First Father’s Day Gifts That Will Make Him Smile
Hunting for the perfect first Father’s Day gift is understandably tough. After all, what do you get the guy who is helping you keep it all together, while also trying to navigate your busy life as a new parent? And how can you spend time shopping when you have zero free moments as it is?
Father’s Day is just around the corner, coming up on June 21st, and you’ve got a lot on your plate right now—so let us help. We’ve curated a list of the best Dad day presents to bring a smile to his face. Our first Father’s Day gift guide is chock full of extra-special gift ideas that celebrate new dads and all that they do. Whatever you choose, he’ll be thrilled you thought of him, but these options go above and beyond.
Not sure what to get when it comes to first Fathers Day gift ideas? Don’t worry! Our goal is to do the bulk of research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling online. Here are the steps we took to create this article:
- We considered a list of criteria when sourcing first Father’s Day gifts, including quality, price, practicality and style.
- To see what gifts first-time dads actually want, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out which items performed well for new parents.
- We tapped into our own experiences as parents, relying on the first Father’s Day gifts that went over well with the dads in our lives.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.
Diaper backpack
Looking for a cool first Father’s Day gift that’s practical to boot? This diaper backpack is a gamechanger. "When my daughter was born, it was so hard to find a diaper bag that didn't look like a purse," says Daniel C., dad of one and associate director of e-commerce content for The Bump. But this option (from recycled water bottles) boasts a simple-yet-stylish gender-neutral design, a padded laptop compartment and a travel-friendly luggage sleeve. The best part? The dad-designed integrated changing station with sidewalls provides privacy and security in restrooms that lack an adequate changing station for baby.
Personalized journal
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Swanky Badger is a great place to look for tons of personalized first Father’s Day gifts, but our top pick is this pocket-sized leather journal. Add Dad’s monogram to the front and a meaningful message inside. The compact design boasts a stash pocket in the front plus two card slots on the back cover, so it functions as a wallet too. With 200 lined pages, Dad’s unlikely to run out of space any time soon, but if he does, you can pick up a refill paper pack.
Comfy sweatpants
These lightweight, moisture-wicking joggers are perfect for lounging with a newborn baby, but are still appropriate for running errands outside the home. Plus, multiple zip pockets are great for storing keys, binkies or whatever else Dad needs close at hand. They may be pricey for joggers, but they’re incredibly soft and hold up well over time.
Coffee subscription service
Exclusive offer from The Bump: Use code THEBUMP50 when checking out for 50 percent off all coffee subscriptions and $10 off all gifts.
One of the best first Father’s Day gifts, hands-down? Coffee, the perfect pick-me-up for new parents. Atlas Coffee Club is a subscription service, so he can relax knowing the house is always fully stocked. Each month he’ll receive 12 ounces of coffee, tasting notes and a postcard from the country of origin.
Beard grooming set
Whether your partner’s been growing a beard or is simply too busy as a new dad for frequent shaves, this styling set will help keep his facial hair in check. It also provides a little pampering and self care when he needs it most. The kit comes with a beard wash, conditioner, oil and a styling comb that can be incorporated into his routine seamlessly.
Slip-on shoes
As soon as Dad gets home from work, he can happily slip these on and cruise around in them for the rest of the night. These shoes are an indoor/outdoor slipper, so he can wear them during diaper changes or to grab the mail. They have a nice tread on the bottom for solid traction, and a faux fur lining for peak coziness.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is more important than ever, now that your favorite dad has more on his plate. This Yeti Rambler, available in a huge selection of colors, holds up to 26 ounces of liquid and can be used for water, coffee or tea. The cap is large enough to be hooked onto a diaper bag, and you can even personalize the bottle!
Wireless charger
Searching for personalized first Father’s Day gifts for a tech-savvy papa? Check out this cool wireless multi-charging device by Courant. It’s made from premium pebble-grain Italian leather and can be personalized with initials in gold or silver print. The valet tray is roomy enough to serve as a catch-all to hold all his essentials, too.
Waterproof sneakers
These merino wool sneakers are comfortable, breathable and waterproof, earning them a spot on our list of best first Father’s Day gifts for dads that are never off their feet. They’ve been designed to keep the water out and the warmth in, ensuring that Dad’s toes remain toasty no matter the weather. The shoes are machine washable, too. Bear in mind that they run small, so go up one size to make sure they fit right.
Power bank
There's no need to worry about running out of battery while on the go anymore with this 10,000 mAh battery pack. It's compact and slim enough to be taken with Dad everywhere, and offers an additional 31 hours of charge for his phone. It can use both lightening and USB-C cables and can charge two devices at once if needed. Dad will love the convenience of his Belkin, allowing him to get more out of his day!
