What to Get Dad for Father’s Day

A wall of ties with a 'DAD' balloon tied across it.
Happy Father's Day spelled out in Scrabble tiles.

Father’s Day is almost here, and you know what that means… It’s time to scramble at the last minute to find a gift that doesn’t scream ‘I scrambled at the last minute to find this gift’.

A quick Google search of ‘Father’s Day gifts NZ’ will surely yield some fabulous options, like socks that aren’t holey and random paperweights. But if you truly want to become the favourite child, you’re going to have to do a little better than that. If you’re still not sure what to get the father or father figure who is deserving of a little treat, take note of these Father’s Day gift ideas: 

Something Personalised and Custom

You can buy a box of chocolates and a gift card from your local supermarket, but you can’t buy a printed canvas of your family or a custom photo keychain from there. That would be weird. 

If you haven’t left Father’s Day gift shopping until the absolute last minute, there’s still time to make a personalised or custom gift happen. There are so many great options that Dad won’t have to fake gratitude and a smile for, like:

  • Family photos on canvas or in a frame
  • Photo coffee mug or travel cup 
  • Photo keychain 
  • Etched glassware
  • Engraved chopping board 
  • Personalised coasters
  • Custom apron 
  • Monogrammed leather wallet
  • Custom photo book
  • Custom calendar 

Food and Drink Hampers

Is your Dad a bit of a snacker? Does he love a cheeky wee fizzy while he mows the lawns? Treat him to a food and drink hamper so he can avoid a trip or two to the supermarket. If you can’t find a pre-made one that has all his favourites, make one! He’ll love the extra thought that you put into making sure he can have the special little treats he loves. 

Experiences

If you know Dad doesn’t need another brand new pair of socks to stuff into his drawer, treat him to an experience. Think about his hobbies or something he’s mentioned that he would like to do, and buy a voucher so he can participate! 

A brewery tour, car racing event, skydiving, the sky’s the limit. Dad is bound to be shocked that you do pay attention to his hobbies and your ears aren’t just painted on.  

Something Practical 

As much as you might really like to buy Dad something cheesy, like a pair of socks with golf balls on them or a new coffee mug, a practical gift is typically more appreciated. 

Maybe Dad wears the same old worn, dirty cap to trim the hedges, or maybe he carries the same beaten-up chiller bag with his lunch in it every day. Father’s Day can be the perfect opportunity to say out with the old, in with the new! 

A Special Piece of Jewellery

It can sometimes be hard to put into words just how much we love our fathers and father figures. Say it with a fancy piece of jewellery that he’ll always cherish! Whether it’s a band, a chain, or even a nice watch, it’s bound to be appreciated. Want to do something extra special? Ask your local jeweler to engrave it with a few special words. 

Something He Uses Every Day

Don’t go reinventing the wheel with something he’ll never use. Buy something he already relies on and will eventually need more of! Whether it’s cologne, his favourite body wash, or beard care products, you can’t go wrong with a tried and true product that you know won’t sit in the back of the cupboard gathering dust. 

A Subscription

Does Dad regularly pick up a copy of his favourite magazine every time it comes out? Does he love the occasional drink but never seems to have what he wants, when he wants it? Be the favourite child by purchasing a subscription. 

You’ll be amazed by what you can have in a subscription these days – from undies and beersies to whiskey, magazines, and even avocados. If you can think it, you can get it delivered to Dad’s house on a monthly basis. 

A Gift Made By Hand

One of the most meaningful gifts to celebrate a birthday, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, or an anniversary, isn’t necessarily one you buy from a shop. A handmade gift is always a great idea – whether you consider yourself a little crafty or not.

You can’t go wrong with the classic spray-painted macaroni frame for the fridge, or you could put your knitting or crocheting skills to the test with a cute little creature or a scarf just in time for the chilly, windy Spring weather ahead. 

Book Dinner at The Fat Duck Restaurant in Te Anau, New Zealand

Dad’s probably going to smile and say he loves the new pair of socks or the ‘World’s Best Dad’ coffee mug. But let’s face it; what he really wants is pea, pie, and pud, a ribeye steak, or pork belly washed down with a crisp, refreshing beverage.  

Give the man what he wants. Book dinner at The Fat Duck this Father’s Day and make it a day to remember for all the right reasons. 

As a well-known gastropub in Te Anau, The Fat Duck is the gift that keeps on giving with delectable meals and thirst-quenching beverages six days a week. Book a meal with the whole family or treat Dad to a voucher so he can enjoy award-winning food and southern hospitality at his leisure. He’ll love not having to make space in the cupboard for yet another coffee mug. 

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