Finding the perfect gift for a new dad or a first-time father seems straightforward enough. If this is their first leap into fatherhood, they'll need all the dad stuff, right? But fathers-to-be and their partners have likely been showered with lots of baby gear already: diaper bags, car seat covers, baby monitors, strollers… which is why when it comes to new dad gifts, he might especially appreciate something entirely different and even left-of-field, whether that means totally practical or designed for nothing but fun.
So what are the best new-dad gifts? First-time fathers tend to be stressed-out and sleep-deprived kinds of people. Just like new moms, they could do with something that makes them feel a bit special. The best gifts for new fathers should be one of two things: something useful that makes his life a little easier or something unexpected that helps him relax during rare moments of downtime. We've hunted far and wide, and found the best of both.
The Best Gifts for New Dads
Having a baby means so. Much. Documentation. The sonograms. The birth certificate. The social security card. The passport. Give him a handsome and intelligent way to keep everything sorted with this monogrammable folio, which has 10 expandable, resealable, and acid-free envelopes of different sizes to fit all manner of official papers. There's even room for gift cards, plus illustrated labels and a table of contents. Not only is it practical, it's also a great keepsake.
It's damn annoying when he can't find a charger or a cable. Or a power bank. This stylish organizer, from the swanky Aussie brand, has a place for everything. It has a magnetic slip pocket that fits a power bank, stretch mesh pockets for extra chargers and a floating wall with an elastic cable organizer inside.
Kids grow up fast and memories are fleeting. This handsome keepsake box is a wonderful way to store those memories, from the first sonogram to the first tooth lost. It has acid-free drawers, vertical files for documents, and mini envelopes for that first lock of hair or first tooth, plus illustrated labels help you organize and then find these items years later. Something a dad will treasure, always.
When he wants to travel light, this is the answer. It fits around his waist, and is spacious enough to hold 20 wipes, changing pad, credits cards and cash, and even has a hook for a pacifier.
This speaker weighs less than a pound. That's right. But it's powerful as hell. How powerful? It's waterproof, dustproof, has 10 hours of playtime, and delivers crisp, clear audio. It has a built-in carabiner that attaches right to the stroller. Or his diaper bag. Because even new dads appreciate some good tunes.
Every dad, new or not, needs that perfect broken-in hoodie that goes with anything and can be worn anywhere. This one is glorious basic: It's made of heavy cotton, lined with soft fleece, finished with beefy zippers. It's all made in the US, from coast to coast, where mobare than 20 craftspeople will get their hands on it before you. It's built to last. And last.
Dads have bed-head. And new dads have major bed-head. Help him keep it under control with this most perfect of caps, which has an interior mesh fabric sweatband that wicks away moisture. And the fit is customizable.
The great thing (or things) about these slip-ons is that he can wear them indoors or out. They're machine-washable. They're made of eucalyptus, so they're very breathable. Oh, and they don't look like dad shoes.
So he wants something he can wear around the house, but still works if he needs to go mow the lawn or take the kids to the park? These slippers, which don't look like slippers, are made from a temperature-regulating wool blend, so his feet don't sweat. They have grippy rubber soles, a low-key silhouette, and a leather pull tab for easy on-off. And there's a toe box to protect his feet.
A good sheet mask is invigorating and feels nice. A great sheet mask is almost like an at-home facial. This is that kind of sheet mask, but made specifically for men. It's got a gel texture, so it's ultra-cooling, and it refreshes his skin thanks to its blend of vitamin B3 niacinamide serum and green tea. You'll notice it's bigger than a regular sheet mask, and that's by design, so it fits his face, and it's cut into two pieces for guys with beards.
A speaker, but for a different purpose: To use in the shower. This Bluetooth speaker connects in seconds, and has 10 hours of battery life. He can zen out while soaping up and listen to some tunes; the speaker is not only waterproof but can be immersed in up to three feet of aqua.
Truff's hot sauces are seriously fancy and seriously good. The brand's new pasta sauces don't disappoint. In fact, they take one of the quickest and easiest new parent meals, namely pasta, and elevate it with a blend of ripe tomatoes, herbs, black winter truffle, and red chili peppers. It's a flavor explosion. With zero effort.
