24 Best Gifts for New Dads, Recommended by Parents

“If mom is nursing and feeding baby isn't an option, I focus on diaper duty, cleaning bottles or pump parts and getting baby to sleep,” explains Calvin, a dad of two. He told us that one essential item for new dads is the Baby Brezza Bottle Washer. This clever device washes, sterilizes and dries up to four baby bottles at a time, plus it can be used to clean pump parts and sippy cups. Easily slotting into his daily routine, this efficient gift means Dad can spend less time washing up and more time with his little one.

Dad of two Calvin, a parent from The Bump community, tells us that he considers a Hatch sound machine a must-have for new parents—and it’s easy to see why. The Hatch Baby may look cute, but it’s also highly practical. The sound machine plays calming sleep sounds and offers a comforting glow to help baby (and Dad) relax ahead of bedtime. To establish a sleep routine from the get-go, it features time-for-bed and time-to-rise cues for little ones. Plus, it can be controlled via a mobile app, so you can soothe baby with a lullaby or bedtime story remotely. When purchasing the Hatch Baby, you’ll also receive full access to six months of guided support, including 1:1 chats with sleep consultants and baby sleep guides.

Exclusive offer from The Bump: Use code BUMP25 to get 25 percent off two books at Wonderbly.

“I think a daddy-and-me book is totally the best idea,” says The Bump forum member joyfullyfound. “From personal experience, there's nothing sweeter than seeing your [partner] and [little one] snuggled up, reading a book together.” We totally agree. One of our favorite options is Wonderbly’s Daddy's Magic Hugs for You, which celebrates the heartwarming bond between Dad and baby. When ordering this storybook, you can add names, write a loving dedication for the first page and choose the cover design. As an extra special touch, you’ll also be able to personalize Dad’s illustrated character.

Exclusive offer from The Bump: Get 20% off your first shipment of the Rad Dad Box with Cratejoy using the code BUMP20.

Have bonding activities for Dad and baby delivered right to your door with a Cratejoy monthly subscription. The Rad Dad Box is all about promoting daddy-baby connection. Each box includes four to five different essential items that will help Dad settle into this new chapter in life. For baby there are themed books, toys, apparel and activities; while Dad can enjoy grooming products, snacks and more. You can choose between a one-month, three-month or six-month subscription plan and even personalize your choice by answering a few simple questions on their website.

There's been a lot of research done about how skin-to-skin contact in the early stages of baby’s life can do everything from regulating baby’s body temperature to aiding in sleep. Breastfeeding moms get a lot of skin-to-skin contact through daily feeds and the like, but dads can get in on the action too! Enter: the dressing gown. This is not only a very useful and practical purchase that Dad will appreciate, but it also can serve as a great way for him to get some kangaroo care in while still keeping himself and baby warm. We love this particular one from Savile Row Company, made from 100% cotton. It’s moisture-absorbent, quick-drying, soft and machine washable—perfect if baby happens to spit up while they’re spending some quality time together.

Audible has thousands of baby books available to listen to (and even more parenting-specific ones), so a subscription to this service is well worth the monthly payment. If there are days when Dad doesn’t feel like doing the reading, he and baby can still have their nightly bedtime story in the form of an audiobook. Dad can also expand his horizons and delve into whatever topics interest him, allowing him to listen while he takes care of the little one.

A matching moment is a super simple way for dads to feel connected to their kiddo. There are a bunch of options for daddy-and-me matching outfits to choose from for all sorts of occasions, but we particularly love the To the Moon & Back collection from Little Sleepies. For Dad, we have a comfy pair of pajama pants, while baby gets a super-cute zippy! Both come in this adorable space-themed print that appeals to all ages. Little Sleepies PJs are made from a soft bamboo fabric that are hypoallergenic, stretchy and machine-washable.

This sentimental first-time dad gift will help your loved one remember simple, precious moments throughout baby’s early days, months and years. The keepsake book includes 12 letters, complete with helpful prompts, for parents to record memories, big and small. Each one also comes with a corresponding envelope, so they can safely store them until the time comes to share them with their children. It’s a great way for Dad to really reflect on what it felt like during this time, and hold onto these feelings for years to come!

This chain necklace from Oak and Luna exudes everyday luxury, and it’s a thoughtful present for any new father. The simple, classic Figaro Chain design features a small pendant near the clasp that can be engraved with baby’s name—up to 10 characters. It comes in several metal options, including stainless steel, sterling silver and gold vermeil. No matter which option you choose, you can count on it to be a durable, timeless addition to Dad’s daily look.

A lot of dads in our research praised gifts that capture baby’s earliest weeks, so they can look back and remember just how special it was. Those first few months are a blur for most parents which is why we love this DIY frame kit from Etsy. The kit comes with a durable wooden shadow box that displays multiple sheets of acrylic glass. You and the rest of the family can each stamp your handprint or footprint on a sheet with the provided washable paints, then slot them into the box, creating a unique and sentimental art piece that Dad can display. Not only will he get a lovely keepsake, but the activity itself will be a bonding experience, too! You could even stretch out the process and have your little one do a new hand print every so often to show the passage of time.

This monochrome navy blue baseball cap is a fun way to celebrate low-key dads without leaning too far on the novelty side. Subtly embroidered with the phrase “cool dad,” the simple design will pair well with most outfits—even those haphazard ones in the first weeks of parenthood! Details he’ll love include the 100 percent cotton and the buckle closure for an adjustable fit. Whether he’s headed on a stroll with baby or grabbing a quick coffee with friends, this cool new dad present will be the perfect accessory.

Functional, compact and, let’s face it, cool, a utility knife is a tried-and-true gift that really does hold its own. While there are a bunch of different options with various tools (allowing you to tailor your choice to the man you are shopping for), this particular one from Victorinox has over 30 functions. From small blades and pliers to pins, corkscrews, bit-sets and a bottle opener, Dad will love exploring all that it has to offer. This pocket-sized toolbox can attach directly to a set of keys, so it can be taken anywhere and everywhere he goes.

Gifting new dads college-related presents is a popular trend among members of The Bump community forums. Whether the dad-to-be is an avid sports fan or the new parents met as students, gifts related to their favorite university are surefire winners. This set of two glasses is an elevated take on the classic pint glass and features 360-degree artwork of your selected college. Decorated with your school’s colors, each cup features iconic buildings from your alma mater, team mascot and campus landmarks. It's a present idea for new dads that’s equal parts sentimental and practical.

If Dad is a fitness buff, then gifting him a fitness tracker is a great way to encourage him to keep up with his hobby. The Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker has over 40 exercise modes, monitors blood oxygen levels and heart rate and includes a built-in GPS tracker. Its battery life lasts over a week and it is also compatible with both Android and iOS users. Plus, a six-month premium membership is included with purchase, giving the man in question a great excuse to get out of the house and focus on himself.

With a new baby comes new opportunities to rewatch some cinema classics. For the film buff in your life already mentally foreshadowing family movie nights, this scratch-off poster turns that bucket list into a meaningful ritual. Dad and baby can chip away at it over time, from those early months cuddling during a contact nap to kicking back on the couch in years to come. Printed on sturdy archival card stock, it’s a stylish piece of decor and a low-pressure way to turn a beloved pastime into a family tradition. Just wait until they scratch off that final flick!