The sleepless nights. The tears. The diapers! Life as a new parent is an adjustment, and while lots of focus is put on Mom’s comfort and happiness, Father’s Day is around the corner and it’s time celebrate Dad, too. But buying a first Father’s Day gift requires more than just a trip to the mall to buy a tie. Look, I get it – adding another item to your to-do list is probably enough to send you over the edge, but this is precisely why you don’t want to wait until the last minute.
When shopping for first Father’s Day gifts, a sense of humor is key. As is a dash of practicality because let’s face it, he needs more stuff now — different stuff — than he ever did before. And you want to commemorate his first Father’s Day with a gift that he can look back on for years to come.
Don’t stress out about what to get the man in your life – I’ve got you covered. Here are my favorite gifts for his first Father’s Day, from the cute (think DIY Father’s Day coupon books) to the meaningful (handprint keychains) to the useful (COFFEE) — and the downright hilarious (the funny t-shirt is always a big winner).
13 First Father's Day Gift Ideas He Will Treasure
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Dad Coupon Book
Think of it like a really fancy I-O-U, and make sure to add some things in there that have nothing to do with the baby. Download free printables or create your own and fill in the blanks with back massages, a night out, a day off from diaper duty, and anything else that will make a new dad smile.
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Customized Mug with Baby's Handprint
This isn't your average dad mug. Family-run shop Bray and Co Printing can customize a keep-your-coffee-hut stainless tumbler ($39.99) with anything from your own artwork to baby's handprint! Freeze this moment in time forever and give him that warm daily reminder of the sweet hug that's waiting for him at the end of the day.
Buy It: Bray + Co
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Father's Day Baby Outfit
You're welcome! Think of this adorable Father's Day baby t-shirt ($10) as a "gift with purchase"!
Buy It: Etsy.com/DoodleMouseCreations
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Custom Silhouette Art
Photos are cool, but a handmade silhouette to capture a special moment is even more meaningful. I love this fun Etsy shop Three Little Buddies where the work is done in vibrant colors and unexpected styles ($45 and up). Your amazing portrait will convey everything you want to on his first Father's Day, without saying a word.
Buy It: Etsy.com/ThreeLittleBuddies
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Dad Socks
What new dad doesn't need something comfy and fun to wear while lounging around the house? From beer to tacos to ice cream, there's a pair of cute custom socks ($9.95) for your baby daddy.
Buy It: Etsy.com/JCTakeover
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Chemex Coffee Pot
As a total coffee snob, my husband loves having a cup (or several) of the gourmet stuff, especially after we've been up all night with the baby. But diapers aren't cheap, and neither are runs to the coffee shop. The Chemex ($36 and up) brings a little something special to the morning routine and saves major cash on your gourmet brews.
Buy It: Williams-Sonoma
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Curated Collection of Treats
How sweet would a collection of his favorite things be? Treat dad to snacks, trinkets, and more as he muddles through these first baby days. The slippers are a great vessel, but you can do anything that appeals to him. If he's into gardening, a planter is good. If he (like my husband) is country music-obsessed, cowboy boots would take this to the next level.
Photo: Pretty Providence
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Customized Playing Cards
It may not be often that he gets a poker night anymore, but even a game of solitaire would be extra fun with customized playing cards ($19.99). I love the idea of having them on hand for later for when baby is old enough to learn some basic card games. There are so many amazing things to make and do with photographs these days -- think outside the frame with a cool new dad gift like this one.Buy It: Shutterfly -
DIY Photo Frame
...But if you do want to go the traditional route with a framed photo, I make these every year and my husband still loves them.
Photo: Momtastic
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Teething Hoodie
This genius hoodie ($35) features teething beads on the strings so he can keep a cranky baby content while looking every bit the part of Super Dad. I love this thing!Buy It: Etsy.com/JugglingJoey -
DIY Dad Swag Box
A little bit of swag goes a long way. Put together a collection of fun small-shop dad items like a mug, "Slaying Fatherhood" tee, and beanie and finish it off with a cute craft from baby. Use the printable on this blog post to decorate the box.
Photo: Nicole Banuelos
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Dad Cloth
Sturdy, affordable, and earth-friendly, these handmade handkerchiefs ($12 and up) double as everything-in-one Dad Cloths he can use to wipe noses, spot-treat spilled baby food, clean off his steering wheel, and so much more. After use, just toss them in the washing machine.
Buy It: Etsy.com/TeenyBugCreations
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Handprint Keychains
These easy-to-make keychains are a perfect way to capture the moment and let him hold onto that tiny hand even when they're apart. To be honest, I wouldn't be able to resist making a second set for myself while I'm at it.
Photo: Craft Box Girls