He's tired. He needs coffee. And he needs this cold-brew maker because even an exhausted dad can figure out how to use it. He grinds his favorite coffee, inserts the stainless steel filter into the empty cold brew coffee maker, pours in the ground coffee and water. After 12-20 hours in the fridge, he wakes up to the most kickass cup of java. Done and done.
So he's a dad. Doesn't mean he needs to look like a schlub. This sleek, fitted hoodie is as handsome as it is comfortable. It's made from fabric that is designed with integrated mesh ventilation; it has zippered pockets to store his phone and cards and bonded eyelets for ventilation, so he doesn't overheat.
Smithey's cast iron has the smoothest cooking surface of any cast iron pan or skillet on the market, period. Each piece is heirloom quality. That means perfect pancakes. Perfect eggs. Perfect steaks. So when dad feels the desire to cook, give him something worthy of his talents.
This ultra-compact blanket stuffs into a smaller-than-a-smartphone pouch but expands into a 66 x 44-inch waterproof tarp that can fit 2-4 adults. Translation: It's ideal for trips to the park and even impromptu baby changes.
No, this isn't a very (very) deep V. The shirt, with its large Velcro opening, is made to seamlessly promote skin-to-skin bonding between father and newborn. It's also very comfortable.
A speaker as retro-cool as it is just plain awesome, this one has 20+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge and can be submerged in three feet of water without any damage. When he wants to just listen to some music, you can't get any better quality for the price.
When he's all achy from carrying an infant around, help him out with this foam roller. It has four speeds: Low, medium, high, and pulse. And it helps release tension and rejuvenate his tired muscles.
No, that's not a typo. Quince sells insanely high-quality items, for a fraction of what other retailers, charge by cutting out the middlemen. And this is the organizer of our tabletop dreams. Put it on his nightstand, and he can store keys, a Kindle, a phone. It's made of leather and unsnaps and packs flat for travel.
We're guessing he doesn't want his car stinking of vomit, and dirty diapers. To avoid that fate, get him this diffuser, which he attaches to the air vent of his car to release the fragrance. We're talking amber, lavender, and orange, just to name a few.
Portland-based Olympia Provisions doesn't cut corners. The company's cured meats are held in natural casings and kept in the organic white mold that protects them. Each month, he'll get one salami (approximately 4.5 ounces) along with detailed tasting notes, as befits a carnivore gourmand.
Nothing looks as good as sleep feels. Get him a customized foam pillow made to his specific sleep preferences. You choose the sleep position, the size and heft of the ideal pillow, and Pluto does the rest.
Having a go-to uniform takes the stress out of getting dressed every day. And every uniform needs a jacket. This is that jacket. It has four-way stretch for comfort, is made mainly out of recycled nylon, is moisture-wicking, and perfectly low-key.
Streamlined simplicity is the name of the game for new dads. But no one wants to sacrifice quality. Huron is the perfect combo of the two, and this set includes an invigorating, refreshing body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. It's all the brainchild of a former athlete who likes nice products, but not the corresponding crazy price tags.
Listen, we're all gonna be home for the foreseeable future. And that applies doubly to new parents. These pants are just what he needs to get through the days in total comfort. They're made of organic cotton, have an elastic waistband with a hidden drawcord, two side pockets, a back patch pocket, and a relaxed tapered fit. Get him the matching sweatshirt, too.
This contoured sleep mask effectively blocks out light, so exhausted new dads can grab a few moments of shuteye.
This nine ounce camp fire is ultra-portable and can be used while camping, or camping out in the backyard. It burns clean and is the perfect escape without ever leaving home.
This 10-in-1 multi-tool means he's prepared for everything. And we do mean everything. It's a carabiner, a box cutter, Philips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, a keychain, a hex wrench, a wire cutter, a ruler, a bottle opener and a bicycle tool. No matter what happens en route to the playground or the park, he's always ready to tackle it.
Royce is a fourth-generation family business that makes absolutely breathtaking leather goods. And this kit includes everything he needs to always be well-groomed: A hexagon razor and blades, nail clippers, corkscrew knife combo, a toothbrush, nail file, comb, tweezers, scissors, pusher and shoehorn lint brush. Inside a zippered leather case.
