Fire, sharp objects, and alcohol

Today, I’ve been asked (read, had a gun held to my head) to talk to you about Father’s Day. 

That commercial confection dreamt up by the greeting card industry, joined reluctantly by retailers anxious to move socks, mugs and other unnecessary novelties, to pocket-moneyed children and guilty mothers who probably fared rather better than their other halves two months ago.  Now, before the marketer in you writes in protesting at my lack lustre attempt to sell you something, know that this week, frankly, it is going to be pretty lukewarm. And you know you have only yourself to blame. If I never got any encouragement from you, that drives me to persevere, I’d probably give up, and retire to the Outer Hebrides or The Maldives and live the life of Reilly. But in reality, it takes very little to keep writing, week in week out.

So, in a further moment of honesty, I’ll admit to not being entirely against this ritual. I am, after all, one myself with three quite reasonable offspring, most of the time, who are really very reasonable human beings, most of the time.  It’s just that many dads, if truly consulted would probably rather receive a new circular saw, an SDS Hammer drill or perhaps uninterrupted access to the shed for a day, than the things that traditionally arrive wrapped in tissue that Sunday morning breakfast time.

That said, if one is going to buy something then it should at least be connected in some way to fire, sharp objects, or alcohol, these being, in my observation, three enduring areas of male interest.

So, for the Whisky dad there are Riedel Ritual Double Rocks. Not my taste perhaps, heavy moulded glass, but apparently VERY trendy right now, and there’s a matching Hi Ball as well.

Then there’s Horl knife Sharpeners, that appeal deeply to a certain type of male brain, in which I include myself. There’s something almost hypnotic in the process of using one of these precision instruments on a good quality knife blade. And, after testing your work with utter delight as you slice a sheet of A4 paper in two, with nerry a trace of noise or hesitation…it just glides through…effortless….gorgeous!

Then of course there is the Jamie Oliver Love Mug. Whilst an old curmudgeon like me snorts at the name, with “love” in the title, I’ll admit tea somehow tastes better from a mug given with love! 
When I write something like this though I start to suspect that I’m beginning to fall for my own marketing speak…..the end is obviously nigh.

Other Offers
 
As well as the offers above you can take 20% OFF the rest of the Le Creuset BBQ range and some selected Riedel products, including the Limited Edition Amadeo Figaro Decanter.

 

They are all here in our secret DadsDay26 collection 

All cynicism apart, a thoughtful gift, whatever its size, says something worthwhile, I think. 

It says I know you. 

To be known and accepted is to be loved, and to be loved….well what more could a fella want….?

So, whether your dad would prefer a Horl sharpener, a pair of whisky glasses, a thermometer of almost military precision or simply time in his shed with a cup of tea in his “Love Mug”, I hope the days brings a little affection, good humour and love with it. 

If all else fails, there’s always the gift voucher. It may be saying I gave up trying to understand you years ago, but I still care hugely.  

Father’s Day is Sunday 21st June so you’ve got a little time yet. 

Frankly I’m astounded that I’m writing this three weeks in advance. Ah, I just remembered, I had a gun held to my head. 

I trust that you have a pleasant and peaceful weekend.

 

Warm regards