Tag: gifts for dad

Dad’s Dram Selection Whisky Tasting Set

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Gifts for Him, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

For any Dad or Grandad who loves whisky, a dram selection is always a good idea on Father’s Day! For anyone who likes whisky and wants to try a selection without having to buy a whole bottle at a time, the Dad’s Dram Selection from Drinks By The Dram is an excellent choice to try yourself.  The six drams included in the set are:

  • Singleton of Dufftown 12 Year Old
  • Teeling Small Batch
  • Islay Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
  • Tobermory 12 Year Old 
  • Talisker Skye 
  • Darkness 8 Year Old

Each of the drams are 3cl and although they come in identical bottles, the logos on their labels is faithful to the companies’ brandings. There’s a mixture of different whiskies too, which all come from Scotland. They arrive in this smart presentation box which can be posted or handed over without even any gift wrap!

The glass-sized samples of whisky are all of excellent quality.  Depending on how Dad drinks whisky, they can be kept for special occasions or tried every night for a week. I especially like the idea of this being a birthday present for Dad, so that his birthday can last longer than a week and be able to sample the different whiskies in isolation on different days.

Available from £24.95 at: 

https://www.masterofmalt.com/tasting-set/master-of-malt/dads-dram-selection-whisky-black-tasting-set/?sku=143113

NeoRuler Go – 41 Piece Premium Gift Combo

Birthday Gifts, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Tech

HOZO was founded in 2021 and they are an innovative technology company that designs and develops smart measuring and creative tools for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. They have been a leader in the smart tools market and do everything in-house from design, development, manufacturing and sales. Their product range includes digital measuring devices, modular rulers, laser measurement tools, and creative workshop equipment. With users in more than 65 countries, HOZO continues to redefine precision, creativity, and efficiency in modern tool design. 

I was recently sent the NeoRuler Go 41 Premium Gift Combo set to try out. Inside the box is a NeoRulerGO Main Unit, a Black Leather Case, NeoPencil Pro Kit (NeoPencil Mini, NeoPencil Case, 2 Standard Black Nibs),NeoStand Colourful (12 colored tips), NeoStand Classic (12 black tips), NeoPencil Classic, Additional Measuring Rubber Tire (4 pcs) and Standard Black Nib (6 pcs)

The NeoRuler Go offers a modern approach to measuring and brings smart technology to what is normally a very basic process. The device is compact and has two buttons, an OLED screen and a rubber coated measuring wheel. Measurements are made by rolling the wheel along the surface or object that you need to measure and the measurement or distance is displayed instantly on the screen.

The units of measurement can be metric or imperial and to keep the measurement accurate a pair of laser crosshairs is projected onto the object allowing a line to be followed. The interface is simple enough to use and the mode can be switched between ruler, scale rule and custom scale rule. 

There are 93 scales available including scales common on building plans and those found on maps. As a keen hiker I regularly measure routes on maps and this seems a really good way to do it. I also regularly work on building plans at work, so having this will avoid the need for the old fashioned scale rule.

If your scale is not included in the ones built in, it is possible to create your own by measuring a known length off the plans and then telling the ruler what the real world length is. 

As you might expect in 2026, there is an app available and whilst you could definitely use it without the app, it does allow measurements to be saved as a list or even as a floor plan. It isn’t something I have a need for but it could prove useful to some.

Whilst I have found it it really useful for measuring hiking routes, I haven’t found many other uses as I find myself reaching for a simple tape measure when I have anything straight to measure but I can see it being very useful if I wanted to measure something that isn’t straight such as a curved piece of wood or stone. We are just about to start some work on the garden so I am sure it would become invaluable in the coming months.

Whilst not the main device, I have found that I have been using the NeoPencil a lot. I didn’t think the pencil needed to be re-invented but I found it quite a nice tool to use and it sits well in my hand. I make many notes in pencil at work and liked using the NeoPencil with its base. The line it makes is thin and quite light (think 2H normal pencil lead) but that’s fine for me and it also works very well marking up timber when I’m doing joinery work.

RRP £169 and is available from Amazon

HOZO NeoBlade Wireless Ultrasonic Cutter – Creator Combo Set

Gifts for Him, Father's Day, Birthday Gifts

HOZO was founded in 2021 and are an innovative technology company that designs and develops smart measuring and creative tools for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. They are a leader in the smart tools market and do everything in-house from design, development, manufacturing and sales. Their product range includes digital measuring devices, modular rulers, laser measurement tools, and creative workshop equipment. With users in more than 65 countries, HOZO continues to redefine precision, creativity, and efficiency in modern tool design. 

I’m new to the smart tools market but as one of my hobbies is building a model railway I thought I would see how the HOZO Neoblade compares to my normal tools. When I’m building parts for my model railway of all the tools in my railway room, a simple craft knife is the one I use most. It is used for cutting plastic sleepers between the rails, parts from their sprues in plastic kits and most often cutting parts for model buildings out of card. I have been trying the ultrasonic cutter from Hozo for a little while now and I’m quite impressed with what it can do. The cutter feels quite large in my hand but is well balanced with a removable battery. It comes with everything you need including a blade selection, charging dock, battery pack and charging cable and I also received a pack of 20 extra blades.

When using the tool I found it best to let it go at its own pace, the power is automatically adjusted and I found no real pressure was needed to make a cut in any of the materials I tried.

