Christmas 2016: Holiday Gift Guide for Dads and Partners

Looking for some holiday shopping inspo? Our gift guide for dads and husbands has got you covered, mama!

We know husbands (and/or dads) can be really tough to buy for, especially when they just shrug their shoulders and mumble “I don’t know” when you prod them for details! Not to worry, mamas: we’ve rounded up a list of can’t-miss gifts for every fella, from movie buffs to foodies, and everyone in between. Look out for our other Gift Guides for Kids and for Mamas and Friends!

Got a hubby who likes big boys’ toys? At The Men’s Cave you’ll find big ticket items like foosball tables and pool tables, along with more manageable items like a Supermini Arcade and Electronic Dartboard. They even sell beer pong tables! And no worries, mama, if you don’t love the idea of a pool table permanently living in your living room, they also do one-off rentals for parties and events. Bonus points for free delivery and installation.

The Men’s Cave, 61 Bukit Batok Cresent, Heng Loong Building #06-02, Singapore 658078 (showroom), www.themenscave.sg

With free same-day delivery (maybe our four favourite words?), GiftHampers.com is actually a must-visit for gifts for just about anyone on your list (babies included!), but we think they’ve got hard-to-shop-for dads covered with luxury hamper items like French and Italian wines and Champagnes, yummy cheeses, gourmet crackers, and of course all manner of delectable chocolates. Prices start at just $95 but with dozens of options to choose from, you have our permission to go as crazy as you want, mama!

GiftHampers, www.gifthampers.com.sg, [email protected], Tel: (+65) 6280 2212

Whether papa fancies himself an amateur Rick Stein or you simply want to encourage him to eat for Omega-3s, gift him some absolutely delicious Australian barramundi that’s sustainably farmed in pristine waters right here in Singapore! Fish is harvested to order to guarantee freshness, then delivered to you in thick and succulent portions perfect for steaming, grilling, deep frying, baking or even stir frying. All orders are delivered to your door in fresh, chilled boxes, six days a week in convenient 2-hour time slots. Consider one of their festive Christmas gift packs, including Wrapped with Love, Under the Mistletoe, and O Olive Night!

Kuhlbarra, www.kuhlbarra.com

Is the hubstar a bit of a oenophile or beer guzzler? Head to Marks and Spencer for a fab range of lovely French wines and craft beers, or stuff Papa’s stocking with yummy nibbles like classic mince pies, Christmas pudding, or cheese biscuits! M&S has also got you covered with a lovely variety of gift sets featuring men’s fragrances and shaving accessories starting from just $39.90.

Marks & Spencer, www.global.marksandspencer.com/sg

This one’s for the foodies! As recently chronicled by our own foodie columnist recently, NOSHTrekker builds on the idea of supper clubs and takes you into the heart of people’s homes for a meal at their table and a peak into their way of life, offering once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences that are a world away from hawker meals and restaurants. Get a peak at real Joo Chiat Shophouse, eat traditional Indian-Muslim food with your bare hands, or go jungle foraging on Pulau Ubin. This is a gift for food explorers and the culture-obsessed who only think they’ve seen it all.

NOSHTrekker, www.noshtrekker.com

Offering a distinctive range of homeware and memorabilia inspired by Singapore’s colonial past, Singapore Trading Post’s ever-growing collection includes Dad faves like Cufflink boxes, Wine coolers, bar accessories, and leather goods. You’ll also find bespoke home decor pieces, vintage lamps, rugs, furniture, paintings, cushions and tea towels.

The Singapore Trading Post, www.singaporetradingpost.com

200 Turf Club Road Shop, #02-K61 PasarBella @ The Grandstand, Bukit Timah, Singapore 287994, Tel: +65 6219 7828

315 Outram Road, 07-01 Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore 169074, Tel: +65 6221 4619

Whether you want to splash out on a top-of-the-line mountain bike, or your partner’s already super into biking but could use a new jersey or helmet, we find all things two-wheeled are always popular with papas in Singapore. Check out our guide to the best bike shops in Singapore to find a spot near you, mama!

We love this shop in Holland Village that’s got a 60-year history of custom craftsmanship in bookbinding. Pick out a personalised notebook for Papa (we love their handy online cusomisation tool), or browse their beautiful selection of leather goods like business card holders, key fobs, and even a watch holder.

Bynd Artisan, www.byndartisan.com, various locations around Singapore

Got an aspiring barista on your hands, or perhaps your hubby just loves his morning cup ‘o’ joe? Check out the awesome range of classes at Papa Palheta, ranging from basic Coffee Appreciation, to Latte Art (littlies will adore their babycinos evermore), to Espresso for Home. Prices start from just $50, too!

www.papapalheta.com

Who doesn’t love a good date night at the movies? In our experience Gold Class vouchers are a big hit; not only can you kick back in comfort as you watch the latest Oscar contender or holiday season blockbuster, you can do it all over a bottle of wine and some yummy nibbles. Yes, please! Gold Class vouchers start at $38 per ticket.

Golden Village, www.gv.com.sg

Hanway, a Singapore-based website that curates boutique menswear lines from around the world, has a particular focus on summer and weekend styles – we’re talking t-shirts, shorts, swimwear, plus grooming & accessories for papas. In other words, it’s chock full of gifts perfect for life on the steam Equator. We’re particularly loving their range of swim shorts – can your man pull off swimming pigs? 

www.hanway.co

iFavine iSommelier Pro Smart Decanter is the first decanter to use revolutionary technology that reinvents the decanting experience to enhance the flavours and aromas of the wine in just a few minutes.

iSommelier Pro softens the tannins and transports the wine to a stage of maturity that would otherwise require years of cellaring. We found the iFavine Sommelier Pro available for online purchase in Singapore for $2,338, but you can also find it in Hong Kong and Australia.

www.ifavine.com

Why subscribe to just National Geographic or GQ or The New when you can get unlimited access to 200+ magazines? This app – available in the App Store, on Google Play, and on Amazon – starts at just US$10 per month, and is sure to have something to appeal to even the pickiest papa. No wonder it’s been called “The Netflix of Magazines”!

www.texture.com

Consider us amazed by the advances made in fitness watches in the last few years. Whether you want to monitor your sleep, count calories, track your runs with GPS, or even do some guided breathing exercises, there’s a fitness watch for you (or your man). The two we’re hearing the best things about are the Garmin VivoSmart HR+ (available for $329 at Harvey Norman) and the FitBit Charge 2 ($248 at Cocomi.sg).