Some dads are easy to buy for. They have a hobby, they have a wishlist, they'll tell you exactly what they want if you ask.
And then there's the dad who just loves being outside. He's at his best in the backyard, at the bach, by the water, or standing around a barbecue. He doesn't need more stuff. He needs a reason to be out there with the people he loves.
That's a different kind of gift. Here's how to get it right.
What makes a good outdoor gift for a dad?
The outdoor gifts that get used have a few things in common:
• They work for groups — the backyard is more fun with people in it
• They don't require specific skills or fitness levels to enjoy
• They can be set up and packed away without a production
• They last — quality materials that handle NZ weather and real use
With that in mind, here are the best options.
Cornhole — the outdoor gift that anchors a backyard
If you're going to buy one outdoor game, make it Cornhole. It's become the defining backyard game for Kiwi families over the last few years — and for good reason. Simple rules, works for all ages, competitive without being exclusive, and the kind of game that gets pulled out every time people come over.
For the dad who loves having people in his backyard, Cornhole is the gift that makes the backyard more worth being in. Games happen at every BBQ, every Christmas, every long afternoon with the extended family.
Our Cornhole sets come in Natural Wood, Deluxe black-on-wood, Premium Signature, and a range of custom designs. Custom Cornhole sets are also available — and they turn a great gift into a genuinely personal one. If Dad has a favourite sports team, a family name worth putting on a board, or a style that suits his backyard, there's an option for that.
Backyard Cricket — a Kiwi classic, properly done
If there's one game that needs no introduction to a Kiwi dad, it's cricket. What this set does is give that familiar game a premium version worth keeping — solid wooden bat, wickets, bails, a semi-soft ball, and a canvas carry case so it travels wherever Dad goes.
The semi-soft ball is the detail that makes the difference. It means the game works on a real backyard, a beach, a driveway, or a campsite without anyone worrying about windows or small children in the way. Safe for all ages, which is the whole point — the five-year-old who just wants to hit things and the uncle who takes it far too seriously can both play the same game.
It's a genuinely thoughtful gift for the dad who grew up playing cricket in the backyard and hasn't had a proper set since. It's also one of those gifts that comes out every summer for years — at Christmas, at the beach, whenever the extended family is together and someone needs something to do with the kids.
Bocce Ball — the one that suits any backyard
Bocce Ball is one of those games that looks relaxed and turns out to be surprisingly competitive. Players take turns rolling balls toward a small target ball — the pallino — trying to get closer than the other team. Simple enough to explain in thirty seconds, satisfying enough that people want to play it again immediately.
What makes it a great dad gift is the versatility. It works on grass, gravel, a lawn that isn't perfectly flat, a campsite, a beach. It doesn't need a dedicated setup or a specific surface. Wherever Dad is spending time outside, Bocce Ball works there.
It's also one of the few backyard games that suits a slower pace — a drink in hand, a conversation going, the game running alongside it rather than demanding full attention. Perfect for the dad who wants to be social and competitive at the same time without it feeling like a workout.
Kubb — for the dad who wants a proper challenge
Kubb is a Viking lawn game involving throwing wooden batons to knock over wooden blocks, ultimately taking down the king piece in the centre. It's more strategic than most backyard games and rewards practice.
The dad who says "I don't really want a game, I want something to get good at" — that's the Kubb buyer. It has a genuine skill ceiling, which means it stays interesting long after the first few games.
Beach Tennis — for the active, sporty dad
If Dad is at his best when he's moving, Beach Tennis is the gift. Playable on grass, sand, or any flat outdoor surface — no net required, just a flat rally game with paddles and a foam ball. High energy, easy to pick up, and one of those games that works equally well as a casual rally or a competitive match.
Free NZ shipping — in time for Father's Day
All games from Backyard Games NZ come with free shipping anywhere in New Zealand. Father's Day in NZ falls on Sunday 6 September 2026 — order with enough lead time to arrive before then.
If you're not sure which game is right for the dad you're buying for, start with Cornhole. It's the one that gets used the most, by the most people, for the longest time.
