The Rules: Father's Day

Sun Herald

Sunday August 28, 2005

Words: Kirsty Munro

Dad doesn't have to be difficult to buy for. Whether he's into off-the-beaten-track travel or sitting in the sports stands, finding a gift is a matter of pinpointing his style.

Of course, we should thank our dads every day for being great but we usually forget. So Father's Day is a neat reminder and a handy way to boost sales of hardware and books on cricket. The key to finding a gift that will be cherished is to know your father and what he's into. Here are some broad categories.

Gadget man

Look for clever, hi-tech things to amuse him. Don't overlook game systems such as Sony PlayStation, though your mother may not appreciate it. If he's always yarning about the weather, you could get him a Jacob Jensen weather station from Jarass, (02) 9436 2929. It can be built up over successive occasions with a digital clock, barometer, indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity gauges. Fulfil his spy fantasies with a new Samsung SGH-E310 mobile phone, 1300 369 600. If he's into his coffee, a Bodum espresso machine might do the trick. If he's a little more old school, consider a classic Atomic coffee maker complete with Italian futurism and '50s curves. Don't forget his commute to work - an MP3 player could make the journey more pleasant and once you help him download his favourites, you'll never have to listen to Kenny Rogers again. For the man who travels, what about a stylish laptop bag or multi-zone travel alarm? Head to department stores or Gowings for a Victorinox Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool to bring out his MacGyver instincts.

Designer dad

A stylish case for his business cards is surprisingly affordable, from the likes of Tiffany & Co (in sterling silver), Cartier or Bvlgari (in leather). If he's been dragging the same old satchel to work forever, upgrade him to a Gucci case with its new logo-embossed leather. Never underestimate the value of excellent socks. Elegant silk-blend socks in black, charcoal and olive will set him apart in the boardroom. He might yearn for a classic Barcelona chair or a comfy Arne Jacobsen egg chair to curl up in. Search out look-alikes at Ikea and Domayne. If you can't afford their famed furniture, then opt for the definitive introduction to Charles and Ray Eames for Dad's coffee table - An Eames Primer by Eames Demetrios (Thames & Hudson). Dads who love design and architecture will appreciate the Acme range of pens and cufflinks by Karim Rashid and Frank Lloyd Wright (at Jarass). Or invest in a crisp white shirt with French cuffs (try Zambelli, Farage or Herringbone) and a tie. But make it a truly fabulous tie - Hermes is doing some great ones.

Sports fan

Choose accessories for his favourite sport, such as a new bike helmet, surfboard cover, fishing-tackle box, Esky for the footy or waterproof yachting jacket (try Gant or Line 7). If he's a gym junkie, get him a gym towel, pedometer, blood-pressure monitor or a swish water canister like the Gobi water bottle from Troika, (07) 3257 2011.

Or buy him a leather wallet - try Country Road -and slip in tickets to see his favourite team.

Homebody

Foodies will always appreciate a great knife. Check out the great range from Global. If he's a budding chef, send him off on a cookery course. And if your dad loves a good bottle of red, then don't stop there - get a proper set of Riedel tasting glasses and a wine guide. Those with a passion for gardening can never get enough gardening tools. Consider the chic Hermes tools to accessorise his bonsai. Of course, with the need to save water, a trigger-head hose attachment would be a timely gift and the pistol grip turns watering the shrubs into a James Bond-style game.Must-haves

Gifts that truly reflect his lifestyle and interests.

Must avoid

Chemist aftershave kits or scratchy socks.