The best Christmas gifts for dads

This year, let’s make a pact that dads everywhere will avoid having to force a smile when unwrapping another panic-bought pair of novelty socks. He has every right to be disappointed, he doesn’t need any more for his collection. He’s hardly going to do a Beyoncé-style outfit change and switch out the Homer Simpsons for the flashing Rudolphs after the King’s speech, is he?

But in fairness to children of all ages, dads do make things difficult when it comes to gifting. They seem to want for nothing, will just go out and buy anything they need themselves, and they give you absolutely no clue what they might fancy, aside from a vague, ‘Oh don’t worry about me, just something small.’ OK dad, how about a hamster this year? They’re small. Is that what you want? A small, bitey hamster called Biscuits to take care of? No? Thought not.

So to avoid any Christmas hamsters and last-minute socks, here’s a selection of ideas for dads of all ages that will tick the hardest person to buy for off your list early – and give him something to really smile about.