Latest news with #gifts
The National
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Father's Day gift guide: Last‑minute ideas, from New Balance sneakers to a Formula One book
Father's Day in the UAE is just around the corner, but there's still time to pick out a gift that shows genuine appreciation. Whether your dad is a fan of food, fashion, toys or tech, here's a round‑up of options that are practical and fun. Fashion New Balance Made in USA 993, Dh1,000 New Balance has become synonymous with the 'dad shoe' moniker over the years and for good reason. This running-inspired trainer blends comfort, durability and heritage design. The shoe incorporates cushioning technology for shock absorption and comfort, ideal for active dads. The 993 has a classic silhouette with an understated style that is good for both casual wear and light athletic use. Polaris Date, Dh36,700, Jaeger-LeCoultre The most expensive gift on the list, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date is a 42mm stainless steel timepiece that balances sportiness with elegance. Powered by the in-house Calibre 899, it offers a 70-hour power reserve. The dial uses a mix of textures, including sunray, grained and opaline finishes, brought to life with a lacquered gradient in deep green, blue or grey. Water-resistant up to 200 metres, and with a quick-change rubber strap, it works as both a daily-wear watch and an adventure piece. SunGod x McLaren Core Renegades Plus, Dh603, McLaren store The SunGod x McLaren Core Renegades Plus sunglasses mix performance with clean design. Aimed at the most ardent fans of motorsports, this limited-edition release features ultra-lightweight frames made from recycled TR90, finished in frosted black with McLaren's papaya orange detailing and subtle lens branding. The polarised nylon lenses are designed to block both UVA and UVB rays, while also helping to reduce glare. A triple-layer coating resists scratches over time. The frames use screw-free pop-lock hinges, which offer a secure fit and added durability. Toys and gaming Porsche 911, Dh649, Lego Lego isn't just for children any more, as the brand has started catering to adults with more intricate sets that can double as display pieces. This includes the Porsche 911 Icons set, which features 1,458 blocks. Builders can choose to assemble the Turbo or Targa version of the German car, each featuring elements such as the rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-six engine, working steering, gearshift, emergency brake and tilting seats. Lego is also celebrating Father's Day in its shops across the UAE on Saturday with an event that invites fathers and children to create Lego versions of typical gifts given during the holiday, such as mugs, wallets and drills. Valve Steam Deck, Dh2,899, Virgin Megastores The Valve Steam Deck is a powerful handheld gaming device that plays PC games on the go. It has the look of a chunky game controller with a built-in screen, but it can run full games from the Steam library just as a computer would. While children might opt for the new Nintendo Switch 2, dad may prefer a system that lets him play some favourite classics during his free time. Technology Sonos Arc soundbar, Dh3,899, Amazon For a cinema-like experience at home, a sound system upgrade goes a long way. And the Sonos Arc is a compact but powerful smart sound bar that uses Dolby Atmos to make viewing far more immersive. Families can enjoy watching films and television together, or dad can use it for everything from sport events to action films. For full surround sound and powerful bass, it can be upgraded with the Sub wireless subwoofer and Era 300 speakers. Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 10-in 1-Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker, Dh1,199, Ninja It's the kitchen gadget many didn't know they needed but suddenly want. The 10 one-touch programmes include ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshake, frappe, frozen drink, slushie, frozen yoghurt and mix-in, so choices can be tailored to suit needs and wants. Decadent dessert aside, the Ninja CREAMi can be used to make healthy foods such as protein milkshakes and fruit sorbets. Coffee-table books James Bond Destinations, Dh480, Tanagra For fathers who love James Bond, a book by Assouline features the famous locations featured throughout the 007 film franchise. Written by Daniel Pembrey, a seasoned journalist and devoted Bond fan, it explores more than 100 real-life places where Bond's adventures have unfolded. From the sunny beaches of Jamaica to the historic streets of Rome, each chapter includes exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes stories from producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Grands Prix: 75 Years of Formula One Racing, Dh360, Kinokuniya For Formula One fans, Grands Prix: 75 Years of Formula One Racing is a coffee-table book that traces the rich history of the motorsport from its launch in 1950 up to the present day. Featuring an introduction by three-time World Champion Jackie Stewart, it has more than 200 colour and black-and-white photographs showcasing the sport's most memorable moments, legendary cars, drivers and famous circuits such as Monaco, Monza and Silverstone. The book also explores rivalries, technical advancements and behind-the-scenes stories that have shaped the sport.