I was particularly impressed when cutting card. I would normally start with an initial scoring cut and then make several more cuts until I got through, guiding my knife with a steel rule. With the Neoblade I found I could make just a single cut right through the card without the surface ripping and I could easily keep the cut straight without needing a guide. 

When cutting plastic parts, I found it very easy to cut the part very close to the sprue meaning much less time cleaning up the part before assembly. One thing I didn’t expect (although it makes sense) is that the blade heats up whilst in use, so I found it best to let the blade cool a little between cuts when cutting plastic.

One issue I did notice fairly quickly was that the blade cuts through my standard cutting mat. To avoid damaging it further, I switched to using a cheap wooden board instead. While the board does pick up plenty of cut marks, it is much more durable and can be replaced cheaply once it becomes too worn.

The charging base is very clever and charges either the tool or the spare battery when I pop it back in between cuts. The base also gives a 30 minute charging time compared to the 60 minute charge with the supplied USB-C cable.

Changing the blades is easy and a special screwdriver is included and stored inside the protective cover along with a spare retaining screw – just in case!

This tool is definitely going to be an asset in my modelling room and will make some jobs (especially card kits) much quicker.

RRP £166 but at the time of writing is currently available for £141.10 on the HOZO website

Faith In Nature Seaweed & Citrus Range

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Him, Vegan

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

If you’re struggling to come up with the perfect gift for Dad, this year why not skip the predictable beer or chocolate and go for something he’ll use and enjoy every day like these Seaweed & Citrus products from Faith In Nature. These are a great practical gift, especially for Dad’s who take pride in their appearance.

Faith In Nature has been around since 1974, long before natural, cruelty free and vegan products were a thing. Founded by Rivka Rose, the brand has stuck to its guns for more than 50 years, making straightforward products with as few ingredients as possible and none of the unnecessary stuff like silicones, parabens or SLS. These days it’s sold in more than 40 countries, which is quite an achievement.

If your dad’s got hair that soon gets greasy, the Seaweed & Citrus range is well worth a look. The shampoo and conditioner (£13.99 for the set or £7.99 individually) are made with rock wrack seaweed that’s hand-harvested off the coast of northern Scotland. Seaweed is packed with nutrients that help keep hair and scalps in good condition and with the addition of citrus oils these products will leave your hair feeling clean and fresh.

The vegan shampoo and conditioner are 99.5% natural origin and are cruelty-free. The ingredients include rosemary oil, nettle which helps add shine and chamomile, which is known for it’s calming properties.  

Faith In Nature are passionate about using only the best quality natural ingredients and the rock wrack seaweed in these products is sustainably harvested in Scotland by trained specialists who follow strict environmental practices, ensuring the surrounding ecosystem remains healthy and allowing the seaweed to regenerate naturally for future harvests.

The coastal inspired theme continues with the Seaweed & Citrus Body Wash (£6.49).  With the same fragrance as the hair products this body wash creates a creamy lather which leaves your skin feeling clean, refreshed and invigorated.

The formula is enriched with oat extract which gently soothes and soften the skin along with limeflower extract which has calming and antioxidant properties. It also contains Elderberry extract which brings a wealth of naturally occurring bioflavonoids that help support healthy-looking skin and contribute to an overall feeling of wellbeing.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Him, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift isn’t always easy, especially with the cost of living still squeezing budgets. Aftershave is always a good present to buy and with so many different fragrances available it’s easy to find one that suits both your dad’s personality and your budget. Superdrug have some brilliant offers on at the moment, so whether your Dad likes something classic, fresh and clean or a little more sophisticated there’s plenty to choose from without spending a fortune. These two are a couple of my favourites and both are currently reduced – which is even better!

The Artiscent Male Gift Set (usually £10 and currently £5) contains three 20ml fragrances Cedar Blanc, Musk Dore and Vettiver Arome, all created in Paris, the home of prestige perfumery. They come in smart dark blue glass bottles and are surprisingly good dupes for Paco Rabanne Invictus, Paco Rabanne 1 Million and Bleu de Chanel. The fragrances are fresh, wearable and ideal for everyday use and while they don’t quite have the staying power of the designer versions, they’re a fraction of the price. The smaller bottles are also perfect for chucking into a washbag or gym bag, making them ideal for travelling too. Whether your dad prefers crisp and sporty scents or something slightly warmer and muskier, this set gives him a few different options to try without the designer price tag attached.

If you’d rather go for a recognisable designer fragrance, then Versace The Dreamer is a really good buy. Ordinarily the 100ml bottle retails at £78, but it is currently on offer at Superdrug for only £21.84, which is an absolute bargain. With fresh notes of juniper, tarragon and artemisia, balanced with softer floral hints of iris and lily and a warm amber and tobacco base, Versace The Dreamer is one of those really easy fragrances to wear because it feels fresh and masculine without being too heavy or overpowering. Whether Dad wears it for work, weekends or going out for dinner, it’s the kind of classic scent that never really goes out of style,

CUKTECH 15 Power Bank Air

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Tech, travel

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

I love a gadget, and this power bank is perfect for a Father’s Day gift!  

The CUKTECH 15 Power Bank Air holds enough power to recharge your iPhone 17 by 1.6 times or a Samsung S25 Ultra about 2.2 times over. That’s only for phones, it can power laptops too with 65W Fast Charging, which is enough to power a Mac Book Air from zero to 48%. 