Sometimes he just wants to zen out. Alone. And this little fireplace is the way to do it. It burns clean, using a few ounces of rubbing alcohol, and can be used indoors or out. When the baby is sleeping, he can even use it to roast marshmallows.
So someday, even someday soon, he may muster up the energy to mix a cocktail. Make the process that much smoother with this dope 10-piece kit. It's housed in a bamboo stand and includes a premium cocktail shaker, a double-sided jigger, a mojito muddler, a mixing spoon, a strainer, and two pourers. And a corkscrew of course. Bottoms up.
For the dad who's into going off the grid, this best-in-class power station provides 187 watt-hours of lithium power. Plus, it charges USB-C laptops, tablets, mirrorless cameras, and phones. It can charge one phone 16 times, and a tablet six times. That's plenty of power for an overnight family campout. And it itself stays charged courtesy of portable solar panels.
Even when it's smart and safe to do so, he won't be going out to dinner anytime soon. Not with a baby in tow. So upgrade his meals with this artisanal sustainable flaky sea salt from the Westfjords of Iceland. It's a foodie's dream and this set includes Arctic thyme Salt, birch smoked salt, lava salt, and sea salt.
Speaking of being prepared, get him this kit because leaving home with a newborn is nerve-wracking. Each packet includes a diaper, hand sanitizer, face mask, pack of wipes, and disposable changing pad.
When he has a minute or two to spare, he can jot down his thoughts, dreams, ideas, motivations, and notable moments in this smart journal. The embedded technology lets him transfer freehand notes from page to screen in real time using the Moleskine Notes app.
Glass and babies don't mix. Hence, these stainless steel mugs, which are double-insulated to keep his brew cold. Each one it holds 16 ounces of his favorite beer, with room for foam.
Look, even new dads are up for a good time. This is the shirt you wear for that ephemeral moment. It's breathable and water-absorbent, for those inevitable spills. It has a water-resistant pocket to protect his phone. Plus, there's a bottle opener that goes into an interior pocket, and a bottle pocket at the back hip for easy access. And of course, a collapsible koozie fits in the koozie pocket.
Because the last thing he has time for is charging his devices. This stately fella charges his iPhone, Apple watch, and AirPods, wirelessly. At the same time.
Because even if he's having dinner at home every night, there's no reason for it to be bland. Spiceology seasonings are created by chefs, so they're next-level great and incredibly complex. This spicy foursome is the brandchild of chef Isaac Toups, a master of Cajun cooking.
Show his face some love with this simple yet sophisticated set. It's got everything he needs, and nothing he doesn't. The face wash is gently cleansing, the toner is restorative, and the moisturizer calms sensitive and tired skin. And it's all beautifully packaged to boot.
Look, no one needs or wants an exploding wallet. Least of all a new dad, who doesn't have time to dig through stacks of bills and receipts and cards and ... you get the picture. This handmade origami wallet can be carried in his front or back pocket, and has just enough room for the essentials.
There's that thing called baby brain, in which previously functioning adults leave their keys in the fridge and the milk in the closet. This Tile tracker makes sure he always knows where his stuff happens to be on any given day. He just uses the Tile app to ring the tracker from up to 400 feet away.
You get 25 hours of continuous use, it works from 150 feet away, it alerts you when it's time to flip the meat, and you can customize your food and the thermometer will let you know when it's done to your exact specifications. Pretty much a perfect gift for overextended new dads.
A photostream is great. An actual photo is even better. Every dad will appreciate this handy printer, which connects via Bluetooth and churns out 2x3 business card-sized prints he can stick anywhere.
A gift that helps dad sleep will always go over well. This pillow is specific to side sleepers; it includes a memory foam pillow and a quilted pillow cover. You'll notice its shape: A cube. Because when he's on his side, his head and shoulders form a square.
Every parent needs an excellent digital photo frame, and with this one, he can showcase thousands of photos of his adorable offspring. The resolution is 1280 x 800, and it has a stunning 10 inch display.
The jacket to end all jackets: This is one is made from waxed, weather-resistant Martexin 7 oz. sailcloth; the body and sleeves are fully lined for warmth; and the fit is fitted (but not too fitted) and modern. There's an interior media pocket, two welt hand pockets, and a look that's totally timeless.
