This year Fathers Day falls on Sunday 16th June, and we sent our very own man of taste and sophistication, Marc Shelkin, on the hunt to curate our gift guide for fathers day 2019. Marc has selected a range of products, experiences, gifts and treats. Plus he's reviewed why they qualify for our gift guide.
Let Marc guide you through the top things to buy for Fathers Day 2019, and look out for a couple of competitions where you can WIN some of these great gifts too.
£220 from Buyagift.com
As a dad of an 18-month year old I’ve not had many opportunities to have time for me, time to switch off, relax and enjoy some adult time. The opportunity to review a Spa, Treatment and Afternoon Tea in a hotel based in the most exclusive post-code in London was very exciting. With thanks to Buyagift my wife and I managed to get a whole 4 hours of ‘us time’ away from the stresses of parenthood.
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What do you get in the package?
Spa Treatments
We decided to try the 30-minute full body massage, which was excellent and skillfully executed. With calming background music and candlelight all was very peaceful and relaxing.
Chocolate Afternoon Tea
We had half an hour to relax after our treatments, which included time getting ready to have our Afternoon Tea. Tea in the MayFair Kitchen was delightful with extra sandwiches as well as tea or coffee being offered constantly but not intrusively.
Great for a dad who...
In summary, I think this experience is perfect as a gift for dads who want more couple time.
£160 from Doctors Formula
If there’s anything that shouts “bloke” it’s not often you think about anti-ageing cream. At 35 years old anti-ageing solutions hadn’t really entered my mind. Apart from a few grey hairs and lines around my eyes I thought I was doing ok. It’s been a very tough week for my wife and I as our 18-month-old girl has an ear infection. She is normally a great sleeper, eater and lover of the TV but this week she has really been unhappy. Obviously unable to communicate properly her constant crying has taken its toll. With very little sleep and thinking of ways to entertain her, my wife and I have only had each other to take our stress out on. I feel I have aged a few years this week alone!
With it being commonplace for women my age to do what they can to stall the ageing process I thought it’s about time I explore my options too.
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What do you get in the package?
1. Doctors Formula Anti-Ageing Day Moisturiser 50ml
Description
This Marine Collagen Anti Ageing Day Moisturiser is specially formulated to protect the skin from environmental stressors such as UVB rays that are one of the main causes of premature skin ageing. This day moisturises also contains Collagen Amino Acids Lupin Seed and Vitamin E to boost the skin.
Ingredients
1) Marine collagen amino acids aim to hydrate the skin, working to prevent water loss and improve the suppleness of the skin.
2) Soluble collagen aims to balance, nourish and moisturise the skin.
3) Complex of marine extracts aim to hydrate the skin and boost skin's barrier.
2. Doctors Formula Anti-Ageing Restoring Night Moisturiser 50ml
Description
Our Marine Collagen Anti-Ageing Restoring Night Moisturiser contains unique blend of Marine Collagen, Soluble Collagen and Coconut Oil. Specially formulated to boost the skin plumpness and hydration for youthful looking skin.
Ingredients
1) Marine collagen amino acids aim to hydrate the skin, working to prevent water loss and improve the suppleness of the skin.
2) Soluble collagen aims to balance, nourish and moisturise the skin.
3) Coconut oil is high in antioxidants and fatty acids that work to hydrate, restore and protect the skin
Putting it to the test
My wife tells me that my moisturiser is a core part of my daily skincare routine and any good skincare routine involves a cleansing element to remove dirt, sebum and pollution. With the addition of anti-ageing cream to my daily routine I do at times feel I am over doing it. I probably would stop if I felt my face didn’t feel any better. However in the short time I have been using the creams I have to say I feel better for it.
I am a week into using these products and I’m not sure I look any younger but my skin feels and smells great.
As you can see I am a hairy guy but the products work well with my beard and bushy eyebrows. The products aren't cheap but you get what you pay for, and when it comes to your skin you can’t afford to buy the cheap stuff.
Salon Skincare often have flash sales, discounts (often upto 30%). My experience of buying from them was good and the products are better then they looked in the pictures online. I would be really happy to receive the products as a gift and with the 50ml version it looks like it will take a while to use them up so really good value for money. If I look even a day younger then I feel this week I will be happy. My wife has also been using them and as mentioned they are great for both men and women.
Great for a dad who...
In summary I think this would be perfect for a dad who:
£14.99 from Getting Personal
Admittedly, I am someone that eats a lot of chocolate on average consuming a small bar a day. If you are like me I’m often asking myself if I’m bordering on being a chocoholic. I just can’t say no to a good bar of chocolate!
Over the years my taste buds have matured from the everyday classics, venturing out to the more expensive luxury brands. Hotel Chocolat, Lindt, Guylian and Godiva to name but a few.
But there is one brand I always come back to. One I know is a winner every time no matter what mood I am in or what day it is. Yes you guessed it, The Cadbury Dairy Milk. Product personalisation is hot this year and boy am I glad someone has done it with chocolate!!
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What do you get in the package?
This personalised 850 gram gift would make an awesome sentimental gift.
