Father’s Day is on the up! Demand for Father’s Day gifts continues to grow year on year, and when surveyed, consumers agree that retailers do not offer inspiring or imaginative gift ranges.
But let’s be honest, most dads are really hard to buy for. They traditionally tend to give less direction around what kinds of presents they’d like to receive; so by providing attractive, innovative and suggestive range displays in store, retailers can capitalise on some easy-win revenue.
But there’s 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. And wouldn’t it be the icing on the cake if the mug they’re sipping from also matched their own personal style? So here are some suggestions around the perfect receptacle for all the different drinkware dads.
For magical Dads on the go
The Wizarding Dad
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’.
One for the R-rated dads
The Dad with the Mouth
Ah yes, DadPool. Annoyingly funny, super confident and very cheeky. No one takes him seriously, and for good reason; he’s just not a serious person. Ever. But in reality, all of that foolishness is just superficial. Dig a little deeper and you’ll discover a dude who is genuinely caring and would do anything for anyone. A lovable rogue who is secretly a very good egg, but unfortunately not everyone’s cup of tea (pun intended).
Luke would have got this for Darth Vader…
The Dark-Side Dad
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 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.
This mug is the way.
The Man-Dad-lorian
Introverted, stoic and brooding, the real-life Din Djarin is a man bound by code and honour. He is protective of the vulnerable and incredibly capable when it comes to getting out of sticky situations. Although he doesn’t seem to talk very much, when he does open his mouth his words are wise and everybody listens. He is known for his caring helpful nature, and respected for his impressive physical and mental strength. Probably rides a motorbike so he can wear his helmet as much as possible.
Mine. Build. Drink. Repeat.
The Gamer Dad
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 all of the Fortnite dances, and – thanks to Minecraft – he has a love of 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.
Mug for a monster hunter
The Horror Dad
The horror dad loves all things spooky and terrifying. He has a season ticket to the London Dungeons, always rides the ghost train at the fair, and watches every new horror movie released at the cinema. His long-suffering family have got used to his daily mission to jump-scare them with ever increasingly elaborate schemes. Although he spends his life on the hunt for the next big adrenaline rush, he is firmly rooted in reality and doesn’t believe in ghosts, ghouls, monsters or vampires. Despite that, he always turns the lights on when its dark and locks the doors at night. But he’s definitely not scared of anything. Nope. Not at all.
For the Marvel-ous dads
The Hero Dad
The hero 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.
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.
