Fathers Day Gift Guide

If you are a regular reader by now you would know that I like to do gift guides at different times during the year. Fathers Day is approaching (17th June) and its a double celebration this year as it happens to fall on my birthday. I've complied a gift guide of fab items for Dad's. All of the items featured  are items that I picked for Stuart and that I know the men in your life will love.

 Elizabath Shaw collection  | price varies 

Chocolatier Elizabeth Shaw sell a wide selection of delicous chocolates and biscuits.
They make the perfect gift this fathers day so Dad's can put their feet up and enjoy a mug of tea or coffee and enjoy a sweet treat. With cappuccino flutes, salted caramel crisps, and the new delightful biscuits  Dad will be spoilt for choice. The biscuits come in four different flavours: 

Raisin & Hazelnut

Coconut & Hazelnut

Raisin & Cocoa

Mint & Cocoa 

 Classic Dad lighter | Zippo| £24

Simple but sophisticated! This Satin Chrome™ Zippo lighter features the word DAD. A gift that can be given on Father's Day or any day of the year. Comes packaged in an environmentally friendly gift box. For optimum performance, fill with Zippo premium lighter fluid.

Paw Patrol Adventures with Daddy| Penwizard | Soft Back £14.99, Hardback £19.99

Your child and their Daddy join the PAW Patrol in this personalised storybook as they visit Adventure Bay! With the PAW Patrol's help, your child plans a surprise party as they explain all the things they love doing with their Daddy. As well as being personalised with your child's name you can also personalise child's and adult character to mirror likeness. This is such a sweet story for children to share with their Dad this fathers day. If you fancy purchasing a copy of the book than you can use code PAW20 to get 20% off your order. Valid for one month only.

Jack Jones polo shirt| Get the label| £7.99

A polo shirt is the go to top for men and Get the label sell a wide range to choose from. The Jack Jones polo in blue with 2 button placket and  ribbed cuffs has the J&J logo on the chest and looks comfy and casual on.

ETO Mens loose fit jeans | Get the label| £19.99

A comfy pair of jeans is a must for Dad's for comfort when out and about with the kids. These pair of black loose fit jeans are ideal with 5 pocket design and branding to button and tab on reverse. 

Bodyclock 30 starter | Lumie | £59.95

If Dad's  not really a morning person, Bodyclock Starter 30 is just the thing. It’s an alarm clock that wakes you with a sunrise, gradually brightening over 30 minutes so when you open your eyes you feel properly awake and refreshed. Waking with light helps to regulate your sleep/wake cycle and has even been shown to boost mood, energy and productivity levels.As well as the wake-up sunrise, Bodyclock Starter 30 also has a 30-minute sunset that works in the opposite way, helping you to naturally wind down ready for bed.

Personalised initial charm bracelet | Find me a gift|  £27.99

This simple but stylish initial charm bracelet is personalised with your choice of letter charms. You can select from either a black or brown leather plaited wristband and then choose to have up to three silver charms threaded onto the circular band. Each charm is engraved with up to two initials of your choice (if you select two the letters will appear one above another rather than side by side) making this an ideal present this fathers day.

Natural wood watch | Personalized Cart| $23

This gorgeous natural wood watch from personalized cart is a delightful watch made from natural bamboo with smooth cowhide leather straps. The watch is waterproof and comes with free engraving on both the back of the watch and the gorgeous wooden gift box. You can choose the font of your wording as there are 10 different styles available. The personalisation on the watch will be the same on the box. This is such a lovely gift for Dads and grandad's this fathers day. 

Talking of watches  a good jewellery screwdriver set is one of the most important tool to own. Investing in a quality set of screwdrivers  means you can get into your watch to adjusting the delicate movement inside. 

Fathers Day with AMARA

You may have seen my recent Father's Day gift guide which included a wide range of products. However sometimes you want to find some items that are a bit more luxurious and this is where AMARA come in. 

