loves to pick up unusual hobbies, a starter lock picking kit might be the perfect gift. It’s not just a toolset; it’s an engaging and educational experience. He can learn the intricacies of locks, develop a steady hand, and perhaps use his new skills in practical scenarios. This can be a great conversation starter and a unique addition to his collection of tools and gadgets. Plus, it’s always fun to master a new skill that is both challenging and rewarding.
A Drop to Drink
It doesn’t necessarily have to be boozy (there’s plenty of premium coffees for teetotalers), but after a hard day dadding there’s nothing better than being able to put your feet up and enjoy a drink.
Of course, you’ll need to have an inkling of what your gift recipient already likes before buying anything. Once you have this information, there’s two ways to go about getting a gift.
You can either play it safe and get him exactly the same as what he normally drinks, or mix it up and try to impress.
By ‘mix it up’ I don’t mean you should buy an expensive gin for a cider drinker, but rather, if he likes Guinness why not hunt out a craft stout instead? Google’s your friend here, just search for similar drinks to what they like. This is especially easy for spirit drinkers: whisky and rum firms often have multiple expressions of various ages throughout the same line. Your dad likes the standard Appleton Estate? Try him with the 12-year-old Rare Casks.
Dad and Baby Gift Hampers
If your house has only recently started to hear the pitter patter of tiny feet, then a joint baby and dad gift is a great idea. Your first Father’s Day is pretty special, and it’s lovely to be able to share it with your new addition that’s turning your world upside down!
A little while ago, you’d have struggled to find joint dad and baby gifts, but The Baby Hamper Company now offers beautiful hampers with contents for both.
Their luxury hamper for example, contains sleepsuits, swaddles and milestone cards for baby, and premium coffee, chocolate and candles for dads. Finally – someone’s realised that we need to unwind once in a while too!
Gift Experiences
With Covid restrictions lifting everywhere, gift experience vouchers are now firmly back in play!
The great thing about experience gifts is that there’s so many different types to choose from that you’re bound to find something to appeal.
Got a dad in your life who’s a bit of an adrenaline junkie? Sign him up for some wing walking or skydiving.
Does he prefer the more refined things in life? Take him fine dining.
Is he mad about cars? Strap him into a supercar and let him take it for a spin round a racing circuit.
Not only do these make for great gifts, but you’ll also be able to make some amazing memories along the way.
So there you have it. Father’s Day gift-buying needn’t be stressful, just choose from any of these categories and you’ll struggle to go wrong. With that out the way, you can just relax and enjoy the day!