This Father’s Day, why not make your gift extra special by shopping locally? Embarking on some Fitzroy shopping for Father’s Day not only allows you to find a unique and thoughtful gift but also supports your community in a meaningful way. From handmade gifts to unique experiences like pottery courses or guided art tours, shopping locally ensures that your Father’s Day gift is both special and impactful. So, let’s dive into some great ideas you might not have considered!
Vintage Dads
Antique Stores: If your dad is into all things retro and vintage, you might want to hit up Fitzroy stores like Mark Denver, Smith Street Bazaar and Old Post Office Antiques. Here, you can find retro vinyl records, vintage items or classic memorabilia.
Vintage Fashion: Is your dad the fashion-savvy type? Fitzroy shopping is here for the win, with numerous boutiques offering vintage clothing or accessories that cater to the nostalgic dad. Some of these are Lost and Found Market, Vintage Garage and Vintage Threads!
New Dads
Baby Gear: New dads will definitely appreciate baby gear from Fitzroy shops like Jasper Junior and The Memo. Dive into the Fitzroy shopping scene to give them the full “Welcome to Fatherhood” experience with a unique gift!
Coffee and Sweets: Fitzroy is one of the best suburbs for coffee in Australia these days. Hit up Jasper Coffee or Industry Beans for high-quality coffee beans and Lune Croissanterie is an obvious choice for some pastries!
Bookish Dads
Independent Bookstores: If the dad in your life enjoys a good read, get them a book they can enjoy from The Brunswick Street Bookstore, Already Read Bookshop or Through the Looking Glass Fitzroy! These local Fitzroy bookstores offer a curated selection of classic literature, rare finds and the latest bestsellers.
Literary Events: Looking for a gift that will enrich his literary knowledge? There are a lot of local literary events near Fitzroy, like the Poetry and Prose reading events.
Outdoorsy Dads
Outdoor Gear: Got an outdoorsy dad? There are many local Fitzroy shops that specialise in outdoor apparel and equipment, from hiking boots to camping equipment or bike gear. These include Patagonia or Macpac, where you can pick out anything from outdoor clothing to tents and other camping gear. The Rocket Surgeon, Saint Cloud or Bike Zone will have you covered for bike-related gifts.
Experience Gifts: Alternatively, if the dad in question loves experiences, an interesting tour like the Fitzroy True Crime Walking Tour always makes for an adventurous day out! There’s also a Best of Melbourne Bike Tour which takes in some of Melbourne’s most interesting sights along an easy cycling route that is suitable for all fitness levels.
Gourmet Dads
Artisanal Foods: If you want to take Dad out on a picnic or pick up something gourmet, indulge in a little Fitzroy shopping at Alimentari Deli or Meatsmith for artisanal cheeses, cured meats or craft beers. You can never go wrong with a gift basket, especially if it’s gourmet! You could make a day of it and head to Edinburgh Gardens for a picnic to enjoy your goodies.
Cooking Classes: If Dad likes to cook up a storm, why not enrol him in a cooking or baking class for a hands-on culinary experience? Check out Cooking Classes by Italy on My Mind for an expert-guided class held for small groups at the chef’s home in Fitzroy North.
Artistic Dads
Unique Home Decor: If Dad has an eye for design, Fitzroy’s galleries are the perfect spot for a thoughtful gift. Pick up a striking print from PG Printmaker Gallery or Outré Gallery for unique pieces that bring personality, colour and artistic flair straight into his home.
Workshops and Classes: You can also sign Dad up for creative workshops, like hands-on pottery at Sarah Schembri Ceramics or a guided painting session at Fitzroy Painting: both offer a fun, skill-building experience he’ll truly enjoy.
Green Thumb Dads
Plants and nurseries: If Dad’s more into greenery than gadgets, surprise him with a living gift from Fitzroy Nursery, Dig Emporium or The Plant Society. From lush indoor plants to stylish pots, it’s a thoughtful way to brighten his space and his day.
Music-Lovin’ Dads
Records and Instruments: If Dad loves vinyl or instruments, Fitzroy has plenty to offer. Flip through rare records at Plug Seven Records or Oh! Jean Records, or discover vintage guitars and gear at Found Sound. From fresh LPs to classic pedals, you’ll find the perfect tune-up gift.
Live Music: If Dad loves live music, Fitzroy’s venues won’t disappoint. The Punter’s Club hosts live jazz on Sunday afternoons (plus a roster of great bands thorughout the week), while the Evelyn Hotel offers intimate gigs from local and touring acts. Treat Dad to a night of music, atmosphere and good vibes.
If you enjoyed this list or are looking for more ways to explore Fitzroy, we’ve got you! Simply sign up for the Fitzroy Local newsletter for more community news and local guides! And, if you found this helpful, we highly recommend sharing the article with friends and family to encourage them to shop locally, too!