The slim design is deceptively heavy though! It’s enough to carry all that power but is about the size of a phone just fatter. It does mean that it fits into a pocket or hand luggage, and it would comfortably fit into a handbag too but it comes with a cosy bag to keep it in, along with the USB-C cable. The front of the power bank has a display which tells you the percentage charge already on the power bank, plus how long it will take to charge  fully or how much charge it has left through each of the ports. Speaking of which, you can charge to and from the CUKTECH 15 with a Type-C2, Type-C2 and USB-A1 ports. The screen goes dark when not in use but the button at the side lights it up again so you can see the stats as it charges. The three different ports mean you can power up to three appliances all at once too.

You can charge up the CUKTECH with the provided cable. To change the direction of charge, click the side button twice and the display changes. Keep clicking and it allows you to change the display and setting so that the screen stays on and it shows you which port is being used to charge in or out of the power bank, and how long it takes to charge and the percentage. You can even change the display to be upside down so that you use it on the go or if it’s in a pocket!

At around £50, it’s not a bad price for a power bank on the market, as there are a lot out there which aren’t as compact or as useful, and having the ability to charge 3 appliances at once is definitely a benefit.  The cable is a bit short though, especially if you have the charger in your pocket and you’re trying to walk and text at the same time, and you would have to source other cables for the other ports if your appliance didn’t already come with one, but they can all be poppled in the supplied bag so that you can carry them with you.  Although it’s heavy too, it’s not any heavier than other power banks, and that’s because of the nature of the battery it contains.

The CUKTECH 15 Power Bank is a really useful gift and a great surprise for Father’s Day as something that is actually helpful to everyday life. 

Available from £49.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FNQK3VHZ?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P8ESV8CN44BP0FR26YKP&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P8ESV8CN44BP0FR26YKP&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P8ESV8CN44BP0FR26YKP

Tessan PD20W Universal Power Adaptor

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Stocking Fillers, Tech

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

For the Dads who travel for work, or just those Dads who are always prepared, the Tessan PD20W is a travel adapter for almost everywhere in the world, allowing him to plug in to a socket and use any appliance he’s taken with him.

The small, palm sized adaptor has 3 plugs to fix into a wall socket throughout the world; the sockets included are for the USA or Japan, Australia and the UK, meaning you can use it in Britain too if you have sockets or cables from elsewhere in the world. The front of the adaptor has 4 sockets in total. The first one is the AC socket which is commonly used in the US. Underneath, you have the USB-A, USB-C2 and USB-C1 sockets for cables. This is usually for charging phones and small appliances such as cameras and tablets. The three different sizes means it works on most modern appliances so there’s no need to bring anything else when you’re abroad.

The small, lightweight design has retractable plugs which pack away nicely, and can be turned out when ready to use. They are designed so that when one plug is being used, no others can be utilised so as not to interfere with the supply. They’re a bit clunky and all open in different ways but once you work out that one them slides, one of them flips and other one has to be prised out, you get the gist of it!

Charging is fairly quick on the Tessan PD20W Power adapter, given that it’s not a charger just an adapter. I could plug in my phone and it gives about 10% charge in 30 minutes, but that isn’t what the adapter is for. It’s mainly for being about use foreign sockets and plug in USB plugs but if you do need to charge a phone or appliance, you can charge overnight.

The Tessan PD20W is small enough that it can be packed away in your luggage or hand luggage and used anywhere abroad. For going on holiday or for the Dads in your life, it’s a nifty gadget that will be used again and again but will benefit everyone. 

Currently available for £17.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0C1NRTR81/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=b0b68efcc7ecaa3dbd3e6bcea53d4618&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1770721697&sr=1-2-e0fa1fdd-d857-4087-adda-5bd576b25987&aref=pJEjmdvY48&ref_=sbx_s_sparkle_sbtcd_asin_1_title&pd_rd_w=E5nIF&content-id=amzn1.sym.7d8787df-7d4c-460d-ab31-21b0ba272b2f%3Aamzn1.sym.7d8787df-7d4c-460d-ab31-21b0ba272b2f&pf_rd_p=7d8787df-7d4c-460d-ab31-21b0ba272b2f&pf_rd_r=MTEFXKDHG0PHPCRVZ25S&pd_rd_wg=TbzsW&pd_rd_r=9ab1dc17-2e36-4d8a-b08f-50f8737b3f5c&th=1

JLab JBuds Open Sport Earbuds

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, National Walking Month, Tech

Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of the review and all thoughs and opinions are our own.

May is National Walking Month so I’m taking every opportunity I can to get outdoors and walk as much as I can. When I’m walking alone, I quite often catch up on podcasts or listen to music and wear a pair of open-ear headphones rather than standard ones so that I am still aware of my surroundings. I do prefer earbuds to earphones so was really pleased when I received the JLab JBuds Open Sport Earbuds which fit over the ear with a flexible earhook and I have to say I’m really impressed with them. They are very comfortable to wear and are surprisingly light and as they are sweat and dustproof they’re ideal for sporty people. As a glasses wearer, I wasn’t sure if the hook would interfere with my glasses but there was no problem, even when I wore them for a full day.

Setting up the earbuds was simple, my Android phone automatically offered to pair with them and the Bluetooth Multipoint feature allowed me to pair with my Laptop at the same time. The JLab app has all the usual options, I can setup different equaliser configurations or change the touch controls (or turn them off) and check for updates for the firmware. Once setup though there is little need for the app and they could be used without ever opening it.

