The Insider Guide to the Best Hong Kong Father’s Day Presents 2013

As most men are happy as long as they’ve got a beer and the remote, buying presents for our papas is notoriously tricky business. And although Father’s Day is fast approaching on Sunday (June 16th), we know the vast majority of Hong Kong’s doting daughters and indebted sons will have left their shopping until the last minute as they search in vain for inspiration. But fear not, as the Localiiz is here to help you show your love and appreciation for dear ol’ dad with the best Father’s Day gifts in town. Shopping for the man who has everything is no easy task, but with options for patriarchs of all persuasion, we guarantee we can get your dad grinning. Action Man

If your dad is the type that thinks actions speak louder than words, why not treat him to an activity-packed Father’s Day that all the family can enjoy. Whether it’s sailing, motorized sports, kayaking or golfing, you’re sure to find something on Localiiz to give active dads a buzz.

If your papa’s a petrol head, send him down to Sideways, Hong Kong’s pole-position driving simulator club. Car crazy dads can burn some virtual rubber on the best race tracks from around the world, and partake in wheel banging, doughnuts and curb hopping without anything more than a dent in their lap time. Read our review for the full Localiiz lowdown. Dads who fancy themselves as a bit of a Tiger Woods (just on the course mind you!) can get into the swing of things with the help of CRM Golf. Put his play through its paces with everything from one-hour swing instruction to two-hour green reading sessions and even weekend retreats overseas. You can enjoy showing him all his flaws in minute detail with high-tech analysis programmes, such as 3D bio mechanical motion analyser clothing, ultra-sound putting devices and swing analysis technology. If your dad’s more of an old sea dog however, lift his spirits by getting him out on the big blue for the day. Old fashioned hands-on-deck dads will enjoy a quintessential sailing experience with Hong Kong Yachting, who boast a whole host of stylish cruisers, all of which come with their own crew and skipper. Sister company of Adelaide Cellar Door, HK Yachting can also add an extra edge to the experience by offering on board wine tasting. Intrepid types will enjoy the feeling of being at one with nature while out exploring Hong Kong’s hidden habitats with Kayak and Hike. The Sai Kung-based adventure makers offer canoeing and kayaking group tours around the stunning Hong Kong National Geopark, allowing families to paddle, snorkel and hike through 140 million years of natural history. James Bond types are sure to be shaken and stirred with the high-flier experience from Elite Charters, where the hire of a luxury 86-foot yacht can be teamed with a breath-taking helicopter cruise. A family-run business well aware of the importance of quality time, Elite Charters will also let you tailor-make a programme especially for your father, with wine tasting, sit down meals and water sports all offered as additional extras. Pampered Pa

No matter how rough, ready and rugged your dad may be, all men secretly love a bit of pampering. Make him feel a million dollars with Sparadise’s special Father’s Day Gentlemanly Makeover, which combines a relaxing deep tissue sports massage, an Express Fix Facial and a free gift for just HK$888.

Alternately, you can give your father’s feet - an area usually woefully neglected by even the most metro-sexual males - a good going over at the Iyara Day Spa, which is currently offering an arsenal of awesome discounts at its brand new Mid-Levels studio. If the years have taken their toll, consider treating him to a special anti-aging facial at Glow with Ceri Silk. This man-friendly scientific-centric spa uses a combination of light therapies and some of the most advanced cosmeceutical products on the market to turn back the years and protect skin against harmful Hong Kong pollution. Suited and Booted

A bespoke tailored suit is the perfect present for those down-to-business dads that are especially tough to buy for. Founded in 1987, Kowloon-based Rashmi Custom Tailors boasts a long history and solid reputation for craftsmanship in Hong Kong. The team of talented tailors take customers though a thorough consultation process, encompassing buttons, zippers, shoulder pads and lining choices, on the quest to create the prefect suit from an extensive collection of fabrics sourced from around the world.

Running under the tagline “God makes you a man, Bobby’s makes you a gentleman”, Bobby’s Fashions in TST co-ordinates a team of more than 120 full-time tailors, meaning they can get your dad fitted up and kitted out in a jiffy. This family-run business, which also specialised in custom-made leather jackets for biker types, is running a special Father’s Day promotion: Buy-Three-Get-One-Free on tailor-made shirts for Localiiz fans! To add a bit of bling to your buy, browse through the men’s range at online contemporary jewellery retailer Pretty Dangerous. Localiiz fans can use promotional code DAD to get an extra 10% off the edgy collection, which includes chain bracelets, shark tooth pendants and skull cufflinks. Big Daddy

Help a fitness freak daddy get back in shape or buff up further by buying him at-home fitness equipment, a gym membership or a personal training programme.

If you’re dad likes to work out in the privacy of his own home, head for Oasis Fitness Engineering in Kowloon Bay. Priding itself on offering industry insights, fitness education and aftercare services alongside a range of cutting-edge equipment, Oasis Fitness really does offer the full at-home package. If the main man in your life needs a little more motivation to stay in shape, sign him up at Tai Tam’s Primal Strength. After a free consultation session, the fitness gurus will design a programme to fit your father’s schedule, whether he’s a busy executive, a stay-at-home dad or a weekend warrior. And if he really can’t be trusted to work out on his own, get him buddied up with a personal trainer up at North Point’s Coastal Fitness. The 7,000sqft facility houses pull up bars, gymnastic rings, squat stands, rowers, bikes and free weights, as well as a range of programmes and classes aimed at optimising results. These no-nonsense guys believe in a holistic approach to fitness, so you can be sure the personal trainers will work relentlessly to ensure a flabby daddy becomes a big buff brute in no time. Flower Power Poppa

Although men aren’t meant to be too fussed about flowers, even the most macho dads can’t help but enjoy a bright and bold bouquet. Block-colour blooms such as lilies, tulips and gerberas always go down a treat, while the special long stem boxed Sunflowers & Wine selection from GiftFlowers.com.hk are sure to tickle dad’s tipple, even if flowers aren’t his thing. All GiftFlowers bouquets come with free delivery, while Localiiz fans can enjoy 10% off with Pacific Petals when entering DAD10 at the online checkout.

Sugar Daddy

If your dad has a sweet tooth and likes nothing more than settling down with a cup of tea and a tasty treat, make his Sunday with the simply sophisticated Earl Grey Tea and Milk Chocolate Mousse Cake from One Food Cake. The Kowloon-based bakery will make this delicious delight, crafted with caramel and a cheeky splash of Bailey’s, fresh for your father for the special price of HK$300. If you fancy rolling up your sleeves to bring papa his pudding in person however, you can make the cake yourself in the dedicated Father’s Day baking class which runs from 14.00 to 16.30 on Sunday.

If mum’s got dad on a strict diet however, appease them both with something healthy but heavenly from Edible Arrangements. The online gift store sculpts fabulous fruit bouquets, with the seasonal delights cut into funky shapes and selected pieces dipped in yummy chocolate. The ‘Just for Kicks’ arrangement, which comes in a special soccer ball container, is a great choice for football mad dads, while those with golfing-loving pas can save HK$140 on the special Melon Delight and its accompanying golf ball vase.

But whatever will make your dad’s day, make sure you don’t forget him completely, as no matter how tough he seems, everyone loves to be loved!

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