Whether you’ve got a Dad or you’re a Dad yourself (or maybe both), it can be a tough gig being the guy who has to guide their child through an obstacle-infused life, so it’s time for a hard-earned treat. Be it a grand gesture or a humble hint of gratitude for their efforts, we’ve rounded up a list of great Father’s Day gift ideas that will make the great man feel the love on his day. Here’s our Father’s Day Gift Guide for every type of Australian dad out there.
Father’s Day gifts for the dad who’s partial to a drink
Whether he’s cracking a cold one after a day at the (home) office or popping a cork with friends at dinner, if he’s partial to a drink, you’ll be hard-pressed to go wrong with a bottle or a six-pack of his favourite tipple, but you can be sure he’ll be equally as stoked to discover something that’s both new and tasty.
A bottle of Benriach The Twelve ($95) is a single malt that’s the epitome of moreish, well-balanced and mature whisky that goes down just as well clean as it does in a cocktail. One of the most storied and celebrated distilleries from Speyside, Benriach has been honing its craft since 1898, and since being acquired by Brown-Forman in 2016, has soared to the top of every man’s home bar wish-list. Slightly more refined than the entry-point to the brand, this 12-year-old Scotch embraces rich maple honey, baked orange, and a spice mocha finish.
Having an Irish whiskey sitting on the shelf (especially when it comes to the holiday season) is a good shout for anyone wanting to appeal to both the studied whiskey connoisseur and the Dad looking to broaden his palate. Slane Irish Whiskey ($50) have combined virgin American oak, seasoned oak bourbon casks, and Oloroso Sherry casks from Spain to build a full, robust signature blend that any purveyor of fine spirits will enjoy getting to know.
For the Dad who likes his spirits clear rather than coloured, the Never Never Southern Strength Gin ($75) is an award-winning Aussie gin, and its higher ABV% is made with a classic or savoury gin cocktail in mind. But if he’s the sort of bloke that’s too busy to mix his own drinks, the ready-to-drink market has never looked better and Loro’s 500ml Olive Martini ($79) is at the top of the game. Of course, drinks can escalate into the luxury category quickly, and one of our favourite express trips to the top is with a bottle from iconic Champagne house Charles Heidsieck, which recently revealed the sixth edition of its acclaimed cuvée Champagne Charlie ($1,400). Our other go-to flex? This year’s only 100-pointer in the Halliday Wine Companion, the NV All Saints Estate Rutherglen Museum Muscadelle ($1,200) – perfect for a cheeky Father’s Day special.
Best gift ideas for the dad who loves a tune
Sennheiser’s new MOMENTUM 4 Wireless ($549.95) over-ear headphones are for music lovers who refuse to compromise on sound, favouring an immersive, high-fidelity experience matched with an exceptionally smooth and lightweight design. A brand inspired by music first and foremost, this evolution in Sennheiser’s acclaimed MOMENTUM series tightens those brilliant dynamics and natural soundstage with a 42mm transducer system to ensure your Dad’s John Farnham bangers hit different. On the practical side of things, advanced voice pick-up has been redesigned to optimise calls and provide easier, faster access to the voice assistant, with the perfectly positioned mics also working hard to deliver hybrid adaptive noise cancellation when needed during the headphone’s 60-hour battery life.
Turn any big night with the family into karaoke with JBL’s PartyBox On-The-Go ($579.95). It’s a 100-watt portable speaker from the same line as the tried, tested, and much-loved PartyBox 310. The signature boom of JBL sound can fill any space indoors or outdoors, although this time it comes with dual wireless microphones to keep the party going. Take our word for it, JBL’s PartyBox design is always robust. It’s IPX4 splash-proof, the Bluetooth streaming works without fail every time, and the portability is second to none, this time with ergonomic grab handles and a comfortable carry strap. All that’s left to do now is find a solid hiding place to ‘lose’ the microphones after Dad’s one too many renditions of Barry Manilow.
For the Dad who longs for his days of live-music gigs, grab him tickets to the ultimate gig – Elton John’s Australia Tour (from $149) and see one of the world’s greatest entertainers on his final round before he calls it quits for good (that is, until his next ‘Farewell Tour’). And if he’s still got dreams of going on his own world tour? It might be worth Dad fine-tune his guitar skills. Buy him a subscription to some lessons with Fender Play ($129 annually) and he’ll be shredding on stage with his Gibson Les Paul Standard ($5,119) in no time.