Because they don’t block outside sounds, they are also perfect to wear at work. Ordinarily I wear a headset for Teams meetings and phone calls, but it can get uncomfortable after a few hours so wearing these is a lot better. I can hear what the callers are saying and still pick up the chat from the rest of the office. My only criticism is that the clarity of my voice isn’t quite as clear as with my normal headphones and a couple of colleagues have mentioned that my voice sounds a little tinny, but they are more comfortable to wear and hopefully this is something that can be addressed in a future firmware update.

The battery life on them is good, I’ve been wearing them all morning, putting them into the charging case over my lunch break and then wearing them all afternoon but they do have an impressive 26 hour battery life so if I’m out on a long walk I don’t need to worry about the battery running out.

The JLab JBuds Open Sport wireless earbuds are perfect for those with active lifestyles, offering a whole new way to tune into your favourite music whilst exercising.

RRP £79.99

Father’s Day Gifts at Popcorn Shed

Birthday Gifts, Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Him, Lunchbox Fillers, secret santa, snacks, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Yes, Father’s Day is notoriously difficult to buy gifts for Dad! He has everything, but suddenly there are more items available in the shops but they are all either whiskey flavoured, or have some element remodelled in leather.  Don’t get me started on the amount of beers on the shelves at this time too.  Popcorn Shed has a massive range of popcorn all year round, so we were sent a selection of popcorn flavours which are available on the website and can be sent as a bundle.  We had the Popcorn Shed flavours Pop ‘n’ Choc, Salted Caramel and Say Cheese! Sent to us to try. Before you ask, they didn’t last long…

Each ‘shed’ (ie packet of popcorn) is 80 grams of popcorn.  The Salted Caramel and Say Cheese flavours are both bestsellers and winners of the Great Taste award.  80 grams doesn’t sound like a lot but if you remember that popcorn is very light, it makes sense to say that each shed is about big enough for 2 people to share for a movie night, or the equivalent of a small mixing bowl size.

My favourite of the flavours was Pop ‘n’ Choc, and not just because I love chocolate! You can taste the chocolate easily but it isn’t too sweet and the popcorn, although a bit sticky, isn’t too difficult to eat because it’s stuck together or gets stuck in your teeth. The Salted Caramel flavour was probably the easiest to eat out of all three because it had a strong flavour without being overpowering and was still sweet, as you would expect popcorn to be. Finally, the Say Cheese flavour was the last one I tried. I’m not used to savoury popcorn but this is the most popular of savoury flavours after the plain salted variety and I was surprised. It’s not a very strong flavour, thankfully, as although I love cheese I couldn’t imagine it on popcorn. However, as it’s a savoury taste, it goes better with wine or spirits rather than sugary cocktails. It’s a light, delicate cheese flavour rather than the processed type. I also noticed that all of the popcorn is ‘popped’ so there are no un-popped kernels in the bottom of the bag. 

Popcorn Shed is a lovely gift for Dad, or Grandad, that they don’t have to pretend to like! With all the flavours available online you will surely be able to find something that’s delicious!

Popcorn Sheds available from £4.75 at: https://www.popcornshed.com/collections/gourmet-popcorn-sheds

Devonia Plant Fertilizer Sticks

Birthday Gifts, Children, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Spring, Summer

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

This is a gardening hack for all gardeners, whether you’ve been gardening for years or if you’re a beginner! Devonia’s fertilizer spikes and sticks are nutrient dense sticks which feed plants at the roots over time, releasing food and providing magnesium and iron too.  Easy to use, the sticks are just popped into the ground or pot next to the plant.

The nutrients are pre-measured so using the directions on the back of the packs, work out how many sticks are needed for the size of pot. There are a variety of sticks to choose from too, including the tomatoes & vegetables, Boarders & bedding plants and even for individual plants like olive trees, lavender and orchids. You have to push them below soil level and on the opposite side of the pot to the plant but after that, just water them and see the plant thrive. They last all season long from spring to autumn but I would recommend changing them out for the next spring to get the full benefit of them.

These are great gifts for gardeners too, or anyone who is growing plants indoors. I’ve used them for my indoor plants and a few seedlings which are just starting to grow now. 

Available online from £6.49: https://devonialondon.co.uk/product/flower-bed-border-bedding-plant-food-sticks/

AQUAPHOR Water Filter

Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Home & Garden, kitchen appliances, Mother's Day, REUSABLE

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Whether it’s reducing plastic, filtering out toxins or eliminating heavy metals, a kitchen water filter jug benefits the whole family. AQUAPHOR ‘Filters every drop’ of your home tap water to reduce limescale and help create delicious drinks and taster food when cooking.

The jugs are designed with a slimline look which fits into the shelf of the fridge door. The massive jug holds 3.2 litres and has a battery-free filter indicator in the lid, which is flip-top to make it easier to fill. The custom filter, known as the AQUALEN is made of an ion-exchange filter material containing extra fine coconut shell carbon and efficient ion-exchange beads. As with most water filters, you need to soak the filter in water for 2 minutes first, then run water through the reservoir twice before being able to drink the water safely on the third filter.

The filter, which can last for 200 litres, filters out organic compounds, iron and heavy metals, as well as removing limescale which causes hard water. The lid of the ‘Fresh’ water just that we tested has a cartridge replacement counter.  This gives an indication of the quality of the filter from 100% when it’s installed, down to zero percent when it needs changing. New cartridges can be found on the AQUAPHOR Amazon site (below).

