mahabis father's day // the perfect gift

...but don't take our word for it. We ask Jamie Day, Dad to Edie (3y) and Arlo (6m) about how he balances dad-time and downtime, in his mahabis. 

"I think all hands-on, modern day dads will agree, you need to be ready for anything when the day is dictated by children. That’s certainly the case with me and my two; Edie who’s 3 going on 13 and Arlo who’s 6 months going on, err, 7 months. They have me running around all day long, like some weird bargain-basement children’s entertainer, mixed with Bear Grylls creation. From the moment they wake until the moment they go to bed, I find myself in all manner of situations that I wasn’t acquainted with before fatherhood.

Early morning, and I mean early morning, usually consists of a fun roll around on the sitting room floor with Arlo, cushioned by an assortment of soft toys whilst Edie repeatedly tests the strength of my aging back, scaling me like a playground climbing frame. Then, with a quick breakfast down our necks (and Arlo’s bib), it’s time for the next source of entertainment. 

We live in the countryside, where we’re surrounded by incredible parks and forests, so weather dependent, we’ll try and enjoy our time outside as much as we can. That could mean a game of hide ‘n’ seek in the garden, a scoot around our surrounding country lanes, exploring the endless woods with our dogs or climbing a fallen tree. Simple pleasures, yet enormous fun for me and my wife Georgia, and importantly the children (well, mainly Edie… despite Arlo’s chunky thighs, I think it’ll be a while before he’s up a tree).

Despite the emphasis on outdoor play, I’ve learnt that with young children, and the changeable British weather, it’s also wise to keep the option of some downtime at home as an easy alternative to the great outdoors. One minute we could be dashing up and down the slide in the garden, the next, dashing for cover from a freak summer shower.

So when we’re repeatedly in and out, all day long, that’s where my mahabis have really come into their own. Stylish yet practical, their take on the previously old-fashioned slipper has provided me with an unexpected dad-wardrobe must-have. Whether we’re indoors, knee-deep in toys or outside racing around the obstacle course the garden has inadvertently become, my mahabis have well and truly stood up to the rigours of parenting.

But whilst mahabis have surprised me by being able to stand the test of life as a hands-on dad, what has also pleased me, is that they’re still cosy and comfortable. And believe me, my tired feet really need that comfort at the end of a busy day with the kids.

With the children finally in bed and my feet nestled and rested, like most parents, I really need those few hours in the evening to unwind before the adventures begin all over again in the morning. Luckily, I’ve found I can rely on my mahabis to be up for another day of unrelenting and ever-changing fun."

You can follow Jamie's adventures with his kids, and tales of being a Modern Day Dad on his blog A Day in The Life. Check out his curated Father's Day Gift Guide here. 

Jamie's mahabis of choice: larvik light grey x ilen ivory

Still need persuading? Check out our features in these Father's Day Gift Guides.