Father's Day - Brilliant Gift ideas for ALL the Dads!

It's that time of year again - Father's Day is fast approaching (June 18th), and it's time to show your lovely dad, step-dad, or grandad just how much you love and appreciate them.

So I'm going to kick straight in with a few brilliant, personalised Father's Day gift ideas that I know he'll love (and yes, men are indeed really hard to buy for, I know!)...

1) First Time Daddy! The first Father's Day is a real milestone, and one that you're all going to absolutely love to celebrate.

2) 'Always Busy' Dads! These are great gift ideas if you've got a dad who's always on the go - working, fixing things, enjoying the great outdoors... gifts for the dad who rarely sits still!

3) For the 'Daddy Cool' types! He's the epitome of stylishness, from his hipster beard to his rock star fashion sense - whatever this dad does, he does it with flair and he's the coolest dad around!

4) For the great Grandads! The best dads get promoted to Grandad status, so let them know just how much you love and appreciate them with an awesome personalised gift for Father's Day this year!

5) Superhero Dads! With his cape billowing in the wind and a heart full of courage, he's the ultimate guardian and protector for his little ones. From dealing with monsters under the bed, to putting things right with his wisdom and DIY abilities, these gifts are for those super-dads!

6) Gifts to make Dad smile! Heartwarming gift ideas to make him smile - celebrate Father's Day with love, laughter, and a touch of mischief that only Dad can appreciate!

7) For the absolute Best Dads! To loosely quote the song, he's simply the best - better than all the rest! You know that your dad is the best in the world. He's been there through thick and thin, and Father's Day is the perfect time to show him just how much you really love and appreciate your lovely old dad.

This Father's Day celebrate the incredible love that dad's bring to the world. From their brilliant advice and guidance, to teaching us how to ride a bike and tie our shoelaces. It's time to remind our dads of the immeasurable impact they have on our lives, and show them just how much we love and appreciate them.

Happy Father's Day to all the fabulous dads out there!

Sarah x

Last minute Father's Day gift guide

It's Father's Day this weekend, but don't panic if you've left it a bit late - there's still time to order Dad or Grandad a great personalised present that will blow his socks off (and is more interesting than socks - double win!)...

Here's a quick gift guide of great ideas for you - but order now before it's too late!

1) Daddy Never Snores personalised canvas print, from £18.50 - personalised and created to order, other designs available. Order deadline: 3pm today (Monday 11th)

2) Superhero personalised print, £15.95 - personalise with any title (eg, 'Dad', 'Daddy', 'Grandad' etc) and all their superhero qualities! Order deadline: midnight Wednesday 13th

3) 'Rules' personalised wall plaque, £17.95 - available in a range of colours, personalise with your own wording. Suitable for display indoors or outdoors, other designs available. Order deadline: midnight Wednesday 12th

4) Family prints, £15.95 - personalised prints celebrating your family, available in a range of colours and designs. Order deadline: midnight Wednesday 13th

5) 'Vegetable Championships' Vintage Print, £15.95 - a fun gift for the keen gardening dad, personalised and created to order. Other designs available. Order deadline: midnight Wednesday 13th

6) Personalised Blue Heritage Plaque, £17.95 - personalise with your own unique wording. Suitable for display indoors or outdoors. Order deadline: midnight Wednesday 12th

7) I love you THIS much, personalised print £15.95 - available in a choice of colours and personalised with your chosen names. Order deadline: midnight Wednesday 13th

8) Personalised Father's Day print, £15.95 - available in a choice of wording options and various colours. Order deadline: midnight Wednesday 13th

Oh, and don't forget a card! See the range of fast dispatch personalised greeting cards by clicking here (order deadline midnight Wednesday 13th)

See the range of personalised greeting cards - dispatched within one working day!

I hope that's helped to solve your last minute shopping panic!

Sarah x

Father’s Day gift ideas - unique and thoughtful presents for Dad next month…

I know it may feel like there’s a way to go, but Father’s Day is on June 17th this year - and if you want to order an extra special personalised gift for your dad this year it’s time to start planning!

