
The best Father's Day gifts under $50
It's that time again, and we've got a bunch of gifts for dad from trusty socks to once-off experiences. These local gifts are the best buys in Melbourne.
When is Father’s Day in 2025?
Put it in your diaries – Father’s Day will be on 7 September in 2025. Don't be fooled by some Northern hemisphere countries, which celebrate Father's Day in June!
Quirky socks, from $11.95
What’s a gift guide without socks? Bruce Goose at Queen Victoria Market makes pairs covered in colourful stripes, polka dots and, yes, with sausage dogs. More laid-back fashionistas will love single colour and breathable socks. For the artsy dad, the NGV Design Store has a pair emblazoned with Hokusai's famous Great Wave artwork.

Sketching supplies, from $18.99
Help him put pencil to paper with a crisp new Moleskin sketch pad. The choice of artists and thinkers, from Picasso to Hemingway, the fresh white pages will spark his imagination. Pair it with set of five graded graphite pencils in a gift-ready tin, then kick back and await your thank you note! Available from Milligram.
Critter keyrings, $15
Curious dads will marvel at the tiny specimens inside these keyrings. Peruse the range of seahorses, scorpions, spiders and more, perfectly preserved and trapped in time. You can get a matching pair to share and did we mention they glow in the dark? Find more curious trinkets at rare gift emporium Wunderkammer.

Rare LEGO sets, from $5.99
If you’ve got a LEGO nerd on your hands, Brickville needs to be your next port of call. This local Kensington gem deals in hard-to-find, decommissioned and retired LEGO sets. So if there's a particular Marvel minifig or vintage set they're after, this brick-loaded wonderland has it all sorted.
Coffee table books, from $40
Whether Dad's an old-school gamer or movie buff, the ACMI Shop is sure to have a gift he'll treasure. Add to his bookshelf a detailed history of cinema. Let him flick through a catalogue of each year's most defining video game. Or treat him to a deluxe art book with stunning concept sketches from Studio Ghibli.

Koko Black chocolate, from $36.90
The premium chocolate purveyors at Koko Black have brought the goods again with these delicious delights for Dad. The gift boxes are the perfect thing for the dad who loves a sweet treat. Or blow out the budget (just a little) with a box of gin-infused choccies. All perfectly presented in a funky package.
Pop! Vinyl figures, from $21.99
From Star Wars to Dragon Ball Z, there's a perfect Pop! Vinyl figurine for everyone's interests. Pop culture paradise Minotaur sells stacks of the little statuettes. Critical Hit also has a huge range of these cuties, with a focus on Japanese characters.

Lantern-lit ghost tour, $39
Got a history buff in the family? Book a ghost tour for dad to discover Melbourne's spooky past. There'll be tales of opium dens, medical science mysteries and a deep dive into the dramatic end of famous opera singer Federici. Add the dinner option and enjoy a meal at one of the city's most iconic old pubs before venturing off into the night!
High Sierra backpack, $49
If he's still toting around the same tattered backpack he had when you were five, it's time to upgrade. The 31-litre High Sierra backpack is just the thing. Kitted out with all the bells and whistles, it has spacious inner compartments and adjustable padded straps for all-day comfort. Find it at TravellerShop, along with loads of handy travel gadgets.
The best gifts for Fathers Day or Father's Day? Macquarie Dictionary says the correct term is Father's Day, because it's his day!
The best Father's Day offers and specials
Victoria by Farmer's Daughters
An extra special Father’s Day lunch with a feast cooked over an open flame campfire grill. $85pp
Alluvial Restaurant
Savour a sumptuous family-style Sunday roast crafted for sharing this Father's Day $75pp (kids $50)
Blacksmith Bar & Grill
Choose from a delicious 3-course menu. Free pint for Dad on arrival. $99pp.
Belgian Beer Cafe Melbourne
Take Dad out for happy hour drinks (3-6pm), live European music and $20 1kg mussel pots.
St Ali and the Queen
Shop pressies for a Rad Dad including coffee beans, mugs, socks and more.
Pidapipo Gelateria
The viral Papamisu is back. Get dad a tub for $32, available at all stores.
Munich Brauhaus
Enjoy a feast stacked with hearty bites, ice-cold steins, and a few surprises. Sun 7 Sep, $49pp
Hotel Nacional
From 12pm on Father's Day, enjoy a Mexican feast or cocktails and bites on the rooftop. 7 Sep.
Lexy Restaurant and Bar
Enjoy a special Father's Day lunch menu crafted with heart and bold flavours. $180pp. 7 Sep.
Grill Americano
Take Dad out for specials like caramelle pasta, beef tartate and Wagyu scotch fillet.
Society
Book Dad in for a long lunch with specials like calamari fritti, Blackmore sirloin and rib-eye.
Kisumé
Enjoy one-day specials this Father's Day including Wagyu gyoza, pork cutlet and tuna caviar maki.
Maison Bâtard
Enjoy Father's Day lunch specials like beef bourguignon pie, a 1kg T-bone and Wagyu doughnuts.
Brunetti Classico
Celebrate Father's Day with a Auguri Papà cake filled with caramel and coffee layers. $64.90.
Chin Chin
Book Father's Day lunch to try specials like prawn dumplings, pork ribs and more.
From Here By Mike
Celebrate with complimentary bottomless brews for Dad, with seasonal, locally sourced meat specials.
Lune
Sweet, salty & fiery – nduja & manchego sausage in latticed Lune croissant pastry. 1–30 Sep
Fleet Rooftop Bar
Enjoy a luxe four-course seafood set menu, or a la carte. $105pp, Sun 7 Sep from noon
More Melbourne gift shops for men
LEGO Certified Store
The largest store in the southern hemisphere stocking an extensive range of merchandise.
Metro Hobbies
Helping enthusiasts of all ages enjoy everything awesome in the world of hobbies for over 40 years.
Mr Wares
Retail shop offering quality gifts, homeware and accessories sourced from specialist manufacturers.
All Star Comics Melbourne
Innovative and interesting comics curated by true comic lovers for comic book readers new and old.
Last-minute experience gifts
Chocoholic Tours
This chocolate walking tour visits some of the city's best chocolatiers with exclusive experiences.
Hidden Secrets Tours
Indulge and discover the city's hidden charm with Melbourne's original laneway walking tours.
Last updated on Mon 1 Sep 2025