Every June, the UK celebrates all things dad. Young dads, old dads. Tall and small. But despite coming in all shapes and sizes, our idea of fatherhood – especially when it comes to Father’s Day gifts – seems to be stuck on one kind of father.
You know the one. The dad who likes football and beer, spends weekends standing next to a barbecue and enjoys nothing more than a nap on the sofa.
Dads these days have a lot more freedom to be themselves than previous generations did, and our gift ideas should keep up. Yes, some dads tick all those boxes. Others are more likely to be found reading a book, playing a video game or hiking through the countryside. Some are simply trying to survive another night shift before coming home to small children.
So whether you're shopping for a shift worker who could do with a decent night's sleep, a foodie who treats every meal as a gastronomic exploration or a big kid who still gets excited by games and gadgets, we've rounded up some Father's Day gift ideas for every kind of dad.
Some dads seem to exist in a different time zone to the rest of the family. They’re heading out the door while everyone else is eating dinner, sleeping when the rest of the house is awake and somehow surviving on a combination of caffeine, determination and gritted teeth.
If that sounds familiar, Father's Day might be the perfect excuse to make life a little easier. This stylish Stanley Café-To-Go Travel Mug is ideal for keeping coffee hot through long shifts, while a Gousto subscription can take some of the stress out of figuring out what's for dinner after a busy week. For the dad who never seems to get enough sleep, a state-of-the-art pillow from Simba Sleep could help turn those precious hours off the clock into better-quality rest.
Who doesn't enjoy a game now and again? There are few better ways to unwind after the kids have finally gone to bed. And who cares if it occasionally drifts into a “just one more level” situation, the PlayStation whirring away long after everyone else has called it a night? That's tomorrow morning’s problem.
Whether your dad is usually the first to suggest a family board game, still gets excited about a new video game release or treats Father's Day as an opportunity for a little friendly competition, there are plenty of gifts to fuel his inner child. Ravensburger’s The Quest for El Dorado should keep him occupied for hours, while tickets to The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience (London or Manchester) offer the chance to live out a childhood dream – minus Richard O’Brien, of course.
You know the type. He was an infuriating bore about all things food when you were a kid, but now he kind of makes sense. He likes to know what’s in his meals, where the ingredients came from and how everything was cooked. But let’s not mention the weird fermentation phase he went through.
A TrueStart Coffee subscription will keep him well supplied with caffeine, while a Zwilling steak knife set adds a little ceremony to dinner time. If you’d rather treat him to an experience than another kitchen gadget, a meal out at Jamie’s Italian could be the perfect excuse to spend some time together.
Ask him what he’d like for Father’s Day and he’ll probably shrug. That’s because his ideal afternoon involves being left alone with a good book or disappearing into the depths of his own mind. Best leave him to it…
A beautifully bound Chiltern Classics edition from Waterstones, such as this fine copy of Moby Dick, would make for an excellent gift, while an Audible subscription is ideal for long walks, commutes or simply escaping into another world for a while. If he still appreciates the simple pleasure of putting pen to paper, Papersmiths' Spring Gift Set is a suitable option.
Every family has one. Ask what he’d like for Father's Day and he’ll immediately insist he doesn’t need anything. Unfortunately, he’s probably right.
But don’t sweat it. A Virgin Experiences Balloon Flight is unlikely to gather dust in a cupboard (and with a Blue Light Card discount, it’s not as much as you might think), while Activity Superstore’s comedy night tickets offer an excuse for a memorable evening out. Theatre lovers might appreciate tickets from LOVEtheatre, while an English Heritage membership can unlock hundreds of historic sites and days out throughout the year.
Yes, he likes beer. He lives and breathes football. And fast cars get him excited in ways you'll never fully understand. But he's your dad, and if you're honest, he's actually pretty good company.
BrewDog's Dad IPA Gift Pack leans into Father's Day with admirable enthusiasm, while Menkind's 10 Piece BBQ Tool Set should help him fulfil his sacred duty of standing next to hot coals dispensing more meat than anyone should reasonably want. And if you'd rather spend some time together than wrap another gift, treat him to a meal at Toby Carvery. After all, few things say Father's Day quite like an afternoon spent queueing for Yorkshire puddings.
Every dad is different, but finding the right gift doesn't have to be difficult. Explore Blue Light Card's gift offers to discover even more Father's Day inspiration and see how much you could save.
And remember, whatever kind of dad you're shopping for, don't forget to check out the savings available through Blue Light Card. From discounts at Waterstones and Menkind to money off experiences, days out and much more, there are tons of ways to make your Father's Day budget go that little further.
Experience gifts are often a good choice for dads who already seem to own everything they need. Days out, theatre tickets, memberships and activities can create lasting memories without adding more clutter to the house.
If you're looking to move beyond the traditional socks-and-slippers route, try choosing a gift based on your dad's interests. Board games, coffee subscriptions, books, fitness accessories, food experiences and days out can all make thoughtful alternatives.
Start by thinking about how your dad spends his free time. Whether he's a foodie, a keen gamer, a sports enthusiast or happiest with a good book, choosing a gift that matches his personality is usually more meaningful than simply buying the latest gadget.
Yes. Experience gifts can be a great option, particularly for dads who are difficult to buy for. From comedy nights and theatre trips to hot-air balloon rides and heritage memberships, experiences offer something to look forward to and enjoy together.
