Time of Year
No Socks Please…
From pocket money treats to push-the-boat-out presents, we’ve got plenty of ideas for Father’s Day gifts… It’s easy to pick up chocolate from the supermarket, but a personalised bar is so much more special. These luxury handmade chocolates cost £3.50 to £15 from www.cocoas.co.uk. Barbecue fans can take their skills to the next level with a barbecue rub from www.pigandpallet.co.uk. Individual packets are £4 each or splash out on a box of four for £14. If dad is hoping to indulge his travel lust a bit more this year, this T-shirt should whet his appetite. And it’s just £8 from Tu. A handcrafted, refillable pen will last for years. If you’re on a budget, try the Wood Wirkshop, which offers a range of wooden and acrylic styles from just £12. See www.facebook.com/TheWoodWirkshop. Whether your father is an avid runner or needs some encouragement to get off the couch, a Garmin Forerunner 35 might give him extra motivation. It’s £129.99 from www.very.co.uk. How about a hand-sewn notebook made from recycled paper from www.brucebramfield.com and priced from just £3.95? Even better, it can be personalised with your dad’s name or a short message for free. Dad will love a weekend relaxing in a hammock, available for £75 from Habitat. You can’t beat a homemade gift. If you’re stuck for ideas, why not try making a: • Bath fizzer. Wearing gloves, mix 100g of bicarbonate of soda, 50g of citric acid and 25g of cornflour. Keep stirring as you pour in two tablespoons of olive oil and around ten drops of essential oil. Mix in a few drops of water. You only need enough water to hold the dry ingredients together. Press the mixture into silicone moulds or ice cube trays and allow it to dry for at least two hours. • Bird box. This takes a bit more work, but can be achieved with a plank of wood, a hammer, drill and some nails. Search online for templates. • Mini herb garden. If dad loves cooking, you could create a mini herb garden in a pot with plug plants from your local garden centre. • Chocolates. Chop a couple of large bars into chunks and melt them in a large bowl over a pan of simmering water. Spoon the chocolate into silicone moulds, adding chopped nuts or sprinkles first. (The above activities do need an adult to supervise.)
By Kate Duggan
64
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
