While the chances that the father figure in your life would be happy with nothing more than a home-cooked meal and some quality time spent with his loved ones are high, giving him a thoughtful gift (that he’ll actually love and use) is a small way of showing how much you appreciate him. Where better to look for a bespoke gift than the arcade dedicated to craftsmanship, then?  

Whether you’re buying for a guy who’s into his grooming or a fella obsessed with food, there’s a unique gift waiting at The Strand Arcade. Lean into the unexpected — it’s what The Strand does best — and get him something he never knew he needed. Perhaps an edgy piece of jewellery or some custom made shoes? He deserves to be spoiled, after all. To inspire your gift shopping this year, we reached out to the staff of The Strand — some dads, some kids — for their Father’s Day guidance. They’ve recommended a favourite from their own shelves and another great find from one of their neighbours in the centre. Afterall, no one knows the offering of The Strand Arcade like those who work within its walls, so consider this the ultimate curation of gifts he’ll most certainly love.   

Nathan from Noah, Level 2  

“We don’t tend to gift men self-care experiences that often, and we should! Dads deserve to be pampered sometimes too, so I’d treat my dad to a hot towel shave at NOAH. It’s our signature service, and includes a traditional shave with hot towels to soften the skin, a warm lather and shave with a straight razor.”  

Hot Towel Shave, $60 from NOAH, Level 2  

“Is there anything more indulgent than a pair of custom made shoes? If someone felt like really treating me, I’d definitely ask for a bespoke pair from the king of custom footwear, Andrew McDonald. I always sneak a peak when I walk past.”  

Custom Shoes from Andrew McDonald Shoemaker, Level 2  

Gabe from Zappacosta Jewels, Level 2  

“It’s been a whirlwind of a year, let me tell you! Experiencing my first Father’s Day is a concept I haven't spent much time dwelling on. I’m sure it’ll begin like most days: waking up with my son Archie and fiancè Rachel next to me all cosied up together. Honestly, I’d love to keep it simple and do what we love doing on any given day — taking the family to Coogee beach for a stroll and a relaxing morning, feeding Archie his breakfast in the sun. Simply savouring the pleasure of my own little family being together in a place that’s special to us is the best gift I can think of.”  

“When I think of Zappacosta Jewels, the first product I think of is always our Zirconium men’s rings, specifically this one. I love the contrast between the Black Zirconium and Rose Gold. Expert design work and craftsmanship makes it an easy decision.”  

Black Zirconium and Rose Gold Ring, $885 from Zappacosta Jewels, Level 2  

“Marbo has been next door to us at The Strand Arcade for years, and I know they do some of the best quality custom shirt fittings in Sydney. I would go here and have a shirt tailor made with nothing but confidence.”  

Custom Shirt Fitting from Marbo Shirts, Level 2  

Laura from Strand Hatters, Ground Floor  

“What dad wouldn’t be delighted to receive an Akubra for Father’s Day? My pick would be the Akubra Tablelands in Sorrel Tan. It’s an allrounder hat with an 83mm brim and eyelets for ventilation, making it perfect for the beach, bush, or a sunny weekend picnic where you know you are going to be covered.”  

Akubra Tablelands in Sorrel Tan, $320 from Strand Hatters, Ground Floor   

“For a man who likes to barbecue, the BBQ Spice Rack from across the corridor at Gewurzhaus would be my next pick. It comes with five spice blends so he can get creative at the grill.”  

BBQ Spice Rack, $85 from Gewurzhaus, Ground Floor