When he's ready for a nightcap, he'll relish this one from real-life friends (and actors) Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, who've been painstakingly working on this for years. The four-grain, high rye bourbon whiskey is a tribute to their friendship, and sells out fast. He'll detect notes of rich honey and warm rye spice.
The polished aluminum cylinder is not his grandfather's tired old flask. Inside, there's room for nine ounces of his preferred drink, two collapsible shot glasses, a 200-lumen light, compass, and bottle opener. Its compact size (2 by 9.375 inches) means it's easy to take on every single outdoor outing.
The last thing he has time for is an elaborate grilling setup. This 13,000 BTU grill from industry stalwart Weber folds up and fits into the trunk of his car. It has a sizable 320 square inch grilling area, enough to feed the family. And the grill is attached to the cart so there's no annoying setup. Best of all, you collapse it as you would a stroller. So it's great practice. But here's the best part: The grill has a built-in lid thermometer, so no more crusty, dry chicken breasts, ever.
Every parent needs coffee. It's a necessary food group. This brilliant mug is app-controlled and keeps his drink perfectly hot for up to 1.5 hours on a single charge. Or all day if he uses the charging coaster. He just taps the mug to make the drink hotter or colder.
Speaking of diaper bags, these stroller clips attach to anything and are a practical, eminently usable way to transfer stuff from home to stroller and back again.
Not only does this phone cleaner kill 99.99 percent of germs on the device, but it also charges it while sanitizing it.
These sand-filled walking weights give his arms a workout when he's pushing his kid around in the stroller. Or going for a quick jog.
He forgot to lock the door? Left his keys at home? No biggie. He can lock and unlock the door using the PIN pad, the key fob, or his phone. And the system syncs up with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Pregnancy brain doesn't just apply to moms. It's pretty much universal. Help him stay organized with this handy accessory, which lets him use the entire organizer or remove the magnetic pouch as needed for quick outings. It has room for IDs, passports, money, and documents he needs to have on hand. And even room for his tech.
A new dad without coffee is like a car without oil. And this is the grinder to end all grinders, for the best coffee possible. It handles pour-over, cold brew, and French press. He can do a single-dose, so the beans always remain fresh. It has 31 grind settings, with a guide directly on the lid. There's a measuring cup, so he doesn't need a scale. And it's quiet enough that he won't wake up the baby.
Because kids are messy. Because parents have to be prepared for anything. Because it sucks to be wet and cold. So many reasons to get this towel, which absorbs 2.3x its own weight in water.
Sleek and smart, this double-walled, vacuum-insulated chiller keeps a bottle cold for a whopping four hours. Which is about the length of your average Chris Nolan movie, which he can watch with you while sipping a cold one.
So he loves toast. He's a fiend for toast. He's particular about his toast. Dammit, give him the best toaster money can buy. This machine toasts breads, bagels, English muffins, frozen waffles, and toaster pastries so they're golden on the outside and moist on the inside. It has 63 settings. He'll thank you.
Sometimes, you need to open a beer or soda when holding a baby. This one from Areaware, made from sustainably harvested walnut, not only allows for one-handed use but also brings some class to popping the top.
Sounds cheesy, but it's true: Memories are priceless. But digitizing old family and college photos and home movies is a major time suck. So get him a service that does it for him. He packs up his home movies and pictures, and gets everything back on a thumb drive, the cloud, or labeled DVDs. So every single time he wants to relive epic childhood moments and share them with his kid, it's right there.
He's not leaving the house much, so it's the little luxuries that matter. Like this fragrance. It's got citrus and fruity tones, and somehow smells bright and uplifting. With hints of vanilla.
Made from organic Turkish cotton, this robe feels plush beyond words. It has a classic shawl-collared silhouette, as well as an adjustable belt and side pockets (for the pacifier he'll be toting around).
Whether he's listening to music or talking to his boss, these earbuds deliver the sound quality of our dreams. They let him cancel noise he doesn't want to hear, or adjust the volume to his exact specifications so he can hear his baby even while on a call. He gets up to 25 hours of battery life.
There's never a wrong time, or way, to wear this classic cashmere sweater, which looks great with everything and on everyone. Everlane sources its cashmere from Inner Mongolia; it's superior quality and barely pills.
