Father’s Day has come again and the demand for meaningful Father’s Day gifts continues to grow year on year. But when surveyed, consumers agree that retailers do not offer inspiring or imaginative gift ranges.
Regardless of the choices available, most dads are really hard to buy for, as they tend to give less direction around what kinds of presents they’d like to receive. By providing a range of attractive, innovative and suggestive in-store displays, retailers can capitalise on some easy-win revenue.
There is one thing we can all agree on: most dads love a good brew. Whether it’s tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or a cheeky steamed apple juice (really Starbucks?), there aren’t many fathers out there who wouldn’t appreciate having a hot bevvy thrust into their hands. Wouldn’t it be the icing on the cake if the mug they’re sipping from also matched their own personal style?
Here are some suggestions around the perfect receptacle for all the different drinkware dads.
The Dark-Side Dad
Luke would have bought this for Darth…
This dad reckons he’s the greatest force user since Anakin Skywalker. He always uses the force’s ‘waving hand’ gesture to open automatic doors, to make traffic lights change colour, and to make vehicles change lanes on the motorway. He also does a brilliant impression of Yoda. All. The. Time. He has very strong opinions on all Star Wars films, idolises all the main villains (especially Boba Fett, Darth Maul & Darth Vader), and can name at least 10 Jedi Masters without Googling. Which is all kinda cool.
“I’m dad man”
The Anti-hero Dad
Not all dads wear capes. Instead, some choose to brood in the shadows, speak in gravelly tones, and prefer justice with a side of dry sarcasm. He’s not about cheesy dad jokes or backyard barbecues, he’s the one who quietly fixes everything behind the scenes. He gives the best advice when you least expect it, often mid-car ride or over a midnight snack (after all, he is a night owl). Making sure his drink is always the right temperature and ready-to-go is important when he’s busy concocting some way to save the world.
The Gamer Dad
Mine. Build. Drink. Repeat.
Although the gamer dad is resourceful, social and relatable (mostly to kids), he can sometimes be difficult to understand. This is down to the fact that he views age as ‘levels’ and refers to a person’s younger years as ‘the tutorial’. Whenever he changes his clothes, he announces that he has a new ‘skin’, and, to him, all strangers are called ‘NPCs’. He knows the lyrics to ‘Lava Chicken’ from the Minecraft Movie and loves anything shaped like a cube. After grinding out another clutch win at work, he loves nothing more than to settle down in the evening with a nice mug of hot chocolate and a well-deserved gaming session.
Mug for the mischievous
The Mischief Dad
Commonly known as a man-child, the mischief dad always seems to be getting himself into trouble and then uses his playful boyish charm to get out of it. Despite being hyper-intelligent, he is chaotic and prone to tantrums if things don’t go his way. If something is breakable, the mischief dad will probably break it. But then he’ll also fix it. His defiance can be frustrating at times, but give him time and he’ll come around eventually. He craves enrichment and is happiest when he has a challenge to solve or a toy to play with. He also loves hugs – but only when he’s tired from all the day’s activities.
The Superhero Dad
For that super man in your life
The superhero dad is all about helping others. He has a strong sense of justice and fairness, and lives by an unwaveringly noble moral code. You’ll usually find him at sponsored events raising money for good causes, or volunteering to lead community activities. Although he might seem to be a bit of a cliché, his predictably inspirational and motivational pep-talks are usually spot on, leaving his family and friends with a warm feeling inside. And, like most superheroes, he’s handsome too.
The Wizarding Dad
For that magical someone!
This dad might have a beard and probably wears weird clothes, but he’s incredibly skilled, and whenever he does something awesome people always ask, “How did you do that?”. He’s clever and caring with a brilliant brain that contains so much random knowledge you’ll always want him on your team in a pub quiz. Animals make him happy (the stranger the better) and he loves astronomy, chemistry and sticks that look like wands. He also calls everyone a ‘muggle’.
So, with Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to be replenishing shelves with Father’s Day-related wares. Drinkware is always a safe bet, and, by offering an eclectic range of themed mugs, retailers can cater for all tastes. Perhaps once the dust settles and yet another Father’s Day is behind us, we can all raise a Paladone mug and toast those Dads who are defined by their drinkware – may their cups be ever full to the brim of their favourite libation.
