Overview
Thanks to various lockdowns and restrictions, 2021's Father's Day celebrations are probably going to look a little different from previous years. While Melbourne's current lockdown is scheduled to end on September 2, we all know by now that it's best to be prepared for any scenario.
Of course, even if you can't catch up with your father figure IRL or take him out for a proper feast with the family, it doesn't mean you can't spoil him with a bit of lockdown-friendly, virtual Father's Day love. Especially if the way to his heart is via his stomach.
Whether you're celebrating with your dad, the father of your kids, or a treasured paternal figure, we've rounded up a few choice options to treat your old man on September 5. You could have a decadent barbecue feast delivered to his door, a weekend's supply of artisan doughnuts, or grab him a tipple (or three) from his favourite local brewery. No one knows what our lockdown status might be, but at least you can safely secure dad's affections with something from this tasty lineup.
THE NON-TRADITIONAL FATHER'S DAY LUNCH
Restaurant lunches and family barbecues might not be a sure bet this year, but whatever happens, you can still ensure dad's treated to a celebratory feed with just a few clicks. No matter where his culinary leanings lie, Melbourne's got a home-delivered food offering to suit. For example, David's is doing a limited-edition yum cha feast for two, available for both delivery and click-and-collect via Providoor. It stars classic dishes like chilli pork dumplings and peking duck.
Meanwhile, Panda Hot Pot is offering an at-home version of its legendary hot pot experience, designed to feed two to six depending on the size. The barbecue-loving dad will be pretty chuffed sitting down to a finish-at-home family feed from Fancy Hanks; especially if you've added one of the signature hot sauce or seasoning packs to your order. Both meat and vegetarian variations are on offer daily.
And for an at-home high tea that'll score you serious brownie points, try the Stables of Como. While the venue's gorgeous grounds remain closed, it's packaging up its famed high tea offering for delivery via UberEats, DoorDash and Deliveroo — after all, what dad wouldn't love to dig into a delightful spread of sweet and savoury goodies?
SOME LAZY GRAZING
Even if you're not making an appearance yourself, you can give dad the gift of brekkie in bed or a fun backyard picnic by ordering a curated hamper dropped straight to his doorstep. South Yarra's Lulu White is doing at-home boozy brunch boxes packed with a choice of three signature dishes, plus bubbles and jarred cocktails.
Hospitality social enterprise Streat has its own breakfast hamper — starring house-made sourdough and house-roasted coffee, no less — as well as a chic picnic pack filled with the likes of mini sausage rolls, smoked salmon paté and bite-sized quiches. Plus, Middle Eastern bakery Oasis is slinging a stunning assortment of deli boxes, grazing packs and entertainer's kits over on its online shop, with delivery Victoria-wide.
And if dad's partial to an Italian-style spread of cheese and salumi with his afternoon vino, try the experts at King & Godfree. The venue's got an impressive lineup of antipasti boxes, deli packs and mix-and-match products available for delivery five days a week, along with a special Father's Day brekkie box.
THE SWEET STUFF
Sweet-toothed dads might be a breeze to buy gifts for, but this is the year to really outdo yourself. For example, Doughboys Doughnuts is slinging a special-edition Lockdown Box, filled with half a dozen signature holey delights that are sure to win pops over. Flavours include glazed vanilla bean, raspberry old fashioned and a decadent chocolate peanut cream — and they're delivering up to 10 kilometres from the CBD.
Meanwhile, the chocolate masters at Mork are doing $5 home-delivery on online orders over $26 — right now, hit the website to shop dreamy things like the twice-baked chocolate cake, packs of choc malt cookies and some of the finest drinking chocolate in town. Or, if he's the kind of guy who likes to try a little bit of everything, treat him to one of Bibelot's Gourmandise Boards, starring a colourful assortment of bite-sized sweet creations for $35.
Handpicked Wines, by Nastia Gladushchenko
SOME LOVELY LOCKDOWN LIBATIONS
The next best thing to actually joining dad for a Father's Day tipple is to set up his fridge or home bar with some top-notch goodies he can enjoy in your absence. Whilst he marvels at your supreme gift-buying skills, of course. Any craft beer aficionado will be stoked to open their door to a delivery from Carwyn Cellars, especially if it's the 2021 edition of the bottle shop's famed Dad Pack. Available for shipping and local delivery, this one comes stocked with a slew of crafty tins, merch and vouchers from favourites like Hop Nation, Bodriggy and Hawkers, for $50. Melbourne-based Brick Lane Brewing also has a range of dad-worthy beer packs over on its online store.
If he's more of a whisky man, Starward's locally-made drops are a primo choice — the distillery's online selection is brimming with options for delivery across Australia, including this gift pack with three different signature sips. For the gin-obsessed dad, the Yarra Valley's Rochford is slinging a special gin and wine hamper which also includes access to a guided virtual tasting on September 3.
And for the wine-lovers out there, try the likes of a Shiraz and cheese box, or a pack of all-Victorian vino and nibbles courtesy of Handpicked Wines' online range. The label's currently doing same-day delivery from its Melbourne CBD cellar door.
COFFEE FOR CHEER
Why not put a little pep in his step by stocking the cupboard with some locally-made caffeinated treats? Over on its website, renowned roaster Market Lane is slinging a wide array of beans, grinds, equipment and gift packs to suit at-home coffee-sippers of all persuasions. Right now, there's also free delivery for orders over $50.
Seven Seeds' online shop is also stocked with a healthy offering of coffee and brew gear, as well as a Father's Day pack featuring beans, a nifty mug and some single-origin Birdsnake chocolate. The brand's also currently offering a free upgrade to express delivery on all orders, in case you like to leave things to the last minute. And Padre's got lots of its own coffee-related goodness available to shop online, including the fittingly named Daddy's Girl espresso blend. Free shipping is available for orders over $55.
Hello Botanical
NON-FOODIE TREATS
If F-Day lunch is already sorted, or his passions lie somewhere beyond the world of food, there's a raft of other goodies you can get delivered to dad's door. A lush dose of greenery never goes astray, so hit up local plant gift delivery service Hello Botanical for some leafy treats. These guys are selling a wide range of indoor plants and plant-related care packages, plus you can even wrangle a same-day drop-off.
Meanwhile, sporty souls will always appreciate some new activewear — try this dad-friendly edit from Echt (with free express shipping on orders over $100) or get him moving with some Max Gawn-approved threads from Lululemon. And of course, there's always the failsafe option of some big, vibrant blooms to make dad feel extra special. Head over to LVLY to shop a colourful range of standalone bouquets, along with flower packs featuring extras like coffee, chocolates and beer.