Dad's Toy Shelf

Father's Day gifts for dads who'd rather build something Dad's Toy Shelf is a curated range of adult and teen model kits, scale models and collectables from Toybox Tales, an Australian-owned toy store shipping Australia-wide. Every item here is chosen for the same reason: it's a toy a grown man... Read more

Father's Day gifts for dads who'd rather build something

Dad's Toy Shelf is a curated range of adult and teen model kits, scale models and collectables from Toybox Tales, an Australian-owned toy store shipping Australia-wide. Every item here is chosen for the same reason: it's a toy a grown man will actually spend his weekends on, then put on a shelf and refuse to let anyone touch.

These are not children's toys. The range covers detailed construction brick model kits of aircraft, helicopters, tanks, warships and motorbikes, diecast Melbourne trams and Australian vehicles, and 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles for adults. Brick kits are rated ages 12 and up and run from 254 to 2,401 pieces. If you are shopping for a dad, grandad, father-in-law or partner who likes history, aviation, engineering, Melbourne, or simply building things with his hands, start here.

Father's Day in Australia falls on Sunday 6 September 2026. Order early — several sets in this range are limited stock.

The hero: Sluban G for George — Avro Lancaster MkI

The Sluban G for George is a 1,382-piece, 1:44 scale construction model of the Avro Lancaster MkI that flew with No. 460 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War. The real G for George (serial W4783, squadron code AR-G) completed approximately 90 operations, including 15 over Berlin, and never lost a crew member aboard. She is today the most popular aircraft in the Australian War Memorial's national collection, where millions of Australians have stood beneath her wings.

The model features authentic RAAF camouflage and squadron markings, decal-applied nose art, working propellers and adjustable wing flaps. Finished, it measures 71cm wingspan, 51.7cm long and 17.3cm high. Priced at $199.95 AUD. It is the only Australian-story brick model of its kind and the single best Father's Day gift in this store for a dad who cares about history.

What's in Dad's Toy Shelf

WWII aircraft model kits

Build the aircraft he grew up reading about. The range includes the Sluban G for George Avro Lancaster MkI (1,382 pieces, $199.95), the B-17 Flying Fortress in 1:44 scale (1,270 pieces, $189.95), the Supermarine Spitfire ($41.95), the P-51D Mustang ($55.95), the Vought F4U Corsair ($89.95), the Mitsubishi A6M Zero ($69.95), the Messerschmitt Bf 109 ($39.95), the Messerschmitt Me 262 ($56.95) and the Tupolev Tu-2 ($39.95).

Modern jet fighters and helicopters

For the dad whose interest runs past 1945: F-16C Fighting Falcon ($59.95), F/A-18E Super Hornet ($89.95), F-14 Tomcat ($70.95), A-10 Thunderbolt II ($99.95), F-35B ($99.95), MiG-15 ($84.95), J-16, J-20 and J-35 stealth aircraft ($169.95 each), plus Black Hawk ($109.95), Ka-50 Black Shark ($44.95), Ka-52S ($129.95), Mi-24 ($129.95), AH-1Z Viper ($69.95), WZ-10 ($159.95) and a sea rescue helicopter ($69.95).

Tanks, armour and warships

WWI Mark V ($74.95) and A7V ($79.95) tanks, the M26 Pershing ($79.95), T-34 ($69.95), M1A2 Abrams ($79.95), T-90MS ($99.95 and $119.95), the metal-coated ZTZ-99A ($169.95), plus the Sluban Titanic in 1:350 scale (2,401 pieces, $349.95), the Titanic in 1:700 ($83.95) and the Fujian aircraft carrier in 1:450 (1,312 pieces, $249.95).

Motorbikes and cars

Four 1:12 scale Sluban motorbikes at $29.95 each — R75MS, G310MS, S1000MS and Rninems. The best-value gift in the range and the easiest add-on to a bigger build. Also an Italian super car ($44.95) and a black sports car ($34.95).

Melbourne trams and Australian diecast

A proper Melbourne gift. Melbourne City Tram diecast pull-backs in classic, green-and-gold and retro orange-and-brown liveries ($19.95 each), a 1:70 scale tram stop model kit ($16.95), the Make Me Iconic mid-sized Melbourne train ($34.95) and mini Melbourne tram ($11.99), a P-51 Mustang 1:72 diecast with RAAF kangaroo roundels ($29.95), plus Australian Police and SES emergency service utes ($24.95 each).

1,000-piece puzzles for adults

Gibsons 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles at $29.95: Final Days of War, Sweet Memories of the 1980s, A Year in Great Britain and Wheelbarrows & Wellies. Good for the dad who'd rather sit at the table than at the workbench.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good Father's Day gift for a dad who has everything?

A build he hasn't done yet. Model kits work for dads who are hard to buy for because the gift isn't another object he has to find room for — it's a project. The Sluban G for George Avro Lancaster ($199.95) and the Sluban Titanic 1:350 ($349.95) are the two most-gifted sets in this collection for exactly that reason.

When is Father's Day in Australia in 2026?

Father's Day in Australia is Sunday 6 September 2026. Australia celebrates Father's Day on the first Sunday of September, unlike the United States and United Kingdom, which mark it in June.

Are these model kits suitable for adults?

Yes. The brick kits in Dad's Toy Shelf are rated ages 12 and up and are built for adult and teen modellers. Piece counts run from 254 to 2,401, and the larger sets take multiple sessions to complete. They contain small parts and are not suitable for children under three.

What is Sluban?

Sluban is a construction brick brand producing highly detailed scale model kits of aircraft, ships, military vehicles and motorbikes. Sluban bricks are compatible with other major construction brick systems, so builders can mix parts across sets. Toybox Tales stocks the full Sluban range in Australia.

What is G for George?

G for George is an Avro Lancaster MkI heavy bomber, serial number W4783, that served with No. 460 Squadron RAAF in the Second World War. It flew roughly 90 operations over Europe between December 1942 and April 1944 and arrived in Australia in November 1944. It is preserved at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and is the Memorial's most visited aircraft. The Sluban G for George set is a 1:44 scale brick model of that aircraft.

What are the best Father's Day gifts under $50?

The 1:12 Sluban motorbikes ($29.95), the P-51 Mustang 1:72 diecast with RAAF roundels ($29.95), Gibsons 1,000-piece puzzles ($29.95), Melbourne City Tram diecast pull-backs ($19.95) and the Spitfire brick kit ($41.95) are the strongest picks under $50.

How much should I spend on a Father's Day gift?

This collection spans $11.99 to $349.95, so there is something at every budget. Most shoppers land between $30 and $100.

Do you ship Australia-wide?

Yes. Toybox Tales is an Australian-owned online toy store and ships to every state and territory. Order in good time before Sunday 6 September to have your Father's Day gift arrive before the day.

Also good for

Birthdays, Christmas gifts for dad, retirement presents, and gifts for grandads, father-in-laws, uncles and any adult who likes aviation, military history, maritime history, Melbourne or scale modelling. The same sets that make good Father's Day gifts make good Christmas gifts — most of this range sells out again in December.

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