Don’t worry though, I’ve got a little round up of Father’s Day gift ideas here for you, and there’s even more presents for dad or grandad over on the PhotoFairytales website. Don’t leave it too late though: these dates have a habit of creeping up on you!!

1) Superhero personalised print, £15.95 - celebrate his awesomeness and special powers with this fun personalised print which can be personalised with any title (eg, Dad, Grandad, etc)
2) ‘The Rules’ personalised wall sign, £17.95 - available in a range of colour options and made from super tough acrylic, this plaque can be safely displayed indoors or outside and can be personalised with your own text too.
3) Personalised Hammer, £17.95 - engraved to order with your own names and message, this is a super practical gift that he’ll love and get to use again and again!
4) Father’s Day personalised print, £15.95 - available in a choice of colours and wording options, these prints will leave your Dad or Grandad in no doubt as to how much you love him!
5) ‘Life is More Fun’ personalised canvas print, from £18.50 - perfect for Father’s Day, this design can be personalised with any name or title you wish (Dad, Daddy, Gramps, etc) - a sweet gift for a fun dad or grandad.
6) Giant Vegetable personalised Vintage Print, £15.95 - a fun gift idea for the keen gardener… or a tongue in cheek gift for the person who absolutely hates gardening too! Other designs also available.
7) Wooden Photo Block, £24.75- a chunky solid wood block featuring your favourite photo, personalised with your own wording, and completed with a beautiful Annie Sloane wax finish.
8) Personalised Bespoke Wooden Plaque, from £10.95 - made to order just for you, commission one of these handmade wooden plaques with your own special and unique message.
9) ‘Kind of a Big Deal’ personalised print, £22.95 - whether he’s a fan of Ron Burgundy, or just simply fabulous, give him the recognition he deserves with this fun print with a regal touch. Available in a choice of colours too.

There are even more great gift ideas for you on the website - look out for the ‘ideal gift for Father’s Day’ flashes on some of the items I’ve picked out as especially perfect gifts for Dad!

Sarah :)

Theme of the Month: Hello Spring - Fathers, Florals & Fun

OK, I’ll be honest - I started composing this post yesterday when it was freezing cold and raining continuously (again) here in Norfolk. I actually had the heating on by midday because I couldn’t take the cold anymore. And yet, there I was, trying to get into a warm, springtime frame of mind - I gave up in the end, I couldn't summon the enthusiasm when I was sitting there in jumpers listening to the rain beating down on the roof. But today is gorgeous: sunshine and blue skies - springtime is a confusing month, you never know what you're supposed to wear!

What a difference a day makes: the view from my studio yesterday and today:

So, with the sun shining today it's time for some positive thinking: spring is here, summer’s on its way, and there will be a time again very soon when we can leave the house without wondering whether to wear a coat. And, with that in mind my Theme of the Month for May is ‘Hello Spring’ - and to help things along I’m concentrating on all those lovely sorbet, ice-cream, summery pastel colours to get us all in the mood. The website home page has had a makeover too!

The next few weeks are going to see, not only the flowers arriving in the garden, but Father’s Day too! Time to celebrate all those lovely Dads and Grandads…

Here’s a roundup of goodies to help you get into the spring mood, along with some early Father’s Day gift ideas for those of you that like to get organised!

1) ‘Prince Charming’ personalised canvas print, from £18.50 - not just for the Royal baby, celebrate your own little prince with this sweet nursery print in fresh blue (‘Princess’ version also available)

2) Wooden Photo Block, £24.75- a chunky solid wood block featuring your favourite photo, personalised with your own wording, and completed with a beautiful Annie Sloane wax finish.

3) Family Print, ‘Tree’ Design, £15.95 - available in a choice of colours and styles, these contemporary prints celebrate your family, plus there’s a special version also available just for grandparents - perfect for Grandad this Father’s Day! (Great wedding gift idea too)

4) ‘Garden’ Wall Sign, £17.95 - available in a wide choice of colour options this hardwearing signs are made to order from tough acrylic and so can be displayed indoors or outdoors: a fun gift for a keen gardener.

