The Braai-Lover's Gift Guide
Father's Day is Sunday, 21 June 2026. Which means you've got some time to get the best gift for dad.
Most "best Father's Day gifts South Africa" lists give you the same recommendations. It includes things like socks, ties and vouchers he'll never redeem.
This list has more interesting things on it.
This is for the dad who says he "already has everything". But really? He still needs some proper braai accessories.
Below is everything from The Barn (our Factory) in Cape Town, plus a few other South African brands that we back. All built for the man who takes adventure and fire seriously.
Let's jump right in.
1. The Donkey Long Tong 80cm
Price: R900
Perfect if you're looking for a useful gift for dad.
This long fire tong is built to move coals, arrange wood and handle the heat.
This is the original. The tool we named the company after. Handmade in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, South Africa.
2. The Donkey Tong 69cm
Price: R800
For when you need a braai gift for him.
The Donkey Tong 69cm is built for the braai grid. Its uniquely shaped head grips all your braai meat without piercing it or cutting it.
Trust us, he needs this upgrade.
3. The Donkey Combo
Price: R1,600
Because at the end of the day, you need both tongs.
This is our most popular Father's Day braai set, and probably the best decision you'll make all year.
For dads who manage the fire AND the meat (so, most dads).
4. The Fire Apron
Price: R1,800
(New Product)
For the man who's tired of ruining good shirts.
Our newest release. One size fits most, made to last and worn by legends. Made using full-grain leather, which is naturally flame-retardant. What more could you need if you're looking for gifts for your boyfriend?
This is a gift every man needs.
5. Jack Sack
Price: R6,600
For the man who already has everything.
A handmade leather carry bag built to house all the Donkey fire tools. This is a proper heirloom gift. The "I went all out" gift.
Definitely the strongest pick for milestone Father's Days (40th, 50th, 60th), birthdays, and corporate gifting.
6. The Paddle
Price: R800
For the man who fans the flames.
This fire fan will get Dad's fire roaring without him having to go look for an old pizza box or a Tupperware lid.
Pair it with The Blower if you really want to spoil him.
7. The Blower
Price: R1 100
For the man who starts the fire.
A fire blow pipe with a patent-pending adjustable jet nozzle. You point it at the embers, blow once, and the fire comes to life. No flapping a piece of cardboard around like you're chasing flies out of the kitchen.
Probably the most underrated gift in the range.
Personalise your Braai Accessories
Almost every Donkey tool can be personalised.
For our tongs we have two options:
1. Standard engraving (Additional R200):
Add a name, nickname, initials, "Pa", date, whatever you want.
2. Handwriting engraving (Additional R300):
This is our favourite customisation option! You send us your actual handwriting (or your kid's, or your grandpa's, etc.), and our Donkeys engrave it onto the tool exactly as you wrote it.
The handwriting option is the one people keep coming back to. It turns a great gift into a one-of-one. No one can recreate it. It's his. It's also the reason Donkey Long Tong has become the go-to for personalised Father's Day gifts in South Africa, especially with the man who has everything.
Our Blower can be personalised with our standard engraving and our Jack Sack and Fire Apron have custom heat stamping available.
Other Gifts the Donkeys Back
If you want to build a proper hamper or shop beyond fire tools, here are a few South African brands worth mentioning.
Small Splitting Axe
Price: R3,700
Seller: Just Like Papa
For the dad who chops his own wood.
Outdoor gear made the way our oupas used to make things. This splitting axe pairs naturally with our fire tools.
Shisanyama Plankie Braai Board
Price: R899
Seller: My Butcher's Block
For the dad who loves a proper steak.
Handmade from Acacia and Knysna Blackwood. Pair it with the Donkey Tong 69cm and you've kitted out his whole braai service in one go.
Bush Box 45 Premium Hardshell Cooler
Price: R6,495
Seller: Wild Coolers
For the dad who needs a cold one on every adventure.
Hardshell coolers built for South African outdoors. Survives a five-hour braai with the lid open while the kids fish out soft drinks.
Father's Day Gifting for Corporate
Buying for more than one dad? We do bulk. Personalised tongs with your company logo, or each recipient's handwriting. We've kitted out teams, clients, and offices full of dads. Get in touch and we'll sort you out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Father's Day gifts in South Africa?Handmade braai tools. Specifically, anything from the Donkey Long Tong range. They're practical, locally made, and they get used. |
What to buy for Father's Day in South Africa?Get Dad a personalised braai tool. The Donkey Tong 69cm and Donkey Long Tong 80cm are the two most popular Father's Day gifts in our range. |
What are good Father's Day gift ideas for a man who has everything?The Jack Sack. It's a handmade leather carry bag for dads' fire tools. Or any Donkey Long Tong product with handwriting engraving. |
What are the best personalised Father's Day gifts in South Africa?Handwriting-engraved Donkey Long Tong braai tools. You send us your handwriting (or your kid's drawing of a stick figure dad; it works either way), and we engrave it onto the tool exactly as you sent it. |
Where can I buy unique Father's Day gifts online in South Africa?Donkey Long Tong. We ship nationwide from our workshop in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town. Engraving takes a few extra days, so don't leave it to the Friday before. |
Do Donkey Long Tong products come wrapped as a gift?Yes, it’s hand-wrapped and ready to impress. We use a special handwrapping technique that will score you some serious brownie points. |
