Dads are the best, right? Always there for advice, hugs, sarcastic comments, and obviously, dad jokes! If it slipped your mind, we're here to remind you it's Father's Day on the 21st June and it's the perfect opportunity to say a big thank you to the father figure in your life. But dads are some of the hardest people to shop for – they never want anything, or they already have everything! Before the panic sets in, we’ve got some gifts we know they’ll love. You’ll be helping your local businesses, and showing dad some appreciation - sounds great to us!
The beer enthusiast
Call us cliché, but it’s a truth universally acknowledged that dads love a beer! Kent couldn’t be a better place for beer lovers. Macknade’s Craft Beer Hamper features the very best of today’s Kentish brewing scene and promises you won’t be disappointed with the selection of beer on offer from Hopdaemon, The Canterbury Ales, Romney Marsh Brewery, Time & Tide and Old Dairy Brewery.
If your dad is a, “I know what I like” kind of guy, why not treat him to one of Shepherd Neame’s new 5 litre mini kegs of his favourite beer, from Whistable Bay Pale Ale or famous Spitfire Lager? Or if cider is his thing, make sure to order him something unique like Biddenden Special Reserve, a 13% cider that’s matured in oak whisky casks, ideal for serving as a port or sherry.
The full pub experience
If your dad is missing the trips to his local pub, go above and beyond with Shepherd Neame’s branded merchandise to create the full at home pub experience. They’ve got everything from t-shirts, bar blades, glassware and garden parasols. Make it an afternoon he’ll never forget!
For the dad who wants to get from in front of the bar to behind it, Brogdale Collections cider making course in October is the perfect hands on experience for them to learn everything they need to know about creating the perfect cider. The best bit is? Participants get to take home 10 litres of cider must to ferment and enjoy. Sign us up!
The wine aficionado
If your dad is a bit of a budding sommelier, his favourites from the Wine Garden of England couldn’t be more perfect – choose from deep reds to sweet rosés from the likes of Chapel Down or Biddenden Vineyards. After something special? Gusbourne’s new Blanc de Noirs has only just been released and is a must try for all wine aficionados. Their Head Winemaker describes it as “a characteristic 100% Pinot Noir, with drive and energy, but importantly, brimming with abundant red fruit”. Wine not?
Spirited dads
For the dads that like something stronger, Copper Rivet's Son of a Gun Cask Finished English Grain Spirit made from specially grown Kentish grain from just 15 miles from the delightful red brick Pumphouse Number 5 on the banks of the River Medway. Perfect for the dad who’ll join you for a cocktail on summer's evenings! Did we mention they’ve currently got 20% off spirits? You're welcome...
The would-be Tiger Woods
If your dad fancies himself a bit of a pro, or he's already feeling excited for The 149th Golf Open (coming to Kent, July 2021!) then he'll love some time playing on one of Kent's finest courses at Leeds Castle. If you want to be bold and suggest his game might benefit from some coaching, book him a lesson with Leeds Castle's PGA professional coach, to help him whether he’s a complete beginner or a touring professional.
The Action Man
I mean, the picture says it all here! For the adrenalin junkie dad, head to Action Water Sports, attach jets to his feet and let him become a real life superhero as he flies above the lake in their flyboarding classes. All lessons are socially distanced and available now.
Train Mad Dad
Are dads born loving trains? Loving a heritage steam line like Spa Valley Railway seems like a universal dad trait – if that sums your father up, then why not get them a Spa Valley Railway membership? It helps make sure this special steam train is preserved for years to come, and makes him part of that special history.
For the foodie father
One of Vine + Country's foodie hampers is an ideal present to send straight to your dad's door. They're full of Kent & Sussex's best local produce, from artisan cheeses and charcuterie to fresh fruit and dips - choose from the Charcuterie, Seaside or Vegetarian option so you'll be sure they'll get their favourite bits! We'll take one for dad... and one for ourselves!
For the wannabe chef
If your dad is a whiz in the kitchen, award-winning Ambrette fine dining Indian resturants are giving away a signed copy to the Bombay to Britain cookbook with the first 20 home delivery and takeway orders received for £50 or more for Father’s Day. The book is jam packed with signature dish recipes of 50 of the best UK-based Indian chefs. After an experience? This July, Hever Castle is hosting celebrity chef Tom Kerridge's Drive and Dine experience, enjoy a show from the comfort of your car all while tucking into a tasty dish. Maybe suggest you could be Chief Food Taster?
The sweetest dad
Set home up for a Netflix night of his favourite films, and indulge in Solley’s Ice Cream’s amazing "Solley’s Scooping Kits” – it includes one Napoli (that’s at least 35 scoops of ice cream!) in a choice of flavours, 10 waffle cones, 10 flakes and rainbow sprinkles so you can dream up your every own creation at home. Talk about the perfect night in!
Father's day pamper
Now and again dad's need a reminder to slow down, and chill out. Enter Romney Marsh Wools who have everything you need to make your dad feel relaxed and rested with their Men’s Gift Box, containing a pair of moccasins, wool socks and natural lanolin rich shampoo, and shower gel. Spending time indoors has never been so comfortable. And breathe...
"I really don't need anything"
We all know that when some dads say, “I really don’t want anything!”, they actually mean it. If that’s your dad, then we think the perfect gift is a helping hand to someone else. Plenty of businesses in Kent need our love and support right now – whether you want to give a donation in his name to one of Kent's animal sanctuaries if he’s an animal lover, or even adopting a bird at Leeds Castle to help the welfare and development of the Bird of Prey centre. It's a win-win!
