It’s that magical time of year again, where you’re suddenly reminded of just how big your family and friend group is. Most of the gifts you’ve got down; Aunty Brenda gets a scented candle, your cousins from the country get Nerf guns, mum’s getting a spa day. After all of these years you’ve got the gift giving during the festive season down to a fine art. But then it comes to the monolith of difficult gifting: Dad. Or any man over 45.
Well, fear not friends, for I have decoded the art of gifting for dads. And the best bit is that all of these gifts are local, meaning you’re supporting small Perth businesses after a particularly stressful year! Here are the best five local gifts for the older man in your life
Besk Bottle Shop
Dads sure love to get on the beers don’t they? And the good folk at Besk in West Leederville have all of your beer, wine and spirit needs covered! Aside from being a super swanky bar and restaurant, Besk boasts a premium selection of grog all in-house (meaning you can treat yourself to a tipple and get some shopping done, win-win!). Besk’s bottle shop has a selection of local, national and international drinks, and offer table service—meaning dad can pick out whatever he wants, and crack it open then and there.
Farlands Leather Goods
There’s a few things dads just love: watching the TV standing up, forgetting your best friend of seven years’ name, teasing you for your overcomplicated coffee order, and the rich smell of genuine leather. And Kristy Scaddan of Farlands has exceptional handmade leather goods made right here in Perth. Based in West Perth, Kristy sources premium leather from local suppliers and hand crafts each Farlands piece, meaning that whatever you buy dad is bound to impress him.
The leather coasters are a great gift idea (especially if you’re picking up a drink for dad from Besk!), and the leather key chain is the perfect gift for the dad who is always losing his keys. Practical and stylish, this handmade gift will last dad a lifetime.
Perth BBQ School
Perth BBQ School is firing up the charcoals for 2021, which means a whole year of new classes and all new techniques for dad to learn. Located in Maylands, Perth BBQ School promises to teach their students the fundamentals of barbequing, as well as skills like smoking, reverse searing, brining and more. The classes use only the basic Weber kettle griller, making it easy for any dad to bring those newly taught skills back home (which means delicious food for you as well!).
The School also offers masterclasses on brisket and seafood, so dad can assert his dominion over all of the meats. At the moment classes for 2020 are fully booked, but classes for 2021 are being loaded to the School’s new website as we speak, so dad can get those BBQ skills locked down just in time for the end of Summer.
Mandoon Bush Tucker and Talk
The folk at Mandoon Estate have been supplying the people of WA with wine and food tastings for years, and have really outdone themselves with the Bush Tucker and Talk experience. Honouring the traditional history of the Swan Valley, this experience begins with drinks at Mandoon Estate before participants taste some traditional Indigenous food with Noongar Elder Dale Tilbrook. All the while you are immersed in the ancient history of the region, learning how thousands of years of Whadjuk society have influenced the area today.
This is a gift perfect for the dad who has everything, or learn more about WA’s unique and ancient history all whilst enjoying the best the region has to offer.
Nakamura Chocolates
When all else fails, chocolate comes to the rescue. Nakamura Chocolates began when Yuki Nakamura’s father returned from Paris to Tokyo with artisanal chocolates. Nakamura has made chocolate a craft in itself, and each piece is beautifully crafted to be a bite-sized work of art. Nakamura chocolates also have a variety of selections, meaning that even the fussiest of dads will be pleased. And with flavours like white sesame, yuzu and thyme, and Davidson plum and chestnut how could you go wrong?
Nakamura has shut their online store during the warmer months to keep your chocolates safe, but don’t fret—stockists across Perth have your chocolate needs covered.
And there you have it! Another year of gifting for the man who has given you everything. Remember to try and support small Perth businesses as best as you can this year, and don’t forget to try and enjoy the festive season as much as you can—bring on 2021!
If you’re stuck for a present for Mum we have you covered too! Check out the Mum’s Gift Guide here.