The AQUAPHOR Fresh, which we tested, was ample size for a family, with us being able to fill it up and use about 3 times a day, and that was with cooking too.  It’s easy to pick up and easy to fill up too, and the cartridge replacement counter is really useful in a busy household.  The water tastes pure and when you hold it up to the light it certainly looks clear too. I’ve tried it in the kettle a few times after having cleaned the limescale from inside, and it hasn’t furred up the mechanism yet so the hard water must be removed during the filtering process.

No one in my house has complained about the taste of the water, which is always a bonus! If you’re not used to filling up a jug all the time then that can get a bit of getting used to, but we always have a jug of water ready to go.  The filters aren’t that expensive and you can buy them in bulk but they do last a long time so you can buy 6 at a time on Amazon and forget about buying anymore for a while.

AQUAPHOR is a great alternative to under sink filters, not least because they’re cheaper but they rival anything else on the market, and you know that you’re getting purer, cleaner water than what comes out of the tap.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/AQUAPHORWATERFILTERS/page/241D9FA6-27A6-4C44-958B-D54BE2F7453D

Egg Free Cake Box – Red Velvet Dubai Chocolate Cake

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.

With Christmas just around the corner, the shops are full of festive treats. While there will always be a place for a traditional Christmas cake or pudding, it’s rather lovely to discover something a little different – and this Red Velvet Dubai Chocolate Cake from Egg Free Cake Box is just that.

The cake is a beautifully light and moist red velvet sponge, generously layered with a silky pistachio cream and Egg Free Cake Box’s signature Dubai mix, which brings a gentle nuttiness and a pleasing sweetness. The sides are neatly finished with classic red velvet crumbs there’s also the option to personalise your cake; ours simply read “Enjoy”, but you can choose your own message when ordering.

On top of the cake is delicate creamy piping, adorned with a light sprinkle of suter pheni and crunchy pistachio pieces, while fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries add a cheerful splash of colour. It’s decorative without being fussy and my husband especially enjoyed the lighter topping as he finds cakes full of buttercream much too sweet.  

I must confess I hadn’t come across Egg Free Cake Box before, so I was surprised to discover several shops within a short distance of home. With over 250 locations nationwide, their impressive Click & Collect service means you can order a cake and collect it within just an hour – perfect for last-minute get togethers.  The company started back in 2008 with a single shop in East London and has grown steadily, always placing an emphasis on quality ingredients and careful craftsmanship.

All of their cakes are completely egg free, reflecting the founders’ strict lacto-vegetarian diet. When I was eating the cake I really couldn’t tell that it was egg free – there’s certainly no compromise when it comes to flavour or texture – which also makes these cakes a reassuring choice for parties where egg allergies may be a concern.

Our cake was delivered by a man in a car and it was well packaged in a large cake box. When I opened the box, it looked even more delicious than I’d hoped! The red velvet sponge had a lovely depth of flavour and wasn’t too sweet, while the pistachio and Dubai cream brought a luxurious nuttiness that worked incredibly well and make the cake incredibly moreish!

While it’s at its best within 24 hours, we popped it in the fridge for an extra day and the sponge stayed beautifully light and soft and was just as tasty as it was on the first day.

This is the sort of cake that would sit proudly on a Christmas Day table, perfect for sharing with family, and it makes a cracking alternative to the usual Christmas pudding – or a very good excuse to have both. We all thought it was absolutely delicious and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Egg Free Cake Box. With my birthday landing at the end of December, I can already tell you where my cake will be coming from this year.

RRP from £32.99 for a 6” cake



Solecup Reusable Glass Travel Cup

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, REUSABLE, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The super-sized SoleCup is a travel mug with no compromise. The cup is built from a toughened glass so it not only resists breaking but it keeps the taste of hot drinks fresh without the plastic sensation. If you know anything about saving the planet, then glass cups are much better all-round. The glass doesn’t leach plastic into any hot drinks either, which can be a problem with cheaper plastics and can cause health issues long term.

The lid of the SoleCup seal (which is in black in this sample) is a non-splash design which makes it easier to keep in the car. It’s a screw lid with a seal over the drinking lid so that you can keep it safe. There’s a cuff to protect your hands from the heat of the drink too, and all of it can go in the dishwasher. On the website, you can buy tea infusers and smoothy filters as additions, which is a nice alteration to the original purpose. 

This is a solid travel mug and a chunky 18oz or 510ml size to be able to carry it around and make a meal of it. In fact, the size makes it perfect for a smoothie as a replacement meal, or if you’re on a long car journey and need a hot drink to keep you going. I love the glass design that’s sleek as well as practical and you can tell whose drink is whose – no more having to taste them to find out if you’ve picked up your partner’s one by mistake!  

I love this as a gift idea too. Everyone needs another travel mug and most people love a hot drink most days. This is great for anyone going to work on public transport, and I would even say it’s great for long walks, running or exercise thanks to the non-spill design.

Available from £20 for this size at: https://solecup.com/product/reusable-coffee-cup/

Original Source Crisp Apple Shower Gel

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Every family has its Christmas traditions, and in our house the stockings always have certain gifts stuffed in them. Yes, there’s the expected chocolate, socks, and underwear  but every year, without fail, Father Christmas tucks in a bottle of shower gel. And more often than not, it’s Original Source. They slip neatly into a stocking, for one thing, and their bright, uplifting scents mean there’s a bottle to suit absolutely everyone.

