The Best Gifts for New Dads to Suit Any Budget
During pregnancy, moms rightfully get a lot of attention—including a literal shower of gifts. But new dads deserve some of the spotlight and major love too! No doubt, he’ll appreciate a thoughtful present to celebrate his first foray into fatherhood.
The best gifts for new dads can be practical presents to help them navigate the early days of parenthood, sweet keepsakes to mark this major life event or even luxury items that appeal to his unique sense of style. Whether you’re shopping for a first Father’s Day gift, a birthday, holiday present or just want to send him a little something to celebrate the new arrival, there are options to suit every type of event and father-to-be. Not sure where to begin your search? We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best new dad gifts that are sure to hit the right note. Below, shop our top picks for every budget.
We get it—gifting isn’t always a breeze. To help you choose the best gifts for the dad-to-be, we researched dozens of top-rated products, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. Here are the steps that we took to create this gift guide:
- We researched what was being said about gifts for new dads in The Bump community forums to learn what parents were thinking of gifting their loved ones—and what they’ve received themselves.
- We conducted exhaustive market research, scouring external forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents across the country looked for when choosing gifts for new dads.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Can’t decide what to gift the new dad in your life? You can’t go wrong with one of these top-rated picks.
Babywearing hoodie
Babywearing works wonders for lots of families—it keeps baby close and your arms free. Dads who like to stay cozy while wearing a baby carrier without the added bulk of a jacket will be delighted with this gift. On its own, it’s a sporty men’s hoodie. But add the zip-on pouch, designed to fit comfortably over a carrier, and it’s a way for Dad to keep warm while on the go. First-time dad gifts that help him bond with baby? Yes, please.
Personalized book
Customized gifts for new dads are extra special. That’s why we’re head over heels for this personalized storybook by Wonderbly. Add up to four names to this precious tale, told from the perspective of a child explaining just how much they love their Daddy. He can read it to baby at bedtime for years to come.
Luxe sweatpants
What’s better than luxury joggers? These ultra-soft pants are crafted from a premium bamboo-viscose blend, resulting in a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. Dad will also be a fan of the versatile style, that can be seamlessly worn day or night.
Dad jokes
Help Dad brush up on his parenting-based comedy routine with this bumper box of dad jokes. Yes, they may be cringe-worthy—but puns and one-liners are part of every parent's playbook. Even better, at just $15, they’re an affordable option to boot.
Indoor-outdoor slippers
If Dad bundled up baby and got to the car only to realize he’s still in his slippers, he wouldn’t be the first—which is why outdoor slippers make for excellent new dad gifts. This pair by The North Face has a durable ripstop upper and treaded rubber soles, meaning they can be worn indoors and out.
Acupressure mat and pillow
New or expectant dads who struggle with back pain will thank you for this acupressure set. It includes a memory foam mat and pillow covered in discs that stimulate the body’s pressure points. As a result, Dad can benefit from deeper relaxation as it offers targeted relief to his neck, back and shoulders.
Hoodie with plenty of pockets
Introducing the best gift for new dads that like to be prepared: The Dad Hoodie. The super-soft sweatshirt has a breathable mesh lining and built-in pockets to hold must-have parenting gear, including baby bottles! Choose from several sizes and neutral colors.
The best new dad gifts don’t have to cost a small fortune. Case in point: These affordable presents that ring in under $30.
Cool sweatshirt
He’s not a regular dad, he’s a cool dad—at least, he will be with this sweatshirt. Made from a soft cotton blend, this sweater boasts a slightly oversized fit and bold text. Choose from several styles and colors to find the best fit for your loved one.
Efficient cookware
Time is one thing new parents don’t have a lot of. Luckily, with the help of this easy-to-use, efficient omelet maker, he’ll be able to whip up a hearty meal in less than a minute. Plus, the handcrafted stoneware dish is aesthetically pleasing to boot.
New dad gameplan
First-time parents have a lot to learn. Fortunately, Super Bowl champion Benjamin Watson is here to help. Written with dads in mind, The New Dad’s Playbook has tips on how to navigate those early days of fatherhood—from pregnancy (pre-season) to birth (competition time) and bringing baby home (post-season). It’s a winner in our book!
High-quality beanie
Messy hair days are no match for this versatile beanie. If hats are Dad’s favorite accessory, he’s bound to love this design from Carhartt. It comes in several monochrome colorways so he can easily add it to his rotation. What’s more, he’ll appreciate that it’s made of a soft, stretchy knit material that will feel extra cozy on chilly days.
Helpful tracker disc
It happens to the best of dads: He’s ready to walk out the door, thinking, “we’re going to get to the pediatrician on time for once,” and then, uh-oh, he can’t find his keys. (Or phone. Or wallet.) The dilemma is real, but the solution is easy. Attach the Apple AirTag to any of your everyday essentials, and locate what you’re looking for in seconds via your phone. New dad gifts that help him find his stuff? Priceless!
