I love my Dad. But I suck at Father's Day. I always forget until the last minute and end up buying him socks or a new book (to be fair, that's normally all he's after).

So to amp myself up I've put together a list of 21 Father's Day ideas that are not only good for him, and will make you his favourite child, but also are good for Wellington. Most of the suggestions are locally focused but of super fab quality. No more sock from Farmers...ever.

1. Take him for Sunday brunch at Coco at the Roxy

If your Dad has never had the chance to try the buffet brunch at Coco at the Roxy - boy oh boy is he missing out. Dad's will love this super hearty feast where you can eat as much as you want for about $35. And this Sunday its even less because they are offering Dad's for kids prices - just $15. Ooh la la. It also comes with a complementary Bloody Mary, complete with ALL of the condiments. Pile your plate never looked so fancy and so delicious. Go and see a film afterwards while your meal digests.

2. Book him in for a tattoo

What's the best way to show your love for Dad? A tattoo of course - with your name on it. All kidding aside, Craigy Lee at Union Tattoo does some of the best tat's in town. If your Dad's been thinking about taking the plunge or adding one to the collection, make sure you book in Craigy to do the job. True story: My mum, who is very proper, said she would get Craigy to do a tattoo for her if she ever were to get one "It makes me want to get a tattoo!". Can't argue with my mum, eh? You can check out his awesome work on Instagram.

3. Give him a selection of Six Barrel Soda's to try...

Six Barrel Soda Co is serving up Wellington's coolest sodas, from Cola to Celery Tonic - and Dad will surely love this syrupy treat to add to soda. Jazz up the old Soda Stream and get serious with your families non-alcoholic bevy's. Check out the full range of flavours listed in my interview with Joseph, Six Barrels co-founder, here.

4. Treat him with a bottle of Gin from Reid + Reid

Another true fact: Chris Reid (one of the brother's behind Reid + Reid) was my ball date in seventh form (sorry ladies, he was taken even then). So he managed to survive my Dad meeting him and me having to stand on his feet as we waltzed to 'Moon River' at the Michael Fowler Centre (sorry Chris). That aside, he makes some truly incredible independent Gin. It is hands down my favourite Gin on the market and is made in the Wairarapa. Chris and his girlfriend Holly hand pick the Kawa Kawa leaves they use to infuse in his gin. While the full story will be up on 'The Residents' soon, in the meantime, you have GOT to try this gin - and leave some for Dad of course...

5. Pick up some Supreme Coffee to help him kick start his mornings

Supreme are the Coffee King in Wellington and are experts when it come to serving up Dad's morning brew. Head to their Midland Park store and try their filters for coffee, V60 filters and other coffee gadgets. If you father is a freak for a fancy grind (in the appropriate fashion), swing down and grab a bag of Coffee Supreme.

6. Grab some plants from Lush Lane for the green fingered Father

Everyone needs a little green in their life, especially hard working Dad's who might not get to go outside in the day from work. Whether you Dad is a gardener or whether he kills plants just by looking at them, Lush Lane have you covered. These guys have everything from the most delicate Ivy to the hardiest cactus. Make sure you tell Dad to read the instructions.

7. What about a voucher for his favourite Pub?

A tried and true from my point of view, a fifty dollar voucher at your Dad's favourite pub is always a safe bet. My Dad loves Goldings Freedive for it's location and wide variety of ales and lagers. You can just go and ask the bar staff and they will gladly hook you up. Now Dad can drink in your honour...and on your checkbook.

8. Or take him to the Wairarapa for a Sunday Drive

When I want to really bond with my Dad, there is nothing quite like going to a long drive. A safe bet is always the Wairarapa. It's only an hour away and once you are there you can visit beautiful Greytown or Martinborough. Make sure you check out the vineyards and if you plan to have lunch at any of them, call and book in advance. I like Coney and Poppies Vineyards.

9. Splash out on a coat from Okewa Rainwear

I know, I know - I can't shut up about this raincoat brand, designed in Wellington and made in New Zealand. But honestly, it changed my boyfriend's life. If your Dad is anything like mine, he values his coat to walk around Wellington in. Okewa Rainwear is 100% waterproof and crafted from made-to-order Japanese rain-repellant fabric. With a home try-on service, you can make sure your Dad gets the right size and fit for him before you spend the big bucks. He will love you forever and ever - as long as it rains in Wellington, anyway.

