Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are our own!
When it comes to Father’s Day, most of us tend to fall back on the usual gifts – chocolate, gadgets and beer. They’re safe bets, sure… but maybe just a little predictable. So, here’s a thought – have you ever considered buying him a candle?
It might not be the first thing that springs to mind, after all, candles have traditionally been seen as something aimed at women. But times have changed, these days, candles aren’t just for bubble baths and spa days (though let’s be honest, those are lovely too). They’re about setting a mood, creating a space that feels calm, warm, and a touch luxurious. And yes – men enjoy that too.
In fact, plenty of candle brands now cater specifically to more masculine scent preferences. Think earthy sandalwood, rich leather, smoky cedar, or even tobacco and oak. These fragrances are deep, grounding, and a far cry from anything overly sweet or floral.
One of my go-to candle brands is Yankee Candle, and their Bayside Cedar Large Jar Candle is perfect for the men in your life. It’s described as “a walk along the forest path right after the rain,” with refreshing notes of grapefruit, mandarin blossoms, and warm amber filling the air. It features top notes of bergamot, green pear and grapefruit, mid notes of mandarin blossom and water lily, and finishes with base notes of amber, cedarwood and musk. With two wicks and a premium soy-wax blend, it creates a beautiful ambiance and at 567g, it offers 65 to 80 hours of burn time.
Candles also hit the spot when it comes to dads who are hard to buy for. He might already have all the tools, ties, and tech he needs, but chances are, he hasn’t splurged on a really good candle. That’s what makes it such a thoughtful gift, it’s very unexpected, totally personal, and shows you’ve made an effort.
So this Father’s Day, maybe skip the beer multipack and pick up a candle instead. For your dad, stepdad, grandad or father figure, it could be just the gift he never knew he wanted.
Because let’s be honest — who doesn’t love a home that smells amazing? Even dads.
Disclaimer: We received these books free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
I’ve always enjoyed reading Lonely Planet books, with decades of travel know-how and a genuine passion for discovering the world, their guides are full of expert advice, practical tips, and breathtaking photography. With Father’s Day just around the corner they also make lovely gifts and whether your dad is planning a real adventure or simply enjoys dreaming from the comfort of his armchair, there’s a Lonely Planet book that is bound to spark his imagination!
For the dad who enjoys life on two wheels and loves the open air, Best Bike Rides Great Britain is a fantastic gift. This beautifully put-together guide features 40 routes that crisscross the country, from the wild coastal paths of Cornwall to the rolling roads of the Scottish Highlands. But it’s not just about the maps. Each route comes with local tips, scenic stop-offs, downloadable digital maps, and helpful details like distance, terrain, timing, and difficulty ratings. Whether he’s a seasoned cyclist or just keen to potter along on a Sunday afternoon, this book will help him plan rides that are as rewarding as they are refreshing.
RRP £15.99
And if your dad prefers to travel from the comfort of his armchair, Amazing Train Journeys might be just the ticket. This book captures the romance of rail travel through 60 of the world’s most breathtaking routes. From the iconic Settle to Carlisle line and the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, which are two of my personal favourites, to the dramatic, snow-dusted landscapes seen aboard Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, the journeys are as varied as they are magnificent. Each journey is handpicked from the recommendations of over 200 travel writers, celebrating everything from breathtaking engineering marvels to lines that hug rugged coastlines or wind through mountain peaks. With practical information like ticket options, distance and journey time as well as inspiring photos and illustrated maps, this book is perfect for dreamers and planners alike. Whether he’s reminiscing about past travels or planning the next great adventure, it’s the perfect guide for train lovers of all ages.
RRP £22.99
So this Father’s Day, why not skip the socks and beer and give your dad the gift of adventure, whether that’s out on a bike, onboard a train, or tucked up with a cup of tea and a good book.
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
If your dad enjoys a good gin, or is just beginning to discover the joy of it, this Drinks by the Dram Premium Gin Tasting Set is a gift he won’t forget in a hurry. Beautifully presented in a sleek black presentation box there are six wax-sealed 30ml miniatures, each one chosen for its character, craftsmanship, and story. From the award-winning smoothness of Bathtub Gin to the punchy personality of Blackeye Gin, there’s something here for every palate. Japanese Gin brings a refined elegance, while Procera Green Dot adds a herbaceous twist. Then there’s the floral brightness of Silent Pool, and the wild Highland charm of The Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin, a truly memorable finish to the journey.
