Sportbrella Sunshade

The Aussie Sport-Brella is a beach umbrella, sun tent and rain shelter all in one. Folding out in just three seconds and weighing less than 6.5 kilograms, the shelter is a handy addition to your outdoor festivities.

The Sport-Brella opens up like a traditional beach umbrella but includes side flaps that fold down and can be tethered on windy days for extra protection.

The Sport-brella gives you  2.4m of maximum sun protection which we found to be plenty for a family of 4 and their gear. 
We liked the 30 day guarantee and the fact that with SPF50 it blocks 99.5% of harmful UVA and UVB rays.

The Sport-Brella retails for $99.95, and is available through Rebel Sport, Amart All Sports Stores nationwide and online at http://www.sportbrella.com.au/ or by phone at 1800 110 160.
Dad Rating

Mark
Handy addition to the family outdoor gear.

Simon
Not as easy to set up as it could be but once up a great unit.

FlipFold

We've found a cool gimmick which we just love so much we had to share.







We've tried the FlipFOLD ourselves and it is as easy to use as in the video. This great folding tool is now available in Australia at Green Apple Organising.

The FlipFOLD which is frequently featured on The Big Bang Theory and used by Sheldon, one of the main characters.

The FlipFold is lightweight and easy-to-use tool which really does make folding clothing quicker, easier and neater

FlipFOLD is available in two sizes to accommodate everything from children’s tops through to long sleeve business shirts.

The FlipFOLD is priced at AUD$44.99 for the Adult and AUD$42.99 for the Junior with a Combo of both sizes available for AUD$84.99 plus postage.

Buy the Flip Fold online at Green Apple Organising.


Dad Rating

Mike
A bit of a gimmick but so much fun

Stevo
I love it. Perfect for packing your gear for trips.

Science

It's not only dad's job to get the kids interested in science, but for many of us, it was an interest during our school years and we love seeing our own kids interested as well.

Cliches like "make learning fun" probably don't help anyone and are vastly overated, but how about "have fun, and maybe learn something as well"?

There are heaps of science experiments and toys that do just that, and one of our favourite businesses is Aussie owned, Mad About Science.

Mad about Science has an easy to use online store where you can pick up lots of great gadgets (we've spent hours playing wiht our Levitator) and even has an "experiment of the week".

The shop is run by skilled teachers with qualifications and experience in science research.


Dad Rating

Mark
Lab coat anyone?
Matt
Hard not to have fun and you can justify all these great toys as "science".

Belkin iPod and iPad Accessories

Some of us dads love having the latest technology - most of us get it when everyone else has it and we are feeling left behind. This means that (a) most of us have an iPod (b) some of us have an iPhone (c) a couple of us have iPads.

One thing we all know though is that once you've forked out the how ever much for the iWhatever, the first think you need to do is go out and get yourself a good case. One that's not going to interfer with your use of the iThing, is going to be comfortable in your hands, and is going to protect it when you (or the kids) drop it on the floor.

We've tried a few covers and cases, but we all agree that the Belkin Grip Vue range is the way to go. These translucent cases provide durable protection and "grip-ability" for your iPad, iPhone or iPod.

Other features include:

• Translucent case provides durable protection and enhanced grip-ability
• Made with impact-resistant TPU material
• Allow your iPad to charge while in the case
• Colours: Blue, Clear, Royal Purple, and Black
Grip Vue for iPads start at  RRP: $39.95. Visit http://www.belkin.com/ for more info.

Dad Rating

Mike
Hard wearing and worth the money
Stevo
Protect the iStuff you spent so much money on

Brocky - Peters Own Story

Toranas and Commodores- Peter Brock was a holden racing legend.

And whether your a dihard Holden fan or not, when Peter Brock was tragically killed in 2006, the outpouring of grief from around Australia revealed how this charismatic hero had touched the nation

Brockytranscended his own sport through his good looks and the power of his personality, but it was on great race circuits like Bathurst that the man became a legend.

'BROCKY' is his very own story of a remarkable career. Most of it was written before his death, and was checked and approved by the man himself. It is therefore as close to an authorised biography as there can be. This is the story of his life in top gear, as he wanted it told.

Written by long-time friend and collaborator David Hassall, an award-winning motoring journalist, the book covers his turbulent relationship with Holden, the infamous Polarizer and recalls all the great races that made the Brock legend, taking you behind the scenes of an intriguing and often controversial sport.

Dad Rating

Simon
A good read about a man who is a part of Aussie history

Steven
Well researched and full of interesting info.

Light Up Her Day

If the special lady in your life likes candles, take a look at The Candle Factory.

With a good range online and an even better range at thier store at The Rocks, Sydney, we picked candles from "The Burning Heart" range for our girls.

Made onsite from quality waxes and oils, these candles are available in 5 colours - cherry red, pretty in pink, dreamy blue, deep purple and noir.

The Candle Factory website is quick and easy to use, although the addition of a site search function would make it even better. Also note that the refund and returns policy is not great, so make sure you choose carefully.

Buring Heart candles are $9.95 each (and $14.95 RRP for candles with custom love notes like 'I love you' and 'Be My Valentine') available at 80 George St, The Rocks, Sydney or online.

Dad Rating

Stevo
Easy to use websites and good range
Mark

Hand made candles are always popular

Labrador Retrievers

It's a well known fact that the reviewers here at Dad's Choice are made keen pet lovers. It turns out every one of us has at least one pet if not more. And a quick poll established that the pet we love the most? Labrador Retrievers!

Labradors were originally found, not in Labrador as the name implies, but in Newfoundland. In the early 1880s the breed started to develop in the north of England, developed as a sporting and working dog.

Most early Labradors were black, the yellow making its appearance in 1889. Chocolates were well known in England at the turn of the century and today form an integral part of the breed.

The Labrador Retriever Breed Standard focuses on soundness and activity together with strength and build. The greatest focus is on the head, the coat and the tail.

The first Labradors were imported into Australia in the 1930s and are still an enormously popular breed even today. Labrador owners are fiercely loyal, and its not unusual to see them with not just a Lab, but also decked out in labrador lovers gear!
Dad Rating

Simon
Gotta love a Golden!

Matt
Loyal and full of energy. Ideal for the growing family.