Oh, you’ve left it until the last minute to buy something for Father’s Day? You and probably 98% of the population. Don’t feel bad. Here are some ideas to save you from panic-buying a multi-pack of novelty socks from M&S or one of those variety packs with bottles of ale called Goblin’s Knob and other such humorous things. You should be able to get any of the below with next day delivery, if you order online – no rushing around Waitrose at 10am on Sunday morning…
Shaving stuff is a notoriously boring present, but if you have to resort to it then make sure it’s stylish shaving stuff. My Dad loves the Rose Shaving Cream from Taylor of Old Bond Street so much that it has become his default Christmas gift. He calls it the “pink stringy goo”, which sort of undermines its luxury feel, but I have it on good authority that it works extremely well and smells amazing. It’s £12.75 at Amazon.
The Jawbone UP2 Fitness and Sleep Tracker, because it’s not enough these days to just do a spot of jogging and make sure you get your eight hours in bed. No: all fitness must be tracked. Training goals must be logged. Sleep must be monitored closely so that we get up at precisely the right moment and not a second sooner. The Jawbone does all of this monitoring and more – whether the father in question is a marathon runner or a couch potato, he’ll probably find the whole experience rather addictive… The Jawbone UP2 looks sleek, is easy to set up and use and is currently £34 at Amazon.
The only backpack to have on your back this year; the Herschel Supply Little America. Spotted in trendy photographic studios around London, this lightweight carry-all has classic styling that looks equally at home on the work commute as it does adventuring in the Rockies. £90 at Selfridges.
This SAGEMCOM phone is on Mr AMR’s wishlist and I must admit that it is very stylish and sleek, so far as home phones go. A good present for father’s day so long as the father is old enough to know what a home phone actually is. I’d assume they would be, but you never know. I met someone the other day who didn’t have a clue what a landline was! We are very antiquated in our household because, due to bad mobile reception, we use our home phone all the time. It rings and we never know who it is – imagine! Our current handset dates from 2001, so perhaps we’re due an upgrade… £79.99 at Selfridges.
This one’s a winner in the grooming category; great styling, brilliant ingredients and a price that is more than a little surprising. This Beard Oil from Johnny’s Chop Shop wouldn’t look out of place in a trendy New York apothecary, but you can find it in Boots. It’s £6.
On the pricey side for a father’s day present, but maybe he’s been extra-brilliant at taking you to – er – the zoo, or McDonald’s, or picking you up from the school dance. This is the Kilburn portable speaker from Marshall. It connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet, has a lightweight body and is touted as being one of the loudest speakers in its class. Something about it makes me think “frustrated roadie”, but not in a bad way – I can imagine it sitting in a pile of broken whisky glasses and cigarette butts after a particularly raucous party! This should be £220 but Amazon have the black version, with next day delivery, for £175
