Christmas Gifts for Dad in Australia

Buying for dad can be hard. He says he doesn't need anything, the drawer is already full of socks, and whatever you pick has to survive the "oh, you shouldn't have" test. The good news is that Christmas in Australia comes with a built-in advantage: it's summer. That makes it much easier to find gifts for dad that he'll actually use, starting on Boxing Day.

What makes a good Christmas gift for dad?

Before you start browsing, it helps to have a simple checklist. The gifts that get used tend to tick most of these boxes:

• He'll use it this summer. Not "one day", but in the next few weeks.
• It fits how he spends his days off. Beach, pool, backyard, camping, a holiday with the family.
• It's low fuss. No setting up, no learning curve, no clutter.
• It has a bit of fun in it. Something he'll show people, or that the kids will want to be part of.

If a gift ticks all four, you're onto a winner.

Why swim shorts make sense for a summer Christmas

For a lot of Australian families, the days after Christmas are spent near water. Beach trips, backyard pools, holiday spots on the coast. A new pair of swim shorts is something dad can put on almost straight away, and keep wearing right through to autumn.

The main idea: colour-changing swim shorts

Shift swim shorts are printed with a thermochromic (heat-reactive) pigment. A splash of water or heat changes the colour instantly, and cool water switches it back. Warm sun shifts it too. So dad walks into the water in one colour and comes out in another, and the pattern is different every swim.

It's the kind of unique gift for dad that gets a reaction. The kids will want to splash him, his mates will ask about them, and he'll probably do the splash test more times than he'd admit.

Which style to choose

• The Original: available in Purple to Blue, Orange to Yellow and Blue to Green.
• The Geometric: a triangle print, available in Purple to Blue, Green to Mint and Orange to Yellow.

Both are made with quick-dry four-way stretch fabric, a mesh inner liner and a full elastic waist with drawcord, in sizes S to 3XL. If he tends to wear plain, classic shorts, The Original is an easy pick. If he likes a bit more pattern, go for the Geometric.

A fun way to give them

Wrap the shorts up with a glass of water or a spray bottle on the side, and let him work out what it's for. Or have the kids do the reveal with a splash. It turns opening a present into a small bit of Christmas morning entertainment.

For dads with little ones: the Dad & Mini set

If there's a young one in the family who idolises their dad, the Dad & Mini matching swim shorts set is hard to beat. It's one men's pair and one kids' pair in the same colour, in Purple to Blue, Orange to Yellow or Blue to Green.

It works especially well as a gift "from the kids". Dad gets new shorts, the kids get to be twins with him, and the whole family gets a Boxing Day beach photo out of it. Kids' shorts are sized by age: S 3-4, M 5-6, L 7-8, XL 9-10 and 2XL 11-12.

Buying tips so it all goes smoothly

Order early

This is the big one. Delivery within Australia usually takes 6-10 business days from the day you order, and everyone else is ordering too, so get in well before December gets busy. Every order ships tracked, so you can keep an eye on it. Full details are on our shipping page.

Get the size right without asking

Asking dad his size gives the game away. Instead, find a pair of shorts he already wears and likes, check the size or measure them, and compare against our size guide. Keep in mind the shorts run slightly small, so if he's between sizes, size up.

Group your order

Shipping is free Australia-wide on orders over A$100. If you're buying for more than one person, such as dad and a grandad, or a Dad & Mini set plus a pair for an uncle, putting it all in one order can get you over the line.

Know that gift recipients are covered

Every order comes with our 30-Day Happiness Guarantee, and gift recipients are covered too. If the fit isn't right, within 30 days of delivery you'll get a one-time code for 25% off your next order. Faulty or damaged items are replaced or refunded.

One honest tip: the 30 days count from delivery, not from Christmas Day. Keep the tracking email handy so you know when the clock started.

Helping dad look after them

Tuck a note in with the present: rinse in cool fresh water after swimming, dry in the shade, and skip hot washes, the tumble dryer and the iron. Too much heat wears the effect over time.

The best Christmas gifts for dad in Australia suit summer and get used straight away. When you're ready, have a look through our men's swim shorts or the Dad & Mini collection and find the colourway that suits your dad.

FAQ

When should I order for Christmas?

Order by Tuesday 8 December for delivery in Australia before Christmas. Orders leave within 1–2 business days and usually arrive 6–10 business days from when you order.

Is shipping free?

Tracked shipping is free Australia-wide on orders of A$100 or more. Below that, it's A$7.95.

What if the size isn't right?

The shorts run slightly small, so size up if he's between sizes. We don't offer size swaps, but every order has our 30-Day Happiness Guarantee: if he's not happy within 30 days of delivery, keep them and get 25% off your next order, or return them unworn for a refund. Faulty items are replaced or refunded.

How much do they cost?

The Original is A$74.95, the Geometric is A$79.95, and the Dad & Mini set is A$119.95.