Gifting inspiration for the important man in your life.
Since I could remember, Dad had always been out and about, busy making a living for the family.
When I was little, I remember tagging along to Dad’s office after school, sitting at his desk and pretending to answer his phone. I might have had fun acting busy, but Dad was a busy man. I would fall asleep at a corner and we would be the last to leave for the day.
Growing up eventually led to growing apart. Words became fewer, interactions lesser, and conversations limited to the necessary.
Even so, I know I can count on Dad to kill the occasional pesky roach (disgruntledly, of course), support my decisions that he does not quite comprehend or agree with, and sometimes share a laugh.
Asian dads may perhaps not be the most expressive, but they’ve got our backs all the same. The beauty of the relationships with our dads isn’t about the exchange of words. This Father’s Day, let’s reconnect with the man who’s always busy taking care of us, and get him on board the self-care train.
Perhaps Dad is spending more time at home as telecommuting becomes part of our “new normal”. If working from home and social distancing have taught us anything, it is the importance of taking better care of ourselves.
Ease Dad into the world of skincare with unisex Australian skincare brand Grown Alchemist’s Travel Kit from Net-A-Porter.com. While he may not be going abroad soon, the travel-sized essentials cover haircare and skincare, so he can sample what he likes without being overwhelmed.
While you give Dad his mini makeover, mark his corner on the vanity with D R Harris’ 3-piece shaving set, available on MrPorter.com. He might complain, “I’m used to my blade!”; no worries, this shaver is compatible with most commercial razors. Complete his grooming routine with the Terre d’Hermes aftershave balm, available on Escentials.com.
Before he walks out the door, lift his spirits with a spritz of his favourite scent. Whether it’s Bvlgari’s Man in Black with its spicy whiff and woody undertones (available on Tangs.com) or the latest Dior Homme EDT with its bold and fresh earthy tones (from Sephora.com), it’s bound to start his day on the right note.
Give a man the right gear, and he is set for anything that comes his way.
In sunny Singapore, sunglasses should be considered necessary gear. Rocket Eyewear was started by a pair of Singaporean siblings who shared that sentiment. Equip Dad with a pair for everyday wear – lightweight, polarised, and in his favourite colour.
For working out, fit him with sport performance eyewear like the Oakley Eye Jacket Redux. Order online and have it delivered right to Dad’s doorstep.
While we might not need a watch to tell time anymore, a watch does more than that – it also says a lot about the man who wears it.
The IWC Portugieser Chronograph gives off a timeless aura, achieving an understated yet distinct presence. At a thickness of just 13mm, it isn’t just easy on the eyes, but also on the wrist, fitting easily under shift cuffs, if needed. Phone orders can be placed at +65 6510 2878.
If you are looking for the embodiment of classical design and modernity, the Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Complete Calendar is it. At 40mm, the timepiece is a comfortable size for everyday wear. In stainless steel, it is also versatile enough for Dad to dress up or down. The boutique might be closed, but orders can be placed over the phone at +65 800 852 3656.
The Apple Watch Series 5 collaboration with Hermes is a winning combination of style and technology. Whether it’s the single or double tour, printed or plain leather strap, there is something to suit any of Dad’s outfits. Or dress Dad’s iPhone with Rimowa’s selection of cases, modelled after their signature design.
While modern technology enables almost any game to be played with the touch of a finger, sparring over a physical chessboard connects players in a way no high-tech device can.
I remember my first encounter with Chinese chess – Dad taught me the rules with wooden chess pieces and a chessboard printed on paper. Of course, I lost many rounds but the fun wasn’t just in winning.
Chess sets come in different makes and finishes now, like the Berluti leather and metal Go Set, and reversible leather checkers and chess board by William & Son; both sets available on MrPorter.com. Some are tributes to craftsmen, like Singaporean furniture and homeware label Scene Shang’s solid brass Chinese chess set, which is handmade by one of the last local craftsmen in the industry – and a work of art that is a pleasure to hold and behold.
And while Dad is pondering his next move, make him his favourite drink. ATLAS Bar’s Home cocktail set provides a selection of fine spirits and fresh garnishes for experiments with old favourites and new creations, while homegrown distillery COMPENDIUM’s “Rojak Gin” cocktail box offers uniquely Singaporean flavours, available on Rachelle the Rabbit Meadery’s website. Order via their respective websites, and have your choice of spirits delivered to the doorstep.
No bartending experience? Not a problem. Liquor.com has you all set with cocktail recipes sorted by spirit, flavor or preparation style. Still lost? It’s hard to go wrong with their 3-ingredient recipes, or new spins on the classic Old Fashioned. Once Dad is impressed by your mixing skills, you can share your secret, tips and tricks included, for him to experiment on his own.
The fun part about making your own drinks is getting to know Dad’s preferences better. This works with coffee too. Get Dad a monthly subscription from local roastery PPP Coffee, or sample Drink Morning’s complimentary nespresso-compatible Morning Mix that transits to a Discovery Box subscription automatically after 30 days. If a brewing kit is in order, you can’t go wrong with Perk Coffee’s Pro pour-over coffee bundle, or the stylish Ratio Eight Coffee Maker.
Reconnect with Dad over home brewed coffee. If chatting isn’t his strong suit (or yours), share the aromatic moment over a movie on Samsung’s smart TV – The Frame. With a customisable bezel, it resembles a picture frame when turned off, featuring curated artwork. See, another topic to talk about.
Whatever the gift may be, its true value is the thought behind it. Cliched? Maybe. But as Dad always says when receiving a gift, no matter how small it may be, “Thank you for thinking of me.”
Images courtesy of respective brands featured, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related links:
IWC Portugieser: An Endless Sea of Dreams
Vacheron Constantin: Retro Modernity of the FIFTYSIX®