News.com.au
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Mum's ‘tight-arse' kid's birthday present divides the internet
A mum has angered thousands after revealing her unique approach to children's birthday party gifts, or rather, a lack thereof. In a viral video, which features the Perth woman sitting in the back seat of a car, she proudly shows off her 'present' for a children's birthday party: a bag filled with rags, cleaning supplies, tea towels, dishwashing detergent, and Glad Wrap. 'We're going to a family birthday party and the last thing I wanna do to the parents of the child is to give them some present for the kid that's going to end up in landfill, and a whole bunch of clutter that needs tidying and cleaning, so this is my secret present that I like to do at kids birthday parties,' she begins. 'I like to bring a bag of rags,' she says proudly, whipping it out to show her followers. 'So you know when you're at a kid's birthday party and everyone wants to help but nobody knows how to help because they don't know where any of the cleaning stuff is. 'I bring cleaning rags to wipe up sticky messes at the party. I bring Glad Wrap … so you can wrap up extra food and put it in the fridge. 'I like to bring dishwashing detergent because you can bet that the parents may have run out … I bring a lot of tea towels because these are really handy and nobody knows where to find the tea towels in somebody else's house.' She then finished her video by asking her followers, 'Does anyone else do like that?' The video quickly went viral, and it was immediately clear that nobody else does that. Many even called the gift 'offensive' and 'weird'. 'Wake up to yourself,' said one viewer. 'That's actually embarrassing,' wrote someone else. 'I run a pretty tight ship and if someone brought this to my house at my daughter's birthday … I would take offence to it. As if they thought my house was gross,' added one mum. A different commenter sarcastically wrote: 'Wow those kids are going to be thrilled', while another commenter remarked: 'Wow what a tight-arse'. 'That's actually really sad, it's the kids birthday you should spoil the kid; if you want to know where a tea towel is, ask the host, it's not that hard!' quipped yet another critic. However, not all reactions were negative, with some defending the gesture. 'Wow what a lot of hateful comments. It goes to show people choose money and gifts instead of help, time and love. This is why we live in a world full of hate and war now. People are so judgmental of others. It's sad really,' wrote one supporter. Another added, 'You don't need to take a present to a birthday, just being there can be enough. Maybe this family don't do presents, did you ever think of that?' A third wrote, 'As someone who lives in a seemingly constant state of overwhelm I would love this gift. Acts of service is my love language.' Etiquette expert weighs in To help settle the debate, we spoke to a world-leading etiquette expert, Jo Hayes, founder of EtiqetteExpert. Org, who, at face value, thought the woman's idea didn't sound quite right. However, after watching the video and hearing the woman's rationale, she ended up thinking, 'all power to her'. 'I can confidently predict most Aussie mums would relish having this woman at their child's birthday party. She sounds like a 'make it happen' woman,' she tells However, she notes that context is key here. 'If she had a child with her, who was the actual/main invited guest to this party, it would be poor etiquette to show up with a 'bag of rags' and no fun gift for the child,' she explains. 'However, it appears this woman is a bit more mature, is perhaps an older aunty, or even a grandmother.' 'What she's saying is true: families are usually swamped with loads of plastic toys on a child's birthday … and while the birthday boy/girl certainly deserves a few fun gifts, bringing something different, but helpful, is actually a very thoughtful gesture,' she says. Ms Hayes points out that the actual gift here isn't the physical bag of rags but the elbow grease she would provide. 'She isn't simply showing up with the cleaning items,' she explains. 'She'll be the one buzzing around wiping up spills, cleaning dishes and covering leftover food with glad wrap. I'll invite you to my next party!' In saying that, she believes that a nice card for the child would be a 'thoughtful gesture' in addition to the cleaning.
