The city is gearing up for Father's Day on Sunday, doing its homework to find gifts that show appreciation.

Businesses, pivoting to plough on through lockdown, have taken a creative and in some cases collaborative approach to meet demand for ways to make Father's Day special.

While normal outings and visits are out of the question, treats for the taste buds are proving popular, hospitality industry members report.

Short Street Store's breakfast brunch boxes and do-it-yourself specialty packs had gained heavy interest, cafe owner Krysten Hedger said.

"I think people are really liking that there are options for them to do something special still, even though it isn't normally what they would have done, because obviously you can't just go down to the store and buy a present," she said.

It was even hard for people to go to a supermarket to buy products for something special, so the cafe was making it easier for them, she said.

"I've even made up some little colouring-in cards to go in the packs so if you haven't been able to go and get a card for dad, the kids can colour in one of these, they can scribble on the middle of it and write a card for dad as well," Ms Hedger said.

The Establishment Bar opened up orders from its takeaway menu of "hipster flask cocktails". It also teamed up with a few local businesses, among them The Harvest Central West for bespoke backyard picnic packs, which had proved popular, owner Tenelle Bond said.

"Our concept behind this was once again to encourage people to reconnect and stop to spend a moment together," Mrs Bond said.

"Especially for Father's Day when we mightn't be able to be with our loved ones, we can virtually be with them and enjoy a picnic in the backyard."

Mrs Bond says it is "extremely important this year to have an experience and reconnect".

"Some of us are experiencing such isolation and taking a moment to stop and really immerse yourself in the moment," she said.

"...We are so caught up in everything around us, trying to adapt to our 'current normal' that we forget to stop and connect.

"And if anything during this time it's extremely important for our mental health to take a moment and immerse ourselves, especially in our environment - so what better way than a picnic in the backyard, or cheese and crackers with a wine around the fire pit."

The Establishment has also teamed up with Col Hewett for a Sunday live music session at 4pm.

Denise's Flower Studio owner Linda Roche said unlike other years, she was fielding a fair few orders for Father's Day since last week, with requests being for a "bright bunch or natives" and a box of chocolates.

Devil's Hollow Brewery has a variety of Father's Day gift packs available.

The Dad's the Word pack, with a cooler bag and four-pack had been "selling out the door", brewery customer experience manager Ceridwyn Usback said.

Father's Day was normally a big day for the brewery, and so with lockdown it had developed virtual tasting events, the first of which will be on Friday night, she said.

"So it's a few days earlier than Father's Day, but a lot of people are buying it for Father's Day," Ms Usback said.

"They're doing it as a father-and-son pack, or friends - dads getting together and doing it."

Ms Usback said as soon as the packs were put online, orders started flowing, and similarly for its Father's Day Feast and Beers offer.

"I think once you put it online and put it out there, people are looking," she said.

"And they're looking to support local, and that's what I always talk about, everyone wants to support everyone in some shape or form.

"...We're very grateful for everyone's support locally and I think shop local, support local is still the big theme that's going through this hard time of lockdown."

For those looking to deck out their dad in some new clothing, Harry's for Menswear and Harry's Online owner Peter Sutton said there was so much to choose from, and recommended customers buy one of their gift vouchers.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo has something a bit different, and available last minute.

Its elephant e-doptions are completely digital and are delivered straight away by email.

"It's the perfect gift to show dad you love him and best of all it support our conservation work for the Asian elephants," the zoo said in a post to Facebook.

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