Father's Day lands on Sunday 6 September 2026, which means the countdown to another pair of socks has already started. But, we want to present you with an alternative: gear he'll actually use every single weekend, handmade from materials that last.
The Two Tongs Every BBQ Dad Needs
Most dads own one pair of tongs and use them for everything. From flipping snags and moving coals to prodding the fire when there's nothing left to do. One tool for every job and it shows in torn meat and a fire that's given up by the time everyone's hungry.
The Donkey Tong 69cm
The Donkey Tong 69cm is built for food. The head is shaped to grip a steak or a sausage without tearing it, at a length that keeps his hand clear of the heat without losing control. Made from 304 food-grade stainless steel, white oak handles, solid brass rivets and a spring that gives a proper kick on every open.
The Donkey Long Tong 80cm
The Donkey Long Tong 80cm is built for the fire. Coals, logs and heat management is its entire job. This tong means dad can reach across a full grill or deep fire pit without leaning into the smoke. The shell-shaped, serrated head grips wood and coals (the same grip that would shred a piece of meat, which is exactly why it's not a BBQ tong).
One Gift, Both Tools - The Donkey Combo
The Donkey Combo bundles the Donkey Long Tong 80cm and the Donkey Tong 69cm together. It's the single most sought after Father's Day gift on this list.
For the Dad Who Already Has Tongs
If he's already sorted on tongs, the next upgrade is airflow, because a fire that won't catch or won't stay hot is the enemy of a good BBQ session.
The Blower
The Blower is for precision. A world-first adjustable jet nozzle (patent pending) with five airflow settings, a solid brass mouthpiece and a white oak grip. It helps start a stubborn fire from scratch or brings the dying embers back without disturbing the rest of the coals. It works great indoors too. Think fireplaces, wood-burning stoves or anywhere there's no wind to help.
The Paddle
The Paddle is a proper work horse. A spring-steel plate laminated in leather and stitched with Kevlar (which doesn't fray or burn like cotton), mounted on a white oak handle. When the coals are fading fast, a few solid flicks feeds enough oxygen in to bring the whole thing roaring back.
These are definitely the best gifts for dad this Father's Day.
The Gift That He Wants
The Jack Sack
The Jack Sack is the answer for anyone who doesn't want to choose. A handmade full-grain leather bag housing the complete Donkey kit in one travel-ready bag. Trust us, this is the gift he wants.
Shop the Range
Start with a tong. Add the second when he's hooked. Upgrade to the Blower and Paddle once he's chasing better fires. Or skip the decision entirely and get the Jack Sack, the whole kit ready before Father's Day in Australia on 6 September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Father's Day BBQ gift in Australia for 2026?It depends on how deep he's already in. For a dad building his first proper kit, the Donkey Combo covers both jobs at once. It's a long fire tong and a BBQ tong. For a dad who already has tongs, the Jack Sack is the standout gift: a full-grain leather bag with all the Donkey BBQ tools together. |
When is Father's Day in Australia in 2026?Sunday, 6 September 2026. The first Sunday of September, as it is every year in Australia and New Zealand. |
What's the difference between a BBQ tong and a fire tong?A fire tong (the Donkey Long Tong 80cm) is built to grip coals, wood and irregular surfaces for managing the fire itself. A BBQ tong (the Donkey Tong 69cm) is shaped to flip and grip meat cleanly without tearing it. Most serious grillers end up wanting both. |
Are Donkey Long Tong products handmade?Yes. Every tool is handmade in Cape Town, South Africa, and shipped to Australia. They're built from 304 food-grade stainless steel, white oak, and solid brass. Designed to be used for decades. |
Can I buy Donkey Long Tong products in Australia?Yes. The Donkey Long Tong products are all available in AUD through the Australian storefront. |