But this isn’t just about the gin, it’s about the experience. Each dram invites him to slow down and savour, to notice the botanicals, the balance, the subtle complexity in every sip. Whether he prefers his gin neat, over ice, or with a splash of tonic, he can experiment with these minature bottles and maybe even find a new favourite.
Tasting notes are included in the box, offering gentle guidance through each pour and helping him appreciate the craft and care behind every drop.
So this Father’s Day, skip the socks and aftershave and give him something a little bit different which he can sit down and enjoy!
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
If you’re stuck for ideas on what to get Dad this Father’s Day, I’ve got a cracking suggestion for you – how about a bottle of gin made by none other than James May? Yes, really! The much-loved star of Top Gear and The Grand Tour has swapped fast cars for slow distilling, teaming up with gin expert Hugh Anderson from Downton Distillery to create something truly unique: a gin made with parsnips. I know what you’re thinking – parsnips and gin? But stay with me!
Originally, James just wanted to make a small batch of gin to serve in his pub, The Royal Oak in Wiltshire. But thanks to Hugh’s encouragement, they decided to produce 1,400 bottles for the public. Well, they sold out faster than you can say “reasonably priced car”! Now, you can pick up a bottle of James Gin Asian Parsnip in Waitrose, which is perfect timing for Father’s Day.
So how did this unusual idea come about? James wanted to create a gin that was unmistakably British, something that reminded him of good old Blighty. Parsnips, with their earthy, slightly sweet flavour, felt just right. But to add a bit of excitement, he decided to bring in the warm, aromatic spices you’d find in Indian cuisine. And just like that, the idea of Asian Parsnip gin was born, celebrating the comforting flavours of home with a little exotic twist.
The gin itself is packed with 12 botanicals, including parsnip, ginger, caraway seed, cubeb pepper, fenugreek, cardamom, grains of paradise, liquorice root, sweet orange, juniper, angelica root, and coriander seed. The base spirit is a smooth grain, giving it a lovely, clean finish.
Now, onto the important part, the taste. I always like to keep it simple when trying a new gin, so I had it with a splash of plain tonic. And do you know what? It’s absolutely lovely. Slightly sweet, with a gentle warmth from the spices, and yes, there’s a hint of parsnip, but it all comes together beautifully. It’s just a little bit different, in the best possible way.
So if Dad’s a gin lover and you’re after a gift that’s out of the ordinary this Father’s Day, James Gin Asian Parsnip might just be the perfect pick.
Sometimes it can be hard to decide on a Father’s Day gift, do you get them a voucher and if so where for? Prezzee digital gift cards are a great idea as the recipient has the choice of over 190 retail outlets so there is bound to be one they will love.
The gift card comes via email and when you click the button to open your gift it takes you to the Prezzee website where a parcel opens revealing your gift. To redeem you simply enter the pin number from the email and you can then swap your Prezzee gift card one from the many retailers on the Prezzee website. There are so many different brands to choose from including high street stores, sports brands, restaurants, supermarkets, garden centre vouchers, theatre tokens and hotels so there is bound to be something they will love. The Prezzee card is available from as little as £5 and up to £500 so you can treat your Dad, no matter what your budget.
After swapping your gift card you instantly receive an email with your electronic gift card which can be saved in an electronic wallet to spend at a later date. I chose a National Gardens digital gift card for my Father in Law, which arrived in less than a minute, so I was really impressed with the speed of delivery.
I was really impressed with the whole process and will certainly be buying more Prezee cards as gifts as it means I no longer need to spend ages deciding what to buy and the recipient will enjoy choosing something special to treat themselves to!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Let’s BeGin!
For an extra different novelty gift this Father’s Day, Just Spices have this fabulous Gin Making Kit available, complete with a set of their famous different spices. If you’ve never made gin from scratch before, then read on to hear how it’s done plus how Just Spices have created this exciting kit that can be used again and again.
To make gin, you need a base alcohol. Vodka is best to start with as it’s tasteless and colourless. There isn’t any vodka included in this kit so you’ll have to buy a bottle which is at least 350ml in size, to accommodate the size of the provided bottles and the amount of spices included. The kit does have 2 glass bottles with cork stoppers, a funnel and sieve for adding the vodka and the botanicals and then tons of spices, botanicals and lovely things to make the gin taste as you wish!
