Surprise Dad on Father's Day

Ditch the boring ties and socks and choose the unusual.

- Hein Kaiser

UNIQUE: OPT FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT

Times are tough and rands and cents are scarce. So why not give a little bit of yourself to pad this Father's Day?

Take a family picture, enlarge it to about an A4 size and on the back of the print, before framing it, write a poem or a piece of prose for your dad, or give each member of your family an opportunity to jot down a few sentences about why Dad means so much to them.

Then frame the picture with a clear perspex back so the visual reminder of the love you feel for him, and the words that accompany the sentiment, are visible and reachable at any time.

The usual gifting of a fragrance, a tie and a gown or pyjamas will also work. But to avoid making this generic kind of gifting seem less last-minute, ensure that the accompanying card tells a story.

Again, a homemade effort by all family members will personalise the giving because heartfelt sentiment can make even mundane gifts exciting.

Something every dad needs and that's always in short supply are tools. Unless he is a DIY fanatic, most men's screwdrivers, Allan keys and pliers tend to go on permanent gardening leave.

There are affordable and well-kitted tool kits available at outlets like Builders Warehouse, Leroy Merlin and Takealot that will not set you back a month's salary. A drill and an electric screwdriver are also useful and add great value on Father's Day.