9 Gifts for BBQ-Loving Dads

Summer in Australia = thongs, tongs, and kids running laps around the esky. If Dad lives for the sizzle, give him gifts that fire up flavour and turn nights on the deck into memory-making story time. Here are nine gift ideas—from under-$50 wins to premium keepers—that bring the whole crew together.

BBQ ABC Book (Daddy’s Book Club)

Start a new ritual while the grill warms: one letter per page (“S is for Sear”) and a quick cuddle before dinner. It’s the easiest way to loop little ones into Dad’s backyard passion and make “read before we eat” the new rule. Shop our Daddy's Alphabet of BBQ and Grill book.

Instant-Read or Wireless Thermometer

Nail doneness every time and banish guesswork. Wireless probes like MEATER let Dad monitor temps from the deck chair (and explain “carryover cooking” to curious kids); an instant-read like Thermapen One is the chef’s quick-draw for steaks and snags. Both are widely available in AU. Ross Brown+3MEATER AU+3Meater+3

Bonding tip: Let the kids call out the temp and give the go-ahead to rest.

BBQ Lesson Gift Voucher (Hands-On Experience)

Skills outlast gadgets. Book Dad into an Aussie BBQ class—think smoking brisket, seafood over flame, or charcoal mastery—and join him for a family cook-off the weekend after. National providers sell digital vouchers you can send instantly (perfect for last-minute gifting). Try BBQ School (gift vouchers available), or check independent retailers like Heat & Grill for class gift cards. BBQ School+1

AU Retailer Gift Cards (Fast & Flexible)

Stuck for size or model? An e-gift card to Barbeques Galore or Weber Australia lands in minutes and lets Dad choose accessories, rubs, or that rotisserie he keeps talking about. Cards are redeemable online and in-store and have the standard 3-year expiry in AU. Gift Cards Australia+3Barbeques Galore+3barbequesgaloregiftcards.com.au+3

Kid angle: Print the voucher and have the kids “design” a custom BBQ token with drawings of their favourite foods.

Sun-Smart BBQ Setup (UPF + Shade)

Aussie UV is no joke—especially around midday cookups. Add a UPF50+ hat, shade, or sunscreen top-ups to Dad’s kit so he can grill longer and safer. Cancer Council’s guidance is clear: protect skin with shade, clothing, hats, and SPF. Cancer Australia+1

Kid angle: Make one child the “Shade Marshal” who checks hats before the tongs come out.

Quality Tools & Tongs (Under $50 Hero)

If Dad’s still flipping with the old camping set, upgrade him. A stainless 3-piece set (tongs, spatula, fork) makes weeknight BBQs smoother and safer—great stocking stuffer territory and easy to click-and-collect nationwide. Bunnings+1

Kid angle: Let the kids be “sauce painters” while Dad handles the heat.

Design-Forward Gear (Everdure by Heston Blumenthal)

For the dad who lives for beautiful kit, Everdure by Heston blends sleek design with serious function—from portable charcoal to pizza ovens and outdoor kitchens, designed with Aussie roots. Even if a new BBQ isn’t on the cards, their accessories and add-ons elevate any setup. Everdure Outdoor Appliances+1

Kid angle: Build a “tasting board”: kids lay out bread, pickles and sauces while Dad carves.