Something Special: A Gift Guide of Finer Things for Father’s Day

Audio-Technica Sound Burger

Affectionately called the Sound Burger ($429), Audio-Technica’s portable turntable combines nostalgia with technology in a small and nifty device that allows him to play 33⅓and 45rpm records through bluetooth connectivity or an audio cable. It means audiophiles with a traditional setup can play their record collection out of the house and pipe music through bluetooth speakers at parties, or the compact record player could be the missing piece of the puzzle for an existing digital home sound system. The perfect mix of high-tech and retro.

Penfolds Special Shiraz

A bottle of wine but so much more, this one’s for gourmets, for storytellers, for quiet achievers. Penfolds has released a limited-edition Special Shiraz (RRP $80) to pay homage to shiraz itself, the grape that has defined the iconic wine label. Masterful blending brings together meticulously selected fruit from multiple regions with a touch of matured Grange originally destined for the 2024 release. Expect dark fruits on the palate highlighted by spice, with layered complexity from its maturation in French oak and new American oak. Drink it now or save it for a special occasion? It’s a trick question – celebrating dad is a special occasion.

Hunter Lab Daily Tool Kit

This is not a drill, but it is a new tool of a kind. Hunter Lab’s Daily Tool Kit ($125) is a set of three skincare essentials: a hand and body wash to clean; a facial scrub to cleanse and exfoliate; and the popular Daily Face Fuel, a lightweight and hydrating daily moisturiser made from avocado, macadamia and passionfruit seed oils with passionflower and wakame extracts. Founded on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the brand is known for its use of high-performance natural ingredients. This is for the practical dad who wouldn’t think to buy this for himself but needs a bit of TLC.

Hario Alpha starter kit

Coffee? Coffee! Whether you have the kind of dad who loves to get technical, or one who just wants a simple way to get started in the morning without having to work a machine, the Hario Alpha starter kit ($484.90) will help him level up his pour-over game. It features Hario’s Alpha electric kettle with gooseneck spout, Polaris coffee scales, V60 Suiren dripper, its 600ml Barista serving jug and 100 of its V60 paper filters. Best of all, it also includes an excuse to invite yourself round for a brew and a chat.

Susie by Nick Cave

If dad’s a fan of Nick Cave, surely he knows of Susie, Cave’s beloved wife. Captured by family friend Dominique Issermann, the photographs in this Thames & Hudson hardcover show all the facets of this wife, mother and muse. Susie ($69.99) – or the special edition ($165) in a cloth case signed by Nick and Susie Cave, with a stamp by the photographer – is a visual and lyrical portrait of a beguiling woman. “Susie remains as much a mystery to me now as when I first saw her,” the songwriter confesses.

July Carry All Split Weekender

Is papa going places? The Carry All Split Weekender ($325) by July is an ideal getaway bag. The carryall body is waterproof and stainproof nylon, while its leather accents make it a smart-looking piece. The clamshell design makes for easy packing, and there’s a padded section in the middle that’ll fit a 15-inch laptop in case the trip tends towards business over pleasure. It’s roomy enough for a few days away, but also small enough to be stowed in the overhead locker on flights, and is available in seven colourways.

This article has been produced in partnership with Penfolds.