Make Dad Actually Wow: 5 Inspo Ideas for Father's Day

1. A good time and a long time

All great dads love to keep their good time and long time muscles well exercised - understanding that leaning too far either way can have dire consequences with either their mates, or their Mrs. 

Why not help Dad or Grandad nail his next professional move? It’s pretty common at the moment for dudes who have loyally worked at one or two jobs their whole life to be needing to look for a new one - can you imagine that they have a CV tucked in the top draw? No - they don’t. Isabelle at CV Whiz, based in Southbridge (and happy to work online) offers a CV writing service that could be just the heartfelt and incredibly powerful gift dad needs - vouchers available, look her up. 

Cycling the Dream based at McLeans Island can help Dads sprinkle in some fun with a service of the bike, or a hire of a super-flash one (even an e-bike is an option) for some heart-pumping mountain biking fun at McLeans or further afield. 

Perhaps some PT time is just what the doctor ordered, Dan of Dr Fitness has got you based at Apollo Fitness in Christchurch - he’s even got a space 7am Friday’s the next few weeks - perfect! 

And last but most certainly not least - many Dad’s are keen Fishermen and Amy’s Bait Shop & More will have them covered if you want to send them up to Pōhara in Golden Bay for a couple days with their rod and a duffle! 

1. Getting into or lounging back in the Garden

Let’s start with the lawns shall we? Perhaps Rolly Mowers could assist with a Lawnmower Service, or Jay Tee’s Lawn Mowing & Garden Maintenance could give dad a break for those in Selwyn or Christchurch. Grudge Lawn Care could do the honours in Auckland while T5 Contracting based in Springfield could help those Dad’s out who have epic plans and an epic area to work with - normally working on mountain bike and ski trails, this low to no impact excavating specialist could bring all dad’s wild backyard dreams to life!

Speaking of excavation, the more low key version of actual landscaping and garden preening can be assisted by Hoywood Nursery (Dunsandel) who stocks Perennials, Natives & veges, Andrea’s Plants (Leeston) for all your edible or smaller scale needs OR Always Alive has all your indoor succulents and Terrarium ideas sorted! 

1. The classics 

The reality is the classics are just that, for a reason. One of them is the brew mug - Symply D’Liteful Gifts in Feilding has some crackers for mum to give the father of her babies - “When I dunk my cookies in my milk I think of you…I hold the cookie down until the bubbles stop!” or “I love you for your personality but that IMAGE OF ROOSTER sure is a nice bonus!”.  Oval Lane Creations in Kihikihi has your mum-approved hangable expressions of gratitude covered - “To my Stepped Up Dad. You didn’t give me the gift of life but you sure made my life better. The bond between us is an eternal one, it is not DNA, flesh or blood but heart that makes us Family. Thank you for Stepping in to become the Dad you didn’t have to be.” Or “#1 Dad. Thanks for not pulling out in time. Always remember I’m your fastest swimmer”. 

And last but certainly not least - you have Maquinky - the maker of NZ’s comfiest undies, or “Junk Trunks” in this case. Fun, inspired prints (the banana print is one of my favs…) can turn the grud-buy into something unforgettable every day until next Father’s Day roles round.

1. Through the tum! 

Firstly, go check out our two Posts done so far on some incredible kai-spots in Southland and the Middle of the Mainland for some tummy-inspo to tie into a wee bit of unbeatable road-tripping, and then come back and consider a gorgeous home-baked Cake from Cake Prints if you’re a Christchurch local - would your dad like Caramel Mud Cake or Biscoff Blondie??  

Lastly, do check out I’ve Been Pickled for incredible batch Jams, Chutneys, Relishes, Sauces and Gin (yes - Gin!!) made in Christchurch, or you could duck into Browns Quail Eggs and Homemade Goodies if you’re a Hororata local for Dad’s preserve pleasure, or Hazbel’s Farm Stall just out of Ashburton. 

1. Win him over with Wellness! 

Last but not least - you could win Dad over with some wonderful wellness. Keep him smelling sweet with some delicious soap options from West Melton based Dome Cottage Soap Co or looking suave with a cut and style from Dream Hair by Jaimee in Rolleston. Beard Balms and Chest Rubs will delight and soothe from Ascent Aromatherapy in Sheffield, Fi’s Comfrey Cream (near Cheviot) will deal to those ageing/honed (whichever way you look at it!) muscles and joints, and The Herbalists 2021 in Rangiora can help dad with incredible Deep Eeze spray, along with some great advice and assistance with inflammation, pain and heart-health to name a few. 

You’re either now inspired or overwhelmed! You’re welcome! Whichever way you look at it, know that shopping little and local is totally something you can do for Dad - and we all know the meaningfulness, uniqueness and specialness that comes from doing just that. Check out the map today to find ALL of the goodness mentioned above, and much, much more. 

Happy Father’s Day!