As a father of 3 wonderful boys, what more could I possibly want for Fathers Day this year. Ideally the morning starts with cards and cuddles. Breakfast in bed, being able to dose off again for a few hours. Up for a freshly made lunch, more cuddles and presents or a new car, new clothes, new rugby boots, a couple of bottle of gin and bottle of whiskey. Lots of appreciation, a few more cuddles, off to the pub for a couple of pints then out for dinner. Preferably at my favourite place to enjoy the food and a couple of glasses of wine. Yeah right!
In realty it will be out of bed at silly o’clock as number 2 child cannot seem to sleep past 6am. Preparing breakfast, tidying up, dad’s cab to football / drama then collection from football / drama. Lunch, afternoon spent doing the household chores that not had time to do during the week. Dinner, tidy up, bath the boys, school bags packed and ready to do it all over again the following day.
What I really want is something I can call my own. Something that will last and give me enjoyment whilst the hectic-ness of life goes on around me. So if the good lady is reading this, these are my top 5 gifts for Father’s Day, nudge nudge!
Wish List
Number 5 – the Hario Hand Grinder. Small, portable, ideal for that instant grind and consistent. Essential kit when it comes to filter brewing on the move. Dead easy to use, store and maintain.
Number 4 – the Aeropress. What a cracking invention! Ideal for getting the caffeine fix anytime and a terrific way to try different coffee’s. Easy, no fuss, allows you to understand brewing and the variables i.e. time, pressure, grind size etc.
Number 3 – A Clever dripper. What’s so cleaver about this you say? Easy to use, no mess, cleverly has a release valve in the base that allows the brewed coffee to pour into your cup once ready. Simple, portable, makes a really clean cup of coffee. Did I mention no mess? It really is clever.
Number 2 – has to be a Chemex. Look stunning, all hand-blown glass, ideal for dinner parties. Durable, makes brewing coffee fun and sociable, allows you to brew to your taste.
Number 1 – a dads gift has got to be a syphon. How cool are these. Takes me back to chemistry lessons or watching breaking bad. A memorising and fun way to make a cup of coffee. Cold fresh water in the bottom, heat via the burner so the water rises and creates a vacuum. Ground coffee in the top chamber, allow brew time, remove the burner and watch as it magically returns to the lower chamber as brewed coffee. I was never any good at chemistry at school so in my mind this really is magic.
And practical
The common thing I have noted whilst dreaming of Father’s Day. All these brewing gadgets are small enough to store away, to travel with, to clean, make cracking coffee & inexpensive.
The kids don’t need to spend much so they win. They don’t take up much room, don’t need electricity, don’t make a mess or a noise. So the wife wins and if I still get a hug from the boys in the morning. I’m a winner whatever happens this Father’s Day.