Devoted daughter but busy busy busy with your high flying career/enormous family/chaotically glamorous social life? Yup, we’ve all been there. Read on for some great gifts for discerning dads that can either be delivered in time or bought locally. You’re welcome.
Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, £38
(Buy in person from Fortnums, Harvey Nicks, Milroys of Soho on Greek St)
Bring a glazed smile to Dad’s face with a dram (or several) of this ultra-smooth triple distilled single malt Scotch whisky. The cool, tactile, turquoise packaging is a far cry from Scotch’s traditional—dare one say stuffy—image, and as the night wears on you can have hours of fun rhyming Laddie with Daddy.
Man Vs. Child: One Dad’s Guide to the Weirdness of Parenting, £12.99
(Buy in person from Oliver Bonas, Notting Hill Gate)
‘Comedian Doug Moe knows first-time fathers are worried about being terrible at their terrifying new jobs (he knows, he’s been one). In this book, Man Vs. Child: One Dad’s Guide to the Weirdness of Parenting, he tackles the cringe worthy and downright weird questions that being a first time father induces.’
A genuinely funny present for new fathers just a little perplexed about the responsibilities that face them for the next… ah let’s face it, for the rest of their lives.
The Cheese & Wine Box, £125
(Next day delivery if ordered before 2pm; or buy in person from Fortnums)
Tangy cheddar, ripe camembert, oozing brie, all washed down with full-flavoured Graves and rich, almost syrupy Late Bottled Vintage port? Delectably savoury biscuits, sweet damson cheese, a handful of dried fruit and nuts to complement the whole divine shebang? We highly recommend you present Papa with this luxurious hamper after lunch this Sunday, and join him in wolfing down the goodies.
Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, £30
(Buy in person from most supermarkets nationwide)
Yohoho and a bottle of..! The latest from Master Blender Allen Smith, Mount Gay Black Barrel is a small batch, handcrafted blend made from matured double pot distillates and aged column distillates. The blended rum is then matured for a second time in deeply charred Bourbon Oak barrels… Whatever the process, the result is seriously yummy—rich, smooth and spicy—and will have you and Daddy singing sea shanties before the day is out.
Virgin Experience Days, from c. £20
(Order before 2pm for Saturday delivery)
Here at WLL we are big fans of ‘experience’ presents, especially those one selflessly shares with the recipient. Virgin, as one might expect from ultimate adventurer (and friend of WLL) Richard Branson, has a vast range to choose from.
We like the look of the Gin and Tonic Tasting Experience for Two at Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour, Covent Garden (£36 for 2), but realise that the balance of this guide is currently skewed pretty heavily in favour of alcoholic gifts.
For more wholesome* types, the Weekday Sunrise Virgin Hot Air Balloon Flight for Two (£237 for 2) would be a pretty unbeatable father-daughter bonding experience, with photo ops a-plenty.
*Disclaimer includes glass of champagne at landing.
If you’re feeling generous and Dad is a cricket fan, he’ll love you even more than he already does when you present him with a ticket to day one of the England v West Indies second test match (£359). He probably won’t want to go alone, though; cue altruistic offer to venture up north with him and take full advantage of the pre-lunch champagne reception followed by three course meal with complimentary bar… ah… erm…
OK, found one! For daredevil daddies (possibly new fathers who want to feel free), how about a 12 mile helicopter ride for one (£59)? He will communicate with the pilot via the headset and listen to the air traffic radio for a real taste of what it’s like to fly. His 12 mile thrilling flight will leave him buzzing as he gently touches back down to earth. And not an intoxicating beverage in sight.
