Father's Day Ideas

I find men so hard to buy for, and Father's Day is just around the corner! My Dad loves sports and books, so he inevitably gets the latest sporting biography. My husband's passions are surfing and mountain biking. He has, however, taken up the tradition that his father started, of asking for a block of dark chocolate and a packet of PK chewing gum from the kids. This year I thought I would go one better than that, so I've started looking for inspiration.

I love the idea of creating a one of a kind piece of art using our childrens' art. The very clever Debbie Greenfield, from Little Artist, scans in pieces of art that you send her and turns them into gorgeous works of art. The Surfboards Print would be perfect for Mark - one surfboard representing each of our girls.

And it can be turned into a tee shirt too, or you can use a favourite piece of art on it's own. If you want Debbie to create you a special piece for Father's Day you need to act quickly. It's usually a two week turnaround, and Father's Day is 1 September. See how to order one here.

Another great place to find gifts is LET LIV. Here are just a few of the things that may appeal to the blokes in your life. The Alarm Dock charges your iPhone or iPod Touch, and if you add a flip clock app, you've got a very cool clock. A deck of cards is always good to have on hand for quick game of poker or snap. Or how about a bike and multi tool kit?!

I love all the brass and gold accessories at Douglas and Bec. Mark would look pretty cool opening his beer with a gold plated bottle opener. And how smart would our dog look wearing the Nice Grill collar and lead when Mark takes her for walks!

Endemic World has a great range of prints, and there is 20% off a selection of prints
(until 31 August) especially chosen for Father's Day. I really like this Mercury photographic
print by Jack Alexander.

And Mark would love the Endless Summer print by Greg Straight.

One of my favourite international online stores is LEIF. They're based in New York, but if you ordered straight away, it might just arrive in time for Father's Day. These Mocha Cream Marble Cups look good enough to eat, and I'm sure Mark would prefer them to the floral cups that currently fill our cupboards. He'd also love the cool Echo Flash Drives made from walnut or bamboo with a splash of hand painted colour. And the Faceted Wood Bottle Stoppers would be great for using in between tipples of his favourite pinot noir.

I hope I've inspired you to get creative when gift hunting for the men in your life. Are they as hard to buy for as mine?