5) BRAND NEW! Floral Initial Prints, from £16.95 - printed on absolutely beautiful traditional moulded watercolour paper, these stunning prints are a beautiful piece for your wall; available in a choice of colours too

6) ‘Life is More Fun’ personalised canvas print, from £18.50 - perfect for Father’s Day, this design can be personalised with any name or title you wish (Dad, Daddy, Gramps, etc) - a sweet gift for a fun dad or grandad.

7) Father’s Day personalised print, £15.95 - available in a choice of colours and wording options, these prints will leave your Dad or Grandad in no doubt as to how much you love him!

8) Floral Photo Blocks, from £22.50 - these stunning wooden blocks are beautifully made and finished, in a choice of colour and word options, three sides of each block features your favourite photos.

9) ‘Timeline’ personalised print, £18.95 - celebrate all the important moments of your life together! Perfect for a romantic anniversary gift, this is also a sweet present for a wedding or Father’s Day too.

I’ll be posting a round up of more fun gift ideas for Father’s Day in the next couple of weeks - and keep your eyes open for a special offer coming soon too!

Sarah :)

Last minute Father's Day gifts - still time to order a personalised print!

Last minute Father's Day gifts - beautiful personalised prints for him

It's Father's Day this weekend, but if you haven't got anything planned yet don't worry there's still time - but be quick!

Order a 10x8" size print before 5pm today and I'll make sure it's dispatched 1st class tomorrow. There are some great ideas here, but find even more over in the Gifts for Him section on PhotoFairytales.

1. 'I Love You this Much...' personalised print, available in a range of colours, £15.95
2. Father's Day personalised print, available in a range of colours and wording styles, £15.95
3. Cook's Conversion Chart, personalised and available in a choice of colours, from £15.95
4. Family Print 'Tree' Design, range of colours and other styles available, from £15.95
5. Superhero personalised print, £15.95
6. 'Giant Vegetable' personalised Vintage Print, other designs available, £15.95
7. 'Always be Yourself: Captain America' personalised print, other characters available, from £15.95

A gorgeous wall print, created and personalised just for Dad or Grandad!

Remember, only the 8x10" size prints can be guaranteed to be dispatched on Friday - there are other designs available too, so do take a look on the website. All prices shown include 1st class recorded delivery. When you place your order, pop a note in the 'special instructions' space on the order form to let me know you need it for Father's Day and I'll make sure the order is prioritised for you!

Sarah x

Top 10 personalised Father's Day gift ideas

It's a strange fact that we, as children, spend on average less on gifts for our Dad's for Father's Day than we do when it comes to Mother's Day. And it's an even stranger fact that we tend to do most of our shopping for gifts at those big retail giants - you know, the supermarkets, the website biggies that name themselves after rivers, that type of thing... How boring!

Let's put an end to all that - it isn't all about the money, and how much we spend on Dad, it's all about the thought and love that goes into the gift we buy. Whether we spend a £1 or £100 - or even nothing at all, and just treat him to breakfast in bed!

So, forget those hideous conglomerates and stop giving your hard-earned cash to those uber-businesses that aren't really bothered about you - why not treat Dad this Father's Day to a truly unique and special gift, something you'll love giving and that will make him smile with real pleasure!

