Our dads have it pretty tough. After all their sacrifice in raising us we usually spend a large chunk of our life resenting them, arguing with them, or ignoring them. They always play second fiddle to Mum, and then as if to add insult to injury, once a year we show our appreciation by giving them a crappy tie on Father’s Day.
Considering that the apple usually never falls far from the tree and our dads have done a pretty good job raising us to be fine gentlemen we are today, we have decided that this time around, we are going to thank our dads with a gift that we wouldn’t actually mind receiving ourselves. And with the Australasian Father’s Day just around the corner, we’ve made the often difficult task of finding the perfect gift for dad just that bit easier; just pick your father from the line-up.
The Hipster Dad
1. B-Sided – The Artificial Sneaker €33
Handmade with love in France and adapting the très cool concept of ‘trompe l’œil’, B-Sided The Artificial Sneaker combines the comfort and ease of the traditional rope soled French espadrille sandals with the style of street wear kicks. Perfect for the approaching summer.
2. Nixon Re-Run Watch AUD149.99 – 169.99
Combining a vintage and retro feel with all the comforts of modern technology, the Nixon Re-Run Watch comes in four different colours for your dad to choose from as he steps back in time to 1985.
3. Dude No. 1 All Natural Beard Oil USD65
For dads with a bit of urban facial hair, the fresh, spicy and woody tones of this all natural beard oil will bring out the lumberjack in him, while keeping his beard fragrant and under control.
4. The White Briefs and Fantastic Man Collaboration Underwear SEK300-600
Put a spin on the traditional socks ‘n’ undies this Father’s Day buy giving dad a pair of these bad boys.
5. Graffiti Cocktail Shaker USD20
Cleverly disguised as a can of spray paint this cool cocktail shaker is sure to make your dad’s happy hours even happier.
The Nerdy Dad
1. iPhone 4 Silicone Cassette Tape Case AUD9.95
Completely retro and nostalgic, this iPhone 4 silicone cover is sure to bring back memories for your dad—like the first mixed tape he made your mum … nawww.
2. Pinocchio Eyeglasses Holder TWD1,250
Oh so geeky and handy, this wall storage for eye glasses will add interest to your dad’s office wall and ensure his glasses never go astray again.
3. Tokyo Bike AUD950
Tokyo Bike was conceived as the perfect way to ride around Tokyo. Imagine your father enjoying himself, navigating the metropolitan city limits on his bike. Where comfort is more important than speed, the lightness of the bike allows him to forget he’s riding and to enjoy the city air.
4. From Polaroid to Impossible USD39.35
After Polaroid Film went bankrupt in 2008 what was left of the company was purchased by ‘The Impossible Project’, who created this tome as the first overview of the European Polaroid Collection. This amazing collection includes Polaroid masterpieces from the likes of Ansel Adams to Andy Warhol.
5. Cut it Sharp Chopping Board €45
Featuring a metric ruler, the Cut it Sharp will help your dad cut, chop and slice with ease and precision. The perfect tool for nerdy culinary perfection!
The Dandy Dad
1. Gold Playing Cards AUD19.00
Designed by IDEA International, these cards are made from flexible golden plastic with the numbers and suits beautifully embossed. Very stylish, very James Bond.
2. Cadence 420 Watch USD85
If your dad thinks 4:20 is the most important time of day, then this is his watch. If he has no idea why 4:20 is a special time of day, there is nothing here for him.
3. Tag Heuer Link
The iPhone may be intuitive, but just about every second person has one. If your dad is the type that likes to stand out from the crowd, then the Tag Heuer Link is for him—the first luxury smart phone. However, for Father’s Day all you will be able to do is sign your dad up for an email notification, as they are not yet available for sale.
4. 4711 Acqua Colonia – Royal Riesling Eau de Cologne £35
This cheerful cologne in a beautiful faceted glass bottle is a tribute to the Riesling grape. Said to be the queen of white wine grapes and considered to be the most precious in the world.
5. Modern Man Front Pocket Wallet by Kenton Sorenson USD90
The modern man travels lightly and this hand-stitched leather wallet is slim enough to be carried in your Dad’s front pocket.
The Outdoorsy Dad
1. Hunters Bend by Tove Emilsson
Wallets and cases made from a single piece of leather, folded into shape and hardened with boiling water. This process was used to make armour in medieval times so it is sure to keep your dad’s stuff safe.
2. Wooden Dear Head AUD59.95
Why go through all the trouble of hunting down a moose or deer to stick on your wall, when you can just get a wooden one? The perfect gift for the hunting dad or just a good interim gift before you acquire your first piece of taxidermy.
3. Straton Single Candle Stick USD995
Keeping with the hunting theme this candlestick, designed by Ralph Lauren features an American Stag Horn and will add a touch of elegance to any dad’s den.
4. Chairless €19.90
For the modern nomad who would like to sit even when there is no chair available.
5. Fire Bucket BBQ £35
What dad doesn’t love a barbecue? And this portable and quirky BBQ is perfect for the great outdoors.
My Two Dads
1. “We Love California” Scented Soy Candle from Baxter USD30
With summer on everyone’s mind, your two dads can discover the ‘Cruel Summer’ of California with this trendy soy wax candle with a blue wick, designed by Max Alton in collaboration with exclusive rue Saint Honoré retailer, colette.
2. Sharp Act Knife Sharpener USD11.95
Witty and handy, this knife sharpener shaped like the magic illusion of sawing a women in half is sure to give your two dads a laugh.
3. A Kiss for You Pillow Cases USD24.95
These adorable his and his pillowcases are made for your two dads.
4. TOMS Woollen Slip-Ons USD140
TOMS brings your two fathers matching Italian wool slip-ons. The height of luxury and comfort.
5. Fred & Friends Ninja bread Man Cookie Cutters USD11.23
Let your Dad give his cookies some fight with these innovatively designed cookie cutters in three different, classic ninja poses.
Marissa Heldoorn is the giftologist and director of global gift giving consultancy, The Art of Gift Giving, which aspires to save you time by ensuring you give the right gift every time within your budget.
Published on 30 August 2011 by Marissa Heldoorn