Father, Dad, Pop, Papa, Poppa, Daddy, whatever you call the main man in your household, they are notoriously difficult people to shop for! So what do you do about Father’s Day gifts for difficult to buy for Dads? Where do you even start you ask? How can you avoid gift-hunting stress? Well, time is running out as Father’s Day is approaching fast, but fear not I’ve got you covered with gifts that have the feel-good factor.
I’d like to think I’ve become somewhat of a seasoned pro at gift shopping for my Dad, having spent many years trying to perfect the ideal Father’s Day present for my poppa bear. I’ve come to realise it is all about buying things they wouldn’t go out and ordinarily buy themselves but making sure to purchase something they’d still like to receive.
Why Father’s Day gifting?
This is the day of the Dad, their special day to know we love and appreciate them, for all the things they do for us, whether it’s being the chauffeur when it rains, fixing the broken radiator, or simply being the only person who adjusts the clocks on electric items, your Dad is the main man and needs to know he is appreciated. It’s also important to remember, Father’s Day gifts, very much like Mother’s day presents, are simply meant to be tokens of appreciation rather than anything else.
Father gift quest
My Dad, or as the household calls, Big Legend, (don’t ask, we call my Mum Little Ledge) tends to buy the things he wants at the time of wanting them. Ah, the joys of retirement! My Dad has many activities he takes part in, some of which we do together, but his main passions are fishing, photography and going metal detecting. All of these activities are fantastic hobbies, but they tend to lean towards the expensive side with related presents, and quite honestly, I can’t afford to be buying the latest metal detector or hunting down a new camera lens, it just isn’t realistic. Even if I was in a financial position to buy something along these lines, chances are he has got it or something very similar! The joys of Father’s, hey?!
So what doesn’t a Dad have in his possession that we think he might like? Toiletries. I’m not talking a fancy soap and exfoliating loather, I’m talking about products specifically designed for men in mind. Everything from sleek packaging of a tradition shaving kit, to your classic fragrances and Boots, is the only place to find a diverse range of items. Below are my top gifts options for the Dad’s who have it all…
Aftershave
Oh it’s a classic and one we all know is not only appreciated by your Dad, but I’m pretty sure Mum will like it too – every lady likes a good smelling man. If you’re struggling to know your Dad’s go-to fragrance, ask your Mum, or be a daredevil and go for the one you think he’ll like! The ones I feel work universally are the following.
Paco Rabanne – One Million Eau de Toilette 100ml – £59.50
Gucci Guilty Cologne Pour Homme Eau de Toilette 50ml – £53.00
BOSS Bottled Eau de Toilette 100ml – £65.00
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau De Toilette Spray 75ml – £40.00
Gift Sets
When I say gifts sets I’m not meaning bath bombs and scented candles, although that is always an option, in this scenario, I’m specifically talking male grooming gift sets. These are ideal for topping up your Dad’s gym kit wash bag, or when he is away on holiday with your Mum next, either you can update the bathroom cupboard with his current go-tos or introduce something new. Gift sets like these are your fail-safe Father’s Day gift option.
L’Oreal Men Expert Daily Expert Gift Set – great choice for the gym bag
Harry’s Shave Kit – Packaging sell this one – super stylish
L’Oreal Men Expert Barber Club Short Beard Grooming Kit -If your Dad has a beard this one is a fab choice
The Day
You’ve got the present sorted, but if you want to really be the favourite child, then why not plan to do something with your Dad? It’s sad to think I don’t spend as much time with my Dad as I once did, because as we’ve gotten older, day-to-day life sweeps us along and we don’t always make time for each other. One thing I would suggest to my Dad is to go fishing. We went when I was little and I remember really enjoying that 1 to 1 time, so why not something now? If you really are struggling with something to do, you can purchase experiences you can do together.
Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting
Driving Experience in a fancy car
Gifts for him – a range of activities he can chose – this is a bargain!
Love you Dad
Last but not least, tell your Dad you love him. It never gets old and that’s is what Father’s Day is all about, making your Dad know he is loved and appreciated. Here is to my Poppa Bear – love you!
Competition time!
