Meaningful ways to celebrate Father’s Day this year
With Father’s Day just a few days away (21 June, for those who haven’t marked it in the calendar yet!), now’s the time to start thinking about the perfect present or gesture for your father figure if you haven’t done so already.
Whether you’re buying for your dad, your father-in-law, your stepdad, an uncle, grandad, family friend, or indeed, for a new dad, we’ve put together a selection of gifts that he’s guaranteed to love at any age. We’ve also come up with some heartfelt suggestions on how you can show him how much you care, should you currently be social distancing from one another.
On a separate note, to those for whom Father’s Day is a difficult day, we’d like to extend our sincere love and support.
Plan his perfect post-lockdown day out
Instead of a physical present, why not give your dad the gift of a perfectly-curated day out when it’s safe to do so? Create a cute graphic on Canva which runs through all the things you’d like to treat him to, be it going to watch his favourite football team play or take him for a pie and a pint at his favourite gastro pub. Think about his passions, and use them to create a meaningful experience that you can enjoy together.
M&S COTTON SHIRT
A classic shirt will always go down well, but this subtle sage hue will give it a cool twist. This comfy cotton shirt boasts a flattering narrow cut, too, which will ensure a sleek fit. Perfect for sunny days or for layering over his favourite graphic tee.
£19.50, Marksandspencer.com
ORGANISE A SURPRISE VIDEO CALL
If you don’t live with dad, there are still ways to celebrate and share your day virtually. With Zoom being the most popular video-callingat the moment, but Skype, FaceTime, TikTok, and video calling through Facebook are also still good options to catch up and see your (hopefully tech-savvy dad) grinning into the camera with beer in hand. Invite the entire family to join in, too, wherever they may be.
Oro gin
The smoothest gin, distilled to perfection in Dumfries, we think any dad would love a bottle of Oro this Father’s Day. Silky enough to be served neat, or as the ideal foundation for his roster of cocktails, this would be a much-loved addition to any drinks cabinet.
£38, Orogin.co.uk
Jorum ‘Arborist’ EDP
Fresh from Scotland’s newest fragrance house, Jorum Studio, ‘Arborist’ is an enchanting and unusual fragrance. With nods to Scots timbers, raw flowers, botanicals and forest fruits, ‘Arborist’ hints at worked skin, whisky distilleries and woodland walks. A contemporary classic for the fragrance connoisseur.
£59, Jorumstudio.com
Loake ‘Balmoral’ weekend bag
Whether your dad’s a jetsetter or just likes to look good on the go, a luxury weekender bag is a great gift. We think that this timeless brown leather Balmoral bag from Loake is a classic choice; available in three variations, with smooth and grain leathers to choose from, it’s incredibly spacious and the stylish choice for any weekend away.
£235, Loake.co.uk
ACE & TATE SUNGLASSES
We’re firm believers in stylish shades, and this pair of Ace & Tate glasses will give his look a modern update. Full-rimmed with a rounded shape, in chic acetate, this is a classic look with a 2020 twist.
From £98, Aceandtate.com
Create an at-home cinema experience
If your dad is a bit of a film buff, make up for the fact that he can’t get to the cinema by creating the ultimate movie night from the comfort of his front room. Ensure his go-to tipples and snacks are on hand, and print off your very own cinema ticket stubs, personalised with his favourite films.
Balblair 12-year-old whisky
We can’t think of a dad who doesn’t love a dram (or two) of the good stuff, so gift him a bottle of the Highlands’ finest, Balblair. A fine balance of fruit, spice and sweetness, this is an elegant whisky that even newbies will love, and is the signature of the distillery. Expect notes of lemon, vanilla, honey, orange and apple, for a creamy, spicy sip.
£43.84, Masterofmalt.com
give the gift of grooming
He might not be able to visit his favourite barber right now but, buy treating him to a voucher for it, you’ll help keep one of his go-to businesses afloat, and give him something to look forward to. Win-win.
Hancock Article 1 vulcanised rubber raincoat
Yes, this is a lavish gift – but hear us out. Hancock’s coats (designed and made in Glasgow) will last you a lifetime, and we can’t think of an occasion where this timeless navy style wouldn’t work. 100% waterproof, with a quilted liner and interchangeable collar and hood, this really is an investment purchase that we think is worth every penny.
£700, hancockva.com
HOST A BACK GARDEN BBQ
If the sun is shining, make the most of it with a BBQ (and an ice-cold beer)! If you don't have a BBQ already, not to worry— with Argos and B&Q stores open until 4pm on a Sunday, and convenience stores open until later in the evening, you can practically plan this on the day. Just make sure you're being careful and following social distancing rules.
longines conquest vhp gents watch
A watch is a (pardon the pun) timeless present, especially when it’s as classic as this Longines one. In brushed stainless steel with an obsidion face, this is a sophisticated everyday watch that will ensure he thinks of you daily. You could even get it engraved to make it extra special…
£780, Laings
TAKE A HIKE
While you may not be able to sit in the same room as one another, if you live close enough and are prepared to adhere to social distancing, what’s stopping you from taking a walk together? Dust off those walking shoes, find a nice route, and let your legs lead the way. Whether you live in a built-up urban area or a rural village, there are bound to be some great walking trails to explore.
Next embossed moccasin slippers
We defy you to find a dad who wouldn’t secretly be thrilled to be gifted with a fresh pair of slippers—especially as he’s likely getting more wear out of them now than ever before. Made of chic embossed tan leather, he can sink his feet into a memory foam footbed and pad about the house in style thanks to this pair from Next.