A few years ago, during a long drive to a wedding across the country, we realized we had forgotten to bring a gift for the delighted couple. The panic escalated when someone in our car—dead serious—suggested we could simply “pick something up” along the M6.
What exactly did they think we would find on the M6? Would a tin of boiled sweets and a travel cushion suffice for the newlyweds? Perhaps a Jack Reacher novel or a bottle of screen wash? A lukewarm, microwavable burger, maybe? Aside from the usual chocolate boxes and flower bouquets, service stations provide a rather lackluster selection of thoughtful gifts.
Selecting the ideal gift involves a bit more thought, which is why we’re ringing the alarm for Father’s Day this year on Sunday, June 15th. It’s essential to steer clear of any last-minute shopping frenzies—after all, the man who raised you deserves more than a half-eaten Ginsters steak slice.
Unlike an easy wedding gift list, Dads rarely drop hints about what they desire, leaving us often perplexed. But don’t worry; the team at Ape is here to ensure you won’t be scrambling at a service station for a gift. Our Father’s Day gift list has plenty of fantastic options.
An Invigorating Shaving Ritual
In perfect time for Father’s Day, Jo Malone London has unveiled two luxurious shaving products, infused with the sophisticated woody fragrance of cedar and juniper. Suitable for all skin types, the Black Cedarwood & Juniper Shaving Cream (£45) features an ultra-rich formula with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and glycerin to ensure exceptionally smooth skin. For the traditional Dad, it can be paired with a shaving brush and bowl for the full barbershop experience right at home.
Enriched with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, the Black Cedarwood & Juniper Aftershave Moisturiser (£45) serves as a calming, soothing, and hydrating treatment. It can be applied post-shave or used as an everyday moisturizer to maintain supple skin. Individually or as a duo, these products make an extravagant yet practical gift for the Dad who wouldn’t dream of sporting anything less than a clean-shaven look, while still being enjoyable for the less committed groomer.
Make It An M&S Father’s Day
Some Dads embrace their vibrant Hawaiian shirt collections. While what happens in Vegas should stay there, the Cotton Blend Palm Print Shirt (£32) from the timeless M&S brand hits all the right notes. This shirt offers a more refined look for vacations, summer events, and casual outings, thanks to its cool and breathable cotton material. Additionally, the same print is available in miniature sizes for the whole family, making it a fun way to create stylish family portraits—ideal for new Dads and Grandads! The ‘Mini Me’ palm print shirt (£10) ranges from sizes 0-8 years and is also available as a sundress (£18, sizes 2-8 years) and in a charming baby outfit (£18, sizes 0-3 years). Dress them up, snap a photo, frame it, and cherish the moment.
Shop now at Marks & Spencer, in stores nationwide.
Upgrade His Loungewear with Personalised Pajamas
Some Dads may be content to lounge around in those old, tattered clothes until they literally disintegrate, so upgrading his loungewear is sure to earn you some brownie points—and at the very least, make him less embarrassed while taking out the trash.
Derek Rose is the go-to name for sleepwear. Their Men’s Lounge Shorts (£135) and Lounge T-shirt (£105) come in a wide array of 15 colors. The summer palette features striking shades of apricot, spiced orange, turquoise, and sapphire, alongside classic neutrals for more understated tastes. The lounge shorts feature a practical design with an elastic and tie front waist with silver aglets, two front pockets, and one rear pocket. Plus, the comfy micro modal stretch fabric is resistant to pilling and retains its shape; these items are available in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL.
One delightful detail we love about Derek Rose is their secret messaging feature (£30), which allows a hidden label to be stitched inside selected garments with a personal message of your choosing. For the stretchy jersey fabric, you can utilize the monogramming service (£15) and add a special motif to the chest (£20), such as a heart, crab, or puppy, to make it truly special. Why not give the local bin men something to talk about?
A Sporty, Speedy Carry-On for F1 Fans
For the well-traveled Dad, frequently away on business, the Atlassian Williams Racing Carry On by Carl Friedrik (£345) serves as the ideal cabin bag. Perfectly sized for short trips, this hard-shell suitcase comes in the British F1 team colors of navy blue and white. Featuring an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell, TSA-approved locks, and lined mesh compartments for organized packing, it promises a smooth travel experience. With its 360-degree spinner wheels and retractable handle, he can easily navigate through bustling airport terminals.
This suitcase will help him beat his personal best at passport control, breeze through baggage claim, and nab the first spot in line for his taxi.
Gift Him a Unique Timepiece
For watch enthusiasts and vintage lovers alike, Blancpain’s latest creation is an impressive detail for collectors. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms, Blancpain has partnered with Swatch to create a unique collection of timepieces that honor its legendary first diver’s watch from 1953. At that time, fifty fathoms (91m/300ft) was the maximum scuba diving depth achievable.
