Speaking as both a new father and a father-to-be (my son Jack is 18 months, and our newest baby will arrive this summer), trust me when I say that the best gifts for expecting dads are ones he probably doesn’t know he’ll need.
Even though I read all sorts of dad books and blogs while my wife was pregnant, the truth is that before Jack was born I had no idea what fatherhood would really be like.
While new parents do their best to anticipate all the stuff they’ll need and want, it’s impossible for first time dads to really know what it will be like – and what they’ll want to have on hand.
Fortunately for expectant dads, I’ve put together a list of the most useful, enjoyable and practical gifts that I wish someone had given me before Jack was born.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect father’s day gift or just a great idea for an expecting father in your life, below you’ll find dozens of awesome gifts any new dad will appreciate.
The (Absolute) Best Gifts for Expecting Dads
The Ultimate Guide to the Coolest, Funniest & All Around Best Gifts for a Dad to Be
Citi Collective Leather Diaper Bag
Why He’ll Love It:
Most baby-related stuff is marketed toward moms, so it’s not uncommon for an expecting dad to feel a little bit left out.
One great way to change that – and get him even more excited to meet his unborn baby – is to show him that there’s plenty of cool baby gear available for dads, too.
This (faux) leather backpack from Citi Collective looks like the kind of bag Indiana Jones would carry as he gallavants across continents, and will make him feel like an international adventurer.
But inside, it’s specially made to accommodate everything his new baby will need, with dedicated pockets for bottles, diapers, wipes, soothers and more.
BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier
Why He’ll Love It:
As an expectant father, he probably knows that he’s going to need a stroller, and mom may have already picked one out.
But if it’s his first baby, one thing he probably hasn’t thought about is that there are a lot of places where a stroller is pretty inconvenient.
The Baby Bjorn is the perfect solution because it’s lightweight, portable and makes it easy for mom or dad to carry their newborn baby pretty much anywhere.
Plus, it’s available in multiple colors, and designed to be easy to put on and take off.
Dr. Squatch Pine Tar Bundle
Why He’ll Love It:
It can be a little hard to feel like the masculine man he probably wants to be when he spends all day surrounded by the scent of baby powder, baby soap and… some other less appealing aromas.
But this Pine Tar bundle from Dr. Squatch includes everything he needs to turn his shower into a brief-but-much-appreciated refuge.
We did a deep dive to test out their Pine Tar scented soap and found that its natural woodsy scent was fresh, outdoorsy and masculine.
Plus, their products are all natural, so they don’t contain any toxic chemicals whose scent might harm the baby if they catch a whiff after he gets out of the shower.
Nutribullet
Why He’ll Love It:
This is the perfect gift for new moms and dads because it solves a problem they probably haven’t planned for.
I knew that sleep would be hard to come by after Jack was born, but I didn’t anticipate how hard it would be to get a healthy meal in.
The Nutribullet was a lifesaver because it allowed my wife and I to whip up a bunch of healthy smoothies that we could keep in the fridge, so we didn’t have to worry about the fact that we had basically zero time to make lunch or cook dinner.
Vanilla Protein Powder
Why He’ll Love It:
Because he’s going to need something to put in that Nutribullet.
When meals are hard to come by and you’re relying on smoothies for your meals, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough protein.
Kaged’s whey protein isolate is perfect because there’s no artificial flavors or colors, just 25 grams of pure, lean protein per scoop.
It’s available in four different flavors, but personally I prefer vanilla because it mixes so well with pretty much every kind of fruit and vegetable.
Nespresso Machine
Why He’ll Love It:
Whether it’s his first father’s day or he’s welcoming his fifth child, coffee is always a great gift idea.
And just as the Nutribullet allows parents to streamline meals, a Nespresso machine lets them make a quick – and, if they’re anything like me, much needed – cup of coffee.
But as crucial as coffee is during the sleep deprivation of those first few months, what makes this a really thoughtful gift is that making a Nespresso is as clean as it is quick.
There’s no coffee pot that needs to be cleaned later, so making a coffee won’t mean making another chore for himself.
Dad Fuel Coffee Mug
Why He’ll Love It:
Of course, he’ll need something to pour his coffee into.
A novelty coffee mug might not seem like the most creative of Father’s Day gifts, but dads to be will appreciate anything that helps them embrace their new identity as a father.
Yeti Travel Mug
Why He’ll Love It:
Another thing expecting dads might not anticipate before their baby’s arrival is how many more errands they’ll need to run once their little bundle of joy arrives.
From regular diaper runs to doctor’s appointments, play dates and trips to visit family and friends, he’ll be on the go a lot.
