It seems ridiculous that I’m even writing this. but Father’s Day is now only around the corner and it looks like social distancing restrictions are still in place. So we’ve put our heads together and come up with some alternative Father’s Day ideas for the whole family to enjoy!
BBQ
My husband is a big fan of lots of meat! So Father’s Day is usually spent at a very meat heavy restaurant! Last year it was Ribs all round at Billy Bobs! This year, I’m doing a good old barbie! Not just your burgers and bangers affair either. I’m turning our back garden into an American style smoke house! I’ve no idea what I’m doing really, but I’ve stocked up on lots of juicy cuts of meats, different rubs and marinades, even some special coals for the BBQ, along with some vanilla ice cream to make cola-floats! In for a penny and all that! Lets just hope it doesn’t rain! And if its a disaster, BBQ King Andy Annat is always on hand!
Home Made Sweet Treats
My husbands weakness, and I haven’t met a man yet that doesn’t love a piece of Rocky Road! It’s so simple to make – you can easily get the kids involved. Add Daddy’s favourite chocolates and biscuits to customise! Its so easy to make – break everything up, put it in a bowl and add melted chocolate then put in the fridge to set for a couple of hours! We’ve been making loads of them over lockdown!
If home baking isn’t your thing then check out the brilliant Harrogate Cookie Company.
Spa Time
Seriously, believe it or not, men love a pamper! So get the kids to make a face mask and let Dad relax whilst the children wait on his every needs! My husband came back from a Boots a run this week for a face mask for himself, after he’d seen me doing them!
Beer
Which Dad doesn’t like beer? We’re spoilt for choice in Harrogate for locally brewed stuff, although we can’t go out to enjoy it, plenty of places are doing home delivery including Black Sheep and Cold Bath Brewing! Check out our full listing on local alcohol deliveries here.
Virtual Day Trips
Check out our previous blog, just because you cant leave the house doesn’t mean you cant go anywhere! We’re off to Disney Land for the day!
Infact, now restrictions have been lifted why not take an actual day trip! Mother Shipton’s are open for pre-booked car admissions, and Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is now open. You will need to book your visit in advance.
Pub Quiz
We’ve done loads of these over lockdown and really enjoy them! Get the kids to write some of the questions and get other households involved over a zoom party! We’ve been doing a weekly quiz with the our local Mum and Dad friends and its been brilliant fun! We’ve even got quiz questions ready for you!
Vouchers and Cards
We’ve also come up with these downloadable vouchers and cards (click on the link below) – print them off and colour them in – an ideal home made Father’s Day gift, and they can all be redeemed whilst still on lockdown!
Download your Father’s Day Card here!
Download your Father’s Day Vouchers here!
Local Take Aways
We have a full listing of all local deliveries and take aways, so why not treat Dad to diner at his favourite restaurant – safely delivered to our door! Did someone say Farmhouse? YES PLEASE! Local favourite Gino D’Acampo are now open for delivery via Gino2Go.com. Head over to their Facebook page to be in with a chance to win a Roast Dinner for Father’s Day! Also for Father’s Day – for any orders for collection over £30 quote “Gino Vino” to receive a bottle of wine for Papa!
Support Local
Now more than ever, your local businesses need you, so if you’re looking at buying Dad a special something, take a look at the local retailers who have now gone online, or maybe send him some flowers using a local florist? Or even vouchers for his favourite restaurant that isn’t open yet.
The Weekend Factory is a group of local independent businesses working together to deliver everything you need for that perfect family night (or day) in! They’ve got loads of brilliant things planned for Father’s Day.
Deliveries are Thurs- Sunday and you’ll need to pre-order at least 48 hours in advance. Order as soon as you can, especially the Afternoon Teas – they often sell out! Afternoon Teas are £13.50 for adults and £7 for kids, with discounts if you order for more than one person!
The Harrogate Cookie Company are producing special Fathers Day Cookie Treat Boxes. They’ll include 4 cookies, plus a traybake and also include a card that we can add a short message to plus a chocolate Dad plaque. Prices start from £15 for local deliveries to £22 for posted, tracked items.
They are also offering special Brownie Pizzas in four different flavours; Mr Salty, The Ferrero, Wispa Sweet Nothings (I’ve tried this one – OMG!!) and Clockwork Orange. The pizzas are 8” in diameter and approx 2” deep and come with a Dad plaque on them plus a card they can write a short message in. These are just available for delivery only – £18 local deliveries and £20 for an outer delivery. All Father’s Day treats will be delivered the day before Father Day on Saturday 20th June 2020. Keep an eye out on their website on how to order!
We love local store Sophie Likes… Their shop in Harrogate is currently closed, but they’re online store is brilliant! I get lost on their website for hours! They have some wonderful signs which are fab for Father’s Day. They are handmade and metal so can go outside too. They can do any personalised ones in a range of colours too, the perfect gift that can be posted or delivered locally.
Mama Doreens Emporium are doing a special Father’s Day Afternoon Tea to take away which includes Afternoon Tea, box of cupcakes and a beer for £21.
Morse Toad
Morse Toad are also doing a range of personalised gifts for Father’s Day.
Wishing all those Dads out there a Very Happy Father’s Day! Special shout out to the Mumbler Dads: Dave, Joe, Solo and James, who are often unwittingly used in our images!
For more useful hints & tips about coping with kids during coronavirus visit our “Coping with Coronavirus” pages here they are jam-packed with resources and information for you.
???? Practical Advice for Parents
???? Food, Booze & Entertainment deliveries locally
???? Key worker “thank you” colouring sheets
???? School closures from Headteacher perspective
????Daily schedule suggestion for home-schooling
????Free Colouring Activity Sheets & Spot-the-difference
????Home-schooling with Celebs- virtual classes timetable
????Holiday on lockdown ideas
????Local Libraries- what resources are still available
????Virtual Day trips to world leading attractions
????101 Things to do with kids indoors
????Keeping Toddlers busy at Home
????Pregnancy during corona crisis- a personal blog
????Life Unprecedented- Working Mums personal blog
????Looking After Children’s Mental Health
????Ideas for baking with kids
???? Free on-line educational resources
????Our favourite kids subscriptions
????Brilliant Garden-based activities
????Family Meals from Tins & frozen ingredients.
