Grants 12 Year Old Whiskey

One of our favourite tipples just got better! Grant’s whiskey has just introduced a 12 year old variant into the Australian market. For over five generations the Grant family has produced many fine whiskeys.  Some of them, such as the 18 year old and the 25 year old are some of the finest examples of blended whiskey you will ever  you ever have the chance to experience. They do though, come with quite a hefty price tag. Unfortunately being dads, with our money required for other more mundane matters, such as school fees and car rego, those great whiskeys are reserved for only very infrequent and special occasions. 

While the Grant’s Family Reserve Blended whiskey is a great starter scotch, sometimes it’s nice to have something a little bit more sophisticated. That’s where the Grant’s 12 year old whiskey fits in. In between the Family Reserve and the 18 year old in both price and quality, this whiskey has great depth of flavour and is exceedingly smooth. The nose is spicy and reminds one of spiced fruit tarts or Christmas cake. The taste is sweet vanilla and cinnamon and the after taste smoke and honey.

This is one bottle that I’d recommend dads have on their top shelf. Late at night, when the little angels are snoring away in their beds, this is a perfect whiskey to pour a nip, sit quietly, sip and contemplate how quickly the little monkeys are growing up!

Dad Rating

Mark
For the top shelf!

Simon
Smooth & smokey. Well worth the little bit extra.

Organic Wine for Dad

If your dad enjoys a glass (or two) of Australian Red Wine but also takes pride in considering the environment with his choices, an Australian Shiraz from Tamburlaine Winnery is worth a look. Based in Orange it was named as one of the top 10 winneries in NSW in 2010 and makes organic wines without compromise.

Tamburlaine is Australia's largest organic wine producer and they have a great range of certified organic wines that we're sure your dad would love for father's day and our pick is the Wine Lovers Shiraz 2008.

A James Halliday 5 star accredited winery with Organic / Biodynamic certification, the 2008 Wine Lovers Shiraz from Tamburlaine displays typical cool climate characters of spicy cloves, blackcurrants and peppery aromas, with a rich palate of blackberries, aniseed and subtle oak tannins.

Finishing long and smooth with great length it is a delightful Australian Shiraz.
Visit http://www.tamburlaine.com.au/ for stockists.

Dad Rating

Mark
Rich palate with flavours of ripe dark berries!

Stevo
Enviromental option without compromising on taste.

Best Australian Father's Day Gift Ideas

No doubt you are aware that father's day is fast approaching (Australian father's day 2011 is Sunday 4 September). If your father enjoys a fine drop, then the one name you should think of is Tobermory (no, not the Womble by the same name- the fine Scotch Whisky!)

A perfect must have for fathers this year, the Tobermory Single Malt Whisky  has a prized winning and unique taste, prized packaging and unique story to tell, being the only distillery on the picturesque Isle of Mull, Scotland.

Built in 1798, Tobermory Distillery is the only distillery on the island of Mull and the oldest commercial distillery in Scotland. Its old world charm reflects the Tobermory spirit that says we do things the old fashioned way, by hand. The residents of Mull, the 'Muliach', call where the distillery rests 'Ledaig', meaning safe haven. Since 1798 the Tobermory Distillery has sat proudly lending a watchful eye over the bay.

With a tantalising natural colour of golden chestnuts and a lovely sherried nose with notes of fig, orange marmalade, hints of leather and a touch of smoke this fine scotch whisky has a medium to full bodied palate, with rich sherry fruit cake, milk chocolate, creamy toffee, light oak, a hint of white pepper creating a lovely spicy tang.

Available from selected spirit merchants and online, Dad's Choice readers have the chance for a bonus gift. Simply join the "Whisky Club" at www.whiskygalore.com.au and enter the code "Well of Mary"(the Gaelic translation of Tobermory) when purchasing a bottle of Tobermory 15 year old Single Malt, to receive 2x Glencairn Whisky Glasses, an added value of $40 (limited time only - see website for details).

 Dad Rating

Mark
A fine whisky that hits the mark :)

Steven
Dad will love the beautiful box and fine taste. Superb.

Funny Father's Day Gift

Serve a "shot" the fun way

If your dad has a childish sense of humour and enjoys drinking spirits, you should take a look at this funny little product from dadshop.com.au

The Shots Gun is an ideal Aussie father's day gift (don't forget this year father's day is 4 September 2011).

