A Father’s Day gifts guide for the senses

It’s Father’s Day in Australia this Sunday September 4th, the day we all celebrate our amazing dad’s (or amazing mum’s who are both a mum and dad). As usual my siblings and I have brainstormed what we all think dad needs – not much in our opinion, he has three great kids after all. But since gifts are always nice, we suggest you avoid the sock & jocks (unless dad reeaally needs some, then make it some funny/cool ones). Now that we’re not 12 years old and buying dad something from the primary school Father’s Day gift stall, we think gifts that have to experienced via the senses are perfect.

When we think of gifts for family and friends, the general rule of thumb is to find something that can be enjoyed over time (or is a special one off experience that stays with you). Here are our top 3 gift ideas for dad this Father’s Day.

The coffee loving dad

What to get a man that likes his coffee morning and night? A Nespresso machine of course. Launched just in time for Father’s Day, the staple CitiZ & Milk machine has been upgraded with a newer sleeker design. We love the subtle hints of retro minimalism teamed with the chrome features (it goes perfectly with dad’s chrome oven) and the new 25-second heat up time so you’ll have coffee within 30 seconds of turning your machine on. Surprise dad with one on Sunday morning and then a Nespresso Martini on Sunday night. Mum will probably want one too. It’s really a gift for the whole household.

Nespresso Martini Recipe

Ingredients
1 capsule of Ristretto Grand Cru, extracted as a 40ml espresso
25ml vanilla flavoured vodka
25ml Kahlua

1. Pour all ingredients in a shaker, shake vigorously
2. Pour drink through a strainer into a martini glass and serve

Nespresso CitiZ&Milk $399, available now at Nespresso Boutiques and online. Don’t forget to pick up some capsules while you’re in store (and remind your dad to recycle the used aluminium capsules).

The clean shaven dad

Does dad love a clean shave? Give him the experience of a classic barber shop shave at the QT Sydney and QT Canberra Barber Shops. The two trendy hotels have launched the ‘Mr Bond’ Shave, the the closest straight-edged razor shave experience around. First off, dad relaxes under a steaming scented towel followed by the application of a smooth shaving cream, prior to the shave. Next step, an eye masque is applied to hydrate the area while enjoying a hand or shoulder massage. A cold towel is pressed onto the face to close the pores and refresh the skin, followed by a spritz of aftershave and hydrating moisturiser application. Dad is then offered a complimentary glass of Chivas Regal to finish.

Mr Bond Shave at the QT Sydney and QT Canberra takes 45 min and costs $80. Vouchers can be purchased from www.qthotelsandresorts.com. If a shave isn’t dad’s thing, spaQ offers massages and facials for dads as well.

For the music loving dad

My dad loves watching funny/random/silly videos on his phone, at the highest volume his phone allows. Which often makes me want to invest in a pair of headphones for dad. So what better way for dad to enjoy his music and videos in his own little world with a pair of amazing headphones. We love these two from Bang & Olufsen. Both feature Bluetooth connectivity while the over the ear head phones also feature noise cancellation, making them the perfect sleek accessory for the dad on the go.

B&O Play H8 Noise Cancellation Wireless Over Ear Headphones US$499 (left), B&O Play H5 Wireless In Ear Headphones US$249 (right).

What are you giving dad this father’s day?