Great gifts for the dad who likes to put his best foot forward
2022 is a beautiful time for the Dad who tends to keep the house waiting, who triple-checks his reflection before heading out and then again in the rearview mirror. Men’s beauty is thriving, and the tech side of the industry has got the fellas coming in hot for super high-end shavers like the Braun Series 9 Pro Wet & Dry Shaver ($549). If he’s a little more old-school in his upkeep, the GilletteLabs Razor with Exfoliating Bar ($34.95) is a no-fuss razor that delivers an unbeatable glide with every stroke and a red-carpet complexion that’s perfectly partnered with Le Labo After-Shave Balm ($57).
When it’s time to get dressed, a classic timepiece is the icing on the cake, but choosing one as a gift can be overwhelming. Our tip? Stick with classics, like the OMEGA Speedmaster 57 ($13,200), because if it’s good enough for OMEGA ambassador and the smoothest silver fox in the game, George Clooney, it’s good enough for the old man. In the world of watch collecting, the historical significance of the OMEGA Speedmaster is unquestionable and the ’57 Co-Axial Chronograph perfectly captures that heritage in a smart 41.5 mm package. With a high-polish steel case, eye-catching burgundy dial and beautifully finished movement within, it’s as versatile as they come.
If his taste aligns with those kinds of classic designs (or you think they need to be directed so), a P.Johnson Merino Pocket Square ($75) will elevate his everyday suit to baller status, without the baller price tag.
Perfect Father’s Day gift ideas for the adventurous bloke
With spring around the corner, there’s no better time for Dad to be logging some quality outdoor time in the calendar. If he’s a golfer, give him the gift of a competitive edge on the Garmin Approach G80 GPS ($749.99), but if you can’t improve his swing, you can always improve his kit with a pair of the hyper-popular LuluLemon’s Commission Golf Pants ($149). If he’s a man who likes to spend his time outdoors in and on the water rather than on the land, these Salvimar React Fins ($200) are designed to build the confidence of novice spear fishermen, and the Orvis Helios 3D Fly Rod ($1,399) will do the same for a fly fisherman.
For the cool-guy surfer dad, a new longboard like the 10’0” Noserider from McTavish ($2,995) is a classic that looks just as good propped up on a wall as it does riding a wave, and if he’s never set foot on a board but is ready for a new hobby, hook him up with some lessons and guaranteed waves at Melbourne’s UrbnSurf (vouchers start at $60), with new Surf Parks opening in Sydney and Brisbane imminently.
Best Father’s Day gifts for the style-challenged dad
The good news for the style-challenged Dads out there? Socks and sandals are more than just acceptable these days, they’re a staple combo of the style set. Birkenstock Boston’s ($269) are a comfortable classic that can take you from beach to bar, and when those cooler temperatures creep on in, all they need is a pair of Rhude White Chevron Crew Socks ($90) to keep him toastie.
If he needs to level-up his wrist game as a gentleman traveller with a quality but approachable price-point, the Longines Spirit Zulu Time ($4,400) delivers a perfect blend of functionality and good old-fashioned looks. Featuring a 42mm steel case, high-quality ceramic bezel and the ability to track no less than two different timezones, there’s a lot to love about this latest offering from Longines.
For a Dad that’s always on the move or prefers a lace to a buckle, a pair of Allbirds Tree Runners ($155) are a sure thing – we’re yet to see someone who can’t pull off a pair. Above the ankles, Venroy’s Cotton Stretch Shorts ($125) come in a range of neutral colours and timeless patterns to suit every wardrobe, and they also give a little more length than their swim shorts – making them suitable for whatever age your Dad is.
Up top, Nazario Parisi & Sons do some of the best knits in the game, and none are cooler than their Lemon Jacquard Knit ($295) – made in Melbourne with Italian yarn, of course. To top it all off? A dad cap never fails. If he can get his hands on a Rowing Blazers Dodo Cap ($80) he’s got style and sun protection covered. And if he can’t? Get him a voucher until he can.
If he’s a one watch for life kind of guy, then maybe it’s time to consider something from the revered timekeepers Grand Seiko. Well-known for its stunning dials and strong case designs, Grand Seiko’s new SBGE285 GMT ($12,500) is a true go-anywhere, do-anything kind of watch. Featuring a lightweight and robust high intensity titanium case and bracelet, snowflake-like dial and the impressively accurate, Spring Drive movement with a GMT function allowing to track two time zones at once. This could be the only watch you ever need.