Easy to use, simply attach  the "shots gun" to any drink bottle (it doesn't have to be alcohol) pump the Shots Gun, draw the gun out of the holster and either use it to fill glasses or shoot into some ones mouth.

A new and novel way to pour a drink, the handy holster holds your pistol between shoot outs.

 The Shots Gun fits most liquor, wine, and other spirit bottles. Available from dadshop.com.au for just $30

If the Shots Gun is not to your dad's taste, the Dad Shop also has dozens of other great Father's Day Gifts.

Dad Rating

Stevo
Fun for the bar!

Matt
Dad will take this one straight to the pool room!.

Father's Day Gift Ideas - Bolinda Audio Books are Tops





Branson Audio Book Perfect for Dad

 If like us, you're out searching for a great Aussie Father's Day gift (Father's day is on Sunday 4 September 2011!) take a look at some of the great Audio Books available from Bolinda Audio.

According to Bolinda's research, the most avid listeners of Audio Books in Australia are aged between 35 and 62 (just like Dad!) and that's why they have a great range perfect for "the old man" this father's day.

Check out Richard Branson's best seller "Screw It Let's Do It" for the dad who is serious about his business, or if you're looking for a present for the dad who is a history buff, you can't go past "Kokoda" by Peter Fitzsimons.

Dad Will Love Ice Station on CD

For the Dad who is a fiction fan, Bolinda Audio Books include great Aussie authors like Matthew Riley's "Ice Station" and Bryce Courtenay's "Fishing for Stars".

Each of these Australian Audio Books are carefully recorded on high quality CDs for great sound, and even better, they are MP3 ready. Bolinda even provides a simple step by step guide to transfering the Audio Book from CD to your computer and iPod.

Take a look at the full range of Australian Audio Books at Bolinda.

Dad Rating

Stevo
If your dad spends a lot of time in the car, these are perfect. We've been using Bolinda audio books to keep the kids quiet in the car for years. Now we can keep dad quiet as well!

Able
Dad's old eyes not what they used to be but he still loves stories? Here is a great idea.

Father's Day - A Gift That Lasts All Year

This year, Father's Day in Australia is on Sunday 4 September 2011. So its time to start looking for a great father's day gift for your dad or even  for yourself. Over the next few days we'll be bringing you the best ideas and products for gifts for Aussie dads.
If you have a "hard to buy for dad", a magazine subscription is always a great choice. He'll be remindered of what a good son you are each month when his next subscription arives.


As far as Australian father's day gift ideas go, a specialist magazine specifically to his own interest is a real option. Whether it is an Australian dirt biking magazine, a gardening magazine, an Australian magazine about dogs or a gardening magazine, your dad will love a father's day gift that recognises his interests.

There are heaps of specialist magazines online to subscribe too. Some of our favourites come from  Australia's Universal Magazines including Road Rider Magazine, Dirt Action, Good Gardening, Outdoor Design and Living just to name a few. Even Dog's Life!

For your change to win your dad a year's subscription to one of their great Aussie magazines, simply send us your email address using the below form before Midnight, August 13 and go in the draw. The winner will be drawn at random from all valid entries and we'll contact the winner  to get his details.

Name:


Email:

(*we will not spam you or sell your details.)
Dad Rating

Mark
Get the man what he wants.

Simon
This is the sort of father's day gift I would want to receive.

Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts Australia

If you haven't got something for Mum yet, you're risking being in big trouble. Mother's Day in Australia this year is Sunday 8 May.

When timing is tight, we recommend you get off the internet and get yourself down to your local department store.  For example, David Jones has a great range of towels from Ongkapringa starting from just $9.95. Featuring a detailed border,an ultra smooth fiinish, and made from egyptian cotton, these Ongakapringa towels are a good option for the mum who  says she doesn't want you to make a fuss.

Ongakapringa is an iconic Australian brand known for its fine quality bedding.

If your mum deserves a bit of pampering, take a look at the ethical and natural skin care range from Kosmea. Made from wild rose hip oil from the Maluti Mountains in South Africa, these products add a touch of exotic luxury to mum's day.

