50 First Father’s Day Gifts That Will Make Him Smile
Becoming a father for the first time is a momentous occasion in any man’s life. And with Father’s Day right around the corner, you’ve got the perfect opportunity to send a little love and appreciation his way. (Don’t forget, Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday in June.) There are so many ways to show you care on this special day, and simply acknowledging the new dad in your life is guaranteed to go a long way.
That said, hunting for the perfect first Father’s Day gift is understandably tough. I felt completely panicked when the holiday rolled around soon after my son was born. 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?
You’ve got a lot on your plate right now—let us help. We’ve scoured the internet for 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 about how The Bump develops our product reviews.
Beard grooming kit
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 when he needs it most. The kit comes with a beard wash, conditioner, oil and a styling comb.
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.
Gaming system
If Dad is just a big kid at heart, a gaming system is a gift for the first Father’s Day that he’s sure to appreciate. The handheld Nintendo Switch lets him play whenever and wherever the mood strikes, and this bundle package includes a free Mario game!
Diaper backpack
Looking for a cool first Father’s Day gift that’s practical to boot? This diaper backpack is a gamechanger. Made from recycled water bottles, it boasts a simple-yet-stylish 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.
Slip-on shoes
My husband immediately slips these on as soon as he gets home from work, and he happily cruises around in them for the rest of the night. These shoes are an indoor/outdoor slipper, so Dad can wear them during diaper changes or to grab the mail. They have a nice tread on the bottom for solid traction, along with a faux fur lining for peak coziness.
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 20 hours of play time!) and boasts Bluetooth connectivity.
Comfy pants
These lightweight, moisture-wicking joggers are perfect for lounging with baby, but are just as practical for running errands outside the home. Plus, multiple zip pockets are great for storing keys, binkies or whatever else Dad needs close at hand. Worth noting: While these are pricey for joggers, they’re incredibly soft and hold up well over time.
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 hold all his essentials, too.
Coffee subscription
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.
Smart frame
If Dad works in an office, treat him to a smart frame that he can place on his desk. You can share family photos in an instant and the frame displays them in a slideshow format, so he’ll never miss a moment.
Cookware
If Dad likes to cook up a storm in the kitchen treat him to the pan everyone is talking about. The Always Pan 2.0 literally does it all: It can be used to sear, steam, saute, bake, boil and more! And thanks to the ceramic non-stick coating, this pan will last for years to come. The family-friendly name is a sweet touch, too.
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.
Personalized book
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
Custom portrait
How about a watercolor portrait of Dad and baby? Simply send in a family photo, pick your preferred size and choose a color scheme to create a fully personalized work of art. Creative first Father’s Day gift ideas don’t get much better than this.
Cutting board
Is Dad the king of the BBQ in your house? Fire up your Father’s Day gift-giving with this “Grill Master” wood cutting board, engraved with the text of your choice, like his name or a sweet note.
Footprint casting kit
How about a 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. Slot a couple of cute family pictures in the side for a sentimental Father’s Day gift he’ll treasure for years to come.
Engraved watch
Watches are a classic first Father’s Day gift—and if you can have one personalized, all the better! This timeless leather watch, which you can have engraved at no additional charge, will take him from desk to dinner and beyond.
Engraved whiskey decanter
Raise a glass to Dad this Father’s Day with a personalized whiskey decanter that you can engrave with his name and title (think: World’s Best Daddy). For an extra-special gift, include the optional glasses and whiskey stones!
Personalized journal
Swanky Badger is home to tons of personalized first Father’s Day gifts. Our top pick? 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, meaning 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.
Photo playing cards
These personalized playing cards make for a surprisingly affordable gift. 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.
Personalized T-shirt
Cool dads will appreciate this laidback tee. Aside from the boxy fit and neutral color options, it features a graphic print of Dad and baby. Simply submit a photo for a truly unique Father’s Day gift for new dads.
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.
Matching pajamas
The best first Father’s Day gift ideas focus on his favorite things. If Dad is a baseball fan, treat him to these fun PJs, suitable for pairing with the matching baby size. And, if this sport isn’t his thing, Little Sleepies has tons of other styles for both dad and baby.
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.
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.
Meat bouquet arrangement
Here’s a twist on a classic gift—a bouquet of meats presented in a beer glass. This unique first Father’s Day gift comes with eight “stems” of delicious beef jerky. He’ll get a good laugh before diving in.
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.
Smart garden
If the papa in your life is passionate about fresh produce but doesn’t have the time (or space) to grow his own, he’ll be overjoyed to receive this low-maintenance smart garden. Choose from over 75 pre-seeded plant pots and set up an herb garden in three simple steps: insert the plant pods, add water, plug it in and enjoy. Talk about a blooming-good first Father’s Day gift!
Smartphone sanitizer
From making to-do lists to Googling baby questions in the middle of the night, new parents are constantly on their phones. This sanitizing station zaps 99.99 percent of germs while also charging the phone. Plus, it works as an amplifier so Dad can listen to music (or the baby monitor) while his phone’s getting a deep clean.
Camping chair
If you’re in need of first Father’s Day gift ideas for an outdoorsy dad, this clever camping chair will do the trick. The aircraft-grade aluminum frame is lightweight yet sturdy, while the woven seat ensures Dad always has a comfy perch during excursions to the park with baby. Plus, a leak-proof cooler sits under the seat, so he can keep beverages and snacks cold for up to 12 hours.
T-shirt and onesie set
When it comes to funny first Father’s Day gifts, what’s more apropos than Dad matching his outfit (and favorite beverage) with baby? The photo opportunities in these matching shirts will be absolutely priceless.
Scratch-off activity book
This “bucket list” book includes 100 activities for parents and kids to enjoy together. 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.
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.
Wool sneakers
These merino wool sneakers are comfortable and breathable, earning them a spot on our list of best first Father’s Day gifts for dads that are never off their feet. The shoes are machine washable, too.
Eye massager
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.
Relaxation tool
For all of its fun, being a new parent can be stressful. Help your favorite new dad unwind with this smart meditation headband. It helps guide the wearer through mindfulness and relaxation exercises and gives real-time feedback to help him stay focused and centered. He can even track his progress over time.
Unique wall art
Musically-inclined dads will appreciate this: 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.
Tablet stand
For the dad who likes to binge-watch Netflix, gift 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.
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.
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.
Hot sauce
Affordable Father’s Day gifts for new dads can still pack a punch. Case in point: This four-piece hot sauce set from TRUFF. Dads that douse every meal with hot sauce are sure to appreciate the handy travel-sized bottles—the perfect accompaniment for meals on the go.
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.
Greeting card
If the new dad in your life is a big fan of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this is the funny first Father’s Day card for you. Purchase a blank card or add a custom message and have it shipped straight to Dad’s door.
Custom keychain
How sweet is this custom keychain? Add a family photo to one side and a sweet message from baby on the reverse. It’s fade-proof, meaning Dad can carry a memento of his first Father’s Day with him forever.
Dad 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.
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.
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.
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’s a perfect accessory for sunny days at the playground or beach.
Fun socks
You can’t get a more classic Father’s Day gift than socks. 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.
About the writer:
Korin Miller is a writer who’s penned dozens of features for The Bump. She specializes in commerce, wellness and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Women’s Health, Prevention, WSJ and more. A mom of four kids, ranging in age from 2 to 11 years old, Korin knows the needs of a mom-to-be many times over. She has a master’s degree from American University and lives by the beach.
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