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Free Father's Day gifts 'keeps a little part of dad with me'
A woman who set up a table piled high with free gifts and handmade items for Father's Day - in memory of her late dad - said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for her Davies, 43, from Stevenage, lost her father Howard Ryder, 82, to bowel cancer in Saturday, the keen Hertfordshire crafter stacked a table in the town's Fairlands Valley Park with knitted hats, trinkets, flowers and food inviting people to take what they wanted."I don't want money at all - doing this keeps a little of dad with me and makes me happy," she said. "One woman came and took just one lily - she said she was on her way to the cemetery and she thanked me." Mrs Davies, who runs a dog training business with her husband, has a craft workshop in her garden and made many of the items began leaving out free gifts for Mother's Day after her mum died eight years ago, and then the tradition continued for Father's Day. This year's items included hand-knitted woolly hats, each one accompanied with a cake or chocolate bar and a wrapped tea bag, reflecting some of the things her own father loved."He could drink a gallon of tea," she plants and garden ornaments reflect her father's love of gardening, while puzzle books recall his love of quizzes and apple pies his love for the pudding "with bottomless custard".A recurring theme is bee-inspired items such as yellow and black knitted bobble hats."Dad called me Honeybee. No-one calls me that now," Mrs Davies said. The idea of stacking a table with gifts was cathartic, she explained."I find comfort by doing this."I like seeing people happy and I try to provide things they might like or want. Mum and dad loved this park and I want people to feel a bit of that love in Stevenage."Mrs Davies put her items out early on Saturday and by about 15:00 BST almost everything had left a note on the table asking people to perhaps remember her own father, and to take what they wanted in his memory - but she did not stay to see any visitors or woman with the lily and a small boy who said he was embarrassed because he wanted one item for himself and another for his father - were the exceptions."Someone said they had no money but this is not conditional - there are no obligations and I do not want anything in return other than the little bit of peace I get by doing this," Mrs Davies said."It is like dad is still in a little corner of my world."She posted photographs of the gifting table on a local Stevenage Facebook group and was amazed by the than 2,600 people reacted to the post and almost 300 left comments - some with fond memories of her father - and others praising her generosity.A bunch of flowers was left for her anonymously at the table as well as a bottle of people offered to make charitable donations in her father's name, but instead she suggested: "Just do something nice for someone else." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- CTV News
15 Baby Shower Gifts From Amazon Canada That Are Under $30 That Are Actually Useful
The new parent in your life will get so much use out of these practical gifts. Whether you're shopping for parents who decided to skip a registry or creating one of your own, it's important to think about price. Of course, everyone dreams of getting big-ticket items like a stroller or bassinet, but that can be out of many people's price range. To help you out, we've rounded up some of the best baby shower gifts under $30. From bath essentials to swaddling blankets, there's plenty to choose from. P.S. If you're looking to create a baby registry, try using Amazon Canada's one-stop registry tool. You'll get everything you're looking for, all in one place. Here are useful baby shower gifts from Amazon Canada under $30: 25 Great Gifts To Add To Your Baby Registry (Or Buy For Yourself) How to Organize Your Baby's Closet: The Best Storage Solutions for Small Spaces 17 Baby Essentials for New Parents Under $100 Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Only seven of the 100 guests I invited to my wedding brought me a gift. I am shocked and furious but my husband says I'm being unreasonable... am I? VICKY REYNAL replies
I would not dream of going to a wedding empty-handed – yet when it was my turn to get married only seven out of the 100 guests who attended brought me a gift. I thought I was being gracious by not including a wedding registry or asking for contributions to our honeymoon. My husband tells me I am being unreasonable and missing the point. I am furious! L. L., via email.