To celebrate Mother's Day in Australia, Kosmea has developed four gift packs, all of which include products made with its signature organic rose hip oil starting from just $39.95. Available at David Jones and leading pharmacists or visit  http://www.kosmea.com/ to buy online.

 

Dad Rating

Simon
Don't forget Mum this mother's day. Get down to the Department Store.

Mark
Simple and easy gift options for mum this mother's day.

Give a Gift That Keeps Giving

Years ago I remember reading a Footrot Flats Comic  in which Aunty Dolly gives Wal two female kittens - and "the Dog" says "A gift that keeps on giving!", but seriously, when it comes down to those mums that are difficult to buy for, sometimes an ongoing gift rather than a one off, is a good way of letting them know how much you care all year around.

For many years, giving a magazine subscription has been an option, but now the people at Endless Gift have come up with other options. The first is the Never Ending Cookie Jar Subscription.

For one fixed price, a stylish, glass Endless Cookie jar filled with cookies is delivered to your recipient’s door, then a top-up supply of differently flavoured cookies is delivered every month until the subscription is finished. The flavours offered at the moment are:

• Chocolate Chip - crunchy goodness with pockets of chocolate bliss.
• Triple Chocolate Chunk - the name says it all, a chocolate-lover’s dream come true.
• White Chocolate & Macadamia - a truly sublime combination.
• White Chocolate & Cranberry - sweet and tart, totally more-ish.
• Lemon Butter Shortbread - melts in the mouth with a sweet citrus flavour.
• Chai & Lime Shortbread - a special mix of aromatic spices with a hint of lime.

Prices start from $89.95 including delivery. The EndlessGift.com.au website is simple but easy to use, and the cookies themselves taste great.
Dad Rating

Stevo
Share the love all year round.

Ty
Good cookies. Would be good to see some other choices.

On the walls

For better or worse, the modern dad also has a roll to play in the home's interior design, and while for some of us, that extends only to hanging a framed Wallabies jersey "in the pool room", for others, it extends to all the walls of the house.

We recently saw a great product which can be customized for you, your kids or your wife or anyone else you can think of. Called Life Scrolls, and made  in Cootamundra in country NSW, and available as a poster or framed print, simply let Jodie know what you want to say, or if you need help, she has heaps of great ideas and suggestions.

Surprisingly affordable (A2 Posters start at $40 and 12" x 18" framed canvas from $79 plus P&H) and delivered in just a few days anywhere in Australia, you will certainly be top dad (husband or son) if you give someone you love such a thoughtful gift.

For more information, contact Jodie at lifescrolls@gmail.com or visit her LifeScrolls Facebook Page.

Still on walls, another great product that we're seeing around are wall decals and the pick seems to be the Australian made ones from Wall Allure .

Wall Allure has a  great range of wall decals made right here in Australia, they are continiously releasing new designs and there is bound to be something that will suit your home.

We particularly liked the Photo Frame Decals. These antique style frames can be used in different ways. For example you can use just one on it's own on the fridge or a collection of them on a wall. Best of all, they are non-permanent, easy to remove and non-wall damaging.

Prices start from just $24.95 for a two pack. You can purchase Wall Allure wall decals online or see the website for stockists.

Dad Rating

Stevo
Modern and stylish these would suit the walls of any contempary home.

Mark
 Either will make a perfect mother's day gift.

How to be a Happier Mum & The Ideas Book

Still on the mother's day theme (Australian Mum's Day is Sunday 8 May 2011) we just received a review copy of a book called "How to be a Happier Mum!" (New Holland).

Now this sort of self-help book is probably not for everyone, but it does contain inspiring stories and strategies that can help parents, especially mums live a happier and more fulfilling life.

With chapters such as Mummy Overwhelm, Nutrition and Exercise, Work and Career, Yoga and Meditation and Wildflowers, the book covers areas of exercise, nutrition, relaxation, beauty, goal setting, cultivating happiness and relationships. Author Nicky Arthur is  also a workshop presenter, motivational speaker, yoga teacher and mother of two girls.

RRP $19.99 available at all major retailers and online at nickyarthur.com

Another bright idea for the house proud mum is "The Ideas Book" from designer and author of "Australia Vintage Living!",  Bronnie Masefau. 

