20 Best Gifts for New Dads

During pregnancy, moms-to-be get all the attention, including a literal shower of gifts. And when baby arrives, they’re pretty much the star of the show. Dads, despite the obviously essential part they played in all this, are often forgotten in the excitement. So take a moment to congratulate a new dad in your life with a thoughtful present. Whether you’re looking to celebrate your own baby’s daddy or a friend or other family member, we’ve rounded up unique new dad gifts to hit the right note.

Photo Map

New dad gifts that capture the joy of the journey to becoming a father are sure to tug at the heartstrings. These customizable maps (available for every state) are a perfect way to showcase favorite photos, be it of his pre- or post-daddy life. Add a frame of your choice for a personal present he can’t help but love.

Buy it: Love Location Print, starting at $21, Minted.com

Charging Dock

Veteran dads agree: Get caught with a dead phone on the go (which is pretty much a dad’s natural state), and things go downhill fast. After all, you don’t want to miss the latest cute photo, or heaven forbid an emergency call. The iBolt ChargeDock is the first magnetic MFI-approved docking solution for iPhones. It also connects his iPhone to Apple CarPlay.

Buy it: iBolt ChargeDock, $50, Amazon.com

Massage Roller

We’re not gonna lie and say life with a newborn can’t be stressful. The odds of Dad not being tense are on par with getting all the laundry into the dryer before it starts to smell musty. Thankfully, a total body massage roller will help him work out all his kinks.

Buy it: Gaiam Restore Total Body Massage Roller, $14, Amazon.com

Multi-Purpose Pocket Tool

When you have a little kid, one thing is certain: Anything can happen. Guys who pride themselves on being prepared will love having a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife on hand. It’s a multi-purpose tool with seven functions, including tweezers and toenail scissors (hey, you never know).

Buy it: Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife, $16, Amazon.com

Phone Protector

Dad will need his phone more than ever—and protecting it will be harder than ever. (Nothing fascinates an inquisitive baby quite like a phone.) Which makes protective phone cases great new dad gifts. The Otterbox Defender Series Case protects Dad’s phone in three ways: with an inner shell, an outer cover and a touch-screen protector. Because babies become into-everything toddlers quicker than he can say, “Honey, have you seen my phone?”

Buy it: Otterbox Defender Series Case, $45, Amazon.com

Dash Buttons

The best gifts for new dads are things that make life just a little easier. Buy him an Amazon Prime Membership and a collection of dash buttons, which are little WiFi-connected devices matched to an array of popular brands. All he has to do is push a button, and stuff he seems to constantly need (diapers, laundry detergent, Red Bull) shows up at his door within two days.

Buy it: Pampers Dash Button, $5, Amazon.com

Tile Mate

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...he can’t find his keys. (Or phone. Or wallet). The dilemma is real, but the solution is easy. Clip one of the two Tile Mates to your phone, keys or other objects, and press the other tile’s button to locate its mate. New dad gifts that help him find his stuff? Priceless!

Buy it: Tile Mates, starting at $25, Amazon.com

One-Handed Bottle Opener

Gifts for new dads that help him do things with one hand are bound to be prized possessions—especially if it allows him to open a beer bottle without even putting baby down. Enter: the GrabOpener. It’s every brew-loving new dad’s dream.

Buy it: GrabOpener One Handed Grab Opener, $16, Amazon.com

Shaving Kit Subscription

Everyone encourages new moms to take time to pamper themselves. Well, new dads deserve a little self-care too. A subscription to a Harry’s Shave Plan means he’ll always have premium shaving essentials stocked. One less thing to put on the to-do list!

Buy it: Harry’s Shave Plan, starting at $8 for two weeks, Harrys.com

Smart Watch

Sure, the Huawei Watch 2 offers a built-in GPS, workout tracking/coaching and even sleep tracking, for that time in the misty future when sleep is part of his life again. But what makes this smart watch a standout is the inclusion of Near Field Communication Technology and Google Assistant, for a personal voice assistant right on his wrist. So he can be holding baby in one arm and paying bills with this watch on the other. He’ll also be able to download and play the one song that magically lulls baby to sleep via Google Play Music, without putting her down.