“I love Dad” onesie
Okay, so technically this is a present for baby, but a first-time father is sure to well up when he sees his little one wearing this onesie that reads: “I love Dad.” Trust us, sentimental gifts for new or expecting dads don’t get better than this. Even better, this bodysuit is made from ultra-soft organic cotton, so it’s great for cuddles as well.
Adventurous activity book
Here’s another sentimental pick. This interactive journal is full of bucket list-like activities for Dad and his kiddos to complete together in the coming years. Along the way, they’ll be able to document their memories with this book; there are even spaces where Dad can add photos, notes and more. He may not be able to do everything in it straight away with baby, but it’s sure to inspire many future adventures!
Adorable board book
Make sure baby’s first word is “dada” with the help of this cute board book. The sweet story by Tonight Show host and Saturday Night Live alum Jimmy Fallon features adorable illustrations of daddy and baby cows, sheep, ducks, frogs and more. It’s sure to result in some giggles during storytime!
New dad mug
Searching for a first-time dad gift that’s equal parts funny and practical? Look no further than this coffee mug. The 11-oz. cup is decorated with a cool graphic of a New Balance sneaker (a.k.a. the ultimate Dad shoe) and the phrase “Cool Dads Club.” He’s sure to smile when he reaches for it each morning!
Reusable earplugs
While you can’t gift your loved one a good night’s sleep, this present offers the next best thing. These earplugs have been thoughtfully created to reduce noise so that wearers can have more restful REM cycles—or use them for times when they need to focus during the day. The comfy day-to-night design comes with four interchangeable ear tip sizes so Dad can find his perfect fit. Unlike most single-use foam earplugs, this reusable silicone style can be counted on for many days (and nights) to come. Plus, while they reduce noise they don’t fully cancel it out, so Dad will still be able to hear baby when they need to.
One-line-a-day journal
Baby’s first year can feel like it’s over in the blink of an eye. That’s where this present comes in handy. The new dad gift will allow your loved one to briefly document memories and milestones each day, so he can look back on it years down the line.
Food delivery service gift card
New parents barely have time to go to the bathroom—let alone cook three meals a day. With that in mind, this food delivery service gift card is a present dad will surely appreciate. It can be used for an array of restaurants in your local area. That way, your loved one can count on having a tasty meal delivered straight to their door.
Mini utility gadget
Before baby’s arrival, your loved one will probably be putting together a lot of new gear and furniture, which makes this a clever first-time dad gift. The multipurpose tool can be used in several ways, like as a screwdriver, a can opener, a ruler or a protractor. Better yet, the small design easily fits on a keychain, so you can keep it closeby whenever you may need it.
Treat the new father in your life to a bit of much-needed “me time” with these gifts for expecting dads. From sleep gadgets and personalized presents to matching PJs for dad and baby, we’ve covered all the bases when it comes to gifting.
New dad’s survival guide
Written by stand-up comedian Raquel D’Apice, this survival guide for new dads is a refreshingly honest, funny present that’s sure to make your loved one smile. An added bonus? This book can be customized with dad’s name, character and other fun details to make it an extra-special gift.
New dad gift box
The best dad-to-be gifts help him get excited for baby’s imminent arrival. And Bump Boxes special new father edition does just that. Filled with men's care products and baby essentials, Daddy will have everything he needs to rock his new role.
Sweet, customized story
When it comes to first-time dad gifts, you can’t go wrong with a personalized book. This sweet option allows you to customize the appearance of the story’s characters so they resemble dad and baby. This special present is sure to be a favorite for years to come.
High-quality travel mug
Next up is a new dad gift that’s sure to get a lot of use. YETI is known for high-quality, ultra-durable outdoor living gear and this travel mug is no exception. Even if Dad isn’t an avid outdoorsman and is just using it for his daily commute, he’ll appreciate the vacuum-insulated design that will keep his drink at the perfect temperature. Thanks to the leak-resistant lid, he also won’t have to worry about spills—even when he has his hands full.
Burrito-themed swaddle
If burritos are Dad’s go-to meal, this present will be a surefire winner. The set comes with a super-soft swaddle and matching hat for baby, each decorated with a tortilla-inspired print. Suitable from birth up until the 4-month mark, this new dad gift will spark joy for months down the line. Just imagine all of the cute photos!
Milestone journal
This beautiful, linen-bound journal, makes it easy to record your child’s major milestones. It spans their entire childhood (from 0 to 18) and is filled with helpful writing prompts for parents. Talk about a thoughtful new dad gift!
Daddy-and-me matching PJs
What’s cuter than baby pajamas? Matching PJs for dad and baby, of course! These men’s pajama pants are made from buttery soft, breathable bamboo viscose to keep him comfy all night long (even during early-morning sessions with the little one). The watercolor-inspired moon print also comes in the form of a zippy onesie, a knotted infant gown, a swaddle set and options for mom, of course.