I’m not what you’d call a natural morning person so I need something brisk and cheering to get me going which means my shower gel has to work hard to wake me gently but firmly. I’m a big fan of Original Source’s Zesty Lemon & Tea Tree, but this year I’ve tried their Crisp Apple Shower Gel which is fresh and crisp and is exactly the thing to nudge me into the land of the living. From the very first use my skin felt refreshed, hydrated, and – dare I say it – almost enthusiastic about the day ahead.

It’s vegan, made in the UK, and fragranced with 100% natural ingredients. The bottle itself is made entirely from recycled plastic and can go straight back into the recycling when you’re done.

A 250ml bottle is currently just £1 at Superdrug and Morrisons so at that price, it’s worth stocking up to guarantee a zingy start to Christmas morning and beyond.

Edifier ES850NB Headphones

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Tech

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

Headphones have become an everyday essential for me – whether I’m commuting, working from home or just listening to music you’ll usually see me wearing a pair. Over the years I’ve come to expect great sound quality from Edifier and their ES850NB headphones have certainly lived up to my expectations.  

Listening to music is a pleasure, with Hi-Res Audio certification and 40mm titanium-coated drivers, these headphones deliver crisp, studio-grade sound and are backed by LDAC, AAC, and SBC codec support for lossless wireless performance. The sound quality, even at the highest level, is fantastic with no distortion.

The upgraded noise cancelling (up to -45dB) is brilliant too. It takes the edge off busy trains, noisy cafés, or even just background chatter at home, which makes such a big difference when I’m trying to concentrate. I’ve also noticed that calls sound sharper, the built-in AI-powered microphones filter out background noise so my voice comes across clearly, even when the world around me isn’t so quiet.

They can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, so I can switch seamlessly between my laptop and phone without fiddling with settings — really handy if I’m listening to music and a call comes through.

The headphones are really well built and comfortable to wear, the ear cups are softly padded with memory foam and the multi angle rotation and adjustable headband make it easy to get the perfect fit. I’ve worn them for hours at a time and they never feel heavy or uncomfortable, which makes them ideal for long workdays or travelling.

The battery life is excellent, an impressive 92 hours of continuous playback in normal mode and even with noise cancelling on you’ll still get 53 hours of playtime. A quick 15 minutes charge will give an additional 11.5 hours of playtime, perfect when I’m about to leave the house and realise the battery is low!

With fantastic sound quality, excellent battery life and a comfortable fit the Edifier ES850NB headphones are an impressive all rounder and will make a great Christmas gift this year.

Available in Black, Brown, Ivory and Pink from Amazon

RRP  £149.99

Read some of our other Edifier reviews

Edifier ES20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Edifier Comfo C Wireless Earbuds

Edifier W800BT Pro Cancelling Headphones

Technics AZ100 Earbuds

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Tech, travel

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

From the moment you lift the lid on the Technics AZ100 earbuds, they make an impression. The sleek, weighty charging case feels every bit as premium as you’d hope, while the neatly laid out set of ear tip sizes hints at just how much thought has gone into comfort and fit. And the experience doesn’t stop there, the Technics Audio Connect app helps guide you to the right ear tips size to give a snug secure fit that blocks out unwanted noise.  

These earbuds are clearly designed for people who really care about sound and it shows. With Hi-Res Audio Wireless support and Dolby Atmos optimisation, the AZ100s deliver an immersive high fidelity experience that’s hard to match in the wireless earbuds category. But what really sets them apart is the inclusion of magnetic fluid drivers, a high-end feature that coaxes out deep, textured bass with astonishing control. The result? Warm, full sound that feels balanced and easy to listen to.

For those who love to fine-tune their sound, the Technics app offers a range of pre-set EQ modes plus custom settings, allowing you to customise your audio experience so whether you’re into classical, rock or podcasts, the AZ100’s will make your content sound its best.

The touch controls on the AZ100 earbuds are nice and simple to use, especially as they  can be customised to your own preference by using the Technics Audio Connect app. I found it really easy to assign functions like play/pause, skip tracks, volume control, switching noise-cancelling modes, or answering calls to either earbud and you can also choose the number of taps to each function making them work in a way that suits you best.   

The noise cancelling on the AZ100 earbuds is seriously impressive. While other earbuds can struggle when your surroundings change, these ones automatically adjust to what’s going on around you. So whether you’re on a noisy train or walking through a quiet park, they block out just the right amount of background sound to keep your listening experience clear and consistent.

The battery life is equally impressive – with up to 10 hours listening time on a single charge, with the case adding an additional 28 hours which is perfect if you’re off on holiday this summer. USB-C charging and Qi wireless support make it easy to top up the charge wherever you are.

Connectivity, too, is another area where the AZ100 excels. With multipoint pairing for up to three devices, switching between your phone, laptop, and tablet is seamless, a real boon for multitaskers who don’t want to fiddle with settings every time they change tasks.

I’m really enjoying the Technics AZ100 earbuds, they fit comfortably, sound fantastic, offer excellent battery life, and come with an easy-to-use app that enhances the whole experience. Whether you’re after crisp detail, deep bass, or just a reliable pair of earbuds that perform across the board, these deliver on every front.

