The best gifts for your dad

Father’s day is just around the corner, and we’ve got you covered with a selection of gifts to suit every taste and budget. Whether he’s new to the whole dad thing, wants for nothing, or spends all his time helming the barbecue, there’s something to help celebrate every kind of dad in your life.

The new dad

Hommey Robe

For the housebound new dad, Hommey’s robe ($149) will keep him comfy yet stylish. Crafted from cotton terry, it’s ideal for padding around the house or post-shower dashes to catch up with baby.

Bellroy Tokyo Tote

Help keep dad organised with Bellroy’s Tokyo Tote (from $169), a handy carry-all with clever compartments for all of his and baby’s needs. It’s made from recycled, water-resistant fabric to guard against inevitable spills, and features padded straps for comfort and a key clip for easy access.

Two Little Ducklings Letters to My Child kit

This sweet letter writing set ($55) from Two Little Ducklings features 19 sheets of notepaper for dad to write to their child each year, from birth to the age of 18. With prompts for every letter, it makes for a thoughtful gift that keeps giving year after year.

Three Thousand Thieves coffee subscription

Help keep new dad caffeinated with a Three Thousand Thieves coffee subscription (from $75). Each month, the Melbourne-based brand will send a new blend to his doorstep, straight from a local roaster.

Kinto Capsule Cold Brew Carafe

The sleep-deprived new dad will appreciate Kinto’s cold brew carafe ($69), which requires minimal effort and just a touch of foresight. Featuring a heat-resistant and dishwasher- and microwave-safe design, all he needs to do is add coffee grounds and water before bed, and he’ll wake up to the perfect cold brew.

Mum Club Le Tired cap, from The Memo

New dad can wear his tiredness on his sleeve (or head) with the Le Tired baseball cap ($52) from The Memo. It’s an adjustable cotton hat with an embroidered slogan, perfect for park days or running errands.

The stylish dad

Davines Pasta & Love collection

Help keep him looking polished and schmick with something from Davines’ Pasta & Love collection (from $45). The Italian brand brings a sustainable bent to luxury hair care, with products that are easy and effective for dad to use.

Sugar Cane Denim Work Shirt from Maple Store

Japanese label Sugar Cane takes cues from classic American workwear. Made in Japan, this button-down shirt ($265) is based on vintage styles from the 1950s and crafted from a dark indigo denim. Worn as is or unbuttoned over a white tee, it’s a welcome addition to a stylish dad’s wardrobe.

Saardé Journey toiletry bag

Saardé Journey Toiletry Bag ($59) is perfect for the jet-setter dad. The 100 per cent cotton canvas bag with leather detailing looks good on the bathroom counter and is just the right size for all his necessary travel toiletries or small accessories. Available in four stylish colours.

Miansai Cuban Chain bracelet

If he loves a touch of bling, consider gifting Miansai’s Cuban Chain Bracelet ($220). Inspired by vintage styles, the sterling silver bracelet makes for a subtle but classic addition to a stylish dad’s wrist, and can be worn as is or layered with a watch or other chains.

Thomas Surfboards x Double Rugs

For the dad who loves a morning out among the waves, renowned surfboard shaper Thomas Dixon has collaborated with Australian brand Double Rugs on a collection of board-shaped runners (from $520). Each style is inspired by a classic Aussie surf beach, and suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

The fitness dad

Oscar Wylee Active Collection

If he’s been sporting the same pair of speed dealers for the past decade, get him a fresh pair of frames from Oscar Wylee’s active collection ($129). From the flashy to the modest, their sunglasses are designed with an active lifestyle in mind, with features including lightweight design and impact resistance.

North Face Explore Fusebox Backpack

Get dad from one activity to another in style with the North Face Explore Fusebox Backpack – S ($180). The small but mighty backpack features a fleece compartment for a 13-inch laptop, mesh pockets and a spacious main compartment. Your old man will be ready for action with padded shoulder straps or tote handles for convenient carrying.

Hydragun Massage Gun

Dad’s tired muscles will appreciate a session with Hydragun’s massage gun ($399). Favoured by everyone from Olympians to amateur athletes, it features an ergonomic design and extra-quiet sound levels.

Helena Geiger x Babici jersey

For the dad who loves a Saturday morning bike ride, help upgrade his lycra wardrobe with a jersey ($229) from Babici. Featuring artwork from Indigenous artist Helena Geiger, each jersey is crafted from premium Italian lycra to keep him cool and comfortable on each ride. Available in a range of eye-catching designs that champion the Australian landscape, including Sand Hills Charcoal (pictured).

