Stuck for a Father’s Day gift? We’ve done the hard part for you

Jun 17, 2015

If you didn't know already, Father's Day is this Sunday, so now is definitely the time to start thinking about what to get for your Dad.

Yes, we're sure he'd love a multipack of sports socks, but with a little extra effort there are some far cooler gifts that would really make his day. Luckily for you, we've already rooted out a few things that are sure to make any Dad smile this Sunday.

Whether your old man is a food buff, a thrillseeker or just up for a laugh, there's bound to be something in here for him.

Foodie gifts

1. A taste of Irish culture
If your Dad's into his whiskey, why not take him on a visit to the first new distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years? Teeling Whiskey have the only fully operational distillery in Dublin at present, and it's open to the public for tours. Tickets are €14 each, and that includes a whiskey and cocktail tasting. More information here.

2. Chalk it up
Jamie Oliver has a great range of kitchen accessories that are far from girly. We love this slate cheeseboard, which can be chalked on to mark the names of each cheese. It also includes a professional stainless steel knife.

Jamie Oliver Chalk and Cheese Board, €31, Debenhams

3. Head out for lunch
If you're looking for something different than the usual carvery this Father's Day, treat your Dad to a Gent's Afternoon Tea. The Morrison Hotel have just launched this lunchtime special for €23 per person. There's no tea in sight, but it does include a pint of craft beer. More information here.

Fun gifts

1. Tell it like it is
Irish dads will love this great slogan t-shirt, one of many that are perfect for Father's Day from Irish company Hairy Baby.

You're Some Tool T-Shirt, €22, hairybaby.com

2. Speed away
If your dad is an adrenaline junkie, give him the chance to reach top speeds in style with Go Ferrari Driving, an Irish company offering car lovers the opportunity to drive a sleek Ferrari for the afternoon. They operate in Cork, Dublin and Galway and prices start at €109 for a session. More information here.

3. Scratch that itch
If he's into travelling, allow your dad to show off a bit by scratching off each country he has visited. We want one of these ourselves…

Scratch Map Original, €19.95, B Cool! The Gadget Store

Something a touch more practical

1. Tick tock
Newbridge might be mainly known for their jewellery and silverware, but they have a great range of men's watches too, like this one with a bold brown leather strap

Gents Watch, €60, Newbridge Silverware

2. Read on
British motorcycle racer Guy Martin has just published his autobiography, detailing the thrills, ups and downs of his whirlwind racing career. A must-read for racing lovers.

Guy Martin: My Autobiography, €11.99 paperback or €29.50 hardback, Eason

3. Look sharp
Skip the Lynx gift set this year and go for something a little classier instead, like this Grooming Essentials kit from Clarins. As well as a smart washbag, the set includes the Exfoliating Cleanser, Moisture Balm, Smooth Shave and Shampoo + Shower, all in a handy travel size.

Clarins Men Grooming Essentials Set, €42, Debenhams

S! TV SHOWBIZ: Miley Cyrus’s risqué home selfies

Jun 16, 2014

by Amber Saunders

SHEmazing! TV is here to deliver your round-up of all the Showbiz News.

Today’s highlights include:

Miley Cyrus leaves nothing to the imagination in revealing selfies
Michelle Keegan hopes to get naked for Game of Thrones
Kendall Jenner forgets her undies at the Muchmusic Video Awards
Pippa Middleton has set off on a huge athletic feat all in aid of charity
How Kanye West celebrated his Father’s Day

Niamh Geaney reports.

Ryan Gosling opens up about the day he became a dad

Celebrity

Jun 15, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Just when we thought we couldn’t love Ryan Gosling any more, he has shared the most amazing secret with us.

The actor told the world that he became a father for a year after taking in a nine-month-old baby.

A supposed message from the actor has been posted on his Facebook fan page, revealing that he took in the baby when the boy’s mum – a close friend of his – passed away from cancer.

He wrote, “This Father’s Day, I’ve decided to tell the story of how I became a father. This little guy was only 9 months old when I became his dad. His mom and I were great friends before she passed away from cancer. I promised her, I’d always look after him.”

“So, I had decided to step up and become his dad. He brought me so much joy. He was my everything. 1 year later after the adoption, his biological father wanted him. Of course, I put up a fight, but he won,” he added.

“That 1 year of being his father taught me how to love unconditionally. We have to stop and be thankful for our children and children should stop and be thankful for their parents. What I truly learned most of all is, every child needs love,” he said.

The 33-year-old actor also shared a picture of himself cradling his adopted son.

We’re speechless.

S! TV Viral: Does your Dad dance like this?

Jun 13, 2014

by Amber Saunders

To celebrate Father’s day this Sunday, Jimmy Fallon put on this hilarious dance performance called The Evolution of Dad Dancing. We bet you will recognise some of these moves.

The 10 things that every Irish father says!