Key Features:
- Authentic Dairy Milk Chocolate
- Personalised keepsake box
- Cricket bat design
Personalisation:
- Personalise the packaging with a message in up to 20 characters
- Your personalisation will be exactly as entered so please double-check before adding to your basket
Great for a dad who...
Im summary, I think this would be great for a dad who:
£89 from Mainline Menswear
As a man that works in the media I tend to wear casual clothes most days, I rarely get the chance to wear a fresh shirt especially one needing cufflinks. As timing had it my stepsister in law got married recently and I finally had the opportunity to wear cufflinks.
I am fortunate to own a small collection of luxury branded cufflinks bought over the years for birthdays, weddings and industry events. As well as enjoying wearing cufflinks I'm proud to own some by brands like Tiffany & Co, Ted Baker, Gucci and Pringle. I have a few other cufflinks from Next from my time working there in my teens, which have a high nostalgic value.
Dressed ready for my stepsisters wedding, feeling good and armed with my Emporio Armani cufflinks, I was ready for the celebrations ahead.
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What's included in the package?
Emporio Armani EGS1728040 Eagel Logo Cufflinks In Silver And Black, The signature Emporio Armani Eagel logo in stainless steel and black.
A stainless steel shaft with the signature embossed Emporio Armani logo is featured on the anchor in silver. Complete with an official Emporio Armani display case.
I had a couple of compliments on my outfit (which my wife will take credit for) and I felt the cufflinks were a nice touch to finish the look. The cufflinks had some good weight to them, stayed in great condition and look expensive. When I’m next looking for a gift for someone or for myself I will definitely explore other cufflinks in the Armani collection.
Great for a dad who:
I summary, these are a great gift for not only Fathers Day but for Weddings, Groomsmen, Birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs and Christmas.
£99 from Max Ezra
My daughter is 18 months old and my wife and I up until now have shared a similar black rucksack from a brand that was unisex but targeted mums to buy it. I have always felt comfortable wearing, carrying and using the existing bag and so far it’s still in great condition.
However when I received the Max Ezra bag I immediately felt like I now have something for me. Something that I would feel even more comfortable with when out with my daughter. This bag is much more me, not sure what that means but now when I put the new Max Ezra bag and our old one next to each other you can see many differences. Mainly the Max Ezra bag has been designed for dads and I immediately feel part of a dad club.
When you browse the Max Ezra website its very clear who their target market is “Stylish changing bag backpacks for the modern dad.”More Details
Key features and design
As a "millennial" dad I can tell everything from design, function, style, materials and colour has been selected based on huge amount of research with the modern dad.
It’s very rare to find a brand who have an authentic story so I wanted to find out more about the inspiration behind the bag and the website is very proud to share the story with its users.
“The Max Ezra LDN backpack was inspired by our founder. A young dad himself, he was amazed that considering there is a wealth of luxury changing bags for women on the market, there is little choice for fashion-conscious fathers. This luxury, stylish backpack is a game-changer, and for the first time young dads can step out with their children, or even head to the gym, feeling prepared and confident.”
The Dad Test
I put the bag to my very own ‘dad test’, which included wearing the bag for 3 hours straight on a warm day. In those hours I squeezed in an hour’s walk through the Essex countryside, a lunch stop, and a train journey home.
During this time my little girl Talia wanted to be held and put back down at least 25 times, and there was plenty of room to carry her and the bag.
Having both straps over my shoulders it levelled the weight inside the bag and I really enjoyed using it. Being so careful not to dirty it on the train on the way home as I like to keep things looking new as long as I can. Which many of you with know being a parent is not easy!
Great for a dad who...
In summary, I love this bag and would recommend it to any dad. Women, if you want to buy your partner a functional and fashionable bag to be used daily then this is a great investment.
Various prices at Naked Wines
When is it wine-o’clock in your house?
At times I wish it was wine o’clock more often in my house but as summer approaches my wife and I tend to have more time to enjoy a bottle of wine together. Days are longer and after we put Talia to bed we have a few hours to enjoy a glass or two. We are creatures of habit and stick to what we know; White Zinfandel Rose Wine is our choice most weeks.
I’m not sure about you but when I think of wine retailers the first company to mind is Majestic Wine and when I think of online wine retailers I think of Naked Wines. With the recent news that Majestic Wines have rebranded to Naked Wines I thought whom better to partner with then the number one in their field for our Fathers Day Gift Guide.
If you haven’t heard of Naked Wines before, their customers fund independent winemakers from around the world, in return for wines at self-described "wholesale prices”
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A Special Discount for DaddiLife!
In partnership with Naked Wines, We are delighted to offer a £75 off voucher (valid off the first order of £114.99 or more). This allows you to get a 12 case for under £50 (less than £3.99 per bottle). This offer could almost be too good to be true, I’ve pinched myself a few times and yes I can still confirm its true!!
Great for a dad who...
In summary, this is a brilliant offer from Naked Wines, and would work for a dad who:
WIN a bundle of books for the dad that likes to escape from reality | HarperCollins
Various Prices on Amazon
I love a good book; there is something about owning a physical book and adding it to your collection that never gets boring. I’m not sure about you but the only time I get to read is in bed at night for 30 minutes when Love Island isn’t on TV. Lets look at all the titles individually.