The foodie dad

Ooni pizza oven

If he fancies himself an amateur chef, help up his pizza-making game with an Ooni oven (from $549). The range includes gas, electric and wood-fired ovens designed to deliver restaurant-style pizzas in as little as 60 seconds.

Crumble cast iron pot

This cast-iron casserole pot from Crumble ($349, on sale) puts an autumnal spin on slow cooking. The limited edition design comes in six bright colours, and can be used for braising, roasting, deep-frying or even baking sourdough bread.

Quality Meats, Luke Powell

For the meat-loving dad, the much-anticipated cookbook from founder of LP Meats, Luke Powell, is the perfect companion. Intended for beginners and grill masters alike, Quality Meats ($39) features recipes for cooking meat of all kinds, as well as guides to more ambitious projects such as homemade sausages and charcuterie.

Sweet Sting Hot Honey

This chilli-infused honey ($18) from Kiwi makers Sweet Sting will help spice up his life. Made in New Zealand from locally sourced ingredients, it’s great drizzled on pizza, added to marinades or to add a sweet kick to his morning avocado toast.

The arty dad

Beats Pill Speaker

Does dad love singing in the shower? Is he partial to a carpool karaoke session? The Beats Pill speaker ($250) can help provide a soundtrack to his day. The slick, lightweight design enables him to take it with him wherever he goes, while its water-resistant design means the good times can continue at the pool or beach.

Impressed Records Vinyl Club subscription

For the dad whose musical proclivities go beyond the streaming algorithm, a membership (from $49) to Impressed Records’ extremely well-curated vinyl club is a must. Each month, he’ll be sent a limited edition record that champions independent music, accompanied by a piece of writing that details its making. Membership also includes other sweet perks including access to VIP events.

Martin de Ruyter Spitfire Cufflinks, from the MCA Store

If dad’s a history buff, he’ll appreciate these Spitfire Cufflinks ($80), handmade by Kiwi artist Martin de Ruyer from .303 calibre bullets – the same calibre used in World Wars I and II. They come in a range of colours, and are crafted in the tradition of trench art (objects made from the debris and byproducts of warfare), for those in the know.

Fitzroy 1974, Robert Ashton

When Australian photographer Robert Ashton’s book, Into the Hollow Mountains, was first published in 1974, it was a landmark moment. The collection featured black-and-white photographs he had taken around Melbourne’s Fitzroy, alongside writing from Australian creatives such as Helen Garner. Now, that book has been republished as Fitzroy 1974 ($60) as a tribute to the revolutionary suburb, accompanied by new writing edited by novelist Gregory Day.

The sentimental dad

Sloov big hug heating pad

Want to give Dad a big, warm cuddle for Father’s Day? The Stoov Big Hug ($224) might be the next best thing. The cordless chair warmer will provide him with six hours of heat up to 42 degrees. The cuddly sheepskin-like fabric will keep Dad warm when sitting and relaxing or working at a desk.

The School of Life, The Family Game

If he loves reminiscing about old family lore, The Family Game ($59.99) from The School of Life is the perfect portal to the past. The 100 playing cards cover five broad themes – gentle teasing, self, memories, gratitude and regrets – to help bring everyone just a little bit closer together.

The no-fuss dad

Readly subscription

If you’re not quite sure what to get Dad, consider a subscription. Readly’s digital subscription (from $45) gives him access to more than 7000 titles, including Time magazine, Forbes and New Scientist, as well as publications that cover just about every niche from fishing to BMX.

Tomatin Whisky

Raise a toast to the dads in your life with a glass of Tomatin 12-year-old single malt whiskey (from $89.95). The award-winning whisky is matured in Bourbon barrels and Sherry casks, and goes down smooth with a full-bodied finish. Available at Dan Murphy’s and BWS.

Step One underwear

Receiving undies (especially good quality) as a gift is something you appreciate with age. Treat Dad to unmatched comfort with bamboo viscose Step One boxer briefs ($35 each or mix and match with multipacks). The bestselling briefs come in various fun colours and patterns, including a limited edition collaboration with Surf Life Saving Australia, with $5 a pair donated to the not-for-profit.

The DIY dad

LEGO 2023 McLaren Formula 1 Race Car

For fans of DIY and racing, LEGO’s 2023 McLaren Forumla 1 Race Car ($39.99) makes for a great afternoon activity with dad. The design features authentic race car details that the enthusiast will love, and comes with its own little driver figurine.

Ikkari Skin Saviour Balm

For the dad whose hands are callused and worn from years of pottering around the garden or working on the latest DIY project, Ikkari’s Skin Saviour Balm ($49) will provide welcome relief. Formulated with ingredients like olive and rosehip oils and beeswax, the multipurpose balm can be used everywhere from chapped lips to dry hands.

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