“A bit of peace and quiet” – that is invariably the answer to what most Dads truly desire for Father’s Day...
Secretly, they all want a Rolex and a sports car, but if budgets don’t permit, we have found some great affordable and thoughtful ideas.
Of course, if you don’t get the chance to buy a present, nothing beats a lie-in, a pub lunch and some DIY artwork from your little ones (the more glitter the better).
Otherwise here is our pick of the ‘little somethings’ to make the hero of your family’s heart sing.
Something Sweet
We love the witty, light-hearted illustrations of instagram star Mr. Slow Boy, and the artist has just teamed up with Fortnum & Mason for Father’s Day to create four, limited edition ‘Dad’ designs. Choose from ‘The Adventurer’, ‘The Foodie’ ‘The Dapper’ and ‘The Collector’ – each limited edition in print (there are just 12 of each design), is drawn on museum grade paper, and we simply love!
Something Luxurious
Sometimes its nice to give something he doesn’t know he needs, but that he really loves – especially if its beautifully designed and impossibly luxurious. L’Objet is just the place for such items – glorious Cubisme bookends inspired by Mayan history and architecture, a Gecko magnifying glass or gold snake letter opener – I mean, who doesn’t want one?
SHOP: L’Objet bookend, £195.
Something Scented
Dolce & Gabbana’s The One is one of the best-selling men’s aftershaves of all time, and Grey is its latest incarnation. With citrus and grapefruit, a touch of spice and earthy vetiver – if you want to surprise him with a new scent, this is a sure-fire bet.
SHOP: Dolce & Gabbana perfume, £54
Something Pampering
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, when it comes to a scented gift there is nothing nicer than Claus Porto. Treat him to one of the Real Musgo hot towel sets, they have everything a man needs for shaving in style – brush, bowl or delicious soap (that you can also steal). Bonus.
SHOP: Claus Porto soap, £14.
Something Playful
If he’s a beach bum at heart, then one gift he will never forget is a bat and ball set from Frescobol Carioca. Handcrafted in Brazil by skilled artisans using only driftwood collected by hand, each bat is truly unique – and it’s a gift the whole family can enjoy.
Something Uplifting
Regardless of his style, every man loves a soft, elegant scarf to lift his look and his day – whether in stylish stripes or zingy hues – it will brighten his work uniform and make him feel the part.
SHOP: Zara scarf, £19.99.
Something Personal
If you are thinking of collating some of his favourite pictures this year, Papier has a wonderful hardback photo book to showcase the memories. You could get creative and include his favourite cartoon, map or book cover, they also do personalised cards so it really is all about him.
SHOP: Papier photobook, £44.
Something Adventurous
For those adventurous at heart, this Cities and Towns guide by the New York Times is the perfect taste of his dream destinations. From a ramble through Lisbon’s colourful backstreets to a bike tour through Tokyo’s bright lights, the newspaper’s writers and photographers offer an unforgettable insight into destinations around the world.
Something Techy
Small enough to fit in the palm of his hand, the Lexon Mino, mini, rechargeable Bluetooth speakers are perfect for the tech-loving dad. The French design company create a host innovative accessories, but these are our favourites. In a rainbow of colours and equipped with a remote button that syncs up to your phone to take selfies – they’re a great little gadget.
SHOP: Lexon Bluetooth speakers, £29.
Something Dapper
If he is hard to buy for wardrobe-wise, one gift he will really appreciate is a slick, luxurious belt. Anderson’s are the ultimate, in buttery-soft, full-grain leather, or supple nubuck, they have been hand-finished in the same Northern Italian factory for half a century.
SHOP: Anderson’s belt, £100.
Something Novelty
Men’s Society is a great source of cute Father’s Day gift ideas that aren’t expensive. Our favourite is the Dapper Daddy shoe polish kit – with carnauba and beeswax polish – the kids could include their own voucher to promise buff his brogues for a week as an extra treat.
Something Indulgent
Elemis has teamed up with fashion illustrator Megan Morrison (@TravelWriteDraw) to create luxury Travel Write Draw accessories. The wash bag (lined inside with Megan’s designs) features all of his grooming essentials – Deep Cleanse facial wash, Daily Moisture Boost, Instant Refreshing gel – and is the perfect pick-me-up for all of those work trips.
SHOP: Elemis travel set, £45.