Stocking many designer brands including Ted Baker, Ralph Lauren, and Tom Dixon to name a few, AMARA is the place to shop for that luxury gift knowing that they cater for a range of budgets. 

I decided to involve Stuart and let him pick out some items to include that not only he likes but he felt other Dad's would like this Father's Day. There is such a wide range of items to choose from in the Father's Day gift section. He found it slightly difficult to choose with there been so much to choose from and eventually settled on five items. 

Stuart enjoys having a glass of beer over the weekends and so he chose this 750ml beer tankard. The tankard is of great quality the glass is thick and the handle is very sturdy. For £20 its a great gift for beer enthusiasts. 

This charming flip alarm clock features an on and off face with a reversible alarm display, perfect for ensuring your mornings start on time. It's made from rubber ABS with an electro luminous dial and a touch sensor. To stop the alarm, simply flip the clock over. The flip alarm clock comes in many colours and retails at £29 

What Dad doesn't need a multi-tool? This leather credit card multi-tool (RRP:£18) is credit card sized and contains 9 different tools for any situation:

- can opener

- knife edge

- screwdriver

- bottle opener

- ruler

- orientation

- butterfly screw wrench

- saw blade 

- and a handy keyring hole to attach it

The chic leather pouch keeps this multi-tool contained.

This stylish Ted Baker notepad helps Dad's to keep organised with it's black faux-leather cover with beautiful brogue detailing, this stunning notebook is perfect on your desk or to be used during meetings. Finished with distinct blue endpapers, with a cogwheel inspired pattern and a single ribbon bookmark this makes a smart gift for Dad's. (£15 for small, £18 for large) 

Last of all is the Ted Baker bike repair kit (£20) My husband cycles to and from work so a repair kit is a must have for his work bag. The kit is contained in a beautiful blue smart tin with a screw top, perfect for keeping contents secure. The kit includes:

- a multi tool

- two metal tyre levers

- one 20ml rubber solution

- 8 rubber patches in three sizes, 

- a metal rasp and chalk. 

Ideal for repairing small breakages or repairing tyres. 

Fathers Day Gift Guide 2017

This year Fathers Day falls on Sunday 18th June, which is pretty soon and because I know a lot of people find it hard to know what to get for Dad I have compiled a few ideas. The great thing is the list contains mainly items if you have a small budget and a few that are a bit more higher priced. 

Cards

When it comes to cards than Hallmark have you sorted with their wide selection. With a wide range of cards suitable for all types of Dads you will find one your taste. They even stock some great pop up cards. 

 Toiletries/Grooming

If you are looking for a budget item to include in a hamper than why not check out these face masks from 7th Heaven especially for men. Each mask retails at £1 and so makes a great little gift. Face masks don't just have to be for women. 

To keep your Dad smelling nice this Fathers Day why not purchase this fab beer soap for £5 this is a great little gift to add to a hamper or just as a little something. The team at Meantime HQ have certainly raised the bar with this soap. Made from the capital’s favourite Pale Ale, it’s ideal for the ultimate beer lover.

 If your Dad has a beard to be proud of why not get him these Brisk beard oils and shampoos. The beard oils are ultra light so they absorb easily and come in unscented as well as 3 different scents: Tree tree, citrus and cedar wood. The beard shampoos cleanses and refreshes the beard. Hair is left feeling clean, manageable and soft to the touch.

For keeping Dad groomed to perfection this fathers day this Deluxe grooming tool kit is a great gift from Uppercut which you can purchase over at Just my look. It's ideal for the style conscious Dad and the kit contains: 
Kit Contains:
1 x Uppercut Deluxe Quiff Roller
1 x Uppercut Deluxr Tortoise Shell Comb
1 x Uppercut Deluxe Pocket Comb
1 x Uppercut Deluxe Toothbrush

1 x Uppercut Deluxe Branded Tumber.

If your Dad is in the need of a new razor than there are two options first of all the Gillette Fusion Proshield or the Braun S3 ProSkin. 

