Skip the socks and jocks routine, that’s boring and even though he’ll likely pretend to like it – he doesn’t want any new ones. Your dad probably thinks those holey ones have years left in them yet!
So for the man who loves cars, here’s nine very different ideas, with something for every kind of dad – from budget to blow-out. You can also win one of our featured gift ideas. Read on to find out how.
Lego Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Buy it here
This 1:8 scale model replica of the iconic Porsche 911 GT3 RS is proving incredibly popular. If you can get your hands on one, it will set you back $499.99 but it’ll be worth it to see the look on your dad’s face.
The detail in the LEGO Technic models is impressive, from the brake calipers, low profile tyres, working gearbox, steering wheel with paddle-shifters – even the pistons in the engine move.
With more than 2700 pieces, this will provide hours and hours of entertainment and he’ll have a pretty sweet looking new toy to play with.
BMW M-Tech socks
Buy them here
Okay, we said no socks and jocks but we couldn’t go past these funky numbers. For the business-minded dad who likes to brighten up a boring corporate ensemble with a bright pair of socks, these BMW M-Tech foot-coverings are the way to go.
A pop of colour, and a clever way to figure out which one goes on which foot – gas/brake for the right, and clutch for the left.
James Corbett sculpture
Buy it here
James Corbett is a sculptor who makes his works of art from old car parts with the occasional piece of a bicycle or motorcycle utilised when necessary. Corbett likes to use interesting and characterful parts and often the best ones come from older vehicles.
His range is eclectic and each sculpture is a one-off. The subjects vary from small animals to life-sized people and larger animals but he is particularly well known for the speed and movement he manages to convey in his classic racing car and motorcycle sculptures.
They’re amazing, but not cheap. Prices start at $2500.
Belkin Car Accessories
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Everyone loves gadgets and Belkin has a range of car accessories that will help keep dad connected on the road. These are particularly handy for fast charging and in older cars that don’t have USB ports. Or dad can use them to keep the kids happy and plugged-in up the back.
One of the standout products is the the USB-C Car Charger that can charge smartphones and tablets up to 70 per cent faster and offers higher power delivery for larger devices like laptops via its 1.2m long cable.
The Car Power Valet is an interesting device, able to figure out the optimal amount of power to charge as fast as possible while also protecting the attached device.
Hazet Ratchet Spanner
Buy it here
Ratchet spanners are the coolest things and every time you need to bring one out to fix something, they inspire a moment of sheer joy.
If you want something that’s tried and tested that everyone knows about, go for the good ol’ faithful Snap-on, but for something less known, try Hazet.
These tools are German-made, high quality and sure to make to make the neighbours jealous because they probably won’t have one. Hazet has also been an official supplier for Porsche Motorsport for the past 20 years.
Tamiya The Hornet remote control car
Buy it here
Building a model remote control car from scratch can take a lot of time. So for dads who are stretched for time but still enjoy having a bit of fun, Tamiya RC cars are worth a look. The Hornet re-release is one of its most popular models and is quick and easy to assemble.
It has a lightweight ABS resin bathtub frame, diff gear loaded sealed gearbox, oil-filled rear dampers, RS 540 motor and a high performance suspension set up. Get one for yourself too and it’ll be game on.
DIY
Find them here
Remember the days when you got to spend time in class making a Father’s Day present? Chances are your boss won’t let you get crafty at your desk, but there are loads of projects you can do at home that are quick and easy.
You could turn an alloy wheel into a hose reel for dad – we found these Ford hotwire wheels pictured above on eBay – you could also turn a suspension spring into a letter holder, a car bonnet into a bedhead or even use old tyres to make garden beds.
A trip to the US to see Carhenge
Check it out here
This amazing replica of Stonehenge is made entirely from car bodies. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure because it’s located in Alliance, a small town in Box Butte County, Nebraska which is almost smack-bang in the middle of the US.
Carhenge was built in 1987 from 39 vintage American automobiles that were all painted grey. Just like Stonehenge, three trilithons stand within a circle and there’s a heel stone, slaughter stone and two station stones. Artist Jim Reinders built Carhenge as a memorial for his father who used to live where the tourist attraction now stands.
It would be a pricey present, but there’s no better way to reconnect than with a father/son or father/daughter adventure.
Last but not least…
Spend the day with Dad, that’s the best present you can give him.