Buy it: Huawei Watch 2, $325, Amazon.com

Kangaroo Shirt

Babywearing works wonders for lots of families—it keeps baby close and your arms free. For those wanting something more comfy than a structured baby carrier, there’s the Lalabu Dad Shirt. On its own, it’s a sporty T-shirt. But slide baby into the cozy kangaroo-style pouch, and it’s a way for Dad to snuggle with baby while on-the-go. Are there better first-time dad gifts than the chance to bond with baby?

Buy it: Lalabu Dad Shirt, $75, Amazon.com

Daddy and Me Matching Shirts

For gifts for new dads with a sense of humor (and style), you can’t go wrong with a funny daddy and me shirt set. These battery charged, battery drained T-shirts say it all. Made of 100 percent cotton, they’ll keep Dad and baby comfy, even when the little one is raring to go and Dad’s ready for bed.

Buy it: Threadrock Full and Low Battery Infant Bodysuit & Men's T-Shirt Matching Set, $20, Amazon.com

Instant Pot

New dad gifts that make dinner prep a breeze are always a smart choice. The Instant Pot has earned legendary status by making it quicker and more convenient to cook just about anything perfectly. Hot, healthy, economical dinners are not impossible for new parents after all! Plus, the automatic “Keep Warm” feature keeps your meal at temperature should, say, baby suddenly wake up and need some soothing.

Buy it: Instant Pot Duo Plus, $120, Amazon.com

Star Map

Looking up baby’s zodiac sign is kind of fun. Seeing exactly how the sky looked on the day his little one was born? Amazing. A My Sky Moment map displays how the stars were aligned overhead at any location, on any date. It comes custom framed, or can be created on canvas for a striking gift for new dads.

Buy it: My Sky Moment, starting at $50, MySkyMoment.com

Protective Underwear

In the midst of all the joyous dad moments, there are painful times too. And we’re not speaking metaphorically. Baby head butts as you coax crawling, toddler kicks as you carry them off the playground and Sunday morning bed jumps can all pose a risk to the family jewels. So as hilarious as they are, gifts for new dads that are designed to protect dads’ balls are really super practical. Each pair of these FridaBalls boxer briefs is designed with a reinforced protective pouch to soften the blows.

Buy it: Fridababy ​FridaBalls Boxer Brief, $28, Amazon.com

Travel Coffee Mug

Coffee is the elixir of life for sleep-deprived new parents, so any new dad gifts that make it easy to comfortably consume it are pure genius. Case in point: This stainless steel travel mug, which is totally leak and spill proof (you really don’t want hot liquid to drip on a newborn) and keeps drinks hot for up to 5 hours and cold for up to 12. Best of all, thanks to the Lend a Hand release button, Dad can sip his coffee with a single hand.

Buy it: Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug, $17, Amazon.com

Custom Dog Tags

We vote for Isabelle Grace’s Men's Tall Tags Necklace as a sweet gift for a dad who’s swooning over his newborn. The handmade sterling silver charm is personalized on the front and back with baby’s name and birthday, then texturized for an edgy, modern look. You can order it on a chain or leather cord.

Buy it: Isabelle Grace Men’s Tall Tags Necklace, $90, IsabelleGraceJewelry.com

Diaper Backpack

Every dad needs something to haul baby stuff in, and a backpack is the modern go-to. This one has plenty of interior storage, side zip pockets and diaper changing pad and wipes storage dispenser for easy on-the-go changes. And with a look this sharp, no one will guess he’s packing baby gear.

Buy it: Eddie Bauer Legend Flap Top Diaper Bag, $55, Amazon.com

Single Malt Scotch Caramels

Dad’s weekly night out with the guys may be on hiatus, but that doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy a treat now and then. Our new dad gifts of choice: McCrea’s handmade Single Malt Scotch Caramels. They offer a peaty, rich flavor spiked with smoky scotch—meaning Dad can enjoy the intoxicating taste without the accompanying hangover.

Buy it: McCrea’s Single Malt Scotch Caramels, $16, McCreasCandies.com

Outdoor Slippers

If Dad bundled up the 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 classic new dad gifts. These outdoor UGG slippers are slippers and shoes all in one. He can kick back at home in supple, wool-lined suede slippers, and then dip out to run an errand without changing, thanks to the high-traction rubber sole.

Buy it: UGG Cooke Slipper, $100, Nordstrom.com

Published January 2019

Plus, more from The Bump:

Creative Ways to Celebrate a New Dad

Top 10 Things Every New Dad Should Know

10 Easy Ways to Make a First-Time Dad Feel Involved