This stainless steel travel mug from Yeti is perfect because it will keep his coffee (almost insanely) hot when he’s on the go, and fits easily into the side pocket of a diaper bag or the cup holder of his car.
Iron Flask Water Bottle
Why He’ll Love It:
Keeping caffeinated is important, but keeping hydrated is essential.
This water bottle from Iron Flask not only looks cool, but will keep his water ice cold as he goes about his fatherly business.
It’s available in six different sizes and a range of colors, so you can easily find one that suits his tastes and lifestyle.
Promoted to Dad T-Shirt
Why He’ll Love It:
Another fun gift for a baby shower or first father’s day, this Promoted to Dad shirt will help him get excited about the new identity he’ll soon be adopting.
Man Crate
Why He’ll Love It:
There’s no shortage of subscription boxes for men nowadays, but Man Crate is unique because of the sheer number of options available.
Whether he’s a grill master, a golf nut, a whiskey lover or pretty much anything in between, they have a ton of different crates that make it easy to find one he’ll love.
Door-Mounted Pull Up Bar
Why He’ll Love It:
Two things that disappear pretty much immediately after having a baby are time for exercise and space for home gym equipment.
A good pull up bar can help solve both problems because it’s easy to mount in just about any door frame, so it doesn’t take up any floor space.
And once it’s up, it will be easy for dad to sneak in a few quick chin ups or pull ups in between diaper changes and other chores.
That way, he can take care of himself a bit (and keep his dad bod at bay) while he takes care of his family.
Rowing Machine
Why He’ll Love It:
A rowing machine is another great piece of home gym equipment for new dads because it saves both time and space.
Those who have ever gone full-out on a rower know you can get a pretty serious workout in just 20 minutes.
That’s because rowing works the core, legs, shoulders, and back all at once, while being a killer cardio session at the same time.
And once you’re done, the machine folds up and tucks under the bed or in a corner, so it won’t be an eye sore (or a tripping hazard).
Stylish Dad Hoodie
Why He’ll Love It:
As a lifestyle blogger it saddens me to say it, but when you become a dad, your fashion is also one of the first things to go out the window.
That’s why some of the best new dad gifts have nothing to do with parenting, and everything to do with helping him look and feel good.
This hoodie is perfect for new dads because it’s a stylish, elevated take on a casual staple.
It’s made from super-soft merino wool and easy to clean (which is crucial for new parents).
But unlike most hoodies it’s slim fitting and streamlined, so he can still look put together even though he’s not putting much effort into his style right now.
Public Rec Crosstown Bomber
Why He’ll Love It:
A stylish, lightweight bomber like this one from Public Rec is great for new dads.
It can easily be layered over top of a tee or polo, has plenty of pockets to stash both dad’s everyday carry essentials and the miscellaneous items that seem to accompany a little baby, and it’s easy to roll up and stuff into a bag or stroller pouch when it’s not needed.
Slim, Stretchy Pants
Why He’ll Love It:
Clothes that are simultaneously useful and stylish make the perfect present for expecting dads.)
(Who will soon learn that it can be risky to wear their nicest, favorite pieces around a baby who could puke at any second.)
These pants perfectly combine fashion and function. They come in a slim cut that’s sophisticated enough to wear on a special occasion.
But they’re made from stretchy, water-resistant and sweat-wicking materials, so they can easily handle unexpected spills and spit up.
Front Pocket T-Shirt
Why He’ll Love It:
One thing new dad’s don’t anticipate is how often they’ll need a quick, clean place to stash a soother.
This midweight tee from Mott & Bow is great because it’s versatile enough to be worn anywhere, and it sports a front pocket on the chest that’s the perfect size for a binky.
Crossover Golf Shoes
Why He’ll Love It:
Before my son was born, my wife and I made a point of doing as many fun things as possible, knowing that after the baby arrived we’d have to buckle down and spend a lot more time at home.
For me that meant golfing, and these crossover golf shoes from Wolf & Shepherd are the one golf gift I wish someone had bought me.
They’re made from water-resistant Italian leather and have CrateTech™ rubber grip outsoles that provide a great grip on the course.
But my favorite part is the style:
They’re a perfect blend between mordern-and-classic, so he won’t have to sacrifice style in pursuit of a low score.
Chelsea Boots
Why He’ll Love ‘Em:
For new dads who have a whole lot to carry every time they leave the house, convenience is king.
Chelsea boots are perfect because they’re easy to slip on and off, so he won’t have to fuss with tying his laces when he’s trying to get out the door.
