Ah, a fellow procrastinator, I see. I wanted to write this Father’s Day gift guide earlier last month (ADHD is what it is) and I finally pulled myself together enough to make a start on it… but the second I finished writing the title, a pigeon fell down the kitchen chimney and got itself wedged above the extractor fan.
So that put a slight spanner in the works, and here I am with only 10 days (now 9) and only two weekends to go until Father’s Day, still not writing this post! 1 day to go…
If you’re looking for ideas for Father’s Day then keep reading, I decided to book out a screen at the cinema (cheaper than taking all 5 kids for some reason!?) and we’re going to be having a private screening of Inside Out 2. Most will opt for a meal but being the social hermit that I am, I think I’m going to opt for a takeout curry!
When is Father’s Day in the UK?
Father’s Day in the UK falls on the 16th of June, 2024. Realistically, if you’re planning to buy anything personalised or customised, you should be doing it before the weekend (8th/9th) is over. For those of us who really like to procrastinate on when getting gifts for dad, then make sure your Amazon or Argos basket is checked out by Friday the 14th!
Tick Tock Tick Tock
Oops – it’s now the final weekend. Quick, get to the shops! Alternatively, if you’re really out of ideas, then here’s the top 10 best sellers from Amazon for “Fathers Day Gifts”. Better planning next year eh!
Table of Contents
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), I haven’t had anyone to buy for in a while. However, I did task myself with getting my own gifts to dish out to the kids this year, as Father’s Day falls a few days after my birthday each year, and quite frankly, the stress of having to source gifts for two occasions so close together is a bit of a nightmare.
So, I’ve perused the interwebs and found a few gifts that I found particularly appealing. Whether your dad is a tech enthusiast, a foodie, or someone who just wants a nap (HINT), this guide has got you covered.
Oh, and before we get started, our feathery friend was safe and sound, and I’ll be posting the pictures on Instagram later.
Now, back to the task at hand – finding that ideal Father’s Day gift!
Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Every Kind of Dad
For the Tech Enthusiast & Gamer Dad
If your Dad is anything like me and can’t get enough of gadgets around the house, and you want to get him something techy then definitely have a chat with him first!
I have smart lights in every socket, security covering the whole perimeter of the house, and I’m controlling pretty much every element from my phone. We have most consoles dotted around the house. The only thing I’m really missing at this point is a Steam Deck, and as much as I want one, I know I just don’t have the time to play it!
- Faster storage
- Carrying case
- Smart Home Gadgets / Tech Upgrades: It’s cliché, but smart speakers, extra monitors, or maybe dad’s been eyeing up the latest graphics card for his rig. Definitely speak to the tech-savvy dad before buying anything, as there’s so much tech out there, and it’d be a shame to buy something that isn’t compatible with the existing setup… not to mention, he probably already knows exactly what his next tech purchase is!
- Latest Gadgets or Consoles: Think drones, maybe a new smartwatch, or has Dad been waiting for the latest Switch release or games for the Xbox?
- Smart Home Appliances: This one is a bit age-dependent. I’m nearly pushing 40 at this point and used to revel in a drone or some newfangled gadget. But as I get older, convenience and comfort are my priorities. Anything around the household that can make my life less “bendy,” I am infinitely appreciative of.
Think along the lines of robot vacuums, smart washing machines etc. I always wanted a roomba (and yes part of me desperately wants to see my cats riding on it), but not having to hoover and pick up crumbies all day every day would save my back a lot of grief, so I went ahead and treated myself and the family to a Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid this Father’s Day.
I’ll post a review of it in the upcoming weeks, and hopefully a cat compilation of my own too!
(Update: If you’ve been on the fence about getting a robot vacuum, just do it. The kids absolutely love the thing and it’s saved so much of my time cleaning already!!!)
- Navigate with Precision: AI.Map 2.0 Technology…
- Maximize Clean, Minimize Hassle: UltraPack…
- Double the Power, Double the Clean: Twin-Turbine…
- Seamless Smart Home Integration: Designed for…
For the Foodie Dad
- Gourmet Gift Baskets: Fill it with dad’s favourite treats, whether it’s cheese, chocolate, or a fine selection of beers or craft ales. I don’t drink anymore, but I fondly remember when my wife bought a small selection of Westmalle Tripel off of Amazon for me.
If you’re struggling to source the stock, you can get an empty basket if you’re going to make it yourself, or buy a pre-made basket if you’re not sure what to fill it with! - Cooking Gadgets: If your dad is always in the kitchen, then something along the lines of a new Chef’s Knife wouldn’t go amiss. I always loved the idea of getting a bluetooth enabled thermometer (mainly because I’m so forgetful).
For the Outdoorsy Dad
- Camping Gear: A new tent, a portable-grill, or a comfy sleeping bag can make dad’s outdoor adventures even better. My experience camping has been solely festival oriented, but I’m determined to take the kids camping soon!
- Activity Passes: Gift him a fishing trip, a round of golf, or tickets to something sporty.
For the Artsy and Muso Dad
- Art Supplies: A set of high-quality paints, sketchbooks, or even a new easel can inspire his next masterpiece. Maybe he’s been looking at a new set of Holbein pencils or even some new crochet hooks (don’t judge me, crochet is hard)!
- Concert Tickets or Art Classes: Give him an experience to remember with tickets to his favourite band or maybe there’s an art class he’s been contemplating?