The process is easy – add vodka to a bottle then add a measured amount of juniper to your bottle using the funnel. Close with the cork and shake vigorously – this is what releases the flavour into the vodka and make it gin. Add the botanicals (it’s all in the instructions) Then the gin then has to rest for any period of time (days, weeks etc) and the longer it rests the more of the botanical flavour seeps into the alcohol, thus allowing you to control the type of gin flavouring you like, plus how strong you like it. Careful though! The gin will be nearly 95% proof and too potent to drink so you need to dilute it with water before drinking or adding to a cocktail!
All the detailed instructions are in the enclosed booklet. There’s also a history of gin (originating from Holland) and a history on the different types of gin plus a rundown of the botanicals. They’re all included in the kit and are some of the expected ones like juniper and rosemary but then there are some more interesting ones like lemongrass and rose petals. You can mix up the botanicals so that you use different ones at the same time or one after the other but it’s best to stay with simple ideas and build up your knowledge as well as your pallet. There’s lots of recipes for making different flavours of gin then there’s recipes for cocktails using your new gin too!
I’ve never tried to make gin before but this is a really simple, all in one way of making it. All you need to do is add a bottle of vodka and you have the perfect gift for Father’s Day plus a new hobby which he can try. The personalisation of the gin labels and a kit which can be used again and again makes it all the more enjoyable as each bottle of homemade gin will last ages – unless your Dad likes testing the cocktails just as much!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Disclaimer – The MoGo 2 Pro was sent as a review sample for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
What’s a great Father’s Day gift Dad isn’t expecting? Or what kind of gift could you get him that he doesn’t know he wants yet but when he tries it, will wonder why he hasn’t bought one for himself before!
The MoGo 2 Pro Portable Project from XGIMI has so many feature that I can hardly write them all, but for an overview of what it does, it’s a portable projector and speaker all in one!
With a 120 inch screen, the projector can be used for movies, online content (for example, You Tube) or gaming. It’s compatible with power banks too so you can even take it outside or use it whilst camping. I told you Dad didn’t know he needed it!
As for the technicals, the MoGo 2 Pro Portable Projector supports HDR 10 with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. With an auto focus of ISA 2.0 and an aspect of 1:2:1 it also has Intelligent Screen Alignment and Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance.
The system contains 16GB of storage and 2GB of RAM with a system of Android TV™ 11.0. There’s an impressive 3 different ports (USB type-C, USB type-A and HDMI 2.0) and an AU 3.5mm output port. Bluetooth 5.0 is also included and it works on a Wifi 5 Duel band of 2.4/5GHz.
The whole kit includes a power cable as well as a remote control. It only weighs 1.1kilograms (2.42lbs) which makes it even more portable and I liked the cube shape which also makes it easy to pack if you’re going away. The possibilities are endless with this projector so having never owned one before, I was excited to get it set up and see how it works!
There are instructions included with the projector, but as you take it out of the box you realise it’s actually pretty simple to set up and the screen takes you through it. Start by connecting the power with the power pack provided, then press the on button. The MoGo 2 Pro starts playing music as it asks you how you want to set up, starting with the wifi network and password, then going through the different type of screen adjustments. The pages take you through each option before you get to the Apps page. There’s even an explanation of how the screen adjustment works on the projector too.
The last page of set up already has a TEX app and you can download other Adroid (Google) apps. There’s no need to hook it up to a computer or network, it’s simply connected to the internet, you log into your Google account (which includes You Tube) and you can view any of your saved videos, or go and search for more.
The whole time I was setting up the projector, it was adjusting to the distance from the wall so that it stayed in focus, as well as the horizontal. It didn’t matter how far the projector was from the wall, it adjusted the size of the screen, knew when it was out of focus and kept adjusting so that it was completely clear. As I was thinking of all the movies and programmes I could now watch on the big screen thanks to this projector, it was really exciting to think how it could change how anyone watches TV, especially as I don’t have a projector already. It was like having my own personal cinema!
The picture remained sharp the whole time my movie played, as well as the audio being pitch perfect throughout. If you have a really good internet connection too it helps, and there was no buffering or loss of sound throughout. I also like how you can play it against any wall, curtain or makeshift movie screen no matter where you are, and the sound of the fan is very quiet so doesn’t detract from the soundtrack. The remote control is super easy to use as well and makes life much easier rather than trying to fiddle with buttons on the machine.
The MoGo 2 Pro Projector changes the way you watch TV and videos, especially if you’ve never had a projector before, and is much easier to use than a TV! Perfect picture, perfect sound and so, so easy to set up that anyone can use it and the whole family can enjoy it. Even Dad…
The Review Studio 