Hands up who's never opted for socks and undies for their Dad or their children's Dad. I bet there's not a single hand up in the air right now!
What is it with us? Why do we think that boring (or worse - cheesy!) under garments are an acceptable form of gift for a fella? I mean, let's face it, if we were gifted with a bra from our kids for Mother's Day we'd all find it pretty damn weird.
They may be practical, but I decided to have a nose and find some gift ideas that blast socks and boxies right out the water, and for any occasion - not just Father's Day. Practical doesn't have to be pitiful...
1. T-shirts.
Yes they're just as practical, but you can choose from a bajillion designs out there - no more boring or cheesy 'best dad' stuff! Try clothing that's inspired by a love of the recipient. For example, Insert Coin offer clothing and accessories that are inspired by computer games so it's a double whammy for any gamers out there. I've just ordered hubby 3 t-shirts yesterday - I hope they arrive tomorrow ready for Father's Day!
2. Grooming/Hygiene products.
Why we think deodorant and shower gel is also acceptable to gift is baffling. Take a tactile approach instead and focus on a particular feature of the recipient. My hubby is particularly fond of his beard but doesn't treat it with as much care and attention as he does with the hair on his head. A beard grooming kit for him is practical, and also incredibly thoughtful. I love the idea of the full Beardman's kit from a company I stumbled across called BeardBrand, albeit way out of my price range. No facial hair? Then buy a fake beard - it would be brilliant for someone who doesn't have/can't grow a beard, ha! Seriously though, don't be scared to think outside of the box - it may be that they keep good care of their hands and nails?
3. Gadgets.
Whenever the word gadget is mentioned, I automatically think of extortionately priced games or tablets etc but I am SO wrong! A quick nose at Hawkin's Bazaar and I was sold on the idea of practical gadgets for dad that don't cost a month's wage! From old skool cassette shaped speakers for your smart phone (cool!) to remote control helicopters for the Dad who's a kid at heart, there are loads to choose from.
4. Booze.
Most Dad's would enjoy nothing more than a nice cold pint on Father's Day/their birthday etc. But go one step further to make their gift plentiful as well as practical. A couple of years ago I won a a bottle of vodka on twitter called Black Moth. It was the most beautiful vodka I've ever tasted - nothing at all like your supermarket stuff and, admittedly, double the price, but it stands head and shoulders above any others you could gift. It even contains truffles - Super special! More a whisky man? I've heard lots of good things about David Beckham's Haig Club whisky!
5. Wallet
It's practical, it's a necessity and there are some really beautifully made and presentable wallets out there if you stop and look for a minute or two. Take this Hugo Boss one from House of Fraser, it's absolutely stunning (and currently half price!)
If none of the above tickle your fancy then try this...
6. A Money Tree.
This one was stumbled across over at Hawkin's Bazaar when I was looking at gadgets. Hilarious!
Hey, they're always wishing for one!
I think my dad would like more the wallet but hubby he would probably enjoy all the ones listed apart from the money tree... hehehe but that's because he has to take care of it! :P
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Booze is generally good. Just love the 'Grow your own money' gadget! That would be good for Christmas time too.
ReplyDeleteMy husband loves aftershave and booze so he's easy to buy for- my dad is a pain to buy for but I bought him a little remote controlled dalek years ago and he loves it
ReplyDeleteI never know what to get males so this is great, totally think my other half needs a money tree. x
ReplyDeleteI'm all about the money tree, I have one at home that I love and nurture which has lasted me for years. Great gift ideas.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of a money tree, my husband is always going on about us wasting money on more toys!
ReplyDeleteI laughed out loud at this post. Seriously though, indeed socks an dparticularly underwear are quite a bad gift. My Dad however did at several occasions actually ask for socks (but he asked my grandma specifically to knit them for him, because he didn't like any socks sold at the store).
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I have always steered clear of undies and socks as man gifts but it is tricky to know what to buy some times!
ReplyDeleteGreat gift ideas for men. Gadgets are brilliant for guys.
ReplyDeletehehehe....I love the Money tree! What a fun idea. Great ideas x
ReplyDeleteMy dad and Husband have very strict rules about the sort of socks and undergarments they like to wear so I find it easier to let them buy their own and opt for aftershave or beer!
ReplyDeleteThe money tree and the cassette speaker are great ideas! x
ReplyDeleteLots of great ideas. I love the idea of the money tree! Hehe perfect gift
ReplyDeleteSuch great ideas and the money tree is an unusual one too, my hubby would love the list x
ReplyDeleteHaha I never know what to get the men in my life. I've told my parents/ in laws what to get my OH this year (new set of kitchen knives and a new toolbox with some tools) and now I haven't got anything left to buy him myself..oops
ReplyDeleteI love these gift ideas, although my husband always moans that he never has enough socks! x
ReplyDeleteHaha, I hold my hands up. I am guilty of being a socks and undie-gift buyer!
ReplyDeleteThe money tree looks awesome I can just imagine dads out there getting excited when they unwrap it!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fadedspring.co.uk
It's ian's birthday next week so might get him the money tree as a gift from the children hehe!
ReplyDeleteI would love a money tree for myself nevermind the man in my life :-)
ReplyDeleteI am always struggling with what to buy! My boyfriend birthdays is soon and I have no clue what to buy him!
ReplyDeleteI'm desperate to buy my partner a waterproof beard trimmer to save me from having to constantly clean up after him when he's used the razor over the sink! gggrrrr x
ReplyDeleteI find my fiance so hard to buy for sometimes, because he literally just gets himself whatever he wants or needs. I fall into the same old trap of clothes, but this has given me some good ideas!
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