- Musical Instruments & Gear: This is a bit more personal, but have a chat with Dad as to whether he’s thought about upgrading his rig or setup. In a past life, I rocked a Marshall TSL 100 JCM 2000 with a full stack 1960 a&b cab – 5 children and a breakdown or two later I realised that I haven’t so much as touched my guitars in nearly 5 years. So I treated myself to a Scarlett 2i2 in the hopes of recording some new music. It would however have made an excellent Father’s Day gift!
(As an aside, this was inspiration enough to start recording again and I’ve even gone as far as to release an EP with a hidden message to my family in it — I can’t wait to tell them on my birthday. For anyone interested, feel free to tell Alexa (or Google/Spotify/Apple Music etc) to play Dadcore – 23 Minutes in Tokyo)
For the Relaxation-Seeking Dad
- Comfort Gifts: A new bathrobe, some embossed slippers, or a massage chair pad could be just what he needs. The wife treated me to a Comfier Shiatsu Back Massager with Vibration and Heat last year, as my back has given me grief since a motorcycle accident that left me on the floor on a roundabout! Something that I can highly recommend (the chair, not the motorbike accident).
- Subscription Boxes: Monthly deliveries of books, snacks, or even craft beers to keep him delighted all year round.
- A Nap: I’ve been telling the wife and kids for years, the only thing I ever really want for my birthday and Father’s Day is a little sleep-in and maybe a nap later in the day. I love the gifts, the effort, the time spent on me, but sometimes Daddy just need a little sleep.
- Adjustable Deep Kneading Massage: The back massager features Shiatsu rollers with 4 rotating nodes that can move up and down, mimic the massage hands, perform deep tissue massage on knots and muscles which brings relaxation throughout the body. ( 2 adjustable intensity levels for options)
- Customize Zone Massage: The shiatsu back massager allows you to customize the zone and enjoy a relaxing massage as you wish. You can choose to focus the kneading massage on certain zone of your back, including Full back, Upper back and Lower Back. Also you can use SPOT massage feature to concentrate your massage on a specific area on your back for pin-point relaxation
- Soothing Heat Therapy: The Shiatsu back massage chair features heating function. The optional heating comes from heating areas that provide soothing warmth while the shiatsu balls go across your entire back
- Portable Chair Massager: The integrated strapping system secures the massage chair to almost any of the chairs. You can place this massage device on a recliner, sofa, couch, office chair to enjoy a therapeutic massage in the comfort of your home or office. This back massage cushion will be a perfect gift for your loved ones
- Vibration Seat Massage: Vibration massage on seat with 3 adjustable intensity levels, providing a comfortable mild massage for hip and thighs. Perfect Christmas gift for mom,Valentines gifts for him
For the Sentimental Dad
- Personalised Gifts: Custom photo books, engraved keep sake boxes, or bespoke artwork can be a heartfelt way to show your appreciation. My wife has this amazing way of finding the most precious engraved boxes and I appreciate the effort she puts in on the kids behalf for me.
- Family Experience Days: Plan a family outing to a family favourite spot or treat your Dad to that racing experience or flying experience he’s always wanted. Bless my wife, she did buy me a flight experience in Brighton many moons ago. It was cancelled 3 or 4 times and the company folded not long after!
- Hand Print / Foot Prints or Home Made Cards etc: I absolutely adore the effort that my wife and the kids have put in when making hand and foot print based arts. I also much prefer home-made cards (low effort a4 folded paper or custom card stock, I’m really not fussed) to store bought, every day of the week.
For the Dad’s with Special Interests or When All Else Fails
If you’re really struggling for a gift, then there’s always LEGO or Nerf Guns. I prefer LEGO personally as I’ve got entire wardrobe full of Nerf Guns that I’m probably not going to get around to using until the little ones are a bit older. I can’t wait to rain hellfire down on all of them for the years of treading on LEGO that they’ve subjected me to.
If your dad is a gamer dad, then you probably know if he’s of the Sonic, Mario or Zelda variety… no prizes for guessing which flavour I got!
What Do You Want For Father’s Day?
Remember, it’s the thought that counts. I don’t care if the kids or the wife give me cards or gifts on special occasions but whether your Dad is a same isn’t something I can tell you! So whether it’s a grand gesture or a simple token, making your Dad feel appreciated is what really matters.
So, happy shopping, creating or crafting and here’s to a fantastic Father’s Day!
I’d also love to hear from other dad’s out there on what it is they’re hoping to get or do this Father’s Day.
1 Comment
Toby
Buy your Dad: proper work wear trousers. Go a size larger than he says he is :+)
Even if he has a desk job, he will love them for DIY work.
Galaxy chocolate. Everyone knows it’s the best out there. Forget Belgian.
A pile of old magazines from the 60’s or 70’s. Popular Science and Popular Mechanics are both addictive reads.
A decent ecig kit with 1.8mcg strength menthol. He will hate you until July. Then he will realise just what a favour you’ve done for him…
A vintage Airfix kit. Obviously it’s too late now, but do a printout of the box art.
Finally, Ladybird How to Make a Transistor Radio. A beautifully crafted masterpiece. Everything to build it is still available online. Oh, Haynes do a full kit which builds into an ace radio. No need to source the parts.
I had the best ever dad.