Answering The Age Old Question: What To Buy A Dad For Christmas
Dads are notoriously hard to shop for, if you dad is anything like mine. He will have pretty much everything he wants (except a Porsche, but let’s be honest, he’s too old fo the mid-life crisis car!) and he tends to keep his life minimal. You can’t get away with buying him cushions, ornaments and accessories, instead you have to think outside the box and get him something he will enjoy and use. Dads tend not to like clutter and instead they like usable and consumable items… not sure what I mean, keep reading!
For The Outdoorsmen…
If you dad is all about the winter walks, farming and outdoor pursuits, then Muck Boots classic Muckmaster boots are the perfect wellingtons. Warm, super comfortable and super sturdy, my dad is a huge fan and so is my mum. Seriously, these boots are the ultimate wellies!!!
For The Body…
When it comes to shopping for bath & body products for men, I always recommend choose a fragrance which is fresh, clean and aquatic and packaged in a slick box. Not for any #EverydaySexism reasons but more because I don’t want it to look like a generic gift set I’ve wrapped up for him at the last minute. Rituals is a great choice as their branding is spot on, the fragrances are stunning and they always give a good, rich lather. If you are not sure which fragrance to go for, then stick with a classic like ‘The Ritual of Samurai’.
For Those Who Love A Good Brew…
My parents are tea addicts. I swear the kettle rarely leaves the Aga hot plate and they are constantly sipping on a freshly made brew. A new mug is a nice gift for anyone, but steer clear of the garish ‘Worlds Greatest Dad’ mug and Instead choose him something a little more ‘him’. My dad loves walking his dog and spending time in the Countryside, so I’ve picked him out these mugs which have water-coloured style woodland animals printed on each one. It’s not an expensive gift, but it’s one he will use often and hopefully enjoy!
For The Athlete…
I have mentioned this Elemis bath soak SO many times over the years, but I can’t stress enough how much of a winning gift it is. My boyfriend loves this product as much as I love Benefit’s Gimme Brow (yep, I said it!) and he has probably used as many bottles of it as I have used tubes of the iconic brow product. It’s a super potent bath soak which really penetrates the muscles and soothes away aches and pains. Perfect for dads who travel a lot, run or just have aches and pains. Also it has quite a herby medicinal scent so if you’re worried it’s a ‘girly’ gift, don’t be!
For The Dog Walker…
I think one of the best gifts I ever bought my dad was a dog lead. Not even kidding. He loves walking his black lab, Bob and he loves traditionally made items, which is why I knew this dog lead would be perfect for him. It’s a slip style lead (perfect for dogs who don’t wear a collar) and it’s handmade in England by the Chatham Rope Company. It’s a beautifully made hemp rope lead which has been hand sewn, knotted and even has a little leather detailing. Believe me, if you dad loves his dog and he’s a big of a farmer / outdoorsman, this could be the gift for him!
For The Face…
In my opinion, there are two types of men, those who groom and those who don’t. My boyfriend is a groomer, my dad and brother… not so much! If your dad is a no-nonsense skincare man, then I highly recommend Bulldog Skincare, it’s great quality, completely natural, leaves skin clean, fresh and nourished and the tubes are nice and generous in size so they can rub it around their face in a quick and simple manner and move on with their lives. It’s my brothers personal fave skincare and it’s great value too!
For The Hipster Dad…
If your dad is a bit of a hipster and likes to rock a colourful sock between his brogues and suit, then look no further! Happy Socks are the perfect gift, or at least stocking filler. There are oodles of prints to choose between, amazing colours to select and each one features one of their classic Scandi designs. Whilst Dads might expect socks for christmas, they probably don’t expect them to be as cool as Happy Socks!
For The Notes Taker…
Whilst most communication is online now, there is still a need for everyone to have a good pen in their lives. My boyfriend has three Montblanc pens, one which stays in his office, one at his bedside table and on in his work bag. He really enjoys writing with it and he says it always puts him in the right frame of mind when he has a notebook with good quality paper and a Montblanc pen in his hand. Believe me on this one, it’s a great gift for a dad; if he doesn’t already have one!
