You’ve seen the shops become dominated with dad themed cards and overheard people debating whether to go for socks or a mug, but somehow you’ve still managed to forget it’s Father’s Day today.
But don’t worry your forgetful self, News Shopper has compiled our favourite excuses which are guaranteed* to get you off the hook.
1. Flattery
This is an age old excuse of 'you're such a great dad everyday is Father's Day to me', which when delivered with a gleaming smile and a twinkle in your eye is sure to be a winner. Feel free to elaborate which a plethora of adjectives and throw in the odd cliché, the more the better. Eg 'one of a kind', 'role model to the next generation' etc, etc.
2. The blame game
Here we use the popular tactic of blaming the messenger. 'It got lost in the post', 'I sent it weeks ago', 'postal delivery is just not what it used to be'- you get the idea. Try not to get into too much detail though, keep it vague and as always, say it with a smile.
3. Economic crisis
In a similar vein the economy can be used as an excuse for forgetting to do pretty much anything. You could argue that it wouldn't be financially responsible for everyone to shell out on cards and presents, so you have shouldered the responsibility by saving the cash. With this tactic it's advisable to go full on Robert Peston and delve deep into the murky world of economics to confuse the dad in question, before quickly changing the subject. Use buzz words like 'fiscal responsibility' and 'growing rate of GDP'.
Use this graph to confuse you dad when explaining why you failed to buy a gift.
4. Thinking of the environment
Using the eco-friendly excuse is a sure-fire way of escaping any guilt, because after all you are just thinking of the trees. Instead why not send a Father's Day text or E-card, reducing the amount of wasted paper and showing you've remembered his special day all in one fell swoop.
5. IOU
This can be delivered in two ways- a more genuine 'sorry I forgot, I'm a terrible daughter/son/person, I owe you a present' or the tactical 'I've got a gift, I just haven't bought it yet'. The latter works particularly well with experience type gifts, such as treating them to a fancy dinner.
*DISCLAIMER: News Shopper takes no responsibility for the outcome of these excuses which may or may not work.
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