Some years ago, at the start of a long drive to a wedding at the other end of the country, we discovered that we didn’t have a present to bring to the happy couple. Imagine our horror, when someone in the car suggested – without irony – that we “might be able to pick up something” en-route.
Thinking back, one wonders what they thought could be procured from the confines of the M6. Would the newly-weds appreciate a tin of boiled sweets and a travel cushion for the honeymoon? The latest Jack Reacher paperback? Some screen wash? A sweaty microwaveable burger, perhaps? Beyond your average box of chocs and bunch of flowers, service stations offer a weak selection of meaningful gifts.
Finding that perfect gift requires a little bit more consideration, which is why we’re sounding the annual klaxon for Father’s Day on Sunday 15th June. Yes, we want to avoid any panic buying situations, because the man who raised you deserves more than a half-eaten Ginsters steak slice.
Unlike a straightforward wedding list, the Old Man rarely provides any clues to his wants or needs, so we’re often left scratching our heads. Don’t stress, Ape would never leave you scrabbling for a present at the side of the motorway: our Father’s Day gift list has got him covered.
A shaving ritual worth getting up for
With perfect timing, Jo Malone London has just expanded its men’s grooming essentials with two luxury shaving products wrapped in the refined woody scent of cedar and juniper. Created for all skin types, the Black Cedarwood & Juniper Shaving Cream (£45) boasts an ultra rich formula containing hyaluronic acid, shea butter and glycerine for super smooth skin. For the trad Dad, it can can be used with a shaving brush and bowl for the full barbershop experience at home.
Packed with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, the Black Cedarwood & Juniper Aftershave Moisturiser (£45) is a soothing, calming and hydrating treatment that can be used directly after shaving or as a general moisturiser to keep the skin supple and healthy. Individually, or as a set, they make an indulgent and useful gift for the Boomer Dad who wouldn’t be seen dead with so much as a five o’clock shadow, while equally enjoyable for the less committed shaver.
Not just any Father’s Day, make it an M&S Father’s Day
Some Dads are proud to sport their garish Hawaiian shirt collection. What happens in Vegas, should stay in Vegas, as they say, but this Cotton Blend Palm Print Shirt (£32) from High Street stalwart, M&S, ticks all the boxes; offering a more harmonious look for vacations, summer occasions and general casual wear, cool, breathable cotton to keep him comfortable on warmer days, and the print is also available in miniature for the whole family. Twinning with the smallest family members always creates super stylish family portraits, especially for new Grandads and Dads. The ‘Mini Me’ palm print shirt (£10) is available from 0-8 years, and it also comes in a sun dress (£18, 2-8 yrs) and in an adorable baby outfit (£18, 0-3 yrs). Dress them, snap it, print it, frame it – and treasure the moment.
Shop now at Marks & Spencer, in stores nationwide.
Don’t sleep on personalised pyjamas
Given that some Dads are happy to wear the same old sloppy clothes around the house until they fall apart, upping his loungewear game is sure to score some points, or at least, less embarrassing to be seen in whilst putting the bins out.
Derek Rose is the king of sleepwear and the Men’s Lounge Shorts (£135) and Lounge T-Shirt (£105) can be mixed and matched in a choice of 15 colours. The summer palette includes juicy shades of apricot, spiced orange, turquoise and sapphire, as well as classic neutrals to suit more reserved tastes. The lounge shorts have a functional design, with elastic and tie front waist with silver aglets, two front and one rear pocket. And, the comfy micro modal stretch material is resistant to pilling and retains its shape, while both items come in a full size range from XS all the way up to 3XL.
The other thing we appreciate about Derek Rose is the secret messaging (£30) that allows a hidden label to be stitched inside certain garments with a personal note of your choice. For the stretchy jersey material of this co-ord, you can use the monogramming service (£15) and add a special motif to the chest (£20), such as a heart, crab or dog, to really make it his own. Go on – give the local bin men something to talk about.
A sporty, speedy carry on for F1 enthusiasts
For the well-travelled Dad who’s often working away, the Atlassian Williams Racing Carry On by Carl Friedrik (£345) is the perfect cabin bag. Just the right size for a short trip, this hard case comes in the British F1 team colours of white and navy blue. With an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell case, TSA approved locks, and lined, zipped mesh compartments for organised packing. The 360 degree spinner wheels and pull up handle promise a smooth ride that can handle tight corners. It’s
guaranteed to help him best his fastest time to passport control, he’ll zoom past the laggards waiting at baggage reclaim, and secure pole position at the head of the taxi rank.
Give him an immersive, one-of-a-kind timepiece
Watch collectors, and anyone with a fondness for history, diving or nerdy facts will love the detail in this new watch from Swiss watchmaker, Blancpain. Marking the 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms, Blancpain has crafted a unique collection of timepieces, in collaboration with Swatch, that celebrate it’s renowned first diver’s watch. In 1953, when the original was launched, fifty fathoms (91m/300ft) was the maximum achievable depth for scuba divers.
