Dads always have their things.
The stuff that fits like old comfy socks — sometimes it's even old comfy socks.
A favourite Springbok cap. Why that cap? Did someone special give it to him? Did it survive twenty summers, six holidays and every braai since 2004?
Or the aviator sunglasses with scratched lenses that he still refuses to replace because apparently he was a pilot in a previous existence.
Then there are the braai tongs. Not just any braai tongs. His braai tongs. The old faithful pair that somehow works better than every new replacement ever bought. The pair nobody else is really trusted to use properly.
Dads often hang onto things they love, they become part of routine.
The mug always used first thing in the morning.
The torch during load-shedding.
The old cooler bag.
The chair outside.
The “good” pen.
The pocket knife that appears for absolutely every situation.
And somehow those things slowly stop being just things.
They become part of the person.
Maybe that's why Father's Day gifts can feel difficult sometimes.
Most dads aren't looking for more stuff.
But every now and then, something new earns its place alongside the old favourites. Something useful. Something that becomes part of the everyday.
Same same. But better.