I would definitely recommend this book, it takes you into the characters new adventure and so away from our own mundane lives. Charles Cumming was approached himself for recruitment by the secret service (M16) an experience that inspired his first novel, A Spy by Nature. This is obviously still inspiring his work today.
The way the story moves between past and present keep you interested and keen to learn more about the characters, which makes the book hard to put down. The main character is personable but also slightly mysterious in that you don’t learn his full story straight away and you want to get to know him and his history. The characters father is mentioned and again you want to delve into his past too.
It is refreshing to read a book so pertinent to today’s society and the themes. As you progress through the book you are introduced to new characters which keeps the storyline moving and interesting which draws you in further into his life.
The story is based in Morocco, London, Moscow. Cumming gives you a vivid picture of Morocco and it’s poverty divide.
This is a powerful story of heroism, romance and betrayal, of Saxon England in the 9th century trying to survive against marauding bloodthirsty Vikings. Bernard Cornwell has written many entertaining historical novels such as those featuring Sharpe, which stared Sean Bean in the long running TV adaptation. Lee Child - creator of the Jack Reacher character is a fan.
The Last Kingdom is the first book of a continuing series about Uhtred who is denied his destiny as Earl of Bebbenburg. We Start when as a 10 years old, he is captured by Vikings but spared because of his courage and passion. The novel portrays the growth of this arrogant headstrong youth, respecting the Pagan Vikings and despairing of the meek Christians. But then there is Alfred, King of Wessex, whose Kingdom needs help!
The Last Kingdom was portrayed in a recent TV drama series but the books are more enthralling. After reading this novel, the following books about Uhtred the great warrior are unavoidable!
Andrew Taylor is the multiple award winning author of The American Boy, his No. 1 bestselling historical novel.
Let’s time travel back to 1666 and the Great Fire of London, in Andrew Taylor’s The Ashes of London, where the body of a man is found in the smoking ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral, stabbed in the neck, with his thumbs tied behind his back. So far, so good, and what unfolds from this is a delicious and vivid exploration of London society, and through a world of cheats and traitors, class and gender oppression, and a damn fine murder mystery.
Cat is a mercurial and striking character, compartmentalized by society by virtue of her gender and class, but with a keen mind and inquisitive spirit which reveals itself in her aptitude for, and interest in the world of architecture. Equally, she is feisty and brave, and has a determination to track down and confront her father at odds with the demeanour that society expects from her being of a certain social class.
Taylor’s characterization throughout is lively and reminiscent of the band of good-natured fellows and absolute rotters that inhabit the works of Dickens for example. Taylor conjures up all the sights, smells and atmosphere of the period with aplomb, highly recommended.
The brand new Logan McRae thriller from No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller Stuart MacBride.
There's a darkness in the heart of Scotland... The stunning new Logan McRae thriller from No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller Stuart MacBride. Scream all you want, no one can hear... Inspector Logan McRae is looking forward to a nice simple case - something to ease him back into work after a year off on the sick. But the powers-that-be have other ideas...
The high-profile anti-independence campaigner, Professor Wilson, has gone missing, leaving nothing but bloodstains behind. There's a war brewing between the factions for and against Scottish Nationalism. Infighting in the police ranks. And it's all playing out in the merciless glare of the media. Logan's superiors want results, and they want them now. Someone out there is trying to make a point, and they're making it in blood. If Logan can't stop them, it won't just be his career that dies.
A gripping, new action packed thriller. Colter Shaw finds missing people, but this could be his toughest assignment yet. A riveting plot and great characters make this book a compulsive read.
There is lots to like about this book. Colter Shaw’s unusual occupation and his wilderness background make a great storyline. Overall he’s a likeable character and acts as quite a hero.
This particular book is set in the world of gaming, which does not hold huge appeal for me. The overall story is strong enough though to overlook this. There is also an interesting subplot, which is linked to his past and his father. Hopefully more will be revealed in the next book, which I am already really looking forward to reading.
The Sunday Times published a review in which it declared the book "a masterpiece of popular historical fiction." Writer Dan Jones wrote that, "Martin is an avid consumer and regurgitator of history: his Westeros writing pulses with influences from Plantagenet-era Britain and beyond." However, the critic does recognize the book itself is "a piece of epic procrastination."
Beginning with the Targaryens’ fortuitous escape from the destruction of Valyria and Aegon Targaryen’s subsequent conquest of Westeros, and concluding with the ascent of young King Aegon III to Westeros’s Iron Throne some 130 years later, Martin gives equal weight to each member of the Targaryen family. The deliberately inbreeding Targaryens share a number of characteristics through the generations—chiefly brutality, snobbishness, and the single-minded pursuit of power
Brief sections are dramatic (“the golden dragon devoured the queen in six bites”) or salacious (“it aroused the princess to watch the men disporting with one another”), and there are entertaining snatches of dialogue and detailed depictions of battles.
