The Gift Blogger

As you know it's Father's Day on June 15^th and so it's time to take a moment to consider the importance of our Dads and the essential part they play in our lives. As a mine of useful information, your Dad equips you with the necessary rules to live by - without mine I'd never know which hi-fi to buy, or ever have fully got to grips with the offside rule in football, for example.

Dads are invaluable and yet rarely get the same level of attention that Mothers do, especially when a child is young. Now you're of a gift buying age there's no reason why you shouldn't remedy this situation and I have a few suggestions up my sleeve this week as to how.

No matter how old your Father is, there are so many gadgets out there to keep him on the cutting edge of modern design such as the incredibly handy 6 in 1 utility key. Fitting securely onto your keys it's the simple answer to daily practical needs that's always on hand. With a blade, screwdriver and bottle opener as standard, this tool will get your Dad out of most awkward situations and with a superb ergonomic design it looks good too.

For those Dads who already have enough tools to fill a shed, a cupboard and a garage why not choose something more unusual and fun like a flying lesson? Not for the faint of heart, this gift represents the realisation of a dream or a memorable day that will give him the thrill of a lifetime. This amazing package includes an hour’s one to one flying lesson and with at least 30 minutes worth of control over the aircraft, your Dad will get a taste of the high life only experienced by the lucky few.

If your Dad is more inclined to enjoy a gift he can share with someone special to him, why not give him a dinner date that is like no other? Dinner in the dark is exactly that - it's a chance to explore your heightened senses and experience excellent food in a memorable and exciting way. This very fashionable way to dine is a big hit with gourmets and will give him a new and interesting anecdote to tell everyone over his next dinner party.

With the celebrations of May Day behind us, we are now finally entering the beginnings of the summer - and after last year's washout let's hope this year is a scorcher! Keeping all things summery in mind and crossing my fingers behind my back, I'm going to talk to you this week about the best ways in which to enjoy the sunshine with your loved ones.

My favourite thing to do in the summer is take a picnic to a quiet spot somewhere with those I care about most and indulge them with gastronomic treats and bubbly drinks till the sun goes down. Of course, this idea will undoubtedly conjure up images of family days out in most reader's minds, but it needn't be this way. After all a hamper doesn't have to be about sandwiches and flasks: why not give the one you love an Aphrodite Hamper this summer and see how hot your nights together can get?

Packed with everything delightful you could imagine from champagne truffles to honey dust (complete with handy feather tickler), this is the perfect romantic gesture given either as part of a weekend away or as a surprise reason to stay in. So forget the traditional cucumber sandwiches and the inevitable ant invasion and invest in a luxury hamper of a different kind to make your summer swing...

If you're looking for a gift for yourself this summer, why not get a stylish addition for your precious garden? Having spent long hours during the early months of the year to get it looking its best in the hot season, why not take a look at our wonderful range of Watering Cans and Garden Tools to see how the fruits of your labour can look even more spectacular with a few choice accessories.

With tool kits designed by the V & A museum, what could be more stylish than Floral Secateurs or Linen Gardening Gloves to add to the beauty of your carefully tended garden? As a reward for all your hard work there's nothing better you could wish for (apart from a ban on hosepipe bans this summer!)