Gifts for dads, grandads and other father figures can often feel like a shot in the dark. What do you get for someone who doesn’t seem to want anything, or who already has it all? Shared experiences or promises of peace and quiet are popular options, but they are tricky to wrap.
Which is where my recommendations come in. Each gift I’ve featured has been put through its paces by me for the past few months and has made it into this list because it has become something I reach for on a near-daily basis (or, in the case of the AeroPress coffee maker, multiple times a day). Testing has involved cooking copious amounts of rice, making my home smell like a greenhouse and rolling my sleeves up in the garden (and I don’t think I’ll need to sharpen my knives for a while).
So rest assured, my suggestions have the approval of at least one 34-year-old dad with a toddler (me). Despite the rise in Apple Pay and its Android equivalent, wallets still have their place in a pocket. This neat design from Roka London has three interior compartments for cards, coins and receipts.
Made from a durable recycled canvas, it has retained its good looks after months of cut-and-thrust testing, and kept its contents dry in a downpour when my trousers weren’t as lucky. A water bottle should last longer if it’s easy to clean, and Chilly’s latest even comes with a telescopic brush to make keeping on top of seals and its stainless steel straw a cinch. It’s leak-free and promises to keep its contents cold for a whole working day (and beyond – Chilly’s says up to 45 hours), while the flip lid allows for one-handed drinking on the go.
It ticks all the water bottle boxes. For more, read the Filter’s guide to the best water bottles Personalised gifts can be hit and miss, but this high-quality print from Good Team On Paper falls firmly in the former camp. The company will design a poster based on the memorable kits of any team (from non-league to national sides), and the result is a tasteful piece of art that is a cut above most sporting merch.
My Arsenal-mad brother confirmed the early 90s yellow and black JVC away shirt was a particularly accurate representation. Don’t be fooled by its colour. This spade might scream bling, but it’s an invaluable addition to any garden shed.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