Relationships

Jun 13, 2014

by Amber Saunders

With Father’s Day around the corner, we’ve come up with some of the most common phrases that our used by our lovely Irish Daddies!

1. Fine

One single word that can end any argument. That dreaded word is only made worse, if you don’t take on any of his wise advice, which you always end up wishing you had.

2. The immersion, did you switch off the immersion?!

You maybe half way to your destination, but if there is any shred of doubt that the immersion might be on, you will guarantee that he will rush home to check.

3. You wouldn’t want to be doing that now.

Enough said.

4. Well, why you can’t be more like…

Don’t even finish that sentence dad!

5. Get away with that! You’re not wearing that!

He’s simply not up to date with the latest fashion trends.

6. You’re on your phone/laptop an awful lot.

He then believes that you must have a secret city boyfriend that you’re not telling him about.

7. How much?!

Seriously these shoes have been reduced, it’s a bargain really!

8. I’d love a cup of tea

Not so subtle hints.

9. Ask your mother!

So, that’s a no then.

10. No, I’m not a chauffeur!

But you promised! How else am I supposed to get to that destination which is really only a five minute walk away….but he doesn’t need to know that!

5 great Father’s Day gifts for 5 different types of dads

Lifestyle

Jun 12, 2014

by Amber Saunders

1. The Outdoorsy Dad
Why not treat your dad to an adventure filled day out on a lake or river nearest you for some kayaking or canoeing. There are lots of great adventure centres around the country such as Outdoor Discovery or Outdoor Adventure Ireland.
Or, if your really stuck for cash, why not invite your dad to go for a hike with your. He’ll love the gesture and you’ll be surprised how much fun you guys will have together!

2. The Finer-Things-In-Life Dad
Taste of Dublin is just in time for Father’s Day, so why not get your dad a ticket! If he is the type of dad that loves nothing more than to eat oysters and have a chilled glass of wine, then this is definitely the gift for him! Tickets start at €20.

3.The Inspector Gadget Dad
If your dad is both a music lover and a gadget lover, he will really appreciate this very retro and cool Archive LP record player. Get it for €99.99 at The Gadget Store.ie

4. The Book-Worm Dad
If you dad is a fan of all things reading – he’ll be super excited about this new book The Thrill of it All by Irish author, Joseph O’Connor.

5. Sporty Dad
If your dad is a fitness and sports fanatic, he will love this Jawbone UP Activity Tracker. Not only does it track your movement and sleep, but you can add your meals to it too. Fancy! Find it in on sale in Harvey Norman’s now from €98.

Love it or hate it, the Marmite cupcake has arrived!

Jun 11, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Love your salt and sweet treats? Well, a London bakery has finally created a new Marmite cupcake to satisfy those taste needs.

The bakery, which is called Lola’s Cupcakes created the unusual treat especially for Father’s Day.

The cupcake has a chocolate sponge with a salted Marmite caramel centre. The cupcake is then topped with rich Marmite buttercream and chocolate icing.

Asher Budwig, the managing director of Lola’s Cupcakes, said: “I’m always searching for ways to create innovative, exciting cupcakes with unusual ingredients. Marmite’s saltiness complements the caramel extremely well, but the centre will either be a shock, or a pleasure depending on where your Marmite sensibilities lie.”

Hmm not sure if we’ll be trying this out but these cupcakes are definitely a must for Marmite lovers.

How to celebrate Father’s Day from abroad

Jun 9, 2014

by Amber Saunders

When you live far away from home, either by choice, or perhaps not, celebrations like Father’s Day are not always easy. Here are some ways you can send your love to your dad even if you live far away:

1. Plan in advance
If you do live in another country, it’s important to take into consideration how long it will take to get your gift/card to your dad. Make sure to know how long you will need.

2. Skype call
Many dads these days are tech-savvy so get him set up with a Skype account (if he doesn’t have one already!) and you can chat away on his special day. Putting time aside on this day in particular will remind him that no matter where you are, you’re still his little girl! Aww!

3. Baby photos
If you are super organised, you can get your mom to send you on some baby photos of you and your dad together and make a sweet photo collage on a card. Remember, it can’t be too big as it has to travel and don’t use any photos you haven’t copied just in case it doesn’t reach its destination.

4. Delivery
Dads don’t generally tend to be too interested in flowers, but there are plenty of other things you can get delivered in Ireland and organise it from wherever you are. Perhaps a chocolate and fruit bouquet? Or a beer can bouquet? We don’t know any dad that would turn THAT down! You could even organise with your mum what time they are planning on having dinner at and YOU can order it from their favourite place for them.

5. Holiday!
Okay so this one may not be possible for many people living abroad, but if you have the means, this one could be really special. Book flights for your dad to come visit you in your new home, or book some holidays for yourself and surprise your dad! The look on his face is not one you will likely forget for quite a while to come!

father’s day