Do you find it hard to buy for your Dad on Father’s Day? Well here’s your chance to win a bottle of Gucci Guilty Cologne! All you have to do is leave a comment below on what you like to do with your Dad on Father’s Day, and what kind of gifts he usually appreciates!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sharon jones says
My dad loves chocolate so I will treat him to a lot of chocolate
Allan Mcrae says
We like to go out and have a beer simple really he likes books
Kristin says
My dad usually spends it with his other family – my stepmum, half brother and sister – but we always have time before or after to celebrate with a meal or photographic walk out in nature. He thinks Fathers Day is overly commercial, but definitely values experiences and time spent together!
Amy O’Brien says
I like to simply spend time with my dad on Fathers Day as he lives in a different country so I don’t see him too often. He likes to get gifts of aftershave!
Natalie Burgess says
My dad loves spicy food so I normally get him something chilli related! We usually go for a meal on fathers day xx
Lyndsey says
I live 80 miles away from my dad so dont get to see him as often as I would like, he always tells me not to get him anything but he deserves the world
Nageena Ahmed says
I like to take my dad to the cinema and watch a movie together. My dad loves to be gifted aftershave, perfume and a beard kit.
Adrian Bold says
Walks with his dogs then a nice carvery meal.
Sarah Cooper says
My dad has passed away now but we always like to have a nice meal and spoil my husband.
laura stewart says
we go out for a family meal and he likes anything to do with cars
emma c says
he likes a new book and some peace and quiet
Ann says
My dad likes to read, i think i will get him a book.
clair downham says
go out for lunch thankyou
iain maciver says
go and have a pint
Alice Dixon says
I like to go enjoy a meal for Father’s Day, I think it’s nice to cook for him or take him out somewhere to eat. He’s happy with any gift, I usually go for beer or whiskey!
Sarah Ann says
My dad is a foodie so he appreciates some home baked goods – particularly cakes and biscuits. And he likes the handmade touch, so it’s a win all round.
jules eley says
We like to have a family BBQ weather permitted if not we have a buffet table, with games and movies with my Dad and my husband and our 4 kids x
Andrea Fletcher says
I make a home cooked meal and his favourite chocolate cake.
lise Barlow says
what a fabulous prize give away would love to win this – good luck everyone xxx
Holly Harmsworth says
This year will be much easier as my dad is living with me so I am going to make him a special breakfast and dinner. I usually get him waterstones vouchers because he likes reading and he has so many books I never know what to pick.
Geri Gregg says
This year we will be going for a meal
Susan Trubey says
My dad spends the day with endless visitors. He has a large family. He is thankful for anything we buy or make.
Allan Fullarton says
Walk with the dog and a nice pint in the pub.
Jade Hewlett says
We like to have a family lunch and his favourite gift is chocolate! 🙂
joanne darnell says
I love just to be in his company
Keith Hunt says
My like a trip on Seaton tramway and an old fashion cafe fish & chips lunch.
sam macaree says
my dad is really hard to buy for as he has everything already. I usually bake him something and we have a nice meal
Gavin Riley says
Go to the cinema or out for a few pints
Pam Francis Gregory says
My Father in law likes a bottle of scotch and a meal at his favourite restaurant.
Katherine Cakebread says
We always spend the day together just relaxing
Sarah Prescott says
My dad is no longer with us so my daughter and i spoil my husband with a meal out.
Lucy Carter says
My dad is no longer with us but we give my husband breakfast in bed and get him presents and cards
Carolyn Payne says
What a fabulous prize! My Dad is so difficult to buy for!
Cassandra Whitehead says
My dad gives me great advice and loves to read in the bath he also loves being active and walks alot.
Laura Banks says
i usually get him a book about cars
Susan Smith says
Every year it gets harder to find that gift, so this year we are off out to lunch as a family, having a walk along the seafront and perhaps will gather for tea
Corinne Peat says
A lovely Family BBQ would be great for Father’s Day and any foodie gifts are always appreciated.
JULIE WARD says
No dad anymore, My son enjoys a Sunday market and a meal/buffet
Linda Ford says
Fathers Day usually involved a new book for Dad and a pint in the pub! He loves to read!
Catherine Stewart says
We normally have a Sunday dinner and he likes anything to do with technology
Natasha Cross says
I like to go out for a meal with my dad and I usually buy him gardening related gifts!
