Father's Day Gift Guide: Digital Gift Cards for Every Kind of Dad

Father's Day is creeping up on Sunday 6 September, which means it's nearly time for the annual scramble to find a gift that says "I love you" and not "I grabbed this from the servo on the way home." If your gifting track record includes novelty socks, a tie he'll never wear, or a mug that says 'World's OK Dad' (he still hasn't forgiven you), it might be time to let him choose his own prize.

Which brings us to the digital gift card: the gift that says I know you, and I also know you'll probably return whatever I pick for you so instead you can pick.

Whether you're shopping for your dad, your father figure, a granddad who's earned his stripes, someone who's taken on the role of father in your life or the mate who's basically Dad 2.0, we have digital gift cards for every version of the "Dad" in your life. Here's our no-stress guide to nailing Father's Day.

For the Dad Who's Always Under the Bonnet

Some dads speak fluent car. If his love language is torque, tyres and the smell of an engine bay, an autObarn digital gift card lets him treat his vehicle better than he treats himself. It's the automotive equivalent of flowers, and he'll probably cry more over this than the chocolates.

For the Sporty, Competitive or Perpetually-in-Activewear Dad

For the dad who still thinks he can beat you in a sprint (he can't, but let him dream or maybe he can .. ) a Rebel or PUMA digital gift card covers everything from runners to gear for his weekend sport obsession. Pair it with a SportsPower gift card and he'll have kit for every hobby he's ever half-committed to.

For the Dad Who Treats the Barbecue Like a Religious Ceremony

Feed his inner chef with a Harris Farm Markets digital gift card and let him stock up on premium ingredients for the dad who fancies himself a MasterChef contestant. Just don't offer opinion on his culinary skills.

Or, to save you on the washing up, treat him to a night out with a Pub & Bar digital gift card. Because sometimes the best BBQ is the one someone else cooks.

For the Adventurous or Overdue-for-a-Break Dad

Some dads need a nudge to actually relax. A TripGift digital gift card is a subtle hint that he deserves a getaway, while the Entertainment Group card, covering Timezone, Zone Bowling and Kingpin, is perfect for the dad who insists he's "just here to watch the kids play."

Sure, Dad. Sure.

For the Quietly Sophisticated Dad

Not every dad wants a big experience or a day out. For the one who prefers a good book, a decent shirt and his own company, try a Dymocks gift card, a Myer gift card for his understated wardrobe, or a Pamper gift card because even stoic dads deserve a massage that isn't from a dodgy office chair.

For the Dad Who Likes to Keep His Options Open

Not sure whether Dad would rather spend his gift on fashion, tech, homewares, sport or something else entirely? The TCN DAD digital gift card gives him the freedom to choose from a range of participating retailers.

It's a great option when you know he'll appreciate having choices, but you don't want to play guessing games with his Father's Day present. You've chosen the gift, and Dad gets to decide what he actually wants.

For the Dad Who Likes a Bit of Everything

When in doubt, go broad. A David Jones digital gift card covers everything from grooming and fashion to homewares, technology and whatever gadget he's been not-so-subtly hinting about since June.

Sometimes the safest bet is simply giving Dad plenty of options.

For the Gifter Who Has No Idea What to Gift

If you've read this far and still can't decide, that's exactly what the eGift it Father's Day and eGift it Happy Father's Day digital cards are for.

These clever gift cards let Dad swap the value for another branded gift card of the same value on the eGift it site, so he can choose something he'll actually love. It's the gifting equivalent of letting him drive while you sit back looking generous.

And unlike a generic gift card, you can still make it feel personal with a Father's Day message, eGreetings card and eWrapping.

Make It Count on Sunday 6 September

Whatever kind of dad you're shopping for, digital gift cards from eGift it are instant, easy to personalise and require zero queuing at the shops. Add a message, choose a Father's Day eGreeting, schedule delivery for Sunday 6 September, and have your gifting ready for Father's Day.

No wrapping paper, no dodgy ties, no last-minute servo run and, most importantly, no regrets. And it is an easy way to gift something you know he'll love and appreciate.