The Gillette razor  has a new Proshield lubrication bar before the blades and in addition to the lubrastrip after the blades that shields from irritation, this is paired with a flexball handle. 

The Braun S3 ProSkin is a Wet and Dry electric shaver that  will give  an incredibly close, smooth shave, with 30% less skin irritation and an improved FreeFloat system makes it easy to deal with 3 day beards. The razor is a sophisticated shaving system which adapts to every facial contour to offer and comfortable and faster shave.  

This Remington Precision Cut Hair Clipper guarantees a superior cutting experience to help achieve precise results every time. With 17 precision length settings (0.5-44mm) for the perfect trim.  Ideal for Dads that would prefer to do their hair themselves from the comfort of their own home. The hair clipper has 5 different steps:

Step one: Nap of the neck

Step two Back of the head 

Step three: Side of the head

Step four: Top of the head

Step five: Finishing touches. 

The clipper is available from Aldi from the 8th of June in their special buys so make sure you head there asap. 

Book

For Dad's that need a bit of parent advice or just want to swat up than the Planet Parent book is an ideal gift. The book contains advice on fussy eaters, tricky teenagers, iPad addicts and even advice and tips on potty training. 

Tech kits 

Do you have a tech mad Dad? than he needs the Rebel Tech Kit from Sugru The Rebel Tech Kit is a collection of 14 killer tech ideas inspired by people all over the world. It combines the most popular, most useful and most ingenious Sugru tech hacks for the first time; with easy step-by-step instructions in a booklet full of information. Buy it for yourself, or as a gift for the most deserving hands-on person in your life!

Why not get this DIY speaker kit for your Dad. By following the simple step-by-step instructions, he’ll be playing music in just a couple of hours while learning about circuits and electrical components. 

Socks

If you want to get the usual gift for Dad of a pair of socks why not get ones from Quiet Rebellion they have released 6 designs especially for fathers day. For Dad’s with a sense of humour who want to look professional for work, Quiet Rebellion socks feature vibrant patterns and designs concealed within the shoe. Put simply, they are socks of two halves: a respectable top with wild and colourful soles.

Each design is named after a different historical rebel and comes with a postcard featuring the story of its namesake. Beautifully packaged with a wax seal of approval, Quiet Rebellion socks are ideal for gifting.With pairs of socks available to buy individually, or in packs of three, six, twelve or eighteen, there are options for every budget. No two pairs within each box are the same.

Alcohol 

Did you know that from 16th-25th of June is picnic week? I didn't, so why not take advanatge of picnic week with a bottle of Maison Williams Chase Rose, a beautiful pale shade of pink and bone dry, this Rosé boasts affluent stone fruit aromas of peaches and apricots, followed by a refreshing note of grapefruit with a backdrop of savoury Provençal herbs. Made from Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Vermentino grapes, the wine's moreish, creamy texture sits in harmony with a steely minerality working towards a long, mouth-watering, lingering finish. 31 Dover are a great company that sell a wide range of alcholic drinks and are worth checking out as they make a great gift. 

Candle

Candles don't have to just be for men ''mandles'' – which have been specifically created with male-oriented scent may fit the bill. Yankee candles with masculine and woody fragrances such as sandalwood, cedarwood and tobacco make a great gift. The Yankee Candle Barbershop collection is a selection of glossy black candles with scents such as 'Aftershave' and 'Chrome'.  These candles provide a clean and modern twist on a classic, and the black glass tumblers with brushed metal lids make a fantastic and contemporary gift for men

.

Gym Dad

For Dad's that like working out than this package from Discount Supplements is a great idea. The package includes: 

Optimum Nutrition Opti Men Tablets

Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey Powder

PHD Nutrition Stainless Steel Shaker

The protien powder can be had before or after a workout to support muscel growth and maintance where as the tablets support a strong foundation and are responsible for energy levels, performance and vitality.

