1 Sep 2021

We love to celebrate special occasions with our families, and on Fathers’ Day, we really want to see our dads. Unfortunately, this year, a huge family function is unachievable. While there are still restrictions in place, we have to resort to Zoom parties. Fathers’ Day will be virtual for many. During these times when we must stay physically distanced, social connection is even more important. So get planning! These are our best ideas for Fathers’ Day gifts and ways to celebrate.

Hampers and platters

1. High Tea at Home

For a delicious treat that your dad will enjoy, order a Turners Fathers’ Day High Tea in a Box for $50 per person. For an extra $9 you can have a bottle of beer added to your delivery. The High Tea in a Box includes the chef’s selection of gourmet mini ciabatta sandwiches, a Yorkshire pudding with roast beef, a selection of mini party pies and quiche, the chef’s selection of mini sweets (including Turners famous vanilla slice, mini chocolate brownie) and more. Orders close for Father’s Day Friday the 3rd of September

2. Grazing boxes:

Order a divine grazing box from JoJayz Café. These contain an assortment of fresh, delicious pies, burgers, cupcakes, slices, fruit, crackers, dips and more that will keep your family at the table for hours.

3. Cheese Hamper:

That’s Amore has teamed up with The Everleigh Bottling Co. to bring out a Cocktail Hour Hamper, just in time for Father’s Day. The limited edition is only available online so head to the website and order today. The hamper includes The Everleigh Bottling Cocktail of your choice (Old Fashioned or Negroni), a That’s Amore Caciotta Pepper, a That’s Amore Cacio Truffle, Organic Chicken Patè, City Larder Pickled Onions, Pita crisps, Olive oil & Sea salt. Check out the Cannoli Kit ($25) and the Carlton Football Club hamper ($100) for something to make Dad smile. The Dark and Spicy Hamper is a combination of cheese, chocolate and crackers, all packaged in a gift box.

4. Dining box:

The folk at Appret Café have put together some fabulous dining boxes for Fathers’ Day this year. Order the Big Daddy with a rib eye steak, nachos, mac and cheese balls and a bunch of other nibblies to enjoy. There are some breakfast boxes to choose from and even a sweet treat box for the dad who loves donuts and sugary slices.

(Virtual) dining on the day:

 5. Italian takeaway meals

The team from Farm Vigano are always cooking up a storm and this week is no different. Pre-order dad’s favourite Italian fare from the lunch or dinner takeaway menu. Indulge in some calamari or arancini balls, a rich, traditional pasta dish or a pizza, to honour your dad. You can even order a cocktail. The hard part will be choosing whether your dad will want an Americano or an Aperol Spritz for his special day. Gift vouchers are also available and will be honoured once we are all out of lockdown and restaurants are able to open up to the public once again.

6. Hearty food

Choose dad’s favourite meal from the menu at Bluestone Restaurant and you know he’ll have a great day. Does he love slow cooked, smokey, sticky ribs with chunky chips? Or is he more partial to a big piece of tiramisu for special occasions? Get your orders in quick!

 7. Brunch Box

Order the Fathers’ Day Brunch Box at Slices Family Restaurant Doreen which includes a full family feast. The Biggest Breaky, includes bonus baked beans, extra hash browns and a waffle, plus Smashed Avocado and 2 Kids Meals (choose from eggs or pancakes). Get on the Facebook page today and enter their competition to win a free brunch box this week.

 8. Japanese food

Okami Japanese Restaurant has finally arrived in Whittlesea. This all you can eat restaurant has the Okami Father’s Day Set for only $89.60. This includes a fresh sushi and sashimi platter (42 pcs), tempura prawns, beef carpaccio, gyoza, crunchy spring rolls and more. Pre-order now.

9. Favourite meals

Two Beans and a Farm are open for pre-orders every night. You can have your favourite meals ready to go, when you are. For Fathers’ Day, you can treat him to anything from the takeaway menu. If dad’s been missing his chicken parmas, then this is the menu for you!

10. Donuts

There’s a new donut slinger in town and they are getting geared up for a busy Sunday this week. Order your Gotham Donuts online and pick them up from their store in Bundoora. Choose from Nutella, custard, jam or plain donuts, as well as a whole range of original, yummy creations.

 11. Coffee

Grab dad’s morning brew at Café Lucio to help him get the day started right. The team will be on hand to prepare all of dad’s favourites from the menu; salad wraps, chicken parmas, moroccan lamb with couscous, focaccia or whatever your dad loves the most.

 12. Thai delights

Everyone is missing going out for dinner. Put some Thai music on your spotify playlist and order dinner from Corner of Thai in Whittlesea. Try the barramundi with spicy salad, a Tom Yum soup, some Thai pineapple fried rice and a crepe cake for dessert.

13. Soups and salads

Mernda local, the Split Bean Café, is open for Fathers’ Day orders. If your dad likes soup, scrambled eggs, and salads, get in touch and see what they have on the menu. 

 14. Vietnamese food

Does dad like a crunchy banh mi filled with crispy pork belly? Or is he more into vermicelli noodle salads? Maybe he likes the traditional pho noodle soup with chicken? At Saigon Sisters in Thomastown they specialise in Vietnamese street food and classic dishes. Order now for Sunday.

Fathers’ Day gift ideas

 15. Honey

Does your dad spread creamed honey on his toast or does he prefer the liquid gold straight from the beehive? At Mayaxala Honey in Doreen you can buy local, support a small business and have something really special to give your dad for Fathers’ Day. If you’re looking for a gift for the man who has everything, purchase a voucher for dad to do a beekeeping class or tour of the hives once things open up.

16. Homewares

Willow Home and Décor in Whittlesea is always packed to the rafters with gorgeous homewares and fabulous gifts. For Fathers’ Day this year, the team has some excellent suggestions. Scented candles, wall art signage, photo frames, even jewellery. There’s something for every dad in this store. Call today to organise a gift.

 17. Cakes

If your dad is a bit of a masterchef and you think he will be wowed by a fancy cake, check out Cake Box in Lalor. There are plenty of yummy treats available but the profiterole tower ($27) will satisfy every sweet tooth in the family.