When looking for that ultimate Father’s Day gift, it’s easy to get flustered and forget what your dad is really into, or blank on what you used to spend time doing together. Take a page from our book and think long and hard before spending money on something your dad will never use. If you’re still stuck for ideas we’ve rounded up the top three gifts, and top three getaways, to help make Father’s Day memorable.

A multi-tasking multi-tool.

  • Engraved Swiss Army Knife
    Any man worth his salt has, at some point in his life, held a Swiss army knife. This MacGyver-esque gadget can take you from fixing a loose screw in the office, to re-wiring the electricity, to opening a cold one with the guys. So when looking at gift ideas make sure this bad boy is first on the list. An extra special touch would be getting it engraved.

Make sure that the basket is filled with your father's favorite goodies.

  • Food Hamper
    Though not a traditional go-to gift, what could be better than a well thought-out food hamper? You can buy one pre-made or else fill a basket with items your dad will use and enjoy. The choices are endless and ideas include: spices for braai rubs, his favourite spirit in a pint-sized portion, a manly kitchen apron, and a packet of droewors or biltong.

There are a lot of great apps out there.

  •  ‘appy
    With the 21st century focused on electronics, new and improved gadgets hit the market every day.  If daddy dearest owns a smart phone, what better way to show your appreciation than by buying him an app he’d never pay for himself but wants all the same. App options are boundless (just make sure he hasn’t bought it yet), and whether he’s a die-hard gardening fan or games genius, your gift may come in useful for everything from long flights to replacing the ‘bathroom reading stack’.

Other gift ideas:

  • Portable braai light / all-in-one braai kit
  • Personalised beer glass / coffee mug
  • A heart-felt letter detailing why you love him
  • Magazine subscription

Getaways
If your father is the kind of man who already owns everything under the sun, getting him the perfect gift may prove to be more than a bit challenging. However tokens of appreciation aren’t the only way to spoil your dad, and most men wouldn’t object to a weekend away, provided its fun-filled.

Action and adventure await you at De Molen Guest House and surrounding area.

Adventure: Western Cape

  • Your father has a love of the great outdoors and isn’t adverse to an unplanned adventure or two. He’ll most likely be found quad biking, fishing, game viewing, or organising your next vacation.  Spend some time with your father at De Molen Guest House, which is surrounded 1.5 hectare garden, has an on-site swimming, and is close to a number of mountain biking trails, wine farms, and golf courses.

You'll have a tranquil getaway at Beethoven Lodge.

Relaxation: KwaZulu-Natal

  • Your father is a laid-back man and enjoys tranquil activities such as swimming, gardening, bird watching, reading, and crossword puzzles.  Head to the coastline and check out Beethoven Lodge which offers a warm and personalised stay, with incredible sea views. Here you can spend a day or two with your dad and enjoy surfing, early morning beach jogs, and wholesome breakfasts.

The stately grounds of Ash Manor

Cosmopolitan: Gauteng

  • Your father is the classy debonair business- type who feels as at home in the boardroom as he does ordering foreign cuisine and can go straight from the golf course to dinner with his impeccable style. The international appeal of Johannesburg means there are some stunning accommodations, and Ash Manor is one of the crème de la crème in the area. It is set in an expansive garden, complete with fountains, and is quite close to the art gallery, the sculpture park, casino, and a great many eateries.

Let us know what you and your dad will be getting up to this Father’s Day.