Tracking Device

TrackR Bravo is a small tracking device that you can use to track things that are important to you using Bluetooth and the TrackR app on your smartphone.

This is great for fathers who struggle to keep track of all their belongings with their busy schedules - especially those who tend to be quite forgetful! The device can be attached to a briefcase, keys or wallet in case they get lost. The TrackR Bravo helps eliminate the added stress of losing your belongings, which every father undoubtedly needs!

Shoes

 For stylish Dad's that love their shoes than they need this pair from Rieker. These trainers are a sporty shoe with a lace fastening. Complete with contrasting stitched detail on the uppers, they offer the ultimate level of performance in sport and everyday life.

Do you think you'll get any of these items from your Dad? What's your favourite gift idea?

5 Fathers Day Gift Ideas

It may still seem like it’s a long way off, but Father’s Day will soon be here again. Before you know it, children around the world will be celebrating their dads and the father figures in their lives by showering them with gifts, family-friendly activities and, of course, plenty of love and affection!

While Father’s Day isn’t until June 18th this year, it’s important not to leave things until the last minute. After all, if your little ones are struggling with gift ideas, the chances are that they won’t tell you until the evening before the big day – aren’t kids great like that!

Plan ahead and get organised in plenty of time to make sure you avoid any awkward situations come the morning of Father’s Day. Here are a few great gift ideas to give dad the appreciation he deserves!

Chocolates

Who doesn’t love chocolate? Treat dad to a delicious assortment of his favourite chocolates or indulge him with some luxury chocolates. From creamy white chocolate to rich dark chocolate, there are plenty of options out there to suit every taste.

For an alternative twist, why not get hold of all his favourite chocolates and sweets from his childhood and create a custom hamper? Perfect for nostalgia and reminiscing, he is sure to appreciate the thought behind the gift.

Handmade Gifts

The perfect way to get young kids involved with their Father’s Day gifts, handmade presents can add a truly personal touch to the day. Plus, the options are limitless, meaning that you can easily create something to suit the individual person.

Get out the craft supplies and let the kids loose, unleashing their creative freedom to create a personal gift or handmade card sure to be treasured for many years to come. If you need some inspiration, here are some ideas for crafty handmade Father’s Day gifts.

Flowers

Contrary to popular belief, flowers aren’t just for women!

A gorgeous bouquet of fresh flowers is perfect for brightening up the home this summer, as well as providing a nice alternative to the traditional ‘socks and chocolates’ gift staple. A simple bouquet in a subtle colour scheme can make a great present this Father’s Day. Simply let the kids pick out their favourite then use flower delivery to ensure their choice arrives in time for the big day.

Hobby Based Gifts

Every dad has a hobby. Whether it is fishing, hiking, music, cycling or something else entirely, there is always something you can get to tie into their favourite pastime.

From themed gifts to accessories to help with their hobby of choice, there are plenty of options for presents that relate to their favourite hobbies.

Personalised Gifts

Many people say that personalised gifts always make the best option, where possible, and it’s not hard to see why they are so popular. Personalised gifts never fall out of favour because that individual touch is what makes the gift extra special. Father’s Day is an occasion set up with the intention of celebrating everything that our dads and father figures do for us, and thanking them is never better than when done in the most personal of ways.

From handmade gifts to bespoke or customised items and personalised presents, personalised gifts are the ones that will be treasured for many years to come. From items engraved with his name or a personal message to personalised photography gifts, or converting your parent's old wedding VHS tape to digital, get personal for a truly memorable present this year.

Of course, these are just a few suggestions. The best gifts come from the heart and are personal to both you and your family, so shop around and do plenty of research to find the perfect presents this Father’s Day.

Last Minute Fathers Day Gift Ideas

With it being Fathers Day this Sunday (19th) I thought I'd do a final gift guide of last minute items you could get for your Dad. This guide also includes items that Blake has got for Stuart, so Stuart please don't look at this post please. 