Personalized map glass set
Add a touch of customization to dad’s nightcap with this personalized set. Each glass will be precision-engraved with a map of a US town or city that’s near and dear to his heart. Plus, they’re available in several options, including pint, wine or rocks glasses.
Top-rated baby bottle warmer
Make mealtime a bit more seamless for baby and Dad by gifting him this top-rated bottle warmer. Unlike a microwave (which can cause some spots to be hotter than others), the device circulates the milk to gently heat it. In just three minutes, your loved one can count on it to warm up a five-oz. bottle. The multipurpose appliance can also be used to defrost frozen breast milk and baby food, so new parents are sure to get plenty of use out of it!
Dad fanny pack
Fanny pack diaper bags aren’t just for moms—dads have a lot to carry too! The solution: This versatile belt bag from lululemon. Its large design will fit an array of his (and baby’s) essentials, making this a great option for on-the-go parents.
Portable sound machine
This next gift for new dads comes at the recommendation of celebrity dad of two, Tan France. The Queer Eye star is a fan of the portable sound machine which mimics the sound of a human shushing. It may seem strange to you at first, but baby will love the soothing sound that’s said to remind them of being in the womb. The compact device features volume levels and time settings so you can easily adjust it to meet your changing needs.
Weighted sleep mask
The ultimate gift for new dads? An uninterrupted night of sleep, of course. While we can’t guarantee he’ll get a full eight hours of shut-eye, this sleep mask will definitely help matters. It’s made from a cloud-soft fleece fabric, and is lightly weighted to alleviate stress and anxiety.
High-quality wooden calendar
Minimalist and sentimental, you can count on this custom photo calendar to be a favorite of dad’s all-year-round. Personalize each detail to create a gift that matches his one-of-a-kind style. Best of all, it comes with 12 premium printed calendar sheets, each complete with a sweet photo of your choosing.
Durable water bottle
Parenting is thirsty work, which is why a water bottle makes a great gift for new dads. This pick is big enough to keep him hydrated throughout the day and is dishwasher-safe. The best part? The insulated bottle keeps drinks ice cold for up to 24 hours.
Here, check out the best new dad gifts for under $100. Some of our favorites include a T-shirt for Kangaroo care, a premium diaper subscription and a pair of comfy lounge pants, to name a few.
Babywearing shirt for dads
This unique babywearing shirt was thoughtfully designed with new dads in mind, making it a standout gifting option in our eyes. The t-shirt is equipped with a simple, supportive pouch, so your loved one can go hands-free while carrying their little love. Choose from several earth-toned colorways, including black, blue and gray.
Sports archive book
Is he a mega football fan? Huddle up and enjoy this sporty gift for new dads. The personalized book is filled with reprinted coverage from The New York Times sports journalism archive, documenting the history of his favorite NFL team.
Phone disinfector
Dad will need his phone more than ever—and keeping it clean may prove to be harder than ever. That’s where this next gift for new dads will come in handy. Phones, wallets, keys and other small everyday essentials can be placed inside this compact device and just 10 minutes later they’ll be fully disinfected. Using UV technology, the PhoneSoap 3 is able to effectively kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs that thrive on phones and other daily items. Even better, the device features USB and USBC charging ports for added convenience.
Modern keepsake library
Next up is a great present for dads who love to stay organized. This modern keepsake library has several boxes and folders where new parents can store precious objects commemorating milestones and special moments. Illustrated labels, acid-free drawers, vertical files and small envelopes will keep everything pristine as the years go by.
Lounge pants
Some of the best new father gifts are ones they won’t want to stop using, and loungewear definitely fits the bill. After all, having a new baby means spending way more time at home. This pair of sleep pants by Tommy John are supremely soft and silky, plus the non-pilling modal fabric will withstand the test of time.
Premium diaper subscription
At first glance, this may seem like a gift that’s more for baby—but, trust us, dad will appreciate it too. With this subscription, your loved one will receive premium diapers that are moisture-wicking and highly absorbent to reduce the chance of leaks. The result? A better sleep for baby and dad. It’s no wonder these diapers are a Best of The Bump award winner!
Premium hot sauce
Variety is the spice of life, which is what makes these gourmet hot sauces a standout present for new dads. The set comes with three bottles of truffle-infused flavors, all elegantly packaged in a black and gold box. He’ll be putting it on everything in no time!
Simple charging station
With everything on a new dad’s mind, some things may slip through the cracks—like remembering to charge his phone. Luckily, this magnetic power bank will ensure he can have a full battery, even if he’s on the go. It also doubles as a clever stand so he can stream or scroll as his device charges.
