How do we really show our loved ones how much we care? For our partners, wives or husbands, we might do so through a close embrace, a deep and loving gaze, or soft words spoken closely late at night. For our children we make untold sacrifices, our lives refocused to bring them every bit of happiness, wonder and joy within our capabilities. Or, if it’s for Father’s Day, we express our love through greeting cards containing groan-worthy jokes and last-minute Amazon orders of the same old trinkets: socks, whisky, ‘Dad rock’ CDs, novelty mugs and nasal hair trimmers.

Surely a day dedicated to Dad should amount to more than this? After all, we each owe an awful lot to our fathers. They can take on any number of key roles in our lives: the strong silent type, quietly working away to provide a roof over our heads; the ambitious driving force always helping to realise our fullest potential; or a goofy big kid with an infectiously silly sense of humour who just wants to have fun. Our dads have an immeasurable impact on who we are, and who we grow up to become (whether we want to admit it or not!) When life throws a challenge our way, we can turn to them for advice, knowing their experience and wisdom will see us through. Or when things go well we’ll want them to be the first to know, because we all want to make our dads proud. For these reasons, and for a million others, it’s important to take the time to show our appreciation, to tell our dads we love them, and to thank them for all they do for us.

How best to do this without falling back on the old cliches? After all, men of a certain age can be notoriously difficult to buy gifts for, which is why these cliches exist in the first place! But don’t just buy more stuff for the sake of it. This year, think a bit more deeply about the man your father is, and what would help to make them feel truly understood and appreciated.

For starters, how many of us can actually say that we’ve taken the time to tell our dad how much they mean to us? Right this wrong with something as simple as a carefully worded handwritten card letting them know how much you appreciate them. Or take this a step further with a letter or poem that sets out all they have done or continue to do for you, and how grateful you are for their love and support. Dig deep, or keep it light and quirky - you know your dad better than almost anyone, so tailor to their tastes!

Perhaps your dad isn’t so good at the mushy stuff, and needs a little help getting in touch with his emotional side? Or maybe he just needs a hand to get a bit more organised? A stylish, high-quality pen and journal could be the perfect gift. Whether you want to encourage him to write down his inner thoughts and feelings, or just to keep notes for his latest project all in one place, a good pen and journal is something he’ll use every day, and a Father’s Day gift he’ll cherish.

Of course, a gift doesn’t have to be something you give, but instead can be something you do. Maybe this year, you give the gift of time spent together. Perhaps a hill walk, bike ride or boat trip that you’ve always wanted to take? A short city break, or an outing to a sport event he’d enjoy? An evening at a pub or restaurant he likes? Or maybe it’s something as simple as an evening at home together, curled up on the sofa in front of a favourite movie?

To that end - here are some suggestions of old family favourites for you and your dad to enjoy and reminisce over. Of course, it wouldn’t be us if there wasn’t a recurring pen-based theme…

Goldeneye (1995)

The crowning jewel of Pierce Brosnan’s illustrious stint as the indefatigable super-spy James Bond, Goldeneye features even more gadgets and gizmos than previous outings. In addition to the cars, the guns, and the multifunctional watch, Q supplies Bond with a Parker Jotter ballpoint pen that doubles as a class IV grenade. When inadvertently detonated by nervous computer programmer Boris Grishenko (Alan Cumming), the exploding pen manages to save the day for Bond and co by providing a sufficient distraction for their escape, and allowing them to prevent the United Kingdom’s complete annihilation. A fine addition to any secret agent’s desktop!

Hook (1991)

A favourite for those who grew old but refused to grow up, Hook is an imagined sequel to the 1911 Peter Pan novel. Starring Robin Williams as an adult Peter, the film exhibits the dangers of forgetting about our younger selves, and extols the value of retaining our inner child. Confronted by the villainous Captain Hook for the first time, Peter is demanded to “take out his weapon and fight” for the return of his kidnapped children. Stuck in his ways as an up-tight workaholic lawyer, Peter instead pulls out a chequebook and pen and asks, “How much?” It is only when Hook raises his pistol and shoots a hole through said book that Peter realises - the corporate world he left behind is well and truly gone. Could this really be a problem our beloved pen is unable to resolve?!

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Another Spielberg classic, The Last Crusade is the perfect Father’s Day flick - a fast-paced adventure story hinged on a loving but occasionally fraught father-son relationship (something many can relate to!) Of course, the third Indy film also features one of the best pen-based quips in cinema history. Midway through a high-octane series of close-combat fights on board a moving tank, Henry Jones Sr (Sean Connery) grapples over a pistol with a Nazi soldier. Opting for brains over brawn, Henry reaches into his breast pocket and removes a fountain pen, which he uses to squirt ink into the eye of his adversary, before swiftly knocking him out. An excitable Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) remarks: “You see - the pen is mightier than the sword!”

However you choose to mark the occasion this year, we hope you and your loved ones are able to take the time to share your gratitude to one another, and to properly enjoy one another’s company wherever possible. Happy Father’s Day!

 

COMPETITION TIME

Win a bundle of stationery goodies, an ideal Father's Day gift, by answering this simple question:

Which pen was used an a grenade in James Bond Goldeneye?

This competition is now closed!

Our winner is San Lwin Oo from London, UK

 

T's & C's Prize includes 1x Stamford Notebook Medium Travellers Journal - Dark Brown, embossed with Dad, 1x Sheaffer Prelude Black Palladium Gold Trim Fountain Pen, 1x Laurige Leather 2 Pen Case - Chocolate and worldwide standard delivery. Competition closes Midday (GMT) Wednesday 16th June 2021. Winner will be selected at random from all correct entries and announced on Thursday 17th June 2021. 1 entry per person. The prize is as stated, is not transferable and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The winner will be responsible for any expenses and arrangements not specifically included in the prize. All standard Pen Heaven terms and conditions apply.