DVDS

Blake (I)  picked out Legend for Stuart as he had been wanting this DVD since its release. 

I think DVDs are an ideal gift for anyone but also are great if you know your Dad loves a good film. 

Chocolate

Another great idea is Chocolate and if you can get a novelty bar than even better I found this games controller one for Stuart on amazon. 

A tie

Another idea is a tie and this quirky looking was sent to us and is from House of Fraser.

I actually like the blue shade but know this wont really suit Stuart so will pass this on to someone else.

Homemade items

Get crafty with your little ones for Fathers Day as lets be honest here there is nothing better than a gift or card that has been handmade by your son or daughter.  Here are some crafts Blake has done recently to give you some ideas. 

I hope you all have enjoyed my last minute guide and that you all have a lovely Fathers Day whatever you get up to. 

Fathers Day Gifts with Snapfish

Snapfish recently contacted me to ask if I wanted to review some items for Fathers Day (19th June) as I love personalised Items I had to say yes. 

Next was the hard decision of what to choose as they have such a varied selection of items.

I chose to get some prints that we could frame, some personalsied cards and x6 photo coasters. 

Now one of the issues I have constantly with Snapfish is all my photos coming up as low resolution so I felt restricted on what items to choose as I didn't want them to come out blurry. I don't know if anyone else has had this issue at all? I use photos from my camera which is why it confuses me as could understand with photos taken from a mobile phone.

So the prints we chose were a selection of me with Blake, Stuart with Blake and Blake with his Grandad and the three of us as a family. We went for the 7x5 matt prints which are 19p each. Even though the website was saying that the photos were low quality I still feel that they came out well. We currently have one of the 3 of us in a frame on the mantle piece. 

We are also going to get some frames for the others and have 3 hanging up around the home and the one of Blake with his Grandad is going to be a gift for my Father in law. 

Next up are some personalised Fathers Day cards for both Stuart and my Father in law. 

They are of excellent quality and the photos have come out well. Cards on Snapfish start at 75p which is a great price for personalised, high quality cards. I know that both Stuart and my Father in law are going to love them. 

Last of all is the set of 6 personalised coasters for £12.99 They are 4x4 in size and are also excellent quality like the other items. One thing that surpirsed me was that the photo I used was taken on my mobile and came out fine but images coming from my camera came up as low quality when trying to order. I do love this photo of Blake though playing at the park and love the blue skys in the background. One thing I would have liked with the coasters would be that it would be nice to have an option of not just one photo for all 6 coasters but being able to select up to 6 photos to include on them.

Have you purchased anything from Snapfish recently? 

Fathers Day with WhiteWall

As fathers day is fast approaching online photolab, WhiteWall have a fab selection of photo print products. You can transform one of your favorite photos into a stunning showpiece. 

Their are products with an array of looks, sizes and frames to choose from.

WhiteWall offers a high quality printing and framing service using customers’ own photos. Simply choose an image, specify your custom size and material, including HD Metal Prints and Acrylic Blocks, and you pick from a range of framing options such as Floater Frames or Solid Wood ArtBoxes. Prices start at under just under £10 so ideal for a range of budgets. 

The website is simple to use I ordered an 13x18cm acrylic block. All I had to do once selected the item I wanted was to upload my chosen photo (a cute one of Blake on the swings) and then you can move the photo into position and then your done just add to cart and go to checkout. It's that easy. Delivery was speedy too I ordered on the 15th May and the product was dispatched on 17th May, arriving on the 19th of May. 

As for the product as you can see above it is of high quality. The acrylic glass is extra thick at 25mm and is sturdy and made like this for luminosity and impact. The acrylic block is stable so can be stood anywhere without extra supports or stands. The print itself is of premium quality and I'm overall impressed in how the image has turned out since this photo was taken using my HTC phone. 

I am very thrilled with the acrylic block and see myself purchasing from  WhiteWall again in the near future.