Christmas Gift Ideas for Dad
If you hop onto Google and type in ‘Christmas gifts for Dad,’ you’ll likely be met with a barrage of ads for personalised beer glasses and novelty socks. But since a father’s favourite catch phrase may as well be ‘Don’t worry love, I already have everything I need’ - it’s just so easy to click ‘Add to cart’ to those socks with the cute little pint glasses on them.
While Dad might not need anything, that doesn’t mean he doesn't want anything. The gifts below have been selected to be standalone practical gifts that are on dad's secret wishlist (a little elf told us).
Smart watch
Garmin Vivofit 3
If you’re looking for an affordable fitness tracker, the Garmin Vivofit 3 is one of the only top picks under $200. At $159, it’s the cheapest option in the Top 10 rated smart watches on ProductReview.com.au.
This is an activity tracker rather than an all-rounded smart watch. It’ll suit your dad if he’s a fitness buff, or finds nothing endearing about the term ‘Dad Bod.’
According to reviewers, the Vivofit 3 is a reliable piece of personal tech providing lots of useful info. This data includes steps, calories, distance, intensity minutes, and sleep monitoring. The battery doesn’t need to be charged - it lasts for a year until it’ll need replacing. This was another huge plus point for reviewers.
Robot vacuum
While Dad’s probably not asking to be crowned the King of Cleaning this holiday season, a robot vacuum may just feel like the royal treatment. These nifty gadgets give you clean floors and carpets while you sit back and relax, spending more time doing the things you love.
Because which dad wouldn’t rather be hanging out with the kids or grandkids, kicking a soccer ball around, or leaning back on the couch with an ice-cold beer, watching his favourite show?
iRobot Roomba 692
Priced at $424, this Roomba robovac cleans carpets and hard floors, with multiple brushes to pick up small and large debris. Reviewers loved the convenience of their little Roomba and the thoroughness of its clean - including making small work of pet hair. While the price seems a little steep, this is one of more affordable highly rated options, and has also been an award winner in 2017 and 2018 for best robot vacuum.
This gift will benefit everyone in the house, not just dad - so perhaps it can be bought as a joint present for mum and dad, and all siblings can chip in.
Cheap robot vacuums
If you’re looking for something more affordable, the cheapest robot vacuum with the highest rating on ProductReview is the $199 Hoover Performer Plus Robot Vacuum Cleaner. New offerings to the market are the Kogan SmarterHome G20 ($129.99), and the Kmart Anko Robotic Vacuum Cleaner ($179).
Pie maker
Pies are a culinary icon of the great Aussie nation. However, as finger-licking good as store-bought pies from the tuckshop may be, they’re not the healthiest choice for regular mealtimes.
But that’s no reason for Dad to give up his pie addiction. A homemade pie maker can whip up pies that are delicious and healthy. While the oven can slow things down, a dedicated pie maker can make this quintessential Aussie meal, fast.
Sunbeam Pie Magic
The Sunbeam Pie Magic is the top rated pie-maker in this category. It's $89.95 for the unit that makes 4 pies, and $54.95 for the 2-pie maker.
Pies cook in around 10 minutes, and dad can make his favourite pie, whether that’s a a meat pie, apple pie or lentil pie. Reviewers reported they loved this pie maker as it made them ‘fast food’ at home, and often saved them reaching for their UberEats app.
Pie makers under $30
If you need a stocking filler for dad, the Kmart Pie Maker and Mistral 4 Pie Maker are other popular options for making sweet and savoury treats, both priced at $29.
Headphones
If your Dad’s a bit of an audiophile, chances are high that he really values the ability to be drowning in sound every time he puts on a high-quality pair of headphones.
These days we’re plugged in more than ever. Even keeping an extra pair of headphones handy at the office, in a gym locker or around the house is beneficial for getting immersed in tunes, audiobooks, podcasts and sports commentary.
JBL Tune 450T
These on-ear headphones from JBL are reasonably priced at $69.95 - and are currently on sale at $39.95 from JBL. They have a high 4.3-star rating from 190 reviews. Reviewers appreciated the impressive bass, reliable wireless connection, ability to adjust the size, and long battery life.
Audio Technica ATH-M50x
These over-ear headphones will set you back $279, but boast a 4.8-star rating - Audio Technica is a sound brand.
They’re premium headphones up to the task of being used professionally in a recording studio - so there’s no skimping on quality here. They can also double as a gaming headset.
Reviewers appreciated the clarity of sound, rich bass, long battery life and durability. It was described as an excellent value-for-money proposition.
Charcoal BBQ
While low and slow charcoal cooking isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, for some people it represents culinary perfection. Charcoal cooking done right makes food crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside.
Portable charcoal barbeques are affordable, and a thoughtful gift if Dad likes cooking perfectly seared steaks for anywhere between 1-6 people. Short cooking sessions don’t give off much smoke, while still infusing food with that desired smoky flavour charcoal cooking is renowned for.
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Barbeque
This is the top-rated portable charcoal barbeque on ProductReview. Its $129.95 price point is reported to be great value for money. It can cook small roasts, fish, wings, ribs and pizza with ease, and can pick it up and carry it with one hand. Reviewers toted this little roaster to friend’s houses, parks, beaches and on road trips, while others stated it can feed up to 6 people comfortably.
Jumbuck Globe Kettle
If you want to go cheaper, the $68 Jumbuck Globe Kettle is the 4th best charcoal bbq. It’s 57cm wide, a good compact size for cooking a meal for 2-4 people. It can produce that classic smoky flavour coveted with charcoal cooking, and takes up hardly any space on a verandah. A side handle and wheels make it easy to move around.
Handheld massager
If Dad often complains of sore muscles or pain but doesn’t have time (or money) to get massages, a handheld massager can be a thoughtful gift. The $129.95 Hy-Impact Cordless Muscle Massager is reported to give good results when it came to providing some relief for strained muscles. It’s easier to use on the legs and lower body, and may become heavy if holding to the upper body.