RRP £259 available in silver, black or champagne gold.

Available from Amazon here

JBuds Mini

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Tech, travel

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

If, like me, you’re forever rummaging through your handbag, coat pocket or rucksack to find your earbuds, you’ll love the JBuds Mini from JLab. The clever charging case has a built-in keyring loop, so you can clip them onto your keys or bag meaning no more “Where did I put my earbuds?” moments. It’s such a simple idea, but incredibly useful, especially when travelling. These dinky little earbuds are among the smallest on the market, but don’t let their size fool you, they pack an impressive punch when it comes to sound.

I’ve been using them for a few weeks now, including on a recent holiday, and they’ve been brilliant, compact and lightweight, yet they deliver crisp, well-balanced audio that easily rivals more expensive brands. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or catching up on a podcast during a long journey, they never miss a beat.

They come with three different tip sizes for a comfy, secure fit, and while there’s no  active noise cancellation, the snug design naturally helps to block out background noise. There’s also a clever “Be Aware Mode” which lets in ambient sound. perfect when you’re out exploring and want to stay alert.

They’re splashproof (so you don’t have to panic if you get caught in a downpour), and the battery life is good – 5.5 hours of play from the earbuds, with an extra 20 hours from the compact charging case.

The JBuds Mini are also supported by the JLab mobile app, which adds an extra layer of personalisation. You can adjust touch controls, switch between EQ presets, or even create your own sound profile, all from your phone.

Available in five colours, black, sage gray, teal, mint, and my favourite, bright pink, the JBuds Mini come with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind. Cute, clever, and seriously convenient, they’re the perfect companion for holidays, commutes, and everything in between.

RRP £39.99

The Krafted Connex

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Mobile Phone, Tech, travel

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Keep your devices connected and up-to-date with the Krafted Connex in your pocket. 

The handy Connex gadget has 5 connectors in one product which can allow for high speed data transfer between phones, laptops and other devices as well as charge from one to another. Like a Swiss Army knife, the Krafted Connex folds up into the size of a packet of chewing gum to be able to be packed, in a pocket or thrown at the bottom of a bag.  It also comes in two colours; jade (like the one in the photo) and charcoal.

The Krafted Connex has a USB-C plug at one end, which comes with a USB-C to USB-A adaptor already attached. This is important because when it comes to charging or data transfer, the Connex needs to be plugged in to each device at opposite ends. So I had to remove the USB-A first, then attach my speaker to the USB-C plug on the other end in order to charge it.

All the connections are: 

INPUT:

  • USB-C Connector
  • USB-A Connector (as an adaptor)

OUTPUT:

  • Lightening Connector x2
  • USBC-Connector
  • Micro USB Connector

There’s actually 8 different combinations of connections you can make with the gadget, and because it’s made of Flex Silicone rubber, it can twist in all sorts of ways to get the connection you need. It folds up nicely so that you can store it away and the keyring on it ensures you’ll always have it handy.

This is great as a Secret Santa or for the stocking of a teenager or someone travels a lot. You could also use them as gifts for clients who are always out and about – nearly everyone would find a use for them!

Available from £29.99 at: https://www.kraftedtech.com/products/connex-jade

Altamura Vodka for Father’s Day

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Summer

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

You probably don’t associate vodka being Italian, bu I bet you didn’t know that Altamura Vodka was made from ancient grain, making it 2,000 years old? The ancient durum wheat is grown in Altamura or neighbouring Puglia to produce vodka which can confidently say that it’s been around longer than most other spirits!  

At 43% proof, this is one for cocktails, which Altamura is perfectly suited for thanks to its raw wheat taste which blends to a soft finish. There’s tones of lemon and grapefruit there too, not unlike the hills of the Altamura region in Italy.

For vodka lovers, Altamura is a great choice as something different yet classic. There are fewer ingredients which gives it a clearer taste and makes it excellent for making cocktails with.  Versatile vodka is great for Father’s Day or as a birthday present, especially if Dad likes Italian spirits!

Available for £36.25 at: https://www.masterofmalt.com/vodka/altamura/altamura-vodka/?utm_content=altamura/altamura-vodka&currencyCode=GBP&utm_source=database&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=mom_base_1&gad_source=4&gad_campaignid=17147192555&gbraid=0AAAAADr4rM2JLNRmgLeQLC1RQMhK-LIxU&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu7TCBhCYARIsAM_S3NhTrnTaW3PNe9xSs8Y00q0eoblHeZO8FBotZaRj0H6Soxl1kChHBK0aAiEQEALw_wcB

Sake Ono Bottle for Father’s Day

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Take Father’s Day to a new level and give Dad some Sake Ono instead of a boring bar of chocolate! Sake Ono, made in Niigata, Japan, is 15% ABV so it’s a bit stronger than wine but not as strong as whisky or vodka. It can be drunk either in a glass or as a part of a cocktail, but I prefer to drink it on its own, along after a meal.

Sake Ono sits like a wine with a soft, crisp texture. Although made with water, rice, koji (to ferment the rice) and yeast, you can’t taste either the rice or the yeast. It’s less like beer and more like wine.  It’s brewed then pressed, filtered and pasteurised in the Japanese Alps using the finest quality water. 

Sake Ono is a great alternative to spirits with a lower ABV and works especially well with cheeses and charcuterie, or in a New School Negroni.  It has a light, slightly citrus and a pinch of floral taste and a sweet after taste. Why not try it yourself before you gift a bottle to Dad?

