Hello everyone! In this article, I’ll be curating a list of gift ideas for Father’s Day. For those who are unaware, Father’s Day is in exactly a week’s time (19th June), so if you haven’t already gotten a gift – or simply don’t know what to get – do check out the gift guide below.
I’ve rounded up a list of different gift ideas, most of which can be personalised to truly make your dad feel special. All the brands mentioned below are homegrown too, so you can support the local economy as well. Let’s get into it.
1) Watches
1) Aries Gold
Watches are often sentimental items, with personalised watches being especially so.
My opinion: Personally, I believe that Aries Gold offers some of the best value propositions that you can get for ~S$200-400. For example, the Roadster (pictured above) that I reviewed previously has a sapphire crystal, an uncommon Seiko Epson movement with a power reserve indicator, and is surprisingly affordable despite its limited-edition status. Customers can also opt for engraving on the dial and caseback (either text or a picture) on the website, and enjoy 2 years of local warranty, making Aries Gold watches great options for gifts.
Reviews: I reviewed the Aries Gold Jolter here, the Aries Gold Cruiser here, the Aries Gold Roadster here, the Aries Gold El Toro here, the Aries Gold Vanguard here, the Aries Gold Black Sea here, the Aries Gold Dreadnought here, and the Aries Gold Diplomat here. I also did an article on why I believe that they are one of the best watch brands under S$200 here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can purchase and opt for personalisation from Aries Gold’s web-store here. Use the code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 20% off!
Perfume:
2) Maison 21G
Maison 21G specialises in “tailor-made perfumes”, allowing customers to create their own unique scent at an affordable price.
My opinion: I love Maison 21G’s concept of “tailoring” a scent for yourself. As you guys know, I’m quite big on tailoring, so I’m immensely intrigued by the concept of bringing the same notion over to fragrances. How Maison 21G works is simple – the brand has 35 different solo scents, which customers can combine to make their own unique scent, with over a hundred different combinations for customers to explore. All bottles are personalisable as well with text and images of choice.
Reviews: I chronicled my experience of attending a workshop at Maison 21G’s Duxton outlet here, their ION outlet here, their new MBS outlet here, their home scents here, and their new Dual Crayon here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can customise their own perfumes and book workshops on Maison 21G’s web-store here. Maison 21G’s perfume workshop starts at $180. For those interested, the promo code “WAHMAISON20” will grant readers 20% off all perfume workshop bookings from Maison 21G online (including both weekdays and weekends), as well as all other products on their webstore.
3) Scent by Six
If customising or attending a workshop sounds like too much of a hassle for you, then Scent by Six is a great alternative.
My opinion: SIX burst into the local fragrance scene in 2016 with its initial trio of perfumes, the Tribeca, Puka and my favourite, the Biei. Packaged in a svelte form factor – it looks more like lipstick than a perfume bottle – the scents were meant to evoke the smells and vibe of the namesake locations. I found the concept of perfumes inspired by locations (which the founder had been to and loved) immensely intriguing. The scents are very unique as well, unlike anything I’ve ever smelt. The founder, Jason, actually worked at world-renowned fragrance house Givaudan for 4 years, and used that expertise to develop scents for his own brand. For those who desire a more exotic scent, SIX is definitely a good option to consider. The best part? Their perfume bottles are refillable, so you can simply buy a refill (at a much lower price) when you run out. Not only is it economically friendly, but it’s also environmentally friendly as well. Customers can also opt for engraving on the bottles, making them perfect as a gift for your special someone. My current favourite scent from them is the Hikaru, which immediately transports me to Japan.
Reviews: I reviewed Scent by SIX’s perfumes here, their perfume workshop here, and their latest scents here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from Scent by SIX’s web-store here. Use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off!
Accessories:
4) Faire Lea6ther
One of my personal favourites, Faire Leather offers wallets that are simply packed with functionality – definitely a practical gift.
My opinion: Personally, I love the ability of Faire to combine sleek, minimalist looks with ultra-functional utility. I really liked the Neo Zip Around wallet that I reviewed last year – in fact, it’s still my wallet of choice. It’s made from premium materials, and I find the embossed green leather to be eminently striking. In addition, it’s jam-packed with functionality, with more than enough compartments for my everyday needs. At $125 (after promo code below), the Neo Zip Around wallet is a solid value proposition. Monograms are also available for a more personal touch.
Reviews: I reviewed the Faire Leather Neo Zip Around wallet and Hunt Laptop Sleeve here. I also reviewed the Spectre Bifold Wallet, Ross Everyday Clutch and Ross Daypack here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from Faire Leather’s web-store here. Use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off!
5) Gnome & Bow
If your dad is more of a creative – perhaps someone who loves literary classics – then they will absolutely adore a Gnome & Bow wallet.
My opinion: I love how Gnome & Bow is able to seamlessly weave literary elements of iconic fables into the design of its products. In particular, I adore the Herringbone fabric lining that the brand uses (see above picture), which gives their wallets a sartorial vibe. I’m also a big fan of their new RFID collection, which protects credit cards and passports against fraud and identity theft. The new wallets are now equipped with discreet compartments for coins, keys, SIM card and pin when the need arises, which also flatten when not in use. In addition, all of their wallets can be personalised with quotes of your choice, making them great as thoughtful gifts. As the icing on the cake, Gnome & Bow is including a complimentary Valentine’s Day greeting card with every purchase too. If you’re on a tighter budget, Gnome & Bow is also currently having a sale on their older models, where items start from just $59.
Review: I reviewed the Gnome & Bow Hitchhiker Space Capsule Backpack here, the Porthos briefcase and Balsa duffel here, and its wallets here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from Gnome & Bow’s web-store here. Use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off!
6) Oxhide
If your dad is simply a fan of durable leather goods, then Oxhide’s offerings fit the bill perfectly.
My opinion: I enjoy Oxhide’s products – I think most of their products provide pretty good value for money. True to the name, the best feature of their products is the leather quality, as well as the level of workmanship. If you’re looking for affordable, quality leather goods, Oxhide’s products are generally great options. The brand also offers monogramming services (see example above), making its products very viable gifting options (gift wrapping is available as well).
Review: I reviewed Oxhide’s accessories here, here, and most recently here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from Oxhide’s web-store here. Use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK-SHIOK” to enjoy 10% off!
Writing Instruments:
7) Cityluxe
Cityluxe is a homegrown purveyor of writing instruments, offering a wide variety of pens, inks, notebooks and more at attractive prices.
My opinion: As a writer, I believe that everyone should have a decent pen to write with. If your dad doesn’t, this is perhaps the perfect opportunity to get them some fine writing instruments. And contrary to popular belief, good pens don’t have to break the bank. For example, Parker is one of the world’s most distinctive pen makers, probably second only to Montblanc. Everybody (with the possible exception of Gen Z tiktokers) has heard of Parker and its pens. The Parker Jotter is a significant step up from the usual ballpoint pens, but unlike a fountain pen, it’s eminently convenient – one doesn’t have to worry about leakages, ink drying up, etc. In other words, it’s a perfect grab-and-go pen, and a great gift. Cityluxe also provides gift wrapping, greeting card services, and personalisable engraving on pens, making them a great place to buy writing instruments gifts from.
Review: I reviewed the Parker Jotter here, as well as a Leuchtturm notebook and a Monteverde fountain pen here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from Cityluxe’s web-store here. Use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off!
Conclusion
That rounds up my gift guide for this year’s Father’s Day! All of the above brands offer personalisable and functional products that will make for great gifts for Dad. You will also be supporting homegrown brands too – what’s not to like?
P.S: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.
P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