Wallet
A wallet is a classic Father’s Day gift, but this one really elevates the idea. This minimalist wallet holds up to 12 cards, and has an elastic cash strap for your bills. It's made from scratch-resistant materials, has RIFD-blocking technology that prevents any wireless theft, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Pick from a host of colors, or go one step further and opt for the full kit, which includes a wallet and a keycase.
Flashlight
The ThruNite Archer 2A flashlight is a small but mighty tool that deserves to be in Dad’s gearbag. With an illumination output of over 1000 lumens, it's compact enough for everyday carry and robust enough to withstand heavy use. Whether Dad needs it for overnight camping adventures or just to provide a little brightness from the trip between the front door and the car at night, it’ll do the trick. Plus, as someone who has gifted their own father a flashlight before for Father’s Day, I can confidently say he’ll love it!
Matching PJs
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The best first Father’s Day gift ideas focus on his favorite things. If Dad is a soccer fan, treat him to these fun PJs, suitable for pairing with the matching baby size. Little Sleepies pajamas are made from the softest bamboo materiel that will be soothing on both dad and baby’s skin. And, if this sport isn’t his thing, Little Sleepies has tons of other styles and patterns that he will surely love, along with options for the whole family.
Scratch-off activity book
This “bucket list” book includes 100 activities for parents and kids to enjoy together, with everything from visiting a planetarium to going to an arcade. Each page features a new adventure idea, alongside a scratch off-image and a spot to add notes or a photo from your special day. With so many bonding ideas, he’ll have a memory bank filled to the brim in no time.
Smart frame
If Dad works in an office, treat him to a smart frame that he can place on his desk and enjoy. You can share family photos in an instant and the frame displays them in a slideshow format, so he’ll never miss a moment. You can even have family and friends get in on the fun to add some pictures to the rotation!
Reel viewer
Take a trip down memory lane with this custom reel viewer. The nostalgic gift comes with a code that lets you redeem one free photo reel. Submit snaps of baby’s first year and you’ll receive a personalized photo viewer right in time for his first Father’s Day celebration. You can even start a nice tradition and get a new reel made every year!
Personalized book
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Make storytime even sweeter with a personalized book all about Dad. It’s written from your child’s perspective and goes through all the wonderful milestones that Daddy and baby will share together. (I’m not crying, you are!) Customize this present with your child’s name and a special dedication message to commemorate his first Father’s Day.
Footprint casing kit
How about a DIY memento to commemorate his first year as a father? This sweet frame comes with air-dry clay, so you can mold baby’s hand and footprints and display them—a great way to always remember just how small they were! Slot a couple of cute family pictures in the side for a sentimental Father’s Day gift he’ll treasure for years to come.
Custom keychain
How sweet is this custom keychain? Add a family photo to one side and a sweet message from baby on the reverse that expresses just how much Dad means to you. It’s fade-proof and made of durable aluminium, meaning he can carry a memento of his first Father’s Day with him forever.
Art display case
Your little one may be too young to start scribbling, but this frame set is the perfect place to display baby-centric trinkets that pour in from daycare or that you make at home, like footprint and handprint art. It’s also an excellent display case for the future, once baby starts creating her own drawings. The frames open and close easily, so you can add more with time.
Personalized recipe book
For dads who love to cook, there’s this sweet recipe journal from Papier. Choose a photo of Dad and his mini me for the front cover, and customize the name and color border of the book. He can add to the recipes over time, as the book fits up to 85 entries. There is even space for notes and anecdotes, making this both a recipe book and a memory book of sorts.
Engraved watch
Watches are a classic first Father’s Day gift—and if you can have one personalized, all the better! This timeless stainless steel watch, which you can have engraved at no additional charge, was inspired by vintage roadsters and comes in four unique colorways. Not only that, but it's also water resistant! It will take him from desk to dinner and beyond—keeping him on time and in style.
Audio keepsake
If you’re looking for a unique Father’s Day gift that will tug at the heartstrings, consider a Storii subscription. Capturing memories in an audio format through phone prompts is a super convenient way to hold onto those moments. All you have to do is choose from a list of engaging questions, call-in to record the answers, and then you’ll be able to download your recordings as an audiobook or e-book transcript. You can have all your friends and family record messages for Dad or allow him to take control and use the subscription to tell his own story in his own words!
Personalized jewelry
Dad can wear his heart on his sleeve literally, with this stylish but simple ID bracelet from Oak and Luna. You can add an engraving of up to 10 characters on the front and 10 on the back, which could hold your child’s name, initials, or even a short and sweet message. Should you want to add a bit more sparkle, the bracelet also comes with an optional diamond add-on. Dad will be able to wear his first Father’s Day gift for years to come.
Instant camera
Dad can capture the memories himself with this instant camera! Offering the nostalgia of classic Polaroid cameras but with slightly more modern features (like the close-up zoom mode), you’ll still be able to instantly enjoy the images you take. When Dad’s first Father’s Day is done, he’ll have plenty of pictures to add to the family album.
