How to buy for a man...or not

Fathers Day is a couple of weeks away and this year I am determined to get it right.

I have a tendency to get a little self righteous at Fathers Day as my Mothers Days in the past have been cause for great disappointment. We are still recovering from the great polar fleece jacket and scarf gift disaster after my third child was born. I lasted the morning before the tantrum hit. I had not long given birth, drug free I might add and felt that in itself deserved recognition beyond polar fleece.

The following year was equally glum but I then decided that Fathers Day would be equally so. Childish, yes but also satisfying as it fell on his birthday too. Luckily this year the Mothers Day stars aligned perfectly and we had the best day trying to catch yabbies beside the Lachlan river. So this year I am going to honour father's day with an appropriate gift and undivided attention.

Now comes the problem. What do you buy a man? Surely we can do better than socks, undies, DVD's and instant scratchies. Having said this you haven't met my husband. By far the worlds most difficult man to buy for. Here is a short history of the very thoughtful gifts I have given him that have failed to hit the mark:

Custom made leather stock whip (he is a livestock contractor nothing kinky to see here) - Not long enough.

Beautifully engraved knife - broke the tip off it using it as a screw driver within 24hours of receiving it.

Custom made oilskin and Ongaparinga wool lined dog coats for his Stud Kelpies with matching leather collars all made by our local Saddler Lyndsay Miller perfectly - liked them but weeks later I found them all in the dirt.

I ordered a Stetson hat from America then found a vintage Stetson hat box on ebay to go with it to make the ultimate statement. It was slightly snug so he set out to steam it himself. It now belongs to my son after shrinking further, hmmm.

A settlers verandah chair, again made to order. It fell apart as soon as he sat in it.

I took photos of his main Kelpies and took them to an artist to have portraits done. Didn't quite capture the likeness apparently. They now take pride of place in a dark cupboard somewhere.

I should have known. Before I even met him I was working in a clothes shop and his boss came in to buy a present for him. She said at the time, "He will no doubt return this". I said what an ungrateful sod he must be (famous last words) and sure enough in he came with the perfectly good rugby jumper that wasn't quite right for some unexplained reason.

So this year I have bought him a beautiful new briefcase/satchel. It is big, heavy and looks very manly. Maybe his receipts will find their way out of the ute and into the office for a change. This is my last stand, if I fail again he will be sent to the world of socks, undies and instant scratchies and my inner gift diva will have to be ok with that.

As far as gifts for more appreciative dads go, we have a few options here at Bendy Street.

Traditional knife sharpening stone suitable for knives, chisels, gouges, leather knives and other thin blades and cutleries used in woodworking,agriculture,gardening,stock raising and forestry.

Portable BBQ bucket by Sophie Conran for Burgon and Ball. This kit includes a portable BBQ, 0.5kg bag of charcoal, box of matches, soft-grip handled all purpose tongs and recipe booklet. Why not visit your local butcher and get him to cut you an obscenely big piece of prime steak to add to the gift and leave him to it in the back yard, bliss allround.

"Wine Journal" a companion for wine lovers by Brian St Pierre. The wine loving Dad can keep track of all his favourite tipples in this beautiful journal. We also have the authentic Laguiole waiters friend to start the wine journey. We have some great varieties made and grown here in Canowindra which would make a great partner for this gift.

The Dad who likes to cook is well looked after. We have pasta makers, potato ricers, kitchen gadgets and cookbooks and cupcakes on Fridays so he can eat while he cooks.

So I wish you luck in finding that great "Dad/Man" present. I will be spending Fathers Day either basking in the glory of finally getting it right or throwing my hands in the air and heading to the newsagents for a scratchie.

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads, we love you really.

Kate