Here's a run down of the Top 10 gift ideas I think your Dad (or Grandad) will adore this Father's Day - handmade, British made, created to order, and really special (and all with FREE UK delivery too):


1) Personalised Blue Heritage Plaque, £17.95 - personalise with any wording
2) Personalised Beard Wearer Vintage Print, £14.50 - part of a range of designs (there's one for moustache wearers too!)
3) 'Always Be Yourself' personalised print, from £14.50 - comic book superhero prints for your SuperDad...
4) Personalised Hammer, £17.95 - perfect for the DIY dad, personalised with any wording of your choosing
5) Personalised Fork & Trowel Garden Set, £17.95 - the best gift for the green-fingered gardener
6) Personalised 'Garden' Hoop print, £18.50 - a really unique gift idea, part of a range of designs
7) Father's Day print, £14.50 - available in a choice of colours and wording styles, this print will leave him in no doubt as to how special he is!
8) Personalised Mug, £12.75 - beautiful range of personalised mugs, you'll find some lovely designs here that he'll love...
9) Handpainted personalised 'Daddy' gift plate - a stunning plate, created to order and perfect for serving that toast in bed on Father's Day!
10) Official Football Gifts, from £11.99 - got a footie mad Dad? He'll love these official personalised gifts for his favourite team

And if you need even more ideas, take a look at the personalised Gifts for Him section on the PhotoFairytales site. With a bigger than ever range of gift ideas this year, you'll be spoiled for choice!

Sarah x

What to buy for Father's Day when men are SO hard to buy for?!

It's Father's Day on June 19th this year... so what do you get the
man who pretty much has everything he could ever want? 

Why are men so impossibly hard to buy a gift for? Unless they are the type who has a specific hobby or interest (or unless you have an unlimited income!), it can be difficult to find the right present. Which can make the looming Father's Day (June 19th) a bit tricky...

Take my own husband (please! - ha ha, only joking, ahem), he is a prime example. Come birthday or Christmas or Father’s Day for example, and it’s usually the same scenario: me stumped for ideas. If I ask him what he wants his usual reply is: “nothing really”. I think perhaps one of these days I’ll call his bluff - I know for sure that if he was really given “nothing” he’d feel pretty fed up!

I think this is one of the main differences between men and women. Ask me what I want for my birthday and I usually have a list for you - a rolling one - which gets carried over from Christmas to birthday! It’s not that I’m greedy, but there’s always something you’d love to own, right?

I’m assuming your man is not a millionaire and therefore already has everything in the world, so when you put aside the unrealistic sports-car-type gifts, is there anything left out there that you can buy for him that would really, really delight him? Something with a “wow” factor?

The tacky gadgets that get left in a cupboard - the golf ball polisher and the remote control fart machine - understandably have a short life. So what can you buy the man in your life who either has everything, or more likely, no idea what he wants?

The right personalised gift can prove to be an ideal solution. Something that raises a smile, or laughter even. Get it right and you could just be finding the perfect gift that ticks all the boxes. Ideally it would be something truly thoughtful that will be treasured for many years, or perhaps something both fun and practical. If you can do all that you can relax - you’ve done it, you’ve found the perfect gift. Now all you need to worry about is the next gift time…!

Find fun, touching, thoughtful and practical personalised gifts for him at www.PhotoFairytales.co.uk. Bespoke gifts and keepsakes created to order and truly original. Gifts for him: for birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, anniversary.

Sarah x

Last Minute Father's Day Gift Idea!

Father's Day (June 16th) is looming, and if you've left it a bit late don't worry - here's a great gift idea that will certainly raise a grin!

The new range of Superhero prints can all be fully personalised - you can not only add their name, but also list their own special super powers and - erm - vulnerabilities! The superhero on the print will even feature their initials on the costume too.

You can order right up until Tuesday 11th June and orders will be sent via 1st class recorded delivery. Visit the website here for more details or to place an order!

Sarah :)

Father's Day - gift ideas for dads and grandads

Father's Day is just over a couple of weeks away (June 16th), but there's still time to order a great personalised pressie for the best Dad in the world! There are loads of goodies to choose from on the website, but here's just a small round up of ideas for you:

1: ‘I Love You This Much’ personalised print, available in pink or blue, £14.50

2: Personalised Blue Heritage Plaque, personalise with any wording you like, £17.50

3: ‘Family Sayings’ canvas print (can be commissioned in any colour), from £16.95

4: ‘Defender of the Realm’ fantasy portrait, from £15

5: Personalised Family Print, available in two designs and a selection of colours, £14.50

6:  Personalised Vintage Handbill Print (range of designs available), £14.50

7: Personalised Newspaper (range of stories available), from £12.50 

I love these THIS much...!