Book of quotes
Sports fans will be delighted with this motivational Father’s Day gift for new dads. The playbook, designed for rookie parents, is jam-packed with advice, quotes and insights from dozens of leading sports coaches that’ll put some pep into any new pop’s step.
Photo playing cards
These personalized playing cards make for a surprisingly affordable gift that will bring the family together for some fun-filled game time. Choose two photos of your little one, or pictures of Dad with baby. They’ll be featured on the back of a standard poker-sized deck. The whole thing arrives in a protective hard case, too.
Dad’s survival guide
Help your partner feel ready for his new parenting role with The New Dad’s Guide to Baby’s First Year—a must-have book that offers fast, fun and helpful tips to ace fatherhood. It’s basically an easy-to-follow instruction manual for the first year, with information on everything from baby gear that you may need to monthly goals. Each chapter focuses on three months, so it’s easy to digest and won’t overwhelm Dad with data.
Personalized shirt
Cool dads will appreciate this laidback tee. Aside from the boxy fit and numerous color options, it features a graphic print of Dad and baby. You submit a photo with your order that will be turned into a simple line drawing for a truly unique Father’s Day gift for new dads. And if Dad's not a t-shirt guy, they also offer long sleeve shirts and hoodies.
Tablet stand
For the dad who likes to binge-watch Netflix, give him this flexible tablet stand, designed to be used while lounging in bed (hopefully with a snack, as all good binge-watching sessions demand!). It even comes with a storage bag, so he can take it on the road, and is compatible with most tablets and e-readers.
Beer bottle labels
For a unique first Father’s Day gift, present him with a few bottles of his favorite brew, wrapped in these special labels. From his first dirty diaper change to the first time baby spits up on him, there’ll be a beer waiting in the fridge to mark the milestone. It's a fun way to make his everyday life a little more playful.
New dad mug
This mug is an ideal gift for a man that’s eager to announce his new-dad status—and is in desperate need of caffeine. It features a sweet message and a customized illustration of your growing family. You can pick from a few different family illustrations to best match your crew, even customising details like hair texture and color or skin tone.
Greeting card
If the new dad in your life loves a pun, this is the funny first Father’s Day card for you. With an illustrated picture of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and a message to your #1 guy, its sure to get a laugh out of Dad—before he tears up at the sweet message inside! Purchase a blank card and write it yourself, or add a custom message printed on the inside and have it shipped straight to Dad’s door.
Fun socks
You can’t get a more classic Father’s Day gift than socks, and these ones are way more fun than what you’d find in-store. This highly customizable pair allows you to include up to five of baby’s faces, along with your choice of color scheme and a personalized message. It’s sweet and silly—and he’ll treasure it.
Key finder
Is Dad perpetually looking for his misplaced car keys? This clever device is the answer to frazzled parents’ prayers. Designed with Bluetooth-tracking technology, the organizer can be attached to everyday objects like key rings, and linked with the Tile app on your phone. Simply click “find” on the app and if the Tile is inside the 250-foot range it will start ringing, helping you track down your keys in no time at all. If not, the app will show you the Tile’s most recent location on a map. The alert works both ways: by double clicking a button on your Keysmart, you can find your phone too—genius.
Temperature-control hat
Perfect for the dad who runs hot, this baseball cap from Mission has special wet-to-cool technology to absorb water or sweat and cool the hat up to 30 degrees below body temperature. It’ll stay cool for up to two hours! It’s a perfect accessory for sunny days at the playground or beach, with UPF 50 protection on a classic hat that won’t go out of style and will work with all outfits.
Personalized measuring tape
Affordable, useful, meaningful: all words that can be used to describe this custom measuring tape. Pick from a bunch of designs to express your love and admiration for the new dad in your life, which will be engraved onto a wooden disk that sits snugly on the side of the measuring tape. Handy dads will appreciate the reminder of how much they are loved every time they use this new tool in their toolbox.
Unique wall art
Musically-inclined dads will appreciate this interesting wall decor. It features a soundwave from a song, chorus or snippet of a song of your choosing, turned into wooden wall art. Pick something with special meaning to baby and Dad, or just a song your favorite dad loves. The sculpture includes a card that breaks down what is featured in the artwork.
Stadium poster
For the dad who loves baseball, Uncommon Goods creates blueprints of the stadium of your choice—a first Father’s Day gift that’s sure to knock it out of the park. The detailed illustration also features interesting facts and design specs of the stadium in question. It's a lovely gift to encourage Dad’s favourite pastime and, maybe one day Dad can take baby to experience it for real!
