What do you give the man who swears he doesn’t want anything but deserves everything?
Father’s Day is around the corner, landing on Sunday, 15 June 2025. Across South Africa, families will gather to honor the men who taught them to ride bikes, fix geysers, and braai the perfect steak. But when it comes to buying gifts, many fall back on the usual suspects: socks, soap-on-a-rope, or a last-minute mug from CNA. This year, SFI.COZA challenges readers to ditch the boring and gift with intention. Whether your dad’s a whisky sipper, sneakerhead, music junkie, or golf fanatic, we’ve got something to match his vibe and his value.
For the Stylish Dad: Leather That Lasts
If your father treats his wardrobe like a curated playlist, get him a locally made leather item that elevates his look without trying too hard. Brands like Thandana, Rowdy Bags, and Kaufmann offer stylish, hard-wearing satchels, wallets, and laptop sleeves. These aren’t just accessories; they’re daily companions.
For the Foodie Dad: Spice Up His Braai Game
Some dads are kings of the grill. For them, Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to upgrade their cooking collection. Think beyond tongs; get a custom braai board, locally crafted knives, or a set of gourmet spices from brands like Takealot, Megamaster, or Checkers.
Throw in a braai master apron stitched with his name, and you’ve just gifted pride with purpose.
For the Whiskey Dad: Something Neat
If your dad enjoys a small drink of whisky at the end of the day, don’t reach for the usual bottle. Go for something with story and character, like a Three Ships 15-Year-Old, or a Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky limited edition.
Pair it with a set of crystal tumblers or a locally made decanter, and he’ll be toasting you all year long.
For the Sentimental Dad: Memories That Matter
Gifts don’t have to cost a lot to mean a lot. Frame a photo of a special moment. Write a letter. Or commission a local artist to create a simple sketch of the family home or his childhood car.
Thuli Ndlovu, a Johannesburg-based illustrator, said these are the jobs she loves most. “One client asked me to draw their father’s vintage Toyota Hilux. He cried when he saw it.”
Real memories always beat mass-produced gifts.
For the Fit Dad: Gear That Goes the Distance
Whether he runs half-marathons or just takes long walks with the dog, there’s something for the active dad. Smartwatches, sweat-wicking shirts, compression socks, or even a voucher for sports massage therapy all show you’ve been paying attention.
Brands like Mr. Price Sport and Totalsports offer great Father’s Day bundles. Bonus points if you take a jog with him.
For the Cool Dad: Tunes, Kicks, and Culture
Your dad might still be rocking his vinyls, his Nikes, or his old-school hip-hop collection. Don’t ignore it. Feed it. Buy him a new pair of sneakers (try Bathu or Shelflife) or a limited-edition vinyl reissue of his favorite album.
Does he DJ on the side? Splurge on a set of noise-isolating headphones or a portable speaker with rich bass and clean mids.
Don’t Just Buy: Celebrate
Father’s Day isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. So, if budgets are tight, cook breakfast. Take him to his favorite fishing spot. Or surprise him with a Sunday nap while you handle the chores.
Whatever you do, make it real. The best gift is the feeling of being seen.
As Lwazi Mthembu, a father of three in Durban, puts it, “I don’t need big gifts. I just want to feel like someone remembered who I am, not just what I do.”
Final Word from SFI.COZA
Socks are safe. But this year, be bold. Whether your dad raised you with tough love, quiet support, or dad jokes that still haunt you, Father’s Day is your chance to say, “I see you, I get you, and you matter.”
Whatever kind of dad he is, gift-like, he’s one of a kind. Because he is.
We at SFI.COZA think that stories have the ability to educate, uplift, and unite people. As a sociable and committed editor, we work hard to provide rich media coverage that connects with our audience. Our ambition to positively touch our audience's lives, one article at a time, is equal to our enthusiasm for storytelling. Come along on this adventure with us as we explore the planet.
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