And this pair from Amberjack is easily one of our favorites thanks to its comfortable sole and sophisticated toe shape.
They immediately elevate the rest of his wardrobe while keeping his feet comfortable and well supported.
Stubble Trimmer
Why He’ll Love It:
When you barely have time to eat, you definitely don’t have much time to shave.
That makes a good stubble trimmer one of the most practical gift ideas for expecting fathers who are worried that their grooming will go to hell once the baby’s born.
We ranked it #1 overall on our list of the best stubble trimmers on the market because it has multiple length settings and razor sharp blades that make it easy (and most importantly, quick!) to trim his beard down to stylish stubble.
Leather Duffel Bag
Why He’ll Love It:
Think the diaper bag listed above will be enough?
Think again.
One thing new dads learn quickly is that there’s virtually no limit to the sheer amount of stuff they’ll have to haul around.
A good duffel is one of the most versatile leather bags a man can own because it’s easy to carry and can haul almost anything.
So once the diaper bag gets filled with a set of diapers, wipes, bottles and other essentials, he can use the duffel to carry all the blankets, clothes, toys and other things the baby will need.
Tile GPS Tracker
Why He’ll Love It:
And speaking of all the stuff he’ll be hauling around, when you’re constantly carrying that much cargo, something is bound to get lost.
Having a couple small GPS trackers like this one from Tile is perfect because he stuff them into the bottom of all the baby’s bags, then easily track them down if they get lost or left behind somewhere.
Nest Thermostat
Why He’ll Love It:
We didn’t pay much attention to our thermostat before Jack was born.
If we were cold we just put sweaters on, and if it was too warm we’d crack a window.
But babies are extremely sensitive to hot and cold, and need to be kept quite warm, especially in the first few weeks or months.
A Nest thermostat is perfect because it gives you more precise control over the temperature in your home, and you can even get a separate sensor to put in the nursery that lets you control the temperature in that specific room.
SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security System
Why He’ll Love It:
Just as I didn’t worry too much about the temperature in my house before I became a father, I didn’t fret too much about home security, either.
But a number of things changed after Jack was born (obviously), and I immediately became much more interested in the safety of my home and family.
This wireless security system from SimpliSafe went a long way to putting my mind at ease, and makes for an awesome present.
It comes with eight individual pieces that are easy to set up and all connected by wifi, allowing new dads to keep an eye on everything without requiring complicated setup or a (costly) monthly fee, like some other home security systems.
Whiskey Glasses
Why He’ll Love It:
Let’s be honest:
Sometimes at the end of a long day, when the baby is finally asleep and he has a rare quiet moment to himself, a drink will be in order.
And in those moments, pouring a shot of whiskey or his favorite spirit into a handsome and well made glass like the kind in this set is a perfect respite.
It will give him a (brief, but important) chance to feel more like an independent man, and less like the underappreciated personal assistant to a very demanding boss who quite literally sh*ts on him all day everyday.
Padded Face Mask for Sleep
Why He’ll Love It:
New dads and moms often take turns swapping sleep shifts throughout the night, but during those first few weeks, the baby will still be sleeping in the bedroom.
They’ll probably need to keep a dim light on so they can see into the bassinet, which can make it hard to fall asleep.
A sleep mask is perfect because one parent can wear it when it’s their turn to sleep, then take it off and pass it to their partner when it’s time to switch shifts.
Ear Plugs
Why He’ll Love It:
Much like with the sleep mask, ear plugs will be essential when it’s his turn to get some shuteye.
The baby will likely need a sound machine playing white noise to fall asleep, which is great and comforting for newborns, but kind of disruptive and annoying for adults.
Ear plugs will help them block out sound when it’s their time to nap, so they can maximize their (probably too small) window for sleep.
Portable Sound Machine
Why He’ll Love It:
And speaking of white noise machines, my wife and I found that we actually needed two:
One for the house that we keep plugged in (first in our bedroom, then in the nursery once he moved to the crib), and a portable one that we could take in the stroller or car when we were on the move.
In the first weeks we really struggled to get Jack to sleep when we were out and about.
But once we bought a portable machine that played the same kind of white noise he was used to at home, he had a much easier time napping on the go.
The Man Behind the Bump T-Shirt
Why He’ll Love It:
While moms tend to receive really sentimental gifts, sometimes dads prefer comical gifts.
This “man behind the bump” shirt is a funny new dad gift that he can wear with pride, and a nice way to get him to start thinking of himself as a father.
Digital Picture Frame
Why He’ll Love It:
Most guys don’t think much about putting up photos of their loved ones.
But when we become fathers, that all changes.
