Four Fathers and a Gift Shop
- 31st May 2026
- Author: Elliott Langley
It feels like only yesterday that we were celebrating Mother’s Day with our 'resident mums', Lisa and Katie. And yet, like the first glimpse of the Sun rising over the horizon, Father’s Day is already fast approaching. Thankfully, this time I am slightly more prepared, and ready to help you get ahead of the game when it comes to finding the perfect gift.
While we may not currently have a father-and-son duo working here at the National Space Centre (at least, none that we know of…), we are lucky enough to have a fantastic group of dads across our team. From first-time fathers getting to grips with toddler life to experienced dads with grown-up children, they bring a mix of humour, insight, and that unmistakable 'dad' energy to everything they do.
So, in the spirit of Father’s Day, I gathered a few of the 'Dads of the National Space Centre' and took a trip to our Shop. The mission? To explore gift ideas that suit every kind of dad, from the sweet-toothed to the sentimental, and everything in between.
The Sweet-Toothed Dad
First up is Dan Kendall, Curator, father of two, who wasted no time heading straight for the treats. For Dan, the ideal Father’s Day gift is simple: chocolate, and lots of it.
Dan: I have a serious sweet tooth, so I’d want a good stash of our branded chocolate and sweets. The kids [lovingly referred to as The Boy and The Girl] know that it's an easy win just to load me up with sweets. They can get me to agree to just about anything if I’ve had a donut or two. So I’d be happy with some sweet treats. Mainly for the chocolate inside, but also because the packaging that our Design team made is so colourful. It would look good stuck on the fridge after I’ve devoured the contents.
The Practical Dad
Next, Paul Mowbray, Director, father of two, offers a more classic take on gifting.
Paul: You can never have enough socks. It’s an obvious choice, but the reality is that more socks always come in handy. So I'd go for a pair of the space socks we have on sale. I’ll never say no to funky socks, there’s no reason they have to be boring. It’s a safe present for the kids to get me, but they know it’s a win. And if they pair them with a National Space Centre keyring, then they’ve smashed Father’s Day. Then I can show off that I work here and it doesn’t take up too much space (no pun intended…)
The Sentimental Dad
For something with a more personal touch, Aaron Bradbury, Creative Director, father of two, shares his pick.
Aaron: I helped create the character ADA, who’s a beloved personality in our Tetrastar Spaceport experience. So I’d choose one of the new ADA keyrings we’ve got in the Shop. I’m very attached to the character, she feels like another child of mine. She’s probably my proudest creation, after my actual children. And I think it would make a nice gift for dads that want to remember their special day spent learning about space with us.
The Trendy Dad
Finally, Neil Shorrock, Operations & Estate Director, father of two, brings a touch of style into the mix.
Neil: I’m quite formal at work, given the nature of my role, so I’d be very happy with a nice t-shirt from the Shop. That way I can represent the Centre in a more casual way. I really like the t-shirt designs that we have, especially the Soyuz one. It’s tasteful and not too loud. My daughters know I used to be quite a grunger back in the '90s, so it would be a nice callback to my days of rocking a Nirvana t-shirt.
Still Need Ideas?
All of the items that our team of 'National Space Centre Dads' can be bought on site in our Gift Shop, and every purchase supports our charity. (No. 1078832)
With over 80% of our products priced below £20 and nearly 50% below £10, there really is something in our Shop for every dad out there. If you have a FREE Annual Pass, simply book a return visit so that you can drop in to visit our Shop.
But if you still need some inspiration for what to get dad this year, why not give him a One Small Step gift voucher? Each sponsorship supports our Community Engagement team and helps us to continue to deliver our Community outreach programme.
You will also get a footprint plaque in our courtyard to show our gratitude, with a message of your choice. So for extra Brownie points, why not bring dad along to the National Space Centre for a day out and show him his plaque.
Thanks to Dan, Aaron, Paul and Neil for taking the time out of their busy days to help me write this blog. However you choose to celebrate this special occasion this year, we wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day.