Ellis says
My Dad can be pretty tricky to buy for but as long as he receives some beer, he’s normally pretty happy! 🙂
Amy Lambert says
We either go out for a meal or I cook for him depending on what he’d prefer he loves any gifts that involve food or a nice beer!
Annaloa Hilmarsdottir says
My Dad would be happy with a length of rope but I try to improve on that.
Avs says
I would treat him to a day at the races and a year’s supply of dark chocolate – his favourite.
sharon martin says
i’d take him to a gin festival or tour. gifting him a bottle of gin he’s not tried yet.
Olivia says
My Dad really appreciates the little, meaningful things. This year I made him a set of cards with pictures of our family and things I love about him. Throughout the day we usually spend time listening to music on Spotify (we have shared playlists of music that we both like) and chatting. I also usually treat him to some kind of experience where we spend time together another day, such as going for Afternoon Tea (food is the way to his heart).
Solange says
I like to take my Dad out for dinner on Father’s Day and he usually appreciates socks, aftershave and whisky.
Barry Furze says
He likes to spend the entire day with his family, being spoilt
Susan Bennett says
Love to win so he can smell lovely
Carole Nott says
I sent special wishes to Dad on Fathers Day
Rebecca Smith says
We love to get everyone together for a family meal and my Dad loves toiletry and food/drink related gifts, he also loves ones that are personalised and that bit extra special
Kiera Fife says
This would be a great present to give to my Dad! He would particularly love the aftershave.
ADEINNE TONNER says
We all went out for a meal at his favourite restaurant
Nuala R says
On Fathers Day I helped my son spoil his dad getting him gifts he would love like pj’s and a mini speaker as well as some chocolates
olivia Kirby says
We always have dinner at Mum and Dad’s house for Fathers day. My dad likes books, quiz games, Everton merchandise, CDs anything really! He has been fitting our kitchen for us so we bought him 2 night hotel thing off Red Letter days this year (normally only spend £30 though)
Rebecca Salmon says
Dad isn’t with us anymore but I treat my stepdad to a G&T
Rachel McmILLAN says
I like to take him out for the day and make memories with his grandchildren. However this year is a meal out as his wife has recently had a hip replacement
Darren says
Sunday lunch is perfect and he likes craft beers
Carolynn Woodland says
He is always so appreciative of anything given to him but he loves to smell good so some nice after shave to wear when we take him out for lunch.
Kirsten Barthy says
My Dad loves cake so I baked him one.
Phil B says
I don’t see as much of my dad as I used to, we live hundreds of miles apart. For fathers day he likes something in the post and a phone call, he would take a £5 box of chocolates through the post over a £50 email voucher any day of the week.
Sarah Heath says
My Dad is no longer here. But I make sure the kids look after my husband.
Georgia Cranwell says
Great post!
Jen oconnell says
My dad is a nightmare to buy for! I usually go for a book or aftershave
greig spencer says
i love to take my dad for afternoon tea as he loves it
Troy Easton says
Take him to the cinema to see a film and it would be Whiskey.
Victoria Easton says
I usually try to get him some beer, some sweets and then something different, this year a jigsaw! We normally go out for Sunday lunch then have pudding at home afterwards
Christine Sutherland says
I lost my dad 24 years ago, but would to have been able to take him to his favourite social club for a pint and a game of bingo which he loved
Thomas Hall says
We always go out for food where ever my dad wants and then we will do whatever he wants like the cinema, bowling etc
deborah fox says
My Dad has passed but I love to watch my grandaughter with my amazing son-in-lawre-living memories
Allan Wilson says
I went for a game of golf with my dad on fathers day.
Paula turner says
My dad likes aftershave, or whiskey
Adrian Price says
usually take him for a pub lunch.Present wise he`s very easy to please
carol boffey says
went to the pub
chloe brill says
i like to buy him something to make him feel special
Karen Brady says
my husband would just like to be remembered with a card but this prize would delight
Rebecca Whatmore says
He likes a day in front of the TV watching footie! I just pop over and have a cuppa and give him a present and card. I never know what to get him though!
Fiona Johnstone says
A lovely pub lunch and a walk along the beach makes for a perfect fathers day
LP Mulligan says
Reading has been so special to him.
C Whitlow says
My dad is impossible to buy for! But he’s usually happiest with a bottle of beer and box of wine gums or sherbet lemons! Seriously – that makes him happy!