Written to inspire and designed small enough to fit comfortably in to a woman's handbag, Masefau's The Ideas Book has handy interior design tips for all areas of the home from the kitchen and dining areas to bedrooms, bathrooms, lounge rooms and even laundry areas. Its more than just a book though, its a place to store ideas, with spare pages after each chapter for mum to scribble her thoughts. There's even an area to jot down the addresses of favourite shops and design outlets.

The Ideas Book is available online at Bronnie Masefau's website for $24.95 plus postage & handling!

Dad Rating

Steven
Well written and easy to read books.

Ken
Make mum's day a little happier & a little easier.

Chocogram Says it with Chocolate

Forget about saying it with flowers, this Mother's Day, how about saying it with Chocolate - literally!

We recently leart about Chocograms, which are just so much better than a box of cadbury roses. Simply choose your message (write your own or select a standard one) and order your Chocogram online, and the next day, your mum will receive a beautiful belgian chocolate "chocogram" delivered to her door.

The Chocogram.com.au website is easy to use, delivery is quick and there are heaps of choices for those looking for inspiration.

Dad Rating

Matt
New twist on an old idea.

Mark
This is what mum is getting this year.

Mum's love Baileys Irish Cream

We've been looking at some great gifts for mum (yours or your kids :) ) this mother's day, and one that we know many mums love, is Bailey's Irish Cream.

For many years this Irish whiskey and cream based liqueur has been a favourite, and recently they've been experimenting with new flavours. One new flavour that will be quick to become popular is the Bailey's Irish Cream Hazelnut .

The new flavour combines the silky smooth taste of Baileys Original with a scrumptious hazelnut tone!

Baileys Hazelnut will hit stores from early April and is available at select stores including Woolworths Liquor, BWS and Dan Murphy's .

Dad's Choice encourages the responsible consumption of alcohol.

Dad Rating

Sean
The ladies seem to love it.

Stevo
Perfect after dinner treat - serve it over ice.

Home Delivered Meals for Mother's Day

One of the big things about mother's day is that mum shouldn't have to cook! But what about if you're not close enough to drop around and cook mum dinner or take her out? What if you can't cook and for what ever reason your mum can't or won't go out?

If that sounds like  your mum, then take a look at Gourmet Dinner Service. Established back in 1995, the team at Gourmet Dinner Service pride themselves in delivering fresh and healthy meals to your door. They have literally hundreds of meal combinations to choose from - for example, how about  roasted lamb shanks with lots of roast garlic and red wine sauce accompanied by slow roasted potatoes and followed with a Tiramisu?

We tried the Gourmet Dinner Service Lamb shanks ourselves and they tasted great. Prices are comparable to restuarant prices - the Lamb shanks costs $17.90 with a side serve of garlic mash for $5.50 (plus delivery).

Preparation is easy, simply defrost for about 15 minutes in the  microwave and then heat for approximately  2 to 3 minutes. These aren't just frozen dinners though - Gourmet Dinner Service claim to use only the freshest ingredients and you can taste the difference.

Orders are delivered in an insulated box and are avaliable to addresses in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and regional areas such as Southern Highlands, Central Coast, Wollongong and Newcastle . Check out the Gourmet Dinner Service website for details. 

The website is easy to use and full of informative information including recommendations and dietary information.


Dad Rating

Ken
Good option for the mum who can't get out.

William
Dinner delivered to your door.

Nespresso Pixie Delivers Great Coffee Every Time

It's getting to that time where we all have to start looking at helping the kids choose Mother's Day presents - this year, Mother's Day in Australia falls on Sunday 8 May 2011.

We recently field tested (or should that be kitchen tested?) the great new Nespresso Pixie coffee machine from DeLonghi.

The first thing that hit us was just how attractive this little coffee machine this is. If you or your wife fancy yourselves as having a sense of style, then this will be sure to suit your kitchen.

The second thing is how easy the Pixie Nespresso is to use. By day two, even the 8 year old could make mummy her cup of coffee in the morning, with no fear of scalding or mess. It's also quick - The PIXIE heats up in less than 30 seconds and according to the manufacturer, uses 40 per cent less energy than other coffee machines!

You do need to be aware that the Nespresso range use patented coffee capsules or pods, which do cost about $1 each, so factor that in before you give this gift that keeps on giving! If you have your coffee with milk, you'll also want to heat your milk, either in the microwave or the handy coffee heating accessory.

