Blog

Fatherhood is a journey filled with a unique blend of challenges, triumphs, and profound joys. Whether biological, adoptive, or as a cherished father figure, the role a father plays is pivotal in shaping the lives of children and creating strong family bonds. As we approach Father’s Day, it’s essential to recognise and celebrate the significant impact fathers have, and to remember that men, too, appreciate thoughtful gestures and gifts that acknowledge their efforts and love. 

The Essence of Being a Father or Father Figure

Being a father goes beyond the mere biological connection; it is about providing unwavering support, love, and guidance. Fathers are mentors, protectors, and friends. They are the silent anchors that keep the family steady through life’s storms. From teaching their children to ride a bike to offering wisdom during challenging times, fathers play multifaceted roles that influence their children’s lives profoundly.

For many, the concept of fatherhood extends to individuals who serve as father figures. These can be uncles, grandfathers, family friends, or mentors who step into the paternal role, providing the same care and guidance as a biological father would. These father figures are equally crucial, offering a unique blend of support that helps children grow and thrive.

The Significance of Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating and honouring fathers and father figures. It is a day to acknowledge their hard work, sacrifices, and the boundless love they offer. Traditionally, Father’s Day has been associated with simple gestures of appreciation, but it’s important to recognize that fathers, like anyone else, appreciate thoughtful gifts that show they are valued.

Thoughtful Gifts for Fathers from Ooh Box

This Father’s Day, consider going beyond the usual card and tie. A gift from Ooh Box can make the day extra special. Ooh Box has created a collection of gifts especially for Father’s Day.

Biscuit Treats: Delight your dad with a tin of fabulously yummy cookies and a mug that says With Love.

BBQ Gifts Box: Dad or not there is something about a BBQ grill that brings out the hunter gatherer!  Our Sizzler BBQ gift box is perfect when you’re giving a gift from the family.  Packed with one of the best BBQ recipe books around, a Valiant BBQ multi tool, apron and meat rubs- this fabulous treat will hit the mark

Relaxation Kits: Fathers deserve some pampering too.  We have a range of men’s pamper gifts featuring luxurious skincare products, scented candles, shaving cream and scrubs which can provide the perfect opportunity for your dad to unwind and relax.

Gardening Gifts: For the green fingered dad, consider gifting something that fuels his passions, our selection of gardeners gift sets include seeds and a quirky mug and are right of budget.

Appreciating the Little Things

While grand gestures and gifts are wonderful, it’s often the little things that mean the most to fathers. A heartfelt note expressing your gratitude, a day spent together doing something he loves, or simply taking the time to listen and engage in meaningful conversation can make all the difference.

In conclusion, being a father or father figure is a role that carries immense responsibility and profound rewards. This Father’s Day, take the opportunity to show your appreciation through thoughtful gifts from Ooh Box and heartfelt gestures. Celebrate the incredible men who have shaped your life with love, care, and unwavering support, and make this Father’s Day a truly memorable one.

The last day of January!!  Thank goodness!

January is possibly my least favourite month of the year,  except for 1993 when my first born arrived - that was a good year!  It's the barrage of self-improvement, do this, don't do that, messages combined with dark mornings, dark nights and generally gloomy weather that does nothing to revive my spirits for the start of the year ahead.

Tomorrow will be different.

Already the days are getting longer.  It's a lovely feeling to leave work and it's not pitch black.  You know that in a few short weeks the weather will improve, buds will start to show and moods and spirits will lift in anticipation of Spring.  As Love Unlimited sang, "It may be Winter outside, but in my heart it's Spring"!

The promise of warmer days, more time outdoors gets me to planning.

Not planning dry February, or 100 press ups a day, I start planning my garden.

What will I grow this year.  Is it worth fighting the grubs for my organic veg?  Is the work planting from seed better than just buying trays of bedding plants?  What colour am I painting fences and furniture?

It's now that I start my check list, feel free to use mine if it's of interest!

Plant Regeneration

Trim back hedges and shrubs to avoid those ugly woody stems that develop over the years.  Prune back old stems to encourage new shoots in the spring.

Roses are an example of a plant that benefits from regeneration (but not all roses).

Winter Tip: When all the leaves have fallen make time to clear unwanted or poorly looking plants and feed the soil.  It might be a good time to plan your display for spring on this new blank canvas?

Did you know? All wild nesting birds are protected by law. These means that you cannot deliberately disturb a wild birds nest between 1st March and 31st July. For many woody plants, winter is the best time for pruning and it avoids disturbing wild bird nests.

Know your plant before you prune!  Different trees, shrubs and climbers all have different needs and at different times of the year:
Winter pruning often involves cutting back woody growth and therefore takes longer and results in large amounts of cuttings. By getting these jobs out of the way in the off season you’ll be free to concentrate on the planting and maintenance in the spring and summer.  Your garden will look better and you’ve spread the workload and cost over the year.

General Tidy Up. British winters can be cold, windy and frosty but we can also get quite warm spells too and weeds will continue to grow during a mild winter. By clearing the debris of leaves and broken and damaged plants you will improve the look and well-being of the garden. Good garden hygiene also helps to reduce diseases. Sweep away leaves and moss from paths and hard ground.  Leaves will fertilise weeds allowing them to establish themselves in cracks and paths.  Regular weeding means less weeding.

Winter Planting. Some plants (like roses) lie dormant in the winter and so can be moved.  As long as the soil is not frozen or waterlogged, these dormant plants can be planted before they 'wake-up' in the spring.

Bulbs such as crocus, tulips and iris are often planted in late autumn. Herbaceous plants (Daffodils, cyclamen and periwinkle) are often divided and replanted in early spring depending on your local climate.

Only heavy frost and snow will stop a keen gardener!

Soil Preparation

Winter is a good time to re-design ready for spring.  If you want to add a new border, feel free to leave the soil in clumps as the cold, wet and frost will help to break it down naturally, it will also kill off any pests by exposing them to natural predators such as birds and the hedgehogs you’ll attract using the seeds from the Spring Seeds, Winter or Nature Seeds gift boxes.  The same rules apply to any vegetable plots.

Is your lawn a state? Often if you have pets and/or kids your lawn area will take a hammering over summer and so the winter is a good time to remove sections of turf, add/remove soil and relay. Lawns can be reseeded and grass grows if the temperature is above 5 degrees.

Landscaping Repairs

Now that you can see your garden in its bare bones, what repairs are needed?

- Repair any leaks on sheds and greenhouses

- Invest in a water butt

- Create or purchase a compost bin

- Repair and paint fences and furniture

- Repair any loose paving slabs

- Pressure wash paths and patios

- Build or buy a bug hotel

When you have a list of hard graft jobs like this to consider you certainly don't need a January exercise plan!

Check out our Garden Collection for gifts that will inspire your green fingered loved ones!  You'll also find some garden inspired gifts for Mother's Day too.

 Spring is about to spring - and I for one can't wait!