DAD'S DAY | WESTGATE LIFESTYLE

Parenting is a bit like signing up for a roller coaster ride.  There are highs and lows and heart-in-your-mouth moments, thrills and fears… and it’s a buzz. I’ve often thought it’s a blend of the practical with the emotional and a bit of a manic pursuit.

Given all that, it’s little wonder days like Father’s Day exist. A day to say thanks and stop to take note of (and acknowledge) all the sacrifices and efforts made, and the love and care shown, by our dads over the years.

So, let’s go shopping and say thanks with a gift.  The only socks available at Westgate Lifestyle are, I think, sports ones at Rebel Sport, and bed socks at Bed Bath & Beyond. But that’s OK, as I think we’ve ascertained over the years that dads don’t really want socks or handkerchiefs! In the lead-up to Father’s Day (September 4) let’s take some time to find a gift our dads will like – or, ensure our kids have a gift for dad.

As we know, dads come in all shapes and sizes so to speak, so included here is a mix of ideas from a cap, chilli bin (thanks Rebel Sports) and dartboard (NOOD) to an aromabotanical difffuser (Bed Bath & Beyond), coffee machine (Kitchen Things) or “W” shaped ice-cube maker (from NOOD) for the whisky glass. If you’re able to go for the big ticket item (maybe pool in with siblings) there are a range of tempting, comfortable reclining chairs, or a wine fridge, or a cordless vacuum cleaner (my husband actually wants one of those)… lots of options.

Winter’s still with us, hence the snug dressing gown idea; but then every now and then there’s a sniff of summer in the air so I just had to include the chilly bin and beach towel in the mix too. Thankfully there are plenty of nuggets out there. If your children are young, there’s always the option of making a wee voucher entitling their dad to enjoy something delicious from Tank or St Pierre’s sushi too. Or head to Briscoes and buy an appealing mug to fill with his favourite chocolates (I do always like that idea). Enjoy that special day!

|1.Under Armour mens’ heather blitzing 3.0 cap, now $24.00, from Rebel Sport |2. Dart board Elements, $169.00, from NOOD |3.Smeg benchtop coffee machine, $949, from Kitchen Things |4.Bambury mens’ check microplush bathrobe, now $44.90, from Bed Bath & Beyond |5.Odelia beach towel, $64.95, from Freedom Furniture|6.Astoria office chair adjustable height PU tan, $320, from Freedom Furniture |7.Drinks plinks W for whiskey ice tray, $29.99, from NOOD |8.Aromabotanical electric diffuser, now $64.90, from Bed Bath & Beyond |9.Collapsible chilly bin, black CLCB, $69.99, from Briscoes |10.Flight Riverdale trolleycase, $229.99-$289.99, from Briscoes.

Note: Prices mentioned, and availability of products featured are subject to change. If you love the look, we recommend you head in store to find out more.