Available in pink or blue!

     New on the website today: "I Love You This Much" personalised prints - perfect for Father's Day!
     These lovely prints are available in pink or blue, and can be personalised with both the recipient's name (eg, Daddy, Mummy, John, Jane, Granny, etc) and the sender's name. 
     Easily adapted for your occasion, they are particularly  great for:

Father's Day

Mother's Day

Valentine's Day

Anniversaries

     Just £14.50 including 1st class postage (within the UK). Dispatched within 5 working days. Check the website now for further details!


Sarah x

Freebie for Father's Day!

Psst...fancy a freebie?!

Then sign up to the PhotoFairytales mailing list now by clicking on this link.

Be quick, it's being sent soon!

Sarah x

Me & My Dad: The Penny Pinchers!

When I was growing up, one of the phrases I remember quite clearly was: “hmmm, petrol situation’s getting a bit dodgy…”, always said by my Dad, usually on a long journey, and often said whilst travelling down a motorway. On the upside, it at least gave the journey a bit of thrill factor - let’s spurn those overpriced motorway service stations, let’s see if we can squeeze out a few more drops and make it to a nice, off the beaten track (AKA “cheaper”) petrol station. More entertaining than playing I Spy, real edge-of-the-seat stuff!

You see, my Dad is ‘careful’ with money and I think - no, I know - it’s a trait I’ve picked up and run with the older I get. When I was still living at home, I would sometimes request that the heating be turned up a bit - “it’s up at 64 degrees already!”, my Dad would exclaim. “If it was a summer’s day and 64 degrees outside, you’d be walking around in a t-shirt!”. It’s a bit tricky to argue your way out of that one - especially when you’re 9.

I remember when, as a family, we would go to get our collective hair cut (by a nice lady called Jane who ‘did you’ in her kitchen - much cheaper than going to the hairdressers, plus if we all went together it saved on the aforementioned petrol). Whilst Jane was sorting out my Dad’s mop of hair he asked her to clear up an argument that he and my Mum had recently had: namely, is washing up liquid basically the same as shampoo? I think you see where this was going… (Just for the record, Jane confirmed that it wouldn’t do his hair any harm if he wanted to wash it in the cheapest brand of bright green washing up liquid available. Apparently, it’s the conditioner that counts…)

Our house was regularly “lit up like bloody Blackpool”, and paying for a car park space was something only idiots did. Even if it did mean a bit of a walk… Creosote for your fence was a waste of money when you had a bucket of old engine oil to hand (result: lovely smart black fence, but no naked flames to be used within a 500 yard radius please). Dad’s taste in wine is legendary in our family - his philosophy is if he can get it for under £2.50 and it doesn’t make him sick, it’s a winner. When we moved house once he had the phone installed in the kitchen, on the wall - to prevent people from getting too comfortable and thereby talking longer. Phone calls, of course, must always be made after 6pm. Oh, and a sachet of any kind (sugar, ketchup, vinegar, salad cream) made available for customers in that coffee shop? Well, that was just begging to be snaffled...

Of course, these days it’s easy to wrap up all this scrimping as being “eco friendly”. Don’t use the tumble drier, turn the heating down (or preferably off all together), reduce, re-use, recycle, etc. My Mum had the lid of a Nescafe coffee jar as the handle for her oven for quite some time - see, maybe my Dad was actually just ahead of his time!

The thing is though, I appear to be exactly the same. Let’s not put the heating on, let’s just buy a hot water bottle instead. (Preferably in Poundland). See a penny, pick it up, and all day long - you’ll be a penny richer than you were yesterday, result! And if you’re ever out and about, and find yourself in need of a sachet of pepper or a nice lemony-fresh wipe (from KFC, c1998, probably a bit dried out now), then just let me know. I’ve got a handbag full of them.

Sarah x