Whether dad’s a cook, a wine or whisky connoisseur or a frequent flyer, we’ve got plenty of ideas for Father’s Day gifts. This round-up of gift suggestions spans the practical (yes, that means watches), the luxe and the beautiful (hello, copper book-ends), so you can be confident that there’s something here for your dad.
Hop to it – it’s not long until 2 September. While you’re at it, plan a feast for him or bake his favourite cake for a special gift of the homemade kind.
DANISH FUEL BAR CABINET
DANISH FUEL BAR CABINET
The ultimate small bar could well be small enough to fit into your own kitchen or garage. These cabinets have been recycled from discarded jerry cans that usually end up in landfill and feature timber shelves and a fresh coat of paint in either green, black, white or red. BYO booze.
$1060, Top 3 by Design
CHANEL BLEU
CHANEL BLEU PARFUM
A rare species of sandalwood found in New Caledonia accents this latest iteration of Chanel’s Bleu range of fragrances. The more potent parfum also has notes of cedarwood, lavender and geranium – it’s the perfect accessory for warm weather.
$140 for 50ml, chanel.com.au
BLACKHEARTS & SPARROWS A WINE SERVICE
BLACKHEARTS & SPARROWS: A WINE SERVICE
If you’re lucky enough to live in Melbourne or Canberra, you’re already familiar with wine store Blackhearts & Sparrows and its approachable style of selling high quality wine. Now their wine delivery service brings that friendly, can-do approach to anyone who has an Australian postal address. Every month (or quarter – you choose), Dad’ll receive six bottles plus a recipe from the likes of Andrew McConnell or Annie Smithers that’s perfectly suited to one of the drops inside the box. Fingers crossed you get an invite to dinner.
From $120, Blackhearts & Sparrows
ROLEX GMT-MASTER II
The latest GMT-Master model from Rolex combines good looks with powerful function, allowing its wearer to quickly tell the time in two different zones, as well as offering both 12-hour and 24-hour hands. The original GMT was launched 1955 and designed with pilots in mind; we think it’s never been more relevant.
$11,750, rolex.com
MEEHAN’S BARTENDER MANUAL BY JIM MEEHAN
Partner at Manhattan cocktail bar PDT (Please Don’t Tell) Jim Meehan delivers an essential compendium of recipes, history, technique and personal stories from a career in New York bars that spans close to 20 years. Notes on the tools you need plus Meehan’s insights on why he shakes, stirs or layers in a particular way ensure that every drink from Dad’s home bar is all killer.
$69.99, penguin.com.au
PIERRE ARPELS PASTILLES CUFFLINKS
Black and white is always a classic look, but in the hands of Van Cleef & Arpels it becomes seriously luxe. These onyx, diamond and white gold cufflinks make a classy finishing touch for any look.
$8500, vancleefarpels.com
STELTON COLLAR ESPRESSO POT
Who else to trust with your morning coffee if not the Italians? Designers Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri crafted this stainless steel and Teflon coffee pot for those who are fans of both minimalist design and the espresso produced by a Bialetti stovetop maker. Good looks and great coffee? Now that’s a perfect start to the day.
$198, thedeastore.com
FUTAGAMI MIKAZUKI BOTTLE OPENER
Mikazuki means ‘crescent moon’ in Japanese, and this elegant bottle opener’s rounded shape means it can be slung around the neck of a bottle for easy access at the park, by the beach or at a backyard barbecue. Fashioned at the Futagami brass foundry in Japan, founded in 1897, the metal will look even better over time as it develops a unique patina.
$65 https://mrkitly.com.au/collections/mens/products/futa006
VICTORINOX PAKMASTER
How do you keep your linens crisp, your wool smelling fresh and your essential wardrobe items within easy reach when you’re on the road? With the help of the Swiss, of course. Victorinox’s Pakmaster, a compact pouch for flat-packing clothing, easily slots into a suitcase or backpack and also comes with handles for carry-on or to hang in the hotel wardrobe. There are also instructions on how to fold clothes so you arrive in style every time.
From $119, victorinox.com
WHITE OAK TOKINOKA WHISKY
From White Oak distillery in Akashi, the first Japanese distillery to obtain a licence to distil whisky way back in 1919, comes a blend of single malt and grain whisky. Strong but balanced, it’s an ideal way to introduce Dad to Japanese whiskies.
$93.10 for 500ml, spiritsoffrance.com.au
TRIUMPH & DISASTER ON THE ROAD TRAVEL KIT
Hit the road fresh-faced, clean-shaven and fully hydrated. The four-part On the Road travel kit by New Zealand ”skincare foundry” Triumph & Disaster includes travel-sized tubes of facial cleanser, shaving cream, moisturiser and body wash. They’re infused with extracts from New Zealand plants such as silver fern and kawakawa.
BIG CHOP KNIFE BLOCK
Tasmania’s Big Chop make knife-agnostic knife blocks using different Tasmanian timbers including Huon pine and blackwood. The open slats mean any knife can slide in, so your favourite knives can stay in tip-top condition, regardless of whether they’re part of a set.
$195, bigchop.com.au
ORIGIN STORY BY DAVE CHRISTIAN
Dave Christian is a big picture kind of guy, asking questions like how humanity got from the Big Bang to our present moment. Tracing mankind’s journey across eight key developments and discoveries including stars, galaxies, agriculture and fossil fuels, this is a book that illuminates history and puts today’s big questions into perspective.
From $35, https://www.penguin.com.au/books/origin-story-9780241254684
RIEDEL FIRE WHISKY SET
RIEDEL FIRE WHISKY SET
Sure, Dad’s got a formidable whisky collection but does he have the glassware to match? This set of two crystal glasses and a decanter by Riedel features an unusual ridged design inspired by the Art Nouveau movement and designed by George Riedel. We’re positive that it’ll make every dram taste that much better.
*$239.95, riedel.com
TAG HEUER CONNECTED MODULAR 41
Swiss craftsmanship meets modern technology in the latest Connected Modular watch from Tag Heuer. The new model features a smaller diameter, new colours, GPS, contactless payment technology and compatibility with both iPhone and Android phones. Sleek.
$4350, tagheuer.com
SALT & PEPPER RAMI APRON
Whether he’s keeping an eye on the barbecue or wok-tossing Singapore crab, Dad can cook up a storm without any splatters with this durable apron made of 100% cotton. A front pocket is just the right size for a tasting spoon, meat thermometer or bottle opener and there’s a continuous strap for easy adjustments.
$34.95, saltandpepper.com.au
MICHEL COUVREUR WHISKY CANDID
Burgundy whisky producer Michel Couvreur is known for maturing whisky he sources from Scotland in barrels once used for Spanish sherry, with the globe-trotting final result a very mellow and fruity drop. Candid spends 12 years in Pedro Ximenez casks and has notes of almond and pepper and a hint of liquorice. Completely unique.
$200.85 for 700ml, spiritsoffrance.com.au