A revolutionary design at the time, the new Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms boasts similar innovation, using an advanced material made with two thirds ceramic and one third castor oil, developed and patented by Swatch, with NATO straps made from recycled fishing nets. Equipped with Swatch’s SISTEM51, each movement is fully automated and anti-magnetic, and visible thanks to a transparent display back, adorned with an digital print illustration of a detailed, vibrant nudibranch from each of the world’s five oceans. This soft bodied marine gastropod – otherwise known as a sea slug – has never looked better. Of the nine styles, five represent the world’s oceans, along with a black Ocean of Storms model. We’re loving the Green Abyss, which is styled in a deep green hue with a Regal Sea Goddess on the case back. The best bit? The entire range is priced at £350.
Show now at select Swatch boutiques
Buy one for he, and one for me
Families can be complicated, so if have more than one father figure to shop for – or you just fancy bagging a treat for yourself at the same time – Harry’s has launched a timely ‘Feel Good, Fathers’ BOGOF. For a limited time, you can score two Truman shave sets for the price of one. This includes a Truman handle, 3 five blade cartridges to set him up, a foaming shave gel and a travel cover for the blade. It’s practical and looks good, and that’s two gift boxes for just £15.
Transform his skincare routine with Narcyss
If he’s not a narcyssist, he soon will be. This grooming line, founded by a handsome pair of Swedes, brings together clinically proven, high performance skincare with a strong aesthetic that begs to be left on display, not hidden away in a cabinet. With cool names and striking copy, it’s more of an event than your run-of-the-mill ‘for men’ range of dull, grey grooming products, and even better, it’s surprisingly affordable.
We’re buying Le Fix (£24) the three-pack of sheet masks, each packed with bamboo extract and hyaluronic acid for instant skin repair. Le Poème du Corps (£24) is a deep cleansing body wash with an invigorating fragrance of bergamot, patchouli and black leather, with willow bark extract to mop up excess oil and refine pores. We also love Ash, the radiance face scrub, in 30ml (£8). In travel size, we can get all the skin refining goodness of volcanic sand, vitamin E and and green tea on the go.
Gift him the Essential Trio, which includes Ash, AMPM multi-purpose moisturiser, and Pool Suite intense cleanser, and kick-start his anti-ageing routine, for just £39.
Slide him into these stylish house shoes
Santoni slippers are crafted for people who appreciate quality and functional design. Made in Italy, the leather slipper (£460) is an investment purchase that will last a long time. This is a really versatile indoor shoe that solves the style conundrum of what to wear when receiving guests at home, a great, light travel shoe (especially if his feet tend to swell up on the plane), whilst still being the perfect mule to easily slip on and off around the bed. The soft rubber soles pad quietly on indoor floors, but are solid enough to step outside for his morning coffee. This style is available in elegant black velvet, or polished black leather, which will age beautifully, just like him.
Shade his eyes like a screen icon
Persol has just dropped the latest 714 collection, and we’re hoping they won’t have sold out before Sunday, but you better hurry. The same style as worn by cinematic legend, Steve McQueen, this exclusive foldable pilot frame (£511) is made from premium acetate with Barberini glass lenses, and comes in four colourways. The collector’s box is a dream of gift, with a curated selection of accessories to go with the frames, including a leather pouch to protect them, embossed with the Steve McQueen logo, a microfibre cloth in a paper pouch and a vintage style envelope with rare archival materials on McQueen’s legacy. Available with polarised lenses, prescription lenses, and with a personalised engraving on the arm, these sunglasses will make his day. Prices start at £336.
Send him on a self-guided culinary caper
For the man who loves a treasure hunt, the Amazing Co. specialise in unique taste experiences. The Mystery Picnic is a brain teasing excursion with gourmet treats. So, how does it work? Choose the location, solve the clues and riddles to collect delicious picnic items from friendly local producers, discover places of interest along the way, and by the final clue, he’ll have a delicious picnic spread to enjoy in a stunning secret location. It’s a fun day out with friends, family or a partner.
With national and international destinations you can send him on a Mystery Picnic if he lives in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the US. In the UK, Mystery Picnics are available up and down the country, from the Causeway Coast and the Linen Quarter in Belfast, to Edinburgh Old Town, Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the Cotswolds, Canterbury and Notting Hill. Prices start around £78 for two people, or you can set your own value.
Buy him a fine fragrance that won’t break the bank
Roger & Gallet is an old company, and Cologne Twist is a very modern take on the French perfumer’s earliest homage to Jean Marie Farina. Jean’s great grand uncle, Johann Maria Farina, was the founding father of cologne. In 1862, Jean Marie Farina sold the family catalogue to Roger & Gallet, creators of the first round soap bar, who sold their first cologne under the name Jean Marie Farina Extra Vielle.
Based on the recipe of citrus and herbs, Cologne Twist, (£39 for 100ml) offers top notes of lemon, mandarin and bergamot that mingle with heart notes of elemi, rosemary, clary sage and spearmint, over a base of white woods, moss and tonka bean. It recalls a certain vintage, with added energy and a soft almond sweetness.
Of course, this Roger & Gallet, so there’s a full bath and body range to indulge in with a stamped cleansing bar and alcohol-free deodorant stick, so he can layer Cologne Twist throughout his entire bathroom routine.
