Finding the Perfect Father’s Day Present & a Yummy Dinner at GBK

Spoiler alert: Hubby, if you are reading this, look away right now! You are not allowed to even glance at this post!

Sorry about this, but I had to warn him!

OK, so what do you get for the Dad who wants nothing?

I do not really struggle to find presents for my husband. Far from that. Neither do the kids. The only issue is that Hubby is not into presents (if there is such a thing!). A few weeks ago, he was moaning because his wireless headphones were not working, so after doing quite a bit of research, I bought him the best ones I could find and I knew he would love them. Not bad for an anniversary present, right? Well, they are still in their box, unopened. Go figure!

When I get a present, I tend to be rude and snatch it off the giver’s hands so I can tear the wrapping paper off and discover what is hidden inside, but Hubby is the opposite. It is frustrating, but I really wanted the children to get him something he will want to open and use.

When Brent Cross challenged us to spend some time in the shopping centre to try and find a present or two for Hubby, I jumped at the chance.

As we were driving there this evening, I asked the children what they thought would make a good Father’s Day present for their Daddy. Here are their answers:

Beanie: “A big teddy bear to cuddle when he is scared or angry.”

Jumpy: “A big train to get to the party.”

Crevette: “A bottle of beer and cup that says,  “Beer Makes Me Happy.””

“OK, hum, I might have to give them some direction,” I thought to myself.

There were so many shops there they were not sure where to start.

The first thing the children decided to get was a card. WHSmith was the perfect place for that and we ended up with more than one! Fair enough.

Lakeland provided some inspiration with these Star Wars cookie cutters.

In John Lewis, Crevette spotted some beer tankards and nice mugs. Something to cool beer would be also good thing to have, wouldn’t it?

We had a short break and played some instruments. My budding musicians had a great time there!

A couple of things that always end up being used, no matter what, are T-shirts, so we had a good browse in Fenwick.

After a whole day at school and all that shopping, the children were exhausted and ready for dinner so we made our way to Gourmet Burger Kitchen.

I love GBK because it is the only place I know of where Wriggly can have a burger. The children also love it because they know they will get some activities and colouring on their menu that doubles up as an activity mat.

Candice, who looked after us, was incredibly thorough with Jumpy’s food and it made me feel really relaxed about our dinner out. Nice change!

Jumpy loved the burger buns and ate one of them first before she got to work with the beef. She does not quite get the concept of burgers yet so she has the bread and the meat separately. Why not? She poked a toothpick through her steak and ate every last bit of it!

My meal was something else! I normally go for a good old cheeseburger, but I decided to be more adventurous today and go for the ‘Frenchie,’ with its Reblochon cheese, bacon jam, dill pickle and crisp salad. It was the best beef burger I have ever had! I had it with sweet potato fries and a side salad: perfect! As for the homemade cloudy lemonade I chose, it looked like a Mojito and made me feel like I was having a cheeky drink! It was seriously delicious. I wish I managed to make our homemade lemonade taste that nice. Note to self: Ask for the recipe next time.

Disclosure: We were given Brent Cross vouchers and encouraged to hunt for the ideal Father’s Day presents. GBK also invited the children and I to have dinner free of charge.