When a new baby is born, mom and dad become parents first and photographers second, chronicling every moment and milestone in their development.
A digital picture frame is perfect because it lets him relive all those moments without having to pull them up on his phone.
Portable Diaper Changing Pad
Why He’ll Love It:
One thing expecting dads probably aren’t prepared for is the feeling of sheer terror when they’re out with the baby and smell a stinky diaper, but don’t know where they can change it safely.
A portable diaper pad is a must have for dads on diaper duty, because you can throw it down anywhere to create a soft, clean surface that’s perfect for diaper changes on the fly.
Daddy’s Drinking Buddy Onesie
Why He’ll Love It:
Another great gag gift for dads to be with a sense of humor.
While funny gifts like this are obviously silly, this one also has an added benefit:
It might help nervous or hesitant soon-to-be dads recognize that having a baby means having a little sidekick they can do stuff with.
In turn, they start thinking about fatherhood as something that’s not just intimidating, but potentially really fun.
Heated Massage Cushion
Why He’ll Love It:
One thing I didn’t anticipate about having a baby was how unbelievably sore I’d be at the end of a long day.
Don’t get me wrong: I knew fatherhood would be hard work.
But between bending down to pick up my son, playing with him on his mats, and hauling his stroller, car seat, diaper bag and other bag around everywhere, fatherhood took a much bigger physical toll on my body than I expected.
A heated massage pad like this one is the perfect father’s day gift because new parents can put it on the chair they use to rock the baby to sleep, and get some much needed relief while the baby gets some much needed rest.
Infrared Baby Monitor
Why He’ll Love It:
As my dad is fond of reminding me, back in his day they didn’t need fancy baby monitors.
They just listened for the sound of a crying baby, and if they didn’t hear one, they assumed all was well.
Fortunately our awareness has come a long way since then, and today a good baby monitor makes one of the best first father’s day gifts.
This wi-fi enabled model from iFamily has a large, 5-inch display that makes it easy to see what’s going on in the crib, works at a range of 960 ft, and has a two-way talk function that allows you to not just see the baby, but talk to them.
My wife particularly loves the clarity of the LCD screen, because it’s sharp enough to notice when the baby’s hands or feet are poking out in between the bars of his crib, so we can sneak in and readjust him before he gets his arms or legs stuck.
The Best Books for Expecting Dads
Books are an awesome first time dad gift because, even though it’s an exciting time, it can also be fairly nerve-racking when the dynamic of the family changes so significantly.
Fortunately, there are a lot of great dad books that offer everything from relationship advice to insight on child development, which will help soon-to-be dads prepare for the road ahead.
Of course, reading a baby book to your new son or daughter is probably the best part of any dad’s day (at least in my opinion), which is why kids books make such great new dad gift ideas.
So I’ve also thrown in some dad-themed children’s books that have a sweet message about the bonds between fathers and their kids.
The New Father:
A Dad’s Guide to the First Year
Dad’s Playbook:
Wisdom for Fathers from the Greatest Coaches of All Time
We’re Pregnant!
The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook
Commando Dad:
A Basic Training Manual for the First Three Years of Fatherhood
I Love You, Daddy
Me and My Dad!
Experimenting with Babies:
50 Amazing Science Projects You Can Perform on Your Kid
Dad Jokes:
Over 600 of the Best (Worst) Jokes Around
Papasaurus
Daddy And Me
Daddy’s Arms
More Great Stuff from Irreverent Gent:
- The 65 Best Secret Santa Gift Exchange Ideas for Men
- 51 of the Best Cotton Anniversary Gift Ideas
- The (Absolute) Best Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him
- 75 Unique 60th Birthday Gifts for Him
- 45 of the Best 40th Birthday Gift Ideas for Men
- The 49 Best Funny Gifts for Men
- The 63 Best Housewarming Gifts for Men
- The 99 Greatest Retirement Gifts for Men
- The Best Gender Reveal Gift Ideas
- 17 of the Best Electronic Stores like Best Buy
- The 15 Best Electronic Stores like Radio Shack
- The Best Gifts That Start with R
- The 211 Best Questions for the This or That Game
- The 9 Best Portable & Foldable Pool Tables
- The Best Gifts That Start with T
- The Best Bookshelf Speakers Under 300 Dollars
- The Best Gifts That Start with “A”
- The 32 Best Stores Like Walmart for Low Prices and Great Deals
- The Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Men
- The Best Gifts that Start with M
- The Best Gifts That Start with the Letter S
- The Best Gifts That Start with E
- The Best Gifts That Start with D
📷
Banner image: George Rudy / Shutterstock