Outdoor rocking chair
A nursery glider is every parent’s new BFF, and now you can keep the good times rolling with this camping chair. It has a sturdy steel frame and gently rocks back and forth and, better yet, it folds flat for easy storage. Trust us, it’ll be happy campers all around with this new dad gift.
Portable speaker
As experienced dads can tell you, it’s hard to get uninterrupted “me time” with a newborn on the scene. But with this lightweight portable speaker, he can listen to his favorite tunes wherever baby's schedule takes him, whether it’s attached to the stroller for a walk, floating in the tub during bathtime (yes, it’s waterproof!) or outside on the porch while baby’s down for a nap. When it comes to new father gifts, this speaker will be a big hit.
Treat the father-to-be in your life to a touch of luxury with one of these splurge-worthy presents. From neoprene diaper bags and a high-quality coffee machine to a top-rated baby carrier and a new gaming console, find something for every dad below.
Stylish diaper bag
Diaper bags for dads don’t have to be an eyesore. Case in point: This stylish option made from neoprene from Dagne Dover. Thanks to plenty of pockets, he’ll be able to fit everything he and baby need in it—and then some. Other standout features include how it clips to strollers, comes with a changing mat and has an extra zipper opening for wipes.
Luxe robe
Looking for a present that exudes everyday luxury? Then treat your loved one to this high-quality cotton robe. Whether they’re up for a late-night diaper change, enjoying a relaxed weekend breakfast or just lounging on the couch, this robe will have their back. Choose from several cool colors, including dusk, coal, surplus and bone.
Premium pillow
When’s the last time your loved one got a new pillow? If the answer is “too long,” they’ll surely appreciate this premium design—especially in the early days of parenthood, when every moment in bed is precious. Designed to encourage more restorative snoozes, this luxury option is made from supportive memory foam and can be easily adjusted to accommodate any sleep preference or position. Choose from standard/queen or king-size options.
Wall art for tech-lovers
If your loved one is a big fan of all things tech, this unique wall art is a top-notch gift idea for new dads. Inside the frame is an iPod Nano from 2007 that’s been carefully disassembled, resulting in a too-cool display. Other options available include the Game Boy Advance, the iPod Touch and the Blackberry Curve, to name few.
Classic sunglasses
Ray-Ban’s original Wayfarer sunglasses are classics for a reason. Originally created in 1952, the timeless design comes in several colors and can even be customized with prescription lenses. They’re bound to become your loved one’s new favorite accessory. Moreover, Dad’s sure to appreciate them even more so on the mornings after he was up most of the night with baby.
Retro instant camera
New parents with a passion for photography will be delighted with this polaroid camera gift set. The vintage-style model boasts a simple point-and-shoot design that’ll allow him to capture treasured family moments in an instant.
Cushioned sneakers
Level up Dad’s daily footwear with these top-rated runners from Hoka. Ultra-light and plush, these cushioned sneakers are ideal for racking up miles or everyday activities. They come in an array of cool colorways, each boasting a breathable material complete with foam soles to keep your loved one’s feet comfy.
Compact gaming console
This sleek, compact gaming console is perfect for dads in need of a bit of “me time”. It won’t take up much space in the living room—plus, he can seamlessly take it on the go (or around the house), thanks to its clever design.
Baby carrier
Getting out of the house with baby in tow is no walk in the park. Apart from toys, snacks and a spare outfit, he’ll need something to transport baby in. While a stroller is best for longer journeys, a baby carrier is great if you want to travel light (relatively speaking, of course). The BabyTula Explore Carrier can be used from infancy to toddlerhood and offers a perfect fit for all parents. Talk about a practical gift for new dads!
High-quality coffee maker
Chances are the new dad in your life isn’t getting a lot of sleep. While you can’t gift him a good night’s rest, you can ensure he feels a bit more awake throughout the day with the help of this high-quality coffee maker. The versatile machine is perfect for making an array of drinks, from a single cup of joe to a powerful espresso shot.
Smartwatch
Sure, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers daily motivational tips, a heart and stress monitor and even sleep tracking (for that time in the misty future when sleep is part of Dad’s life again). But what makes this smartwatch a standout is that it’s water-resistant so he can wear it on trips to the beach or pool. Plus, he’ll also be able to automatically sync his favorite playlists via Apple Music, meaning he can play the one song that magically lulls baby to sleep, anytime, anywhere.
Heated coffee mug
Ensure dad’s coffee stays piping hot by gifting him this innovative mug. From his smartphone, he’ll be able to adjust the temperature to his liking. Then—when the battery runs low—simply place it on the included charging coaster. Choose from several on-trend colorways and two sizes.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor at The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. O’Regan-Reidy has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins and postpartum pads to the best non-wifi baby monitors, toddler learning towers and everything in between. With over a four-year career in digital media, O’Regan-Reidy has written dozens of gift guides and aims to create engaging, helpful articles that inform new and seasoned parents.
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