This innovative design, the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms, incorporates a groundbreaking material composed of two-thirds ceramic and one-third castor oil, developed and patented by Swatch. The watch straps are made from recycled fishing nets. Each piece features Swatch’s SISTEM51, enabling automatic and anti-magnetic movements, visible through a transparent display back adorned with a digital illustration of a vibrant nudibranch from each of the world’s oceans. This extraordinary sea creature—commonly known as a sea slug—has never looked so charming. With nine styles available, five represent different oceans, along with a black Ocean of Storms model. Our pick is the Green Abyss, highlighted in a deep emerald hue, complete with a Regal Sea Goddess illustration on the back. The best part? The entire collection is priced at just £350.
Shop now at select Swatch boutiques
A Buy-One-Get-One Offer for You and Him
Family dynamics can be complicated, so if you have more than one father figure to shop for, or simply wish to treat yourself as well, Harry’s has introduced a timely ‘Feel Good, Fathers’ buy-one-get-one-free offer. For a limited time, you can grab two Truman shave sets for the price of one. Each set includes a Truman handle, three five-blade cartridges, foaming shave gel, and a travel cover for the razor—practical, stylish, and all just £15.
Transform His Skincare Routine with Narcyss
If he’s not a narcyssist yet, he certainly will be! This skincare line, launched by a duo of dapper Swedes, merges clinical efficacy with an eye-catching design. They’ve created products that deserve to be displayed, rather than hidden away in the bathroom cabinet. With appealing names and engaging descriptions, this collection feels more like an experience than your average men’s grooming line and, to top it off, it’s surprisingly affordable.
We love the Le Fix (£24), a pack of three sheet masks loaded with bamboo extract and hyaluronic acid for immediate skin rejuvenation. The Le Poème du Corps (£24) is a luxurious body wash featuring an invigorating blend of bergamot, patchouli, and black leather, enhanced with willow bark extract to absorb excess oil and refine pores. Additionally, there’s the Ash radiance face scrub available in a travel size (£8), providing all the skin-loving benefits of volcanic sand, vitamin E, and green tea on the go.
Gift him the Essential Trio, which includes Ash, the AMPM multi-purpose moisturizer, and the Pool Suite intense cleanser, to kick-start his anti-aging routine, all for just £39.
Slip Him Into Stylish Slippers
Santoni slippers are designed for those who value quality and functional elegance. Made in Italy, these leather slippers (£460) are a worthwhile investment that will stand the test of time. They present a versatile indoor shoe solution that is perfect for entertaining guests and also great for light travel, especially for those whose feet tend to swell on flights. They can easily slip on and off, making them ideal for lounging around the home. The soft rubber sole provides comfort on indoor floors while being sturdy enough for a short trip outside for morning coffee. Available in refined black velvet or polished black leather, these slippers will only get better with age—just like him.
Shade His Eyes Like a Movie Icon
Persol has just launched their latest 714 collection, and we hope they won’t sell out before Sunday, so hurry! This iconic foldable pilot frame (£511), famously worn by the legendary Steve McQueen, is crafted from premium acetate with Barberini glass lenses and is available in four stunning colorways. The collector’s box is a dream gift featuring a curated selection of accessories to complement the frames, including a protective leather pouch embossed with the Steve McQueen logo, a microfiber cloth in a stylish pouch, and a vintage-style envelope containing rare archival material celebrating McQueen’s legacy. Available with polarized or prescription lenses, along with the option for personalized engraving on the arm, these sunglasses are sure to make his day. Prices start at £336.
Send Him on a Culinary Adventure
For the man who appreciates a good treasure hunt, Amazing Co. specializes in unique culinary experiences. The Mystery Picnic offers an engaging adventure filled with gourmet delights. Here’s how it works: Choose the location, solve clues and riddles to collect delicious picnic items from local vendors, and uncover fascinating spots along the way. By the end, he’ll have assembled a delightful picnic spread to enjoy at a beautiful secret location. This is a fun outing perfect for friends, family, or a partner.
Whether he resides in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the US, you can send him on a Mystery Picnic. In the UK, destinations are available across the country—from the Causeway Coast and Linen Quarter in Belfast to Edinburgh’s Old Town, Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the Cotswolds, Canterbury, and Notting Hill. Prices start around £78 for two people, but you can set your own budget.
Gift Him a Luxurious Fragrance Without the High Price Tag
Roger & Gallet, a historic brand, introduces Cologne Twist—a modern interpretation of the classic French perfumer’s tribute to Jean Marie Farina. Jean’s great-grand uncle, Johann Maria Farina, was the pioneer of cologne. In 1862, Jean Marie Farina sold the family business to Roger & Gallet, famed for creating the first rounded soap bar and producing the original cologne under the name Jean Marie Farina Extra Vielle.
Cologne Twist (£39 for 100ml), crafted from a recipe of citrus and herbs, features top notes of lemon, mandarin, and bergamot alongside heart notes of elemi, rosemary, clary sage, and spearmint, all underpinned by a base of white woods, moss, and tonka bean. It recalls a vintage feel with an energizing twist and a touch of almond sweetness.
Of course, Roger & Gallet also offers a complete bath and body range, allowing him to layer Cologne Twist throughout his entire grooming routine—including a stamped cleansing bar and alcohol-free deodorant stick.
