Stumped on a present for Pops? From record players and beer brewing kits, to drones and hoverboards, here are 15 presents for all kinds of dads
We’re going to come right out and say it: Father’s Day is a toughie – particularly when that special man in your life has everything he wants and needs. While your old man may crave nothing more than a quiet day of sports, beers and burgers (sans Mum’s naggings – soz Mum!), he deserves a fab treat too. From top-notch drones for tech-savvy Pops to luxe fragrances for dapper dads, we suss out the best gift ideas for all kinds of fathers.
For dapper dads
Edwin Jagger 3-piece shaving set ($236)
Nothing quite says well-groomed like the perfect shave, so a disposable razor and drugstore shaving gel just won’t cut it. Shave with style with the popular Edwin Jagger three-piece set, which includes the famed DE86 DE safety razor, a pack of five Derby blades and a 100% pure badger hair brush for luxe lathers. A chrome brush stand is also included in the set for easy display, as well as proper drying.
Available from Panicroom.sg.
Molton Brown Ultimate Gym Essentials Gift Set (US $106)
Has your old man been keeping to his resolution of losing that dad bod? If the answer is a resounding yes, he’s due for a reward. Keep him motivated with Molton Brown’s Ultimate Gym Essentials Gift set, which boasts pampering toiletries, including the bestselling Peppercorn Body Wash and anti-perspirant deodorant spray.
Available from Molton Brown UK.
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Gift Set ($86)
If your suave dad’s also a big fan of the outdoors, this Giorgio Armani fragrance is made for him. This aquatic fragrance boasts a fresh masculine scent with marine notes, fruits, herbs and woodsy nuances. Reminiscent of a breezy day on a Mediterranean island, the fragrance is subtly sensual – don’t blame us if Mum can’t get her hands off Dad with this scent *shivers*. The set includes a full sized and miniature Eau De Toilette, a shampoo, and shave balm for maximum scent staying power.
Available from Sephora Singapore.
For chef (and liquor-loving) dads
Scanpan Classic 8-piece In-Drawer Cutlery Block Set ($158)
All that slicing and dicing calls for a set of durable, cutting-edge knives. Danish brand, Scanpan, offers a standout eight-piece knife set, suitable for everyone from amateur cooks to Masterchefs. Made with stain-resistant German Chromium Molybdenum Vanadium Steel, these knives trump their competitors with their forged construction for better balance and strength in the blade, and ergonomic trilobal handle design for both left and right hand users.
Available from Lazada.
Burger Bites Grill Pan and Press ($78.90)
Mum may reign over the kitchen, but Dad? He’s king of the grill – and proud of it. If your dad’s idea of Sunday barbie involves whipping up burgers for the whole fam, Nordic Ware’s Burger Bites Grill Pan is a Godsend. The inventive pan boasts seven burger cavities with raised searing grids for fast and easy burger formations. The accompanying hand press also helps dad score major points with Mum; besides quickening the job, it also creates beautiful, perfectly shaped patties that’ll set Mum’s heart aflutter.
Available from ToTT Singapore.
Coopers DIY Beer Brew Kit ($175)
This may not be the most sophisticated gift, but it sure as heck will spell hours of fun and satisfaction for your booze-loving dad. The kit includes a patented fermenter, hydrometer and a bottling valve for quick brewing, and enough ingredients to brew 23 litres of great-tasting (not to mention all-natural, preservative-free) beer.
Available from I-Brew Singapore.
For tech-savvy dads
Pebble Classic ($109)
In case you didn’t know, wearable tech is a legit thing now. We’re talking smart watches; once an idealistic gimmick, it actually ranks high on the fashion + function stakes now (who’d have thought?). For an affordable starter, go with the Pebble Classic. The handy gadget’s fab for techies and fitties; with it, your dad will never miss a single birthday or family update thank to the glanceable notifications available at his fingertips (or wrist). Plus, he can easily take note of his fitness goals with downloadable apps that track his movements.
Available from Pebble.com
GPO Attaché Record Player
Spotify? iTunes? Pfft.. nothing quite beats the warm, brassy sound of a vinyl on a record player – just ask your dad. For an affordable and highly functional modern record player, the GPO Attaché Record Player makes a great choice. Stylish, lightweight and available in a range of colours, the briefcase style record player is portable, and features built-in stereo speakers and a USB stick so you can record your vinyl records on the go.
Available from Retrophonic Records.
DJI Phantom 2 Vision drone ($1,510.74 )
This one’s costly, so be prepared to pool funds with the rest of the fam. The Phantom 2 is an investment for serious drone users; it boasts a 5,200mAh Lipo battery for long flight durations, a 14 Mega Pixel cam with a HD recording function, as well as an ascent speed of 6m/s for clear, landscape shots from above. Alternatively, if your dad’s a drone newbie, we suggest the Hubsan X4 H107D for its lightweight, portable body.
Available from Singapore Hobby Supplies.
Hoverboard X-2 ($499)
This one’s for the big-kids-at-heart. The Hoverboard X-2 comes with basic features, as well as LED lights and a Bluetooth speaker so your old man can cruise down the streets to his fave oldies. Tip: Hoverboard usage in Singapore comes with its own special set of rules, so before you splash out on these “segways”, read our guide.
Available from Hoverboard.
For handy dads
Black & Decker LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver (US$44.99)
Okay, so we don’t claim to be experts on tools, but if there’s one power drill we’ve heard of, it’s this cordless one from Black & Decker. Aside from its basic function of drilling and screwdriving, it’s also remarkably lightweight and compact – say buh-bye to achy arms! It also has an 11-position clutch that provides precise control and an LED work light for dark spaces.
Available from Amazon.
Crescent 170-Piece Mechanics Tool Set (US$109.99)
Whether your dad’s a tool-wizard or a beginner, the 170-piece Crescent tool set offers a myriad of functions for any situation. Each durable piece is constructed with chrome vanadian steel and coated with a nickel chrome-plated finish for long-lasting protection. All ratchets also come equipped with quick easy-release function for seamless use. The Internet’s filled with raving reviews of this set – buy him this, and he’ll never need to purchase another tool again
Available from Amazon.
For corporate dads
Lamy 2000 ($304)
Fans of the fountain pen will attest to this icon’s rep. A timeless classic since 1966, this model has won the hearts of design fans and men all over the world since then. Its highly raved-about barrel is made of Macrolon: a fiberglass material that’s not only sturdy, but also warms to the touch. A high-precision, honest writing tool, fans constantly wax lyrical about its slow, smooth strokes and flawlessly-integrated piston filler.
Available from Lamy 313 Somerset and online.
Fossil Estate EW Messenger (US $298)
Forget fuddy-duddy briefcases of the past; give your dad a hip, #boss makeover with this rich leather work bag from Fossil. Made with high-quality, heritage leather and sturdy hardware, the bag’s highly portable and durable for laptops. Bonus: Like all great leather goods, it’ll age beautifully over time.
Available from Fossil stores islandwide.
Tom Ford Silk Tie ($395)
If your dad’s a fan of the tacky tie (you know – the printed, gaudy ones). he needs an intervention, pronto. Start with one luxe, basic tie that’ll go with everything. This silk tie by Tom Ford is defo a splurge item, but its wool and silk blend material and chic black and grey hues will add a stylish accent to any tailored outfit.
Available from Mr Porter