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.

A person in a shop holding a pair of socks with a sausage dog print.
Bruce Goose sausage dog socks

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.

Three sets of heart-shaped keyrings with tiny animal fossils inside.
Wunderkammer keyrings

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.

A man in a powerchair and woman strolling past a big purple and yellow sign with the word "acmi" on it.
ACMI

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.

A shelf of Pop! Vinyl figures in a pop culture merchandise shop.
Pop! Vinyl figures

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

A chef stoking coals with a spade in a commercial kitchen, sparks flying.

Victoria by Farmer's Daughters

An extra special Father’s Day lunch with a feast cooked over an open flame campfire grill. $85pp

Special offer

Alluvial Restaurant

Savour a sumptuous family-style Sunday roast crafted for sharing this Father's Day $75pp (kids $50)

Special offer
Two men enjoying pizza and wine at an outdoor table at a restaurant.

Blacksmith Bar & Grill

Choose from a delicious 3-course menu. Free pint for Dad on arrival. $99pp.

Special offer
A pot of mussels.

Belgian Beer Cafe Melbourne

Take Dad out for happy hour drinks (3-6pm), live European music and $20 1kg mussel pots.

Special offer
Coffee beans and socks with labels that read 'rad dad'.

St Ali and the Queen

Shop pressies for a Rad Dad including coffee beans, mugs, socks and more.

Special offer
A chef dusting a tub of tiramisu with chocolate powder.

Pidapipo Gelateria

The viral Papamisu is back. Get dad a tub for $32, available at all stores.

Special offer
Hands tucking into a huge plate of pork knuckles with a large glass of beer.

Munich Brauhaus

Enjoy a feast stacked with hearty bites, ice-cold steins, and a few surprises. Sun 7 Sep, $49pp

Special offer
Two people holding margaritas, seen from above, with plates of Mexican food on a white table below.

Hotel Nacional

From 12pm on Father's Day, enjoy a Mexican feast or cocktails and bites on the rooftop. 7 Sep.

Special offer
A dark and moody tabletop with a whisky bottle on its side between plates of food.

Lexy Restaurant and Bar

Enjoy a special Father's Day lunch menu crafted with heart and bold flavours. $180pp. 7 Sep.

Special offer

Grill Americano

Take Dad out for specials like caramelle pasta, beef tartate and Wagyu scotch fillet.

Special offer

Society

Book Dad in for a long lunch with specials like calamari fritti, Blackmore sirloin and rib-eye.

Special offer

Kisumé

Enjoy one-day specials this Father's Day including Wagyu gyoza, pork cutlet and tuna caviar maki.

Special offer

Maison Bâtard

Enjoy Father's Day lunch specials like beef bourguignon pie, a 1kg T-bone and Wagyu doughnuts.

Special offer
A round cake with chocolate on top.

Brunetti Classico

Celebrate Father's Day with a Auguri Papà cake filled with caramel and coffee layers. $64.90.

Special offer

Chin Chin

Book Father's Day lunch to try specials like prawn dumplings, pork ribs and more.

Special offer
Plate of meat and vegetables with a glass of red wine.

Dolly

Treat Dad to a free main course. Sun 7 Sep

Special offer
A wooden table set with two place settings, with a sliced rib eye and condiments plus side dishes and wine.

From Here By Mike

Celebrate with complimentary bottomless brews for Dad, with seasonal, locally sourced meat specials.

Special offer
Latticed sausage roll on grey marble.

Lune

Sweet, salty & fiery – nduja & manchego sausage in latticed Lune croissant pastry. 1–30 Sep

Special offer
Large spread of seafood dishes including oysters.

Fleet Rooftop Bar

Enjoy a luxe four-course seafood set menu, or a la carte. $105pp, Sun 7 Sep from noon

Special offer
Father's Day Stompers

Father's Day Stompers

Celebrate your loved ones at this special Father's Day Stompers.

More Melbourne gift shops for men

MR. CUFF

MR. CUFF

Bespoke menswear, handmade by real tailors in Melbourne city.

LEGO Certified Store

LEGO Certified Store

The largest store in the southern hemisphere stocking an extensive range of merchandise.

Metro Hobbies

Metro Hobbies

Helping enthusiasts of all ages enjoy everything awesome in the world of hobbies for over 40 years.

Sure Store

Sure Store

Offering brand-name sneakers, urban-inspired clothing and accessories for men and women.

Mr Wares

Mr Wares

Retail shop offering quality gifts, homeware and accessories sourced from specialist manufacturers.

KICKSTW

KICKSTW

A leading destination for streetwear and limited edition sneakers.

Wax Museum Records

Wax Museum Records

A wide range of new and used vinyl, CDs, tapes and music-inspired clothing.

All Star Comics Melbourne

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

Chocoholic Tours

This chocolate walking tour visits some of the city's best chocolatiers with exclusive experiences.

On a Boat

On a Boat

Experience the Yarra River by boat on your own private cruise.

GoBoat Melbourne

GoBoat Melbourne

Be your own captain by renting a picnic boat, with no boat licence required.

Hidden Secrets Tours

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

Only In The City

Rare shops you can only find in Melbourne

Rare shops you can only find in Melbourne

Melbourne is full of incredible shopping, here's where to find the only in the city experiences

Metropolis Bookshop

Metropolis Bookshop

Metropolis carries a specialist range of books focusing on art, design, popular culture and more.

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market

This beloved Melbourne landmark is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.

Discover more

Stranger Than Paradise Gifts

Stranger Than Paradise Gifts

Unique gifts and toys sourced from around the world.

In.cube8r

In.cube8r

Shop direct from the makers at this Melbourne Central pop-up.

Mu Shop

Mu Shop

A niche boutique selling a range of bags, trinkets and low cost gifts.

Poppyshop

Poppyshop

A treasure chest of collectables for all ages.