The new Nespresso PIXIE range is available in in electric steel blue, lime, aluminium, indigo, red and titan and would be perfect for Mother's Day this year.

Dad Rating

Simon
Surprisingly good coffee.

Streven
Easy to use and no clean up!.

Mum & Me Recordable Book

Many might say that Mother's Day (8 May 2011) is a "Hallmark Holiday" so perhaps it's fitting that this year Hallmark has released a mother's day gift with a twist. Called "Mum & Me"

Recordable Storybooks allow your wife  and your child to record their voices on every page, creating a lasting keepsake.  Hallmark has both mums and grandmothers covered with three titles - Mum & Me, Grandma & Me, and I Love You Grandma.

The books include simple prompting questions, which your kids record answers to e.g. "If mum won a million dollars, what would she do with it?"

The Hallmark Recordable Storybooks are available for $34.99 at retailers and also online at the Hallmark website.


Dad Rating

Matt
Novel Idea.

Stevo
Fun for the littlies.

Mother's Day Suggestion- Simply Gifts Hamper

With Mother's Day soon upon us (this year, Australian Mother's Day falls on Sunday 8 May 2011) its time to help kids make the right decisions.

We don't really understand why, but Mums just love herbal  tea  - something about pampering and time to themselves I guess. If your wife is one of those sorts of people, you should get the kids to take a look at SimplyGifts.Com.au  - this fast, secure and easy to use website has heaps of pamper hampers for your wife or mum. Simply click on the "Mother's Day" link on the right hand side for lots of idea - we loved the "mum's favourite tea" hamper.

Items arrive quickly and beautifully presented in gift wrapped boxes. Orders placed online prior to 2pm are received next business day, anywhere in Australia. Couldn't be easier!


Dad Rating

Mark
Well presented and well priced.

Steven
Easy to use website and fast delivery.

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.

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

Ideal Valentine's Day Gift - Travel Documents Set

Looking for a Valentine's Day gift for the lady who likes overseas travel? Something that's very popular right now is a stylish travel document set and we've got our hands on a couple that are currently in the market

The travel document set from GirlyGadgets.com.au contains a document wallet, passport cover and two luggage tags. The document wallet contains separate compartments for each of tickets, passports, travellers cheques and other documents making it really easy for your lady when she is struggling in the queue with handbags, beauty cases and suitcases.

The travel set comes with a bit of extra bling to add some sass and is  $39.95 online at GirlyGadgets.com.au. The Girly Gadgets online store is simple, almost stark in its design but is easy to use and fast loading. Shipping is $9.95 for orders under $50 and free for orders over $50. They do have an exchange policy but products must be returned unopened within 7 days which could be a challenge for a gift.

If you want to take it up a notch, take a look at the travel accessories gift pack from Catherine Manuell Design. 

The beautifully boxed travel set from Catherine Manuell  contains two luggage tags and a passport ticket walllet in various colours - we're going for Oversize Rose for Valentine's Day, but there are heaps of other choices (floral and otherwise) to suit your lady's tastes.

The Catherine Manuell Design travel accessories gift set is available at the Catherine Manuell online store  for $79.95. The website and online store itself is well designed and easy to use and contains heaps of beautiful designer travel accessories that we're sure the ladies will love. Shipping is $9.95. They do have an exchange policy if goods are returned within 10 days which again is tight in the case of a gift.

Dad Rating

Stevo
For the stylish lady flyer

Matt

Get one with lots of pockets, will keep things well organised.

USB Bling for the busy lady

Just in time for Valentine's day, you should take a look at the office bling available at Madam Charli.

Most mums now days have at least one or two usb keys floating around at the bottom of the handbag, but Madam Charli has a nice alternative with stylish heart pendants set with "bling" which conceal a USB Key. Available in 2GB and 4GB options, these silver USB heart pendants are priced from $30 we definitely recommend you take a look at these as a "small token of your affection" this Valentine's Day.

You can order online at http://www.madamcharli.com.au/ and while the prices are good and the service quick, we do have to say this is not the easiest website to use.

Dad Rating

Stevo
Perfect for the busy mum

MikeIt's a bling thing