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When you've been buying gifts for Dad for a long time, you might find that each year it gets harder and harder to top last year's gift. But there's no need to panic buy the latest gadget you're not even sure Dad will like, because we’ve lined up some genuinely useful gifts for Dad that will improve his day-to-day.
From handmade pens he can be proud of to baking skills your mum will thank you for, these gift ideas are useful, sustainable, and will give your dad something he actually needs!
Buying a pen is generic, but making a pen…
Pens are one of those everyday essentials we often take for granted. With this beginner-friendly woodturning class in Mona Vale, Sydney, you'll be giving Dad the chance to slow down and create something he'll use every day—his own handcrafted wooden pen! Sure to become the pen he carries everywhere with him, and one he'll be more than happy to pull out whenever someone asks, "Does anyone have a pen?"
Why it’s a useful gift for Dad: Not only will he get a usable pen to write with every day, he could also walk away with a new wood turning hobby, something to keep him occupied on the weekends and make sure his mind stays active.
What he can expect: Dad will have all the tools he needs to make several pens. Our community shared that it’s “easier than they thought” and that everything was well set up and expertly guided, making the pen turning process “enjoyable and achievable.”
John S., a recent woodturner, found this session to be a valuable confidence boost!
“The teacher, Darren, carefully and patiently took the class through the process of turning a pen. Darren was wonderful, very giving of his experience and knowledge. All materials for the class were supplied, and students had plenty of time to turn a number of pens. Walked away at the end of the class with some confidence and skills to continue this activity on my own now.”
How much will it cost? From $230 for one guest
Teach him everlasting baking skills
Get Dad on over to this sourdough bread workshop on the Sunshine Coast and make a baker out of him!
Why it’s a useful gift for Dad: The saying goes, “give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Same goes with sourdough! Gift your dad the skills to make his own bread and save on store-bought and processed baked goods. He’ll always have something to do and something to eat.
What he can expect: Dad will learn a bit about the fascinating history of sourdough and uncover the health benefits of choosing sourdough over commercial breads. He’ll then learn how to make the most out of his sourdough starter, including whipping up breakfast crumpets and artisan crackers. If Dad is feeling a little unsure as a beginner, that’s no problem. An expert instructor will guide him through the sourdough bread-making process step by step until he’s confident enough to create his own delicious loaf!
Fellow baker, Kieran D. loved this intro to his sourdough journey:
“Very good hands-on workshop to obtain incentive and confidence. The tutor presented very well, was informative and helpful to participants. It was a welcoming social atmosphere with a nice lunch and tasting treats provided. We took our “dough babies” home to bake and enjoy, which was very satisfying, as well as yeast starter and workbook, so I’m all set to practice the art!”
How much will it cost? $199
Discover the best Christmas gifts for Dads who have everything!
Create a coffee connoisseur
Is Dad a coffee lover? Get him into this barista basics class in Perth and watch him become certified coffee expert!
Why it’s a useful gift for Dad: Level up his coffee skills so that he rarely has to buy another coffee again! Though it could also be a nice way for Dad to get out and about, trying the best coffees in town with some confidence and expertise behind his critiques. He may even make a hobby of it.
What he can expect: This class covers all the fundamentals needed to use any coffee machine and grinder, making sure Dad can pour every coffee from the menu. He’ll even leave with a certificate!
David F., now the proud owner of a barista certification, thought this class was a great intro into making a quality coffee:
“The class was really fun, and I left feeling like I now know what I'm doing when I make coffee. The teacher was very knowledgeable and mixed good humour to ease us all into learning. Highly recommend this class as a starting point into making good coffees.”
How much will it cost? From $149
Make a gin expert out of Dad
Send Dad (and maybe Mum, too) off on a date to taste some gin at The Rocks in Sydney.
Why it’s a useful gift for Dad: This gift is multi-purpose. You’ll give your dad a fun night out, maybe even a well-deserved date night with Mum. He may have so much fun they’ll head out for another tasting—maybe whiskey next time. Perhaps he’ll even make his own spirit tasting club, giving him something to look forward to with friends, or you!
What he can expect: This is a two-hour deep dive into the world of gin led by a master distiller. He’ll learn the secrets behind the distillation process, discover the story behind different styles, and sample seven premium gin labels. Plus, he’ll master the art of garnish pairing—so the next time he hosts G&T night, he can officially blow everyone’s socks off with some killer bartending skills.
Ian P. received this tasting as a gift; here’s what he thought:
“Firstly, The Fox Hole was a wonderful venue with a great vibe, and we were very well looked after. Our host Brad was friendly, knowledgeable and catered to our every need. The gins were superb and attention to detail impeccable, and we’ll definitely return.”
How much will it cost? $90 per person or $170 for two
Let him create with clay
Once Dad tries this hand-building workshop in Melbourne, you may create a pottery hobbyist for life.
Why it’s a useful gift for Dad: Hand-building with clay is beneficial in more ways than one. Sure, Dad will get to make something he can use every day, like a plate, a mug or both! But the process of working with clay also brings a sense of calm and mindfulness, perfect for destressing. He may enjoy the peace so much that he’ll be going back for more.
What he can expect: Dad can switch off the overthinking and simply get hands-on in this class guided by a real ceramic enthusiast, trained in the world-famous ceramic town of Jingdezhen in China. He’ll start with a brief introduction to basic hand-building techniques and decoration before a small class dives into hands-on pottery making together. He’ll have free range to create a plate, cup or bowl, before adding small decorations to personalise his piece!
Patrick S. joined this class and had a “wonderful time hand-building and glazing.” He also mentioned:
“The teacher was patient and helped us get into the basics of building very quickly. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and we’re looking forward to seeing how our pieces turned out!”
How much will it cost? From $128
Get him into glass fusing as he makes his own lamp
After a gift that’ll brighten up Dad’s day? Get him into this glass lantern making class, in Sydenham, Sydney.
Why it’s a useful gift for Dad: He’ll get to make his very own lanterns that can be illuminated by a candle and placed anywhere at home for a calming ambience. Not to mention, he’ll learn about glass fusing and cutting, some incredibly cool skills he might like to continue by making more items of glass to decorate the house or garden.
What he can expect: Your dad will decorate four sheets of Bullseye glass using colourful sheet, frit, powder and enamel. These materials come together to craft the custom-designed windows for his own unique lantern.
Paul F. used this class as an opportunity to learn how to make gifts for others.
“Can't wait to see the lantern with a tealight candle in it. I’m excited to see the finished result and my friend's reaction to the coloured glass lantern.”
How much will it cost? From $250
Skip the junk drawer clutter this year. Give Dad something he’ll actually use, enjoy and brag about—because he deserves a gift so practical it’ll improve his everyday life.
