Forgotten to grab a gift for Father’s Day tomorrow? If you haven’t managed to get your hands on something for your main man yet, try these last-minute emergency gift ideas to make him feel special.
1. Say cheese!
Book a photo session for dad to have with the kids. There are plenty of great snappers on the North Shore (for some great ideas, check the North Shore Mums directory here) and many have family photo session specials available. You’ll end up with some amazing images to treasure forever, plus dad can make a day of it with the kids – so you get a well-deserved break!
2. Get him in shape
Help dad get in fit by booking him into a fitness program like 28 by Sam Wood or scheduling him a few one-on-one sessions with a local personal trainer. He’ll enjoy the chance to de-stress with exercise and you’ll reap the benefits of enjoying his brand-new bod!
3. That’s the ticket
If your husband or partner is sports-mad, nabbing a season pass or a set of tickets to an AFL, NRL or basketball game for dad and the kids to go together can be the perfect gift- and a great way for dad to bond with the kids as he shares his passion for his chosen game!
4. Get a book about Dads!
If you have young children, a storybook is a lovely way for dad to participate in the bed-bath routine (if he doesn’t already, that is!) by reading aloud. The benefits of reading to children are well documented (and you might be surprised at how much older children might enjoy being read to). For younger kids, try a title like My Dad Thinks He’s Funny by Australian author Katrina Germein. It’s too late to order online, so you’ll need to find a local bookstore!
5. Do it with style
Could your man do with a style checkup? This is a perfect (and a little different) gift for Father’s Day! The Image Doctor is a men’s only personal styling business and Dan Thomas is offering North Shore Mums a wardrobe review for the men in their life for just $97 (save $253)!
6. Have a reel good time
A couple of Gold Class movie passes are just the ticket! Order online and print them out (and add some value to your voucher for popcorn too!) for Dad – then get him to take you on a date night! Go for Hoyts (with local cinemas in Chatswood and Warringah Mall) or Event Cinemas (with local cinemas in Hornsby, Macquarie, Top Ryde and Castle Hill).
7. Big breakfast
If you want a luxury hotel experience without the hassle and cost of carting the whole family somewhere for an overnight stay, try booking into a 5-star resort for a buffet on Father’s Day. For an added special touch, book somewhere with water views and take the kids to play on the sand afterwards. Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific or Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach.
8. The big grin
Skip the gifts and go for an ‘experience’ present by booking tickets online and heading to Luna Park for a day out with kids. You’ll all get a thrill out of the jaw-dropping rides and you can finish the day with a memorable meal overlooking the harbour.
9. Matchy-matchy!
What’s cuter than dressing dad and the kids in matching outfits? Try matching pyjamas by any of the large retailers like Target and Kmart, or sets from Peter Alexander like these. Or make it simple and choose two pairs of identical socks in dad-size and kid-size!
10. Beauty treatment
It might sound like a strange suggestion, but many men have missed out on the relaxing experience of a full-body exfoliation or a skin treatment! You could try them on a simple foot massage or deep clean for their skin. However, if you don’t think your man is up for anything too girly, book a remedial massage or sports massage.
