Know a great dad? Don’t delay…tell them how special they are today!

I know, as men, we are extremely lucky. Sure, some of us smell, have hair growing out of our nostrils and, as a sex, are statistically more likely to pop our clogs nearly a decade earlier than our female counterparts. But we still have it pretty good. We earn more (on average), aren’t discriminated against in the workplace based on our gender or because we’re a dad, and we never have to personally experience periods or the dreaded menopause (every cloud…).

However there remains one major area where men are overlooked by society on an almost daily basis: for our roles as parents and fathers. Because we don’t physically carry our children (for the first nine months at least) or have to endure the most carnal elements of birth, fathers are too often forgotten when it comes to recognising their efforts and contribution to child rearing and co-parenting.

But something rather exciting is taking place online today. Thanks in large part to pro-dad campaigners like Al Ferguson from The Dad Network and Molly Gunn, founder of Selfish Mother, Father Inc and The FMLY Store, dads are no longer seen as mere babysitters, but as parents in our own right. And too right!!

Meanwhile, looking online, mums are going out of their way (more than ever before) to thank their partners for being great dads and supportive partners. And not just in private or once a year on Father’s Day, but day to day (and publicly) on social media.

As a result of this growing trend, we’ve seen an explosion of new products, services and treats targeted especially at dads, to give them the recognition they so thoroughly deserve.

One area I’ve noticed this most is in the gift box and subscription services space, where dads are starting to get a look in for the very first time.

These gift box subscriptions have been seriously popular in the mum community for some time, with thoroughly thoughtful and incredibly supportive treat boxes being designed and distributed by mum bosses like the excellent Don’t Buy Her Flowers, Oh Me Oh Mama, Mumdays and Mum O’Clock.

From left to right: specially curated gift boxes for mums from Oh Me Oh Mama, Mumdays and Mum O’Clock.

But I’m pleased to report that these supportive subscriptions and thoughtful gift boxes are now available for dads too. In fact, there are three new excellent father-focused products that have launched in the past few months alone.

So, if you know a brilliant dad, why not let them know how much you appreciate them, by sending them a little box of happiness from one of these papa-loving businesses, to say, “Dad, you’re doing great.”

Go on…make a daddy’s day today!

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The Rad Dad Newborn Starter Kit

This box from the Rad Dad team is the perfect gift for first time fathers like myself. I was approached by the founders of the business shortly before they launched back in November to review their first box. And let me tell you; I was blown away by their vision for the business and the pro-dad ethos of the brand, which aims to give new fathers the support they need in the early stages of fatherhood.

As such, each Rad Dad box includes a selection of the following:

• self-care items for new daddies (from artisanal soap to manly hand sanitiser)
• dad-themed books and apparel (including a seriously cute Rad Dad baby grow for your little one to wear)
• a Dad-approved toy for your baby (I got the awesome Llama Teether by Sugar Maple Toys, as seen in the above photo)
• as well as some fun items to bring a smile to your face (including a too-true fatherhood comic from Milk Rice Comics)

What made this box extra special though was the surprise gift included in my box…

This envelope contained instructions and a sweet greeting card for my wife to write and give to me; basically a ready made opportunity for mums to tell their partners what a great job they are doing, and what rad dads they truly are. Such a great idea, and one that really tugs at the heart strings.

For more from Rad Dad, head to their online store where you can find month-to-month, 3, 6, and 12-month subscription plans, as well as two different box sizes and a variety of one-time boxes for the dad in your life.

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The Papa Pack from Scandibørn

If you’re looking to say a quick thank you or well done to a dad in your life, you can’t go wrong with this sweet Papa Pack from the excellent Scandiborn. At just £20, it includes this cool Hello Papa mug, some seriously potent coffee from The Forge and your choice of luxurious Creightons chocolate (Christmas special or Salted Caramel). The perfect papa pick-me-up this Christmas!

And if, like me, you are also a fan of Scandinavian inspired design, their website is also well worth checking out. Alternatively, why not head over to their Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts and say hello?!

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The Man Package from Don’t Buy Her Flowers

You might have heard me mention Don’t Buy Her Flowers (DBHF) before, as this awesome British business has been rocking the world of new mama gift boxes for some time now. But rather excitingly, they’ve literally just launched their first series of boxes targeted especially for men… and they look seriously cool.

Perfect for new dads, these gift boxes contain no trinkets or joke gifts, just great quality British products for dads to enjoy while letting them know someone is thinking of them too. The boxes can be entirely personalised depending on taste, including a range of items from magazine subscriptions and socks to biscuits, nuts and craft beers.

Personally, I’d go for the selection pictured above, but you can check out the full range of Man Packages here!

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So, which of these gift boxes do you like the look of most? And do you know any other cool dad-focused subscription boxes that are available online today? As always, we’d love to hear from you, so if you have any suggestions, please do share your thoughts and recommendations with the group via the comments section below.

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