Father’s day gift ideas for the gadget-loving dad
For the man who likes his toys, you’re pretty much sorted. New releases, new products, and new inventions drop pretty much every week, but where do you even start? If your Dad dusted off his PS4 and went down the Call of Duty rabbit hole during the lockdown, he’d without a doubt appreciate a competitive edge with the new JBL Quantum 810 ($349.95) gaming headset. The active noise cancelling and ability to tweak the levels between game chat and ambient 360-degree sound means you’ll never miss footsteps in the corridor behind you.
Not a gamer but is partial to a big screen? The Freestyle Smart Projector from Samsung ($1295) will turn any wall or ceiling into a big screen, and upgrade his at-home cinema set up to a premium level of experience. If he tends to geek out more from real-life cinematic experiences than those of the Hollywood variety, the DJI MINI 3 PRO ($1,119) is the ultimate travel-friendly drone and is great for veteran and beginner droners. With an epic 10km travel range, level 5 wind resistance, and 4x digital zoom for those cool (but not creepy) close-up shots.
If he loves the family pooch as much as he loves tech (and possibly more than his children), the Furbo Dog Cam ($319) is an unbelievable addition to the household. With 360-degree views, a treat feeder, and a two-way talker, it’s a long way from the wolf descendants your doggo comes from, but nothing’s too crazy for Man’s best friend. Still not sure what tech itch of his you can scratch? A safe bet these days looks like an Apple Watch Series 7 ($1,049), or a pair of wireless earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM4’s ($389) – no explanations necessary.
Unique father’s day gifts for the dad who’s impossible to buy for
Really, when he’s impossible to buy for, we like to opt for money-can’t-buy (but actually can) experiences. Watch the king of swimming things Josh Niland at work with one of his Fish Butchery Masterclasses ($300), or take him inland to Central Victoria in Trentham for a cooking class with Tony Tan ($260 inc lunch and wine) where he can learn to make Tan’s New York Times famous dumplings.
One the most meaningful things you can gift your Dad this Father’s Day that he never knew he wanted might just be a subscription to Ancestry. Everyone gets to a point in their life with a bit of extra free time and a strong desire to know where they came from, and with Ancestry you can do it easily, affordably, and together with a six-month subscription for just $140. Better yet, you can keep your findings all in one place for future generations to see and contribute to by preserving your family tree online.
Perhaps a weekend spent on King Island’s luxury homestead Bass Lodge ($1,300 p/n) for breathtaking views in the jacuzzi, or further south at Satellite Island ($3,350 p/n) for some private island living unlike anywhere else in the world. And after all of this, if you’re still unsure, go for the practical. The Geekey Multi-Tool ($19.99) will keep handy around the house and beyond.
Best father’s day gifts for less than a pineapple
Let’s be clear – expensive gift ideas for father’s day are nice, but sometimes the gift that’ll really make Dad smile is the smallest. And for that, you want simple father’s day gift ideas that won’t break the bank. He’s no doubt schooled you on an endless number of facts and life lessons, but level up the intel with a copy of Don’t Trust Your Gut ($50) to fill him in on how he can use data to make better decisions (and perhaps grow your inheritance as he does it). For something a little lighter, Judd Apatow’s Sicker In The Head ($44) is a genuine laugh-out-loud look at life and comedy, with interviews with some of the best brains in the game.
If he’s the kind of guy who gains his mental clarity on the course rather than in the library, the Optima 7ft Putting Mat ($50) will keep his putting game as sharp as his brain. For the Dad who’s always misplacing the house essentials, he’ll love a survival pack that might include a Winged Lever Corkscrew ($15), a pair of Mr P. Cotton Blend Jacquard Socks ($43), or a Zippo 221 Classic Lighter ($48) will see him make it through those late nights in front of the telly. Or, if you prefer to put a bit of thought into some personalised Father’s Day gifts then Orbitkey’s Key Organiser Crazy-Horse ($50) can be monogrammed for a bit extra to add some individualised style to the old man’s everyday set.
It can be tough trying to zone in the perfect father’s day gifts with so many options out there that he’ll love. The perfect gift will always play towards your dad’s best interests, though, so consider that first before you look through some of the best Father’s Day gifts Australia has got going right now, from whisky and gin to noise-cancelling earbuds and luxury watches. Look through the above and you’ll surely find a Father’s Day present that feels right for you, whether you’re looking for the new dad who will be receiving his very first Father’s Day gifts this year or some last minute Father’s Day gifts for the old man who wants something different in 2022.
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