Father's Day is just a few weeks away, and it's that time of year when you want to show your dad how much he means to you with a thoughtful gift. But let’s face it, buying a Father’s Day gift for your dad can be tricky. You want to get him something that feels personal, yet practical – something he'll actually use. So, if you're scratching your head trying to figure out what might be a good idea, don’t worry! Tastebuds’ got some solid suggestions for gifts that your dad will definitely appreciate and put to good use.
Think About What He Loves Doing
The first step in picking out a gift is to think about your dad’s hobbies and interests. What does he spend his free time doing? If he’s into gardening, sports, cooking, or something else, there's a great chance you can find a gift that caters to that passion. The key is to pick something that fits into his routine or adds to his enjoyment. If you're unsure, consider what he tends to talk about most when he’s excited.
For the DIY-er Dad –
Does your dad love working on projects around the house or fixing things up? If so, he probably already has a fair share of tools, but is there anything he’s missing or could use an upgrade? A high-quality toolset, a power drill, or even a specialised tool like a laser measuring tape could be a hit. If he’s the type who enjoys fixing things on the weekend, he’ll absolutely appreciate a practical and useful gift like this.
For the Outdoorsy Dad –
If your dad loves camping, fishing, or hiking, there are endless options to spoil him. How about a new camping chair with built-in storage pockets, a comfy sleeping bag, or a high-performance cooler to keep his drinks ice-cold while he’s out on the water? Even a quality multi-tool could make a big difference on his next adventure.
For the Cook or BBQ King –
A lot of dads take pride in their cooking skills, it could be anything from grilling on the BBQ to perfecting the Sunday roast. If this sounds like your dad, think about gifting him something that helps with his cooking experience. A new set of BBQ tools, a chef quality apron, or even a smoker box for his BBQ could be just the thing. If he enjoys experimenting with flavours, perhaps some gourmet rubs or marinades might inspire recipes for his next cooking session.
Avoid Cliché "Dad Gifts" (Unless They’re Practical)
While a mug that says “World’s Best Dad” or a tie might seem like a safe option, they rarely end up being something dads truly use. They’re usually forgotten about after the novelty wears off. Instead, try steering clear of overly generic gifts unless you know he’ll find it practical. For example, socks or another set of cufflinks might not excite him, but if he's been complaining about old, worn-out tools, a proper upgrade will surely get him excited.
Pro Tip – If you’re really stuck for ideas, or worse, time, know that there are specially built Father’s Day Gift Hampers you could get for Dad – or even send to him. With Father’s Day gift baskets with multiple themes are myriad goodies on the market, it’s easy to find a food gift (at least) that he will actually enjoy snacking on.
After all, Dad’s absolutely going to know that you really care when he gets a gift basket delivery with things you know he loves. If Dad’s into a good barbie, get him a BBQ gift basket. Dad loves whiskies? There’s a whisky hamper with his favourite brand just calling his name. Is Dad’s greatest fun hosting footy nights with his mates? Then get him a beer hamper with his favourite beer or lager. He’s sure to gobble up every snack, and know that you think about him even when work spreads you thin.
Tastebuds’s own Father’s Day Gift Collection was put together for people just like you. We put everything we know our Dads love into our hampers. There’s a good chance your Dad will love it too – so do check it out! We’ve got Australia-Wide Father’s Day Gift Delivery.
Consider His Lifestyle and Needs
If your dad has been working long hours, perhaps a gift that helps him really let loose and unwind would be a great choice. Think about things that might make his life a little easier or more enjoyable. A gift like a massage gun or a heated blanket could provide some much-needed relaxation after a long day.
For the Tech-Savvy Dad –
Does your dad love gadgets? If he’s always up-to-date with the latest technology, you could get him something that complements his lifestyle. Maybe a set of wireless earbuds for his daily jogs or a smart home device like a smart speaker or light bulbs. If he’s into photography, a new camera accessory or lens cleaning kit could be the perfect fit. For the dad who’s always on the go, a portable power bank or even a handy phone stand for his car would come in handy.
For the Dad Who Loves to Read –
If your dad enjoys reading, consider gifting him something he’ll enjoy curling up with. A good book is always a winner – just make sure it’s in a genre he loves. Maybe it's non-fiction, mystery, or even history. Or, if he prefers digital reading, an e-reader like a Kindle could be a thoughtful gift. If your dad likes audiobooks, a subscription to a service like Audible could keep him entertained on long drives.
Give Him Something He Wouldn’t Buy Himself
It’s always nice to give a gift that your dad might not necessarily buy for himself but would appreciate if he had it. Think of things that add a bit of luxury to his daily routine or contribute to his comfort. A quality leather wallet, a stylish watch, or a high-end gents’ grooming kit are great options. If your dad takes pride in his appearance, he might love a new set of skincare products or a premium shaving kit.
Alternatively, if he’s someone who enjoys a good drink, a nice bottle of whisky or a set of wine glasses might make a thoughtful gift. You could also consider a whisky-tasting experience or a subscription to a beer or wine club, allowing him to try new flavours every month.
Make It Personal
If you want to make your gift extra special, consider something personalised. Custom gifts show extra thought and effort and often hold more sentimental value. A custom engraved keychain, a personalised leather wallet, or even a framed photo of a memorable family moment can go a long way – much more than you think. If your dad loves sports, perhaps a jersey with his name or a framed jersey from his favourite footy team would make a great gift. You could even consider a custom beer mug or a personalised BBQ branding iron to put his stamp on his next cookout. Now that last option is sure to be a real winner.
Give the Gift of Experience
Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t things at all – they’re experiences. If your dad already has everything he needs, why not treat him to a memorable experience instead? It could be tickets to a live concert, a day at the races, a golf outing, or a weekend getaway, an experience-based gift allows you to spend time together and create lasting memories. Even something as simple as a Father’s Day breakfast out or a BBQ with the family could be just the thing to make his day special.
Don’t Forget the Packaging
While the gift itself is the main focus, the way you present it can also make a difference. A nicely wrapped present with a card with a few loving words adds that little extra touch. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top – a simple wrap with a thoughtful note will show him that you’ve put effort into the entire gift.
In the end, the best Father’s Day gift is one that complements your dad’s personality and interests, while also being something he’ll use and enjoy. Don’t stress about finding the perfect item – instead, focus on what will bring a smile to his face and make his day just a little bit brighter. No matter if it’s something for his hobbies, his comfort, or simply something personal, he’ll appreciate the thought you put into it. Happy Father’s Day, and here’s to making the day special for the most important man in your life!
