Surprise your father figures for Father’s day

Father's Day is a very special time of year. It is the perfect chance to say "thank you" to the men who support us, guide us, and make us laugh.

While many people celebrate with their biological dads, this day is for everyone who plays a fatherly role in your life. A small, thoughtful gift can be a wonderful way to show how much you appreciate their love and advice.

Who are father figures?

A "father figure" is a man that you respect and trust. He is someone who acts like a father by giving you support, protection, and helpful advice. This person does not have to be your biological parent.

For many people, a father figure could be a stepfather, a grandfather, or an uncle. Sometimes, he is a family friend, a teacher, or a sports coach who has helped you grow. In short, a father figure is any man who is there for you when you need him and helps you become the person you are today. So why not surprise them with a gift on Father’s day? They deserve it too!

Father’s day gifts for grandpa

Grandfathers often love gifts that remind them of their family. For a special grandpa, you could choose a personalised photo puzzle or a wooden photo frame with a picture of his grandchildren. If he enjoys a relaxing afternoon, a customised tea glass or a luxury biscuit tin with his name on it is a lovely idea.

Father’s day gifts for bonus dad

A "bonus dad" is a man who is like a father to you, even if you are not related.Having him in the family is like getting an extra or "bonus" parent.

To thank him for being in your life, why not give your bonus dad something practical but personal? Here are some ideas:

• Engraved leather wallet: A stylish and practical gift for everyday use.
• Personalised water bottle: A reusable bottle with his name on it.
• Giant chocolate bar: Huge versions of brands like Milka or Toblerone with a custom wrapper.
• Personalised socks: A classic gift made fun with a photo or text. Also available in a personalised gift box.
• Engraved whiskey glass: A high-quality glass with a personal message for his evening drink.
• Personalised bathrobe: A soft, comfortable robe with his name embroidered on the front.

Father’s day gifts for step father

Stepfathers do a lot of hard work for their families, and Father’s Day is the best time to recognise that. For the stepfather who loves to cook, a personalised leather BBQ apron or a set of engraved BBQ tools is an excellent gift. If he prefers to relax with a cold drink, you could surprise him with a beer gift set featuring different types of beer and a glass with his name on it. These gifts are a great way to say "thank you" for everything he does.

Surprise the elderly with a father’s day gift

Father's Day is also a good excuse to visit an elderly relative, neighbour, or family friend who's played a fatherly role over the years. For many older men, a thoughtful gift and a bit of company mean more than the item itself.

A large-print photo calendar with family birthdays marked out helps him keep track of the year ahead. A hamper filled with the sweets or chocolates he grew up with taps into nostalgia in a way that always lands well. A wall clock with a family photo in the background is a small daily reminder that he's thought of, long after Father's Day has passed.

For an uncle, a coach, a teacher and other Father figures

Not every father figure has to be your dad or someone really close to you in the family tree, and that's fine. An uncle who was always around, a coach who pushed you further than you thought you could go, or a teacher who believed in you when it mattered… These relationships deserve recognition too, even if Father's Day cards rarely mention them by name.

The uncle that was like a second father

If he's the one who's always fixing something, building something, or teaching you how things work, a personalised pocket knife or multitool fits naturally into that role. A tape measure or a set of tools with his initials works just as well for the uncle who's happiest with something to tinker with.

The motivating coach

A coach shapes far more than a game or a season, so a gift that nods to that role tends to mean more than a generic thank-you. An engraved water bottle for the sideline, a personalised whisky glass for after the final match, or a photo print of the team he coached all speak to the time he put in.

The teacher that believed in you

For a teacher who saw potential before you did yourself, a personal, low-key gift usually lands better than something huge. A custom mug for his morning coffee before class, a set of personalised pens, or a small photo frame with a note from you are simple ways to say they are important to you.

The family friend who is always there for you

A family friend who's been in your life for years, probably means a lot and you built together loads of memories. A photo book capturing memories together, a jigsaw puzzle made from a favourite photo, or a personalised keyring he can carry daily all work well here.

Is it okay to celebrate a father figure who isn't a "real" dad?

Absolutely. If he's given you guidance, support, and time the way a father would, he's earned the day just as much as anyone else.

Can I get one gift for multiple father figures, like a stepdad and a grandpa?

You can, but it's worth personalising each one separately if your budget allows. Even a small difference, like his own name on a similar item, keeps the gift from feeling like an afterthought.