DAD'S NEED NOT BE RESPECTABLE

Stockings rather than socks for Father’s Day – that’s the result of a rapid survey which establishes quite clearly that most men would rather have these sexy hold-up stockings from wife or girlfriend, with her wearing them. 

The annual retail fest promoting all things weird and wonderful for Father's Day still retains a curiously respectable and prosaic approach, as if dads are expected to be models of probity. Happily, many of their kids are now moving on to rather more inventive and interesting gifts than has been the norm and are receptive to the more exotic, if not erotic, luxuries to make dad's day.

Curiously, Charnos, the makers of these stockings, are promoting them as Hen Night wear, which perhaps gives some indication of what ladies get up to on hen nights.  From their Boudoir collection, they retail at £7.

A romantic dinner a deux is another winner, if the lady of the house is dressed as here.  This set comes from the Patrick & Skinner collection   and may be found on the www.glamourousamorous.com site, a treasure trove of such luxury lingerie.

The site features only exclusive designer brands, and even has a Gentleman's Guide for gift shopping, making browsing its selection less of a chore.

To make sure the evening goes with a swing, a reciprocal present is warranted, such as this watch from the latest collection by Dalvey.

The company started out as bagpipe makers in the Scottish Highlands in the 1800s and then become well known for high quality male gift lines, sleek silver pocket flasks a speciality. This watch is their Grand Tourer de Ville, with leather strap, and retails at £215. The full collection is on www.dalvey.com

BOX FOR MUD AND MUCK

A MUST for any country man but just as popular with townies who like muddy walks, gardening or any other mucky outdoor activity, wellington boots go back to that style figure, the Duke of Wellington, who specified the styling to his cobbler.

His were made in leather but the later rubber versions have gone on to travel the world, green the most popular colour for the UK but black preferred in North America, and with newer shades now available.

And this Wellie Boot Box solves the problem of storing them indoors and traps their mud and muck within a plastic tray. A practical gift, it is made in sturdy wood and costs £69 from www.innovayta.com