I hate to think we’re still living in a world where a group of men wait outside a hospital room smoking cigars while a woman in labour goes through the most physically intense moment of her life.

Nevertheless, Father’s day is synonymous with masculinity and, subsequently, we see gift guides packed with overtly masculine products.

This year we thought we’d put together a gift guide that explores alternate sides to masculinity and not just utility vehicles, sports cars and golf clubs.

Now, you’re kidding yourself if you think dad doesn’t have a favourite, so check out these gift ideas to help you secure that top spot.

TICKETS TO SHOWS!
Firstly, can I just say, we should all be buying tickets at the moment, The Arts is an industry that has been shaken to its core by the pandemic and it needs our support right now. Secondly, what an excellent gift to give a parent to show whoever you call dad some love with tickets to an event. If you’re after some inspiration for what to buy, consider the upcoming concert Metamorphosis by Artaria, a landmark installation of twelve editorial portraits each illustrating the metamorphosis within several National Trust locations accompanied by live performance by Celia Craig. Click the image for tickets.

ABERFELDY 12YO
If tradition dictated that dad gets whisky for Father’s Day, you can’t t go past Aberfeldy 12yo, It’s a gorgeous single malt whisky with notes of fresh apple, honey and vanilla. I was forced to revisit this dram with a tasting ahead of Father’s day to check if it was as good as I remembered… it is…

Available at Dan Murphy’s and leading national retailers.

LUCAS PAPAW
Self-care is important. Read that again. This Australian-owned, Australian-made ointment is one of the best all-rounder health and beauty products you can own. Excellent for dry lips and skin, cuts, burns and scrapes, Lucas Papaw ointment should be part of your essentials checklist before leaving the house, wallet, keys, phone, Lucas Papaw…Check!

For more information go to Homepage – Lucas Papaw Remedies

A NIGHT OUT
Sorry if you’re reading this from interstate, as South Australia is enjoying simple freedoms like going out to bars and pubs, I really have to recommend taking dad to a gay bar. Mary’s Poppin off Rundle Street has ‘good time’ written all over it. Head in for a boogie, a bevvy and let those 90’s pop bangers wash over you like a champagne supernova, and if you really want to make dad feel like a queen, book a VIP experience via the link below.

Mary’s Poppin | Gay Bar | LGBTQIA+ Adelaide (maryspoppin.com)

ROBERT MONDAVI BOURBON BARREL-AGED CHARDONNAY
It’s no secret that chardonnay is back and better than ever. If you’re on the band wagon like me, fill thy cup with Robert Mondavi Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chardonnay, rich creamy layers of pineapple and peach overtake your palate and leave you pondering the amazement of the world. This is the ‘dad-bod’ of chardonnays…it’s full-bodied.

Available from BWS, Dan Murphy’s and Liquorland. For more info visit Robert Mondavi

PATRÓN REPOSADO
Whoever the father figure in your life is, the gift of margaritas will undoubtedly score you golden-child status amongst your siblings. Take your margarita game to the next level by using Patrón Reposado and make Father’s Day brunch an event to remember. I recently decided to make this a staple in my liquor cabinet, it’s excellent neat, over ice or in tequila-based cocktails!

Available from major retailers nationally

ACER AOPEN PORTABLE PROJECTOR
You’ve saved a copy of The Notebook to your device and you’ve filled your pockets with tissues, now all you need is the Acer AOpen Portable Projector for cinematic quality viewing in any room of the house. Don’t restrict your movie-induced crying to the television in the loungeroom, now you can watch, cry and laugh from anywhere you please. PSA, it’s ok for Dads to cry.

Available from Officeworks

THE QUIVER, MCLAREN VALE GRENACHE BY THE GROUP

McLaren Vale Grenache is my pick for red wine this time of the year and The Quiver by The Group is an excellent example. Medium bodied with a ruby red hue, this tipple screams fresh berries and spring time. Support SA made with any of the wines by The Group, for more info see the link below.

Wines | The Group (thegroupwines.com.au)

This Father’s Day, avoid the tools and the aftershave and grab your parent a gift they’ll really love.

By Marion Morrison