Steve Hampton’s birthday is on 21st June. Unremarkable you might think, but it means that every year his birthday falls on or around Father’s Day. Now, Steve knows that people born in late December probably have the most reason to grumble, but he is a family man at heart, and quite often the Father’s Day celebrations are passed over in favour of his birthday. Not that he’s complaining you understand, but birthday presents of socks and books just don’t have the same special resonance that carefully thought out Father’s Day gifts carry.
What this means is that the special personalised gifts he does get, when the dates fall right or his family find that certain something, are even more special to him. Like the fingerprint cufflinks he got when his daughter was born, which are made of a special silver clay but are more precious than the finest gold to Steve.
Mind you, perhaps he’s being unfair to his nearest and dearest. Last year, he received a handprint mug with Charlie’s chubby little hand printed on it in finest technicolour. His manager was so impressed, watching Steve drink his mid-morning coffee in it, that she ordered one for herself and a grandfather one for her own Dad. And Steve got that promotion he was after. Coincidence? Perhaps.
This year, Steve is hoping for a personalised Keepsake fingerprint keyring, because, following the twins’ arrival, he doesn’t have enough arms to wear the extra cufflinks. Instead, he can get individual charms made so that he can carry all of the children with him everywhere. Something so tactile is especially important when he has to work away, as being able to touch something that is so personal to each child really makes a difference.
And if he gets the keyring and charms, he could start a fine collection. Steve figures he could father at least another 6 children before he starts running out of room. He just has to clear it with his wife first…