Smart mug
New dads are always on the go, so uninterrupted coffee breaks may be a thing of the past. Introducing the temperature control smart mug by Ember. The clever device keeps your favorite beverage warm for up to 80 minutes, so it’s enjoyable from your first sip to the last drop.
Muscle massager
As a new dad, he’s likely not getting in as many workouts or stretches these days. The latest version of this popular muscle-massaging device now comes in a more compact mini version, yet still packs a powerful punch to relieve cramps, knots and tension. It even syncs up with an app for personalized coaching. It's a great reminder for Dad that he needs to put aside some time for self care!
Bluetooth speaker
Retro vibes are back in style! For cool dads who appreciate unbeatable sound quality, this mini-amp speaker is just the thing. Combining vintage design with modern-day features, the speaker is portable, rechargeable (with 30 hours of play time!) and boasts Bluetooth connectivity.
Smart organizer
He’s got one more schedule to stay on top of now, so help your favorite dad stay organized with the Amazon Echo Show 15. This high-tech option has an HD smart display that can show the family calendar, weather updates, alerts and more. It even doubles as a Fire TV for when he has quick moments to unwind.
Eye massagers
Help your favorite dad take a load off at the end of the day, with this popular eye massager from Eyeris. It slips on like a sleep mask, and has five massage modes to help him unwind. This massager can even play music through the built-in speakers for an immersive experience. It’s a perfect gift that will make those sleepless nights a little easier.
Photo calendar
How about a wall calendar customized with special dates and occasions? It’s a handy reminder for forgetful dads. Plus, the photos have perforated edges so you can hold on to them to hang elsewhere after each month ends. It’ll add some brightness and joy to the kitchen or his office—whereever he decides to hang it.
Shower steamer
While a shower steamer may seem like a simple gift, it can be super effective for helping Dad relax and decompress after a hard day. He can turn your bathroom into an at-home spa with these shower steamers, which have a soothing mix of eucalyptus and mint scents. They are made with natural essential oils and are designed to rejuvenate your mood.
Mini projector
If Dad is a movie buff, then a mini projector is a cool Father’s Day gift he'll appreciate. This portable projector includes a built-in speaker and comes with an 80-inch foldable projector screen, giving you everything you need to watch on the go. You can also connect to the projector via Bluetooth, as well as through USB. He can use it for films, TV, gaming and more.
Air fryer
If Dad likes to cook up a storm in the kitchen treat him to an airfryer that will make his life a whole lot easier! The Wonder Oven literally does it all: It can be used to airfry, bake, roast, toast, broil and reheat in its two-rack interior. All that and it will also add a touch of style to your kitchen, with is clean lined-design and neutral but fun colorways.
Want to know what dads really want for Father’s Day? We’ve done the research, and put together a list of suggestions from real dads about what they’d actually love to receive. These guidelines are here to help inspire you and make the process of getting a gift for the guy who may not even know what to ask for that much easier!
- Practical gifts are a sure bet. Going for something that Dad will actually make use of or makes his life easier, even if it isn’t “on theme” for Father’s Day, will be much more appreciated than something that’ll just end up in a drawer somewhere in your house. Even better? Get him something that you know he’ll use, but get a better version than he would ever buy for himself!
- Dads want to feel seen and appreciated! Focus on his hobbies and interests when looking for Father’s Day gift inspiration. If he loves the outdoors, think flashlights, fishing rods or a good backpack. If he loves art, go for supplies, art books or a print of his favourite piece of work. Whatever it is that makes him tick (and shows that your really thought about him) should be your main source of inspo.
- If a gift is both sentimental and practical, that’s even better!
- Something meaningful will always trump a flashy present. Lots of dads expressed that something small—like a written letter, custom keychain, or framed picture—would be a much better gift than just getting an expensive or showy something for the sake of it.
- Try to avoid the cliché father’s day gifts! Some dads love them, of course, but most would love a little bit more thought put into their gifts. Unless Dad is in desperate need of a new tie or a bottle of whiskey, maybe go for something else.
- Avoid gifts that are going to be too much of a hassle to maintain. Anything that requires him to become accidentally obligated to the gift (for example: a scrapbook that needs to be filled in constantly). Some level of engagement may be perfect, but if it starts to feel like a job, Dad probably won’t keep up with it.
- Consider experiences as gifts. If the new dad in your life isn’t big on the idea of presents, you can opt for gifting them a nice day out, a national parks pass, or something fun he can do with friends. Think: concert tickets, restaurant reservations, or even something as simple as breakfast in bed. Sometimes all he really wants is some quality time together.
About the writer:
Emily Bagg is a contributing writer and former senior content writer for The Bump, where she focuses on helping parents find the best products for their families. With years of experience writing about everything from baby names to toddler toys, Emily has a knack for staying on top of the latest trends in parenting, like what to look for when it comes to finding the perfect gift for any occasion—including something to celebrate the new dad in your life!
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