16 gifts
A lot of dads say they'll buy it themselves when they need it. Look for the thing he keeps putting off replacing, then buy a good one.
Gifts for dads who fish
Fishing is a big part of life here, from the Ross River and the creeks to the reef and the waters around Magnetic Island. Before you buy tackle, find out where he fishes and what he chases, because estuary gear and offshore gear are very different. A tackle shop will ask you this anyway, so have the answer ready.
Lures, leader line, a fillet knife and polarised sunglasses are safe picks for most anglers. If he has a boat, a quality esky, a new anchor rope or a fish ruler will go on every trip. Our fishing gifts page goes into more detail.
Barbecue and shed gifts
A lot of Townsville life happens under the patio. A meat thermometer or a cover that survives the summer storms will be used every weekend. If you're buying a whole barbecue, measure the space first and ask the store whether they assemble it and whether the gas bottle comes with it.
For the shed, check the brand of his cordless tools. A bare tool that runs on the batteries he already has is often cheaper and more useful than a kit from a new brand. If he's starting out, a kit with two batteries and a charger is the better first buy.
Tech gifts for dad
A smartwatch, earbuds for the gym or a dash cam for the ute are practical tech gifts. Check that a smartwatch suits his phone before you buy, since some only pair with one brand. Ask the store about the warranty and keep the receipt in the box.
A portable fan for the shed or a waterproof speaker for the boat are smaller tech gifts that suit the climate.
Father's Day
Father's Day in 2027 is Sunday 5 September. Tackle shops and hardware stores get busy that week, so ring ahead if you're after something specific. The same goes for Christmas, which lands on a Friday this year.
If he really has everything, give him a day out. A fishing charter or a round of golf at a course he hasn't played is a gift he can look forward to. Ask the operator how long the voucher lasts, and whether the date can move if the weather turns.
Gifts for dad FAQs
What do you get a dad who has everything?
Time or an experience. A fishing charter, a round of golf or a dinner out gives him a day to remember. Or replace something old he keeps putting up with.
When is Father's Day in 2027?
Sunday 5 September 2027. Father's Day in Australia is the first Sunday in September.
What fishing gifts do dads like?
Lures, leader line, a fillet knife, polarised sunglasses or a quality esky. Find out whether he fishes the estuaries or offshore, and tell the tackle shop so they can point you to the right gear.
What is a good tech gift for dad?
A dash cam, a smartwatch or earbuds he can wear at the gym or on the mower. Make sure a smartwatch works with his phone before you buy.
What can I buy dad for under $100?
A meat thermometer and tongs set, a fillet knife, a pack of quality lures or a bare cordless tool that fits his existing batteries. Our gifts under $100 page has more.