For the longest time, Father’s Day was the easiest celebration. You’d throw your old man a new pair of socks or a couple of packs of pro golf balls and he’d raise a beer and grunt a genuine approval. Job done.
How the world has changed. Now being a dad is all about sharing nappy duty and connecting with the kids – and you, the modern dad, want something to show for it. No more golf balls, now your toddler better be saving his hard-earned milk money to get you something special come September 1…
We asked a coterie of modern-day dads what they really want for Father’s Day this year. And it ain’t socks.
ANDY

ANDY
A holiday. Please. But sadly I’m pretty sure my kids can’t afford one yet, even if my five-year-old and three-year-old clubbed together… If their mummy lends a hand (if you’re reading!), I really need a new pair of sneakers. Something classic you can wear anywhere, like Lacoste.
DAN

DAN
A couple of hours at the beach for a proper surf would be nice, without having to take down the buckets and spades and beach toys with me! I don’t ask for much but a new rashie would be a good little present as well.
RICHARD

RICHARD
It falls on my daughter’s birthday this year so I can guarantee the whole Father’s Day thing is going to get a bit overshadowed… But as we’re going up the coast for that weekend, I’d take something new to wear out and about. Ideally something that my daughter will tell me I’m too old to wear.
STUART

STUART
It’s too obvious to say some peace and quiet or a whole day at the pub without the kids, isn’t it? In all seriousness I love Father’s Day, although I actually did get socks last year and I’ll probably get them again this time. Time for my kids to up their game I think and get me a good bottle of whisky!
HAMISH

HAMISH
It should be something big for being such a great dad – even if my son’s not even one yet! A Fossil watch would be the dream. But just a good night’s sleep would be equally awesome.
BEN

BEN
Is it weird to ask for undies for Father’s Day? I guess it was always socks, so why not some undies. Some good Calvin Klein ones – they’re honestly the perfect thing to get because they’re the kind of thing you always forget to buy yourself.