The most unique and thoughtful gift ideas for Father's Day are right here!

Anyone else struggle with constantly thinking up unique gift ideas for Father's Day?? (and other special occasions!) It just seems to descend upon us and all too soon we are frantically searching the internet for something special for the men in our life. The truth is, there's only so many 'Best Dad' mugs and beer bottle openers that one man wants/has/needs. So what on earth do we get them that constitutes as a personal, unique and memorable Father's Day gift?

I've complied my top 5 picks for the most unique Father's Day gift ideas - and they all fit the above criteria making a meaningful gift for dad. And the best bit? They are all from small businesses (including me!) so by choosing one of these for dad, you'll also be supporting a real person and their family.

The links to all the products and companies mentioned can be found at the end of this blog post. Read on!

1) Personalised Father's Day Breakfast in Bed Kit

2) Father's Day Cheeseboard

Give dad the gift of cheese with a delicious platter of his favourite savoury snacks (plus, he might share so you can get in on the act...). These cheese treats are from Derbyshire based company Brie for Tea and, as a returning customer, I can vouch for the fact they taste just as amazing as they look. These cheeseboards also contain a special 'Super Dad' biscuit medal from another Derbyshire based business, The Biscuit Days, which gives him a sweet treat for when he's had cheese overload!

3) Keepsake Memory Bear

If you're anything like me and have all your kid's baby clothes stuffed in bags in the loft because you can't bear (pardon the pun) to part with them...how about having a memory bear made for dad? Pick the outfits that he dressed the baby in, had some memorable days out in (the good, the bad and the ugly), those that featured on favourite photos of them together and have them transformed into a beautiful keepsake. I came across this fabulous little company Memory Revisited ran by the very talented Magda who is creating these bears (amongst other items) for a truly unique Father's Day gift. You could also have a bear made for fathers in heaven with notes embroided in their handwriting. They make such a thoughtful Father's Day gift and one that can be treasured for a lifetime.

4) Pick N Mix

If dad has a sweet tooth, you can't go wrong with this one! Whether he likes jellies or sours, modern or retro sweets, this is a unique Father's Day gift idea that will be sure to hit the spot. The fabulous Glossop Pick N Mix offer a HUGE selection of sweets that can all be ordered online and delivered straight to your door. I'm lucky enough to live close enough to get free local delivery but they do post to the whole of the UK and worldwide. There's also the option to add your own message which is a lovely touch for an ideal personalised Father's Day gift.

5) The Gift of Play

Since becoming a parent myself, I've realised what matters most to our children is the time we invest in them, particularly through play. All they want is our undivided attention, so they can feel seen and heard without all the modern day distractions that inevitably steal our focus away from them. Playing with kids is THE best way to bond with them. So how about getting dad a special board game that they can play, do a treasure hunt around the house and garden or send them off to your child's favourite play place (you might even get an hour's peace if you're lucky too..!). Some play centres even do gift vouchers - like the fabulous role play centre featured in the photo called Let Us Play Little Town. Based in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, I'm lucky that it's local to me as it's honestly the best play centre around to enjoy some uninterrupted time with my daughter. They have a variety of learning environments such as a Market Place, Cafe, Salon, Vets, Construction site and Post Office. Plus they happen to have the best coffee (which I tell them every single time I go) so if you find a play centre near you with an on site cafe aswell, dad can get his caffeine fix too while he's bonding with the kids!

So there's my top 5 picks for the most unique, thoughtful and useful Father's Day gifts! I hope this post helps inspire you to find a special present for the lucky dads in your life!

Links to products/companies featured in this blog post:

• Personalised Breakfast in Bed Kits - Vintage Twee
• Father's Day Cheeseboards and bespoke biscuits - Brie for Tea and The Biscuit Days
• Keepsake Memory Bears - Memory Revisited
• Pick n Mix - Glossop Pick N Mix
• Gift of Play - Let Us Play Little Town