10. Give him a mirror to admire his reflection in from Tinker Design

Tinker Design is a hyper local brand that produces high quality hand made woodwork pieces - and this mirror is a beautiful gift, to be sure. If your Dad always moans about someone else in the house hogging the mirror, get him one of his own. This mirror has a good heavy weight to it and high quality mirror. Daniel Santure, the designer behind the brand, is a teacher at Scots College. He also makes chopping boards, wooden spoons and other quirky home-ware pieces. You can order his pieces online here.

11. Or let him wash away his worries in a float pod

Has your Father ever dreamed of going into outer-space? Well, now you can give him that very feeling. Float Well is a float pod spa that do a great deal on floating. If you've never tried it, it's a bath in heavily dense water, filled with Epsom salts. It gives a feeling of weightlessness, much like that of an astronaut in space. It is also most relaxing. Now Dad can ditch the diet and relax in his own pod for an hour. You can read my full review of Float Well's floating experience here.

12. Bank on a good Book

I know I just said I always resort to a book - but for some Dad's it's all that will do. I love Ekor Bookstore on College Street for their extensive range of books, in every genre imaginable. You can sit and enjoy a hot coffee while you peruse the shelves, finding Dad the perfect biography on Stalin that will be guaranteed to make his Father's Day.

13. Take him to the City Gallery for some culture time together

Maybe these days you hit up the art gallery with your mates (assuming you go to the art gallery on occasion). But have you ever thought that your own dear father might be crying into his pillow at home, wondering why you never want to do anything with him these days? No? Ok, well maybe not. Nevertheless, I can guarantee you he'll enjoy Jealous Saboteurs, Francis Upritchard's exhibition currently on at the gallery. Edgy, multi-dimensional and eerie, It's a perfect Dad/child day out.

14. Send him for a massage at Om Clinic with Lauryn

Again, a full post on this particular experience is in ... well... the post. But Lauryn's massages from Om Clinic are seriously OFF THE HOOK. Your Dad will adore this as a present. It's most relaxing and will put him in a good mood for the rest of the week. Lauryn has trained extensively and has experience in reflexology and aromatherapy. A luxurious holistic health experience.

15. Get him a snazzy new piece of clothing from an Op Shop

If you are looking for something truly individual, and your Dad is a bit cool (cooler than mine at least), check out Thrift's fantastic range of second hand menswear. Your Dad will surely love getting a nostalgic t-shirt or funky pair of shorts. Mum - maybe not so much. Recycle fashion and remind Dad of "the good old days, when men were men".

16. Remind him of the time with the concrete clock from Koncreto

This clock is one of my favourite pieces from the decidely masculine Koncreto range. Even in this digital age, most men need a clock at home to keep them on time. An iPhone is not a clock. Karla, the founder of Koncreto, hand pours all her concrete creations - so you Dad can sit back at watch time pass, knowing he's been supporting local entrepreneurs.

17. Have a meal together out in Wellington

I love eating out in Wellington and Fathers Day is a perfect excuse to do so. Hit up newly opened Shepherd for a dining treat that's sure to impress Dad.

18. Or stay home and make him one

...but don't forget, sometimes home cooked is also fun.

19. Give his skin a boost with unisex skincare line Hema

You might think Dad doesn't worry about his looks. You'd be wrong. Hema oil is used by some seriously high profile men around Wellington (we don't name names though). It's incredibly good for his skin and will get rid of all those worry lines from work. Even Dad's need to take care of their faces. It may be pricey but he will really love it - it's all natural and made in Wellington - even the cast of the Lord of the Rings used it when they were here!

20. Buy him a membership for the Wellington Film Society

I've been meaning to do this for ages and STILL haven't got around to it. For about $90 (?) a year, your Dad can catch a film shown at the Paramount every week by the Wellington Film Society. You also get special prices on Film Festival tickets. Now that's a gift that keeps on giving.

21. Spend time together doing nothing

Did I mention that this is my favourite idea for Father's Day. As I say, the greatest gift is spending time together. Normally I show up without anything in hand - insisting that the real present is.... ME!

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