For Down Time…
My dad loves listening to the radio; he loves the cricket commentary in the summer, The Arches in the evening and often plays the radio in the background during the day. Most of it is streamed via his phone or computer, but the sound quality is never great on either, which is why the VQ Monty makes a great gift. Not only is it a great digital radio; but if he wants to stream audio from the iplayer app, Spotify, podcasts or iTunes, he can do it all by easily connecting his phone to the radio via Bluetooth and essentially turning the radio into a high quality portable speaker. Oh and the wood effect finish is really beautiful for any desk, living room or bedside table!
For The Groomer…
Whilst my dad and brother are ‘non-groomer’ groomers, my boyfriend is all over it! He’s very proud of his great skin and will happily join in when I get out the face masks! If your dad likes a luxury skincare range offering great results, then there are some great gift sets at Kiehl’s, my boyfriend is a big fan of their products, I often find their face creams will quickly work their way from my side of the bathroom to his, even though I know he’s not finished whatever he was using previously!
For Cosy Feet…
Whilst he might wear a flash of colourful socks with his brogues to work, when he gets home, it’s likely he will want something a little cosier. Which is where my next gift comes in handy… Slippers! Warm and cosy, fleece lined and a simple design. These ones are from Boden in case you haven’t heard, their loungewear is the BEST!
For The Study…
This is where I could suggest getting your dad a leather bound notebook, but instead I’m suggesting something more off-piste, but I promise, I’ve given my dad many of these in the past and they always go down surprisingly well. I’m talking about scented candles. I know it sounds crazy, but my dad would NEVER think about buying himself a candle, yet when I have given him them for christmas, he’s loved using them. It brightens up his study and fills the space with scent. On cold dark evenings and Sunday afternoons when he’s catching up with work, it just makes everything a little more enjoyable! Personally, I’d suggest something like Malin + Goetz Dark Rum, with it’s simple branding, uplifting bergamot and soothing rum and leather accords. Perfect!
♥
Ta Da!!!! And there we have it! What to get a dad for Christmas, I hope it’s been of help! If you have any suggestions, please do comment below and if you have any your eye on any of these items, please do let me know which ones! I always love hearing from everyone!
I want that Elemis bath soak! My Dad is very easily pleased – I get him a jumper, book and aftershave & he’s always happy! X
It’s So good isn’t it?! It takes a little while to get used to the scent, but now i love it and it really works! my boyfriend is addicted!!
As well as being a Dad gift list I think I’d be pretty chuffed with most of it x
haha! yes! it’s so true!!!!
These are really good ideas! I don’t have to buy anything for my Dad as he doesn’t get presents for anyone, so at least I don’t have the dilemma of what to get!
ah my dads not so into the shopping, but it’s so nice to treat him!
My dad is so hard to buy for! This is so useful! Xx
Thank you so much! you are so kind! xxx
Some great stocking fillers for the men there!
My dad is SO difficult to buy for! I just get him aftershave and cookbooks x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
ah cookbooks is a good one!!! xxxx
This is very helpful as my dad is so hard to buy for! x
I have saved this post thank you soooo much! I am struggling with the men in my life’s gifts at the mo x
I would happily have that candle or a Mont Blanc pen!
I find men in general impossible to buy for. I treated my hubby to a set of Kiehls goodies and sone golfing gear but you just can’t go wrong with socks!
I’m really lucky because my dad is so easy to buy for and so is my step dad and father in law! I’m so lucky but these are some seriously amazing ideas!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Oh my goodness my dad is so difficult to buy for! Absolutely love all of your picks!
Chantelle x
The Girl In The Tartan Scarf
Dads are a nightmare! My Grandad is the worst to buy for – but I must admit he would love the socks!
Erin || MakeErinOver
Love this post! That Malin candle is one of my all time favourites! x
Such a great gift guide – I love that you didn’t take the typically Aftershave route x