There always seems to be a huge advertising push weeks before Mother's Day, so unless you have your head in the sand, it is hard to forget that Mothering Sunday is on its way.

But Father's Day seems to receive a lot less publicity – I'm sure dads have just as many kids' tantrums to deal with as mums!

Dads are harder to buy for, though – you can't just buy some flowers and a box of chocolates.

So I've done the hard work and have picked out gifts and activities that dads will love.

Be a real family man

Family life is hectic and getting everyone in one room at the same time can be mission impossible.

So why not give your dad a permanent reminder of you all and get a professional family photograph taken by award-winning photographers.

David Lawson Studios, Chester Road, offers a range of portrait packages to suit you.

With years of photographic experience they will work with you and your family to capture the perfect picture.

For £50, you will get a studio session, shooting some fab shots and then you can check out the images on screen before you decide which portrait to buy.

For more information or to book a session, call (0191) 565 6464 or go to www.davidlawson.net.

Win a studio session and one 10x8 framed portrait at David Lawson Studios worth £165 for you and your family.

Just email the answer to the question below to cara.houchen@northeast-press.co.uk before 5pm on Friday, June 13.

Make sure you include your name and telephone number in the email, as the winner will be notified by phone. Q: What date is Father's Day this year?



FAMOUS GROUSE

The whisky brand is marking Father's Day with something distinctive – The Famous Dad!

The bottle will feature a special label which will still picture the iconic grouse but with the new title 'The Famous Dad'.

Father's Day is the one day dads can officially relax and put their feet up and what better way to say "thanks dad" than with this unusual gift.

The Famous Dad is available now for a limited time, priced at £19.99, from Asda, Booker, Makro and Botterills.

STADIUM OF LIGHT LEGEND TOURS

Legend tours give fans a sneaky look behind the scenes at the Stadium of Light as well as the chance to meet one of the club's all-time greats.

Jimmy Montgomery, a 1973 FA Cup winner, will take you on the full stadium tour.

Plus you get the chance for a question-and-answer session with Jimmy, refreshments in an executive box and a signed picture of the goalkeeping legend himself.

The tours take place every Tuesday and Friday and cost £35 for adults, £18 for concessions.

To book, call (0191) 551 5055.

NO7 FOR MEN

Even dads need to pamper themselves every now and again so give him a helping hand and treat him to these skin products from Boots.

No7 for Men offers a new range of products that specifically cater for men's skincare needs.

They have developed 11 products designed to deliver real results.

From anti-ageing balm to wake-up face wash, products are priced from £6.50 to £16.75 so they won't break the bank.

CARRY AND GO BRIEFCASE BARBECUE

This nifty portable barbecue is perfect for the occasional sunny day we may be graced with this summer and all dads love gadgets.

The Carry and Go Briefcase barbecue folds out to provide a generous cooking area and the built-in windbreaks stop the coals blowing all over the burgers.

It's a great deal more interesting and fun than a normal briefcase (and a lot less flammable).

The carry bag comes with a shoulder strap.

Get this gadget for £24.95 at iwantoneofthose.com.

GOLF LESSONS

It may not be every dad's idea of fun but why not book them a taster lesson?

George Washington Golf and Country Club, in Washington, offers half-hour lessons for £15 and your dad can be a complete novice.

The lessons are provided by resident PGA teaching professional Graeme Robinson and are available for individuals or groups.

For more information on lessons, or to book call (0191) 417 8346.

GO KARTING

Karting North East boasts one of the best go karting circuits in the country and it's in Houghton.

With karts that will reach speeds of 65 mph, it's adrenaline time for your dad.

The 15/30 package is ideal for groups of 25 drivers or less. It consists of 15 minutes of timed practice, followed by 30 minutes of head-to-head racing for the ultimate exhilarating experience.

It is £42 per person at weekends and £37 per person during the week.
For information, call (0191 521 4050).

SKYDIVING

The Skydive Academy is based at Peterlee Parachute Centre, Shotton Airfield.

They offer both students and experienced skydivers the facilities to jump from altitudes up to 12,000ft.

This is one of the more expensive gift ideas priced at £245, but a tandem skydive is an experience that your dad will not forget.

If you think your dad will be up to falling at speeds of 120mph, this is the gift for him.

You never know, you may have found your dad's new hobby!

Courses take place most weekends throughout the year and a video can also be taken as memento of the jump.

For more information, call (0191) 5171234 or visit the website www.skydiveacademy.org.uk

HOLISTIC BODY MASSAGE

Massage is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of relaxation, healing and revitalising the mind and body.

And after years of chauffeuring you around, lending you money and putting up with your tantrums, what better way to repay your dad than a full body massage?

Sunderland's Park Grange Beauty Clinic offers a range of massages which are customised with aromatherapy.

A full body massage costs £38.95 and lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Also popular with men is the hot stone massage – the heat and the pressure is great for the tougher male muscles.

This full body massage costs £45 and again lasts for about and hour and a half.

To make an appointment or for more information on treatments, call (0191) 510 2299.