Father’s Day presents don’t have to be blah or boring

Think it’s hard to find a cool gift for Dad? Forget about it, we have it covered.

And forget about the socks, jocks and ties too – dads are over them. The Australian retail industry is worth $293 billion because us humans love to shop and spend money – especially on gifts for special people, like Dad. But this year, let Dad buy his own socks.

Come on, we’re not saying to forget about dear old Dad altogether though. No way. Father’s Day is his day to be honoured, respected and loved for all the awesome stuff he does.

Instead of the material gifts, show Dad what an amazing guy he is by spending time with him, feeding him and maybe even making him scream a little.

We’ve found some cool gifts for Dad to cover every budget – gifts that will make him feel like a million bucks on Father’s Day.

Let Dad get in touch with his inner-Homer

 Could there be anything more awesome than a donut bouquet? That’s right, the amazingly clever folk at Edible Blooms now have gorgeous (and delicious) boxes and bouquets of mini donuts.

If Dad lives in Perth (or Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide) surprise him with a delivery of this crazy-good edible present that was made with dads in mind. Eat your heart out, Homer Simpson.

Budget: from $61

 

Time out, Dad

If you were to ask a dad what he wants for Father’s Day, there’s a good chance he’d say he just wants to spend time with his kids. And that sounds great except everyone is going to be bored after 5 minutes of just “time together”, especially if there are young children in the mix.

But, if you pack a picnic of Dad’s favourite foods, the cricket set and a couple blankets (and Dad – don’t forget him), you’ve got all the makings of a fun afternoon at the beach or park.

Budget: from $25 (DIY)

 

Whatever floats your boat, Dad

If Dad is a little stressed out and needs the ultimate gift of peace and quiet, there’s no better place to find it than in a sensory deprivation tank.

Float tank centres are popping up all over the place as they gain popularity amongst the health-conscious and bloke-fav public figures like Joe Rogan and Tim Ferris.

In the pod, you are in total darkness and silence. Your body floats effortlessly in water made buoyant with 500kg of healing epsom salts. It’s an incredible experience that will leave Dad feeling like a new man.

Look for float tanks in Perth, Joondalup, Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River.

Budget: $79-90 for a 60-minute session

 

Feed your father good food

Dad will love being the special guest (instead of the host) of a Sunday brunch, lunch or dinner. If you’re in or near Perth, you’re spoiled for choice.

Flash: If you want to impress, take Dad for a high-brow lunch, High Tea or dinner in the sky at C Restaurant in Perth city. If upscale steaks and burgers are more Dad’s fancy, make a reservation at Adelphi Grill – they even have a free gift for dads this Father’s Day.

Hip: Head to Fremantle for a laid-back brunch or lunch: Bread in Common, Moore and Moore Cafe or if Dad’s a beer drinker, Little Creatures is the go.

Casual: Leederville and Subiaco are chock-full of pop-in, footpath eateries that just require a stroll to find one that you fancy. In the city, try Bam Bam Boo for casual yet delicious Chinese food.

Budget: from $20 per person

 

Give Dad the rock star treatment

If Dad’s a bit of an executive (or wants to be for a day) then treat him to the ultimate, the top shelf, the best of the best kick-ass gifts of all time: A Heli-Skydive

Hell yeah, this is a unique gift for fathers who like the finer things in life, or for the ones who may not have had the opportunity to experience such greatness.

Imagine driving unsuspecting Dad to a private hangar at Jandakot Airport. There, he’ll be welcomed by a Corsaire Aviation crew member who will tell him he’s going to Rottnest Island via a luxury helicopter.

Once at Rottnest, he’ll meet the Skydive Geronimo team, briefed and geared up for his skydive from that same helicopter. Jumping from a chopper is not the same as jumping from an airplane. It’s a little bit different – a little more flash and a lot more exclusive. It will knock Dad’s socks off (so you may want to include a pair of socks with this ever-cool gift).

If heli-skydives are a bit out of your Father’s Day budget, you can still treat Dad to the thrill of skydiving with a jump from a plane over Rottnest or Busselton Jetty.

Budget: skydive packages available from $299

Buy now: Save 10% on a skydive voucher for Father’s Day 2017

 

There you have it, five cool gift ideas for dads. Remember, Father’s Day in Australia is the first Sunday in September. Spoil dad with time, food, relaxation and fun.