Available for £54.95 at: 

Sake Ono Junmai Daiginjo 72cl

Yankee Candle Bayside Cedar Large Jar Candle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Winter

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.

RRP £29.99 available here

Catherine Lansfield Zero Twist Six Towel Bale

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Home & Garden

Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

There’s something quietly satisfying about a fresh set of towels, so I was really pleased to get my hands on the Catherine Lansfield Zero Twist Towel Bale. New towels are one of those little luxuries you don’t always think to buy for yourself – but once you have them, you wonder why you ever put up with those thin, tired old ones in the first place!

The towel bale is available in ten different colours and I opted for classic navy blue as it’s a great all-rounder- stylish, practical, and ideal for a house full of boys. Navy goes with almost anything, and it’s brilliant at hiding the odd splash of mud or DIY-related grime making them perfect for dads who spend their weekends in the garden, tinkering with tools, or elbow-deep in the shed.

Now, let’s talk texture, I like my towels soft and absorbant, there’s nothing worse than a towel that looks great on display but does nothing when it comes to drying. These ones though are just right, they’re soft and cosy without being too plush, reasonably thick, and best of all, properly absorbent. They feel lovely to use and do the job well.

I’ve washed them a couple of times now on a standard 40°C cycle and they’ve come out brilliantly – no roughness, no colour fade, and no shrinkage. Just the same soft, reliable towels, ready to use again.

The bale includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two face cloths and are ideal for giving your bathroom an instant refresh without costing the earth. The towels actually feels much more expensive than the price tag suggests.

So if you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift that’s practical with just ahint of indulgence, this set is a brilliant choice. It won’t make any noise or need charging, but it will make Dad’s mornings that little bit nicer – and really, isn’t that what it’s all about?

RRP £56 but they are currently on offer at £26.92 which is an absolute bargain.

Mr White’s Gin

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Summer

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Marco Pierre White is known as being Britain’s premier Michelin Star winning chef from the 80s to today with number other awards under his belt, and well as making more hot dinners, well than you’ve had hot dinners!  Did you know that he’s ventured into making gin though? Mr White’s London Dry Gin was created by Marco with Master Distillers to use to top of the range ingredients and the best distillery process to make this top tier, 40% gin.

The London Dry gin has been described as ‘redefining a London Dry’ due to the gin being juniper-forward. This is not a gin for a first-time taster, but more the pinnacle gin for those who have tried every gin out there and got bored.  Wanting to try a more sophisticated flavour, connoisseurs will love the simplicity of this taste that incorporates the smooth texture of London Dry as well as the gin/juniper flavour. 

The taste is not ostentatious.  You can tell that it’s been cultivated in copper pot still because of the clean taste but it’s also powerful and hits like a gin from first sip to aftertaste. The 40% proof is evident, and I would suggest only drinking neat the first time then mixing afterwards, or creating a fabulous cocktail with it that exemplifies its pureness.

The bottle is gorgeous (white of course!) and signed by Mr White himself. The bottle is also huge, but only the average spirit size of 70cl. You’ll notice Marco Pierre White’s name at the top and ‘Established 1961; which refer to the chef himself, not the age of the spirit!

This is a brilliant Father’s Day gift for gin lovers, or anyone who appreciated a really good bottle being added to the collection. If you’re serving cocktails to that special man this Father’s Day, you might like to try this…

The MR. WHITE’S Classic Negroni Bianco

* 30ml MR. WHITE’S GIN

* 30ml White vermouth

* 30ml Suze.

Method

Add all ingredients into mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into a clear, heavy tumbler, with a single large ice cube or ice ball and garnish with grapefruit peel.

Available at: https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/groceries

Elegear Cooling Blanket

Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Home, Summer

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

We’ve been lucky with the warmer weather this spring but what we’re not lucky with is air conditioning! When the weather gets too hot, it’s difficult to cool down in the summer without some help. Luckily, Elegear have this Cooling Blanket that has Arc-Chil technology to literally cool down your body when it’s warm and wick away heat. We were sent a blanket to try out!

The blanket comes in sizes relating to bed size, so our blanket was 150cm by 200cm, which is a double bed size.  He instructions say to keep the ‘cool’ or shiny side of the blanket in contact with your body, which might be counterintuitive but this is the side where the Arc-Chil technology works. The blanket absorbs heat from the body and vaporizes sweat away using the layers of nylon and micro materials, keeping the body at an even temperature all over.

The blanket feels huge but it’s actually quite thin in texture. Our blanket was grey but there are other colours available such as pink, blue, beige and green and other sizes. When it comes to ease of use, it’s very easy to just wrap around you, and the more I think about it, the more I realise it could be used at home, camping, BBQs, for children or for the elderly.  The blanket really does evaporate away heat! It’s noticeable that it stays cool, much like the cold side of the pillow when you’re trying to get to sleep.

The Elegear Arc-Chil Cooling Blanket can be washed at 30 degrees centigrade but is not to be tumble dried, ironed nor dry cleaned. It is best to hang it outside to dry, and in the shade so that the colour doesn’t fade.  It’s a great price as a gift too!

Available online now for £27.19 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0897H7LMN?th=1

Lonely Planet Books – Best Bike Rides Great Britain and Amazing Train Journeys

Birthday Gifts, Books, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him

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.