Ah Dads. They come in all shapes and sizes. Sporty. Arty. Foodie. Beer-y. And we love them all. That's why we always want to make sure they have a seriously good Father's Day (21st June, just so you know). But this year it's going to be a bit more difficult than simply taking him to his favourite boozer for a pint or three.
So we've got creative. From ways to celebrate even though you're unable to see each other to activities you can do while social distancing, we've tracked down nine brilliant ways to show dad you care.
For even more ideas, hop on over to our new home experience section. We've managed to track down some of London's best experiences and magically transform them into home kits that get delivered right to your door. OK, so we can't quite fit a paddleboard through your letterbox, but we've done a pretty good job. There's the curry club; a gin-tasting masterclass; and Zoom workshops, too, to really up the ante. Can't see Dad in person? Get an experience for the two of you and do them together via Zoom.
Whatever your dad's into, we've got it covered. You can thank us later.
9 alternative ideas for Father's Day
For The Foodie Father: Teach Him To Make Sourdough
This gift is two fold: dad can get his chef on and make sourdough; you can reap the rewards in the shape of endless loaves of perfectly chewy bread. Clever, right? Our nifty home kit has everything dad will need to make sourdough from scratch, but if he's more biryani than baker, try out our curry club – another idea to satisfy food-loving fathers.
For The Film Buff: Set Up An Outdoor Cinema
… Using a bedsheet and projector to play his fave film. Did we mention we have the perfect picnic to go alongside that?
For The Dad That Likes A Drink: Organise A Whisky Tasting
OK, so we can't get you into a real bar any time soon, but our virtual whisky masterclass takes place in West London's Map Maison. Turn down your lights, add some candles, get some fancy glasses out… It's basically the same! Kind of.
For Social Media Star: Learn a TikTok dance together
Once you've had those whiskies (you'll need 'em), make your dad a bonafide celeb for Father's Day by teaching him a dance. Just don't be upset when people love his dancing more than yours.
For The Sport Enthusiast: Challenge Him To A Game
(image: Kevin Harber)
All you need is a pile of jumpers to make some goal posts, and you've got a ready-made pitch on your hands. Or you can go one step further and get a badminton set. We're sure the other people in the park will love getting hit by rogue shuttlecocks…
For The Dad That Loves Walking: Go For a Nature Walk
(image: deveion acker)
Now that many National Trust sites are reopening, go for a lovely long stroll through flora and fauna. Don't forget to take a picnic and make sure you check in advance what's open.
For The Arty Dad: Organise An Old-School Family Portrait
Be transported back to the Victorian era with this seriously beautiful photography style, where every photography plate is handmade and the photo gets rendered on a metal plate. If it sounds rare and unusual, that's because it is: only a few tintype photographers exist in the UK, and we've tracked down one of them to take your portrait over Zoom. Talk about a Father's Day gift to remember.
For The Dad That Hates The City: Take Him To The Seaside
(image: Petr Kratochvil)
If you're lucky enough to have a car, you can venture a bit further afield. Weather willing, drive to the sea for a day filled with nostalgia for family days out of old, the revitalising properties of a brisk sea breeze, proper fish and chips and ice cream.
For The Dad That Believes He Could've Been A Rockstar: A One-on-One Guitar Lesson
Get taught how to play blues guitar by The Stranglers' ex-guitarist James Ellis. Yes, really. Don't say we don't spoil you. Ideal for dad's who've got a guitar lying around that they refuse to throw away. Sadly, we can't send you the guitar. The postman said no.
For The History Buff: Learn Winston Churchill's Secrets
(image: Michael)
With lockdown slowly lifting, we bet dads everywhere are chomping at the bit to get out there and explore. We might be biased, but our gift experiences – which, by the way, are valid for one year – will be a brilliant way to celebrate being free again. Go on a walking tour exploring the history of Winston Churchill; go paddle boarding in Little Venice; go on a gin safari by Mini Cooper. Whatever it is, it'll beat just lying in the park.
Outdoor experiences are starting up from end of June.
(main image: Anrita1705)