This phone mount is meant for a bike. It works just as well on a stroller, because it mounts to any handlebar. It has a cradle-free design that gives him one-handed access, and it is compatible with most smartphones.
Three pockets. That's all you need to know. This apron is a hero in the kitchen, to be sure. But it's equally handy when he's toting around dipes and wipes. It has crossback straps that provide all-day support, and comes in a ton of cool colors.
Funky, upbeat, and left-of-center, these socks are meant to be the opposite of staid and boring. The Swedish brand's socks keep his feet warm and comfortable, and put a smile on his face. Win-win.
A bottle that cleans itself using non-toxic mercury-free UV-C LED technology, in 60 seconds? Hell yes. It keeps his water cold for 24 hours and coffee hot for 12, and is USB-powered. It's just one less thing for him to think about.
Sometimes all he needs is that one perfect cup of coffee. Just one. To get him going. To get the day started. This is that coffee maker. It looks like a design showpiece: It's made from matte stoneware and features three drip holes for perfectly timed drinks. You can make one big cup, or two smaller cups.
Chances are pretty high that he'll be drinking a lot of coffee in that first year. With help from this compact electric milk frother from Bodum, he can create lattes, cortados, and whatever other caffeinated creations he chooses to keep him on alert.
Whether it's coffee, cola, or craft brew, this large-handled growler will keep 32 ounces of cold beverages cold (for 45 hours), hot beverages hot (for 25 hours), and carbonated beverages carbonated (its vacuum sealed lid holds 60psi).
When he's on the go with the kiddo, he'll appreciate having this YETI waterproof gear case along for the ride. The seams are tight enough that no wetness seeps though, and the Hopper uses powerful magnets to create a waterproof shield.
When he needs to decompress, he can actually work up a sweat while running through fantasy worlds and vanquishing enemies; he controls in-game movements with the Ring-Con and Leg Strap accessories included in this kit.
Teva has been engineering some of the best waterproof sandals and river shoes for years. These slip-ons have all that lightweight, moisture-managing tech intact, but look sharp back in civilization. It's the perfect transitional shoe for beach adventure to backyard hang.
The best massager on the market, period. It weighs just over one pound, and has three speed settings that deliver up to 3200 percussions per minute. It's quiet enough to not wake the baby. And it's powerful enough to give his sore muscles a break.
The Stargaze is half hammock, half chair, with a mellow swinging arc that lets you lean back, relax and study the night sky. And it works just as well in the backyard, at a rocky campsite or on a sandy beach. Made with aircraft-grade aluminum, so it's tough and durable, but lightweight and collapsible (comes with its own carrying case).
When he is able to get some sleep, he'll appreciate conking out wrapped in some top-tier sheets. This set of linen bedsheets from Parachute are soft and breathable — a reward he'll certainly enjoy after many, many nightly awakenings.
He can have a hot foot massage. A warm foot massage. Basically any kind he wants. This massager has three air compression options, with adjustable intensity combined with deep-kneading rolling, and tapping and strapping to help him feel relaxed AF.
Fatherhood renews one's efforts to stay in shape — or just lose that sympathy weight. This smart scale from Withings is for anyone who wants a maximally neurotic understanding of their fitness. Step on board and it begins and displays a full body composition analysis that it beams to your phone. It tells you your BMI, total body fat, water percentage, muscle, bone mass, and standing heart rate. Oh, and the scale, which has a beautiful aluminum base, can track up to eight different individuals, has a pregnancy tracker, and can pair with an Apple watch and Amazon Alexa.
This is a great backcountry camping hammock that works just as well between two trees in the backyard. It holds up to 400 pounds but is ultralight and collapses down into a carrying pouch the size of a softball. It's especially great for those moments when 'he just needs to close his eyes for a minute' and sleeps for two hours.
The multipurpose cooler pouch keeps milk cold on the go. A spacious interior offers plenty of room for snacks, while dual mesh pockets hold ice packs.
This ruggedized phone case not only keeps devices from overheating in the sun, but is water-resistant, splash-proof, and floats if dropped in the water.
This canvas tote will last until his newborn is in college. Seriously. Treated well, it can survive pretty much anything. It can also haul up to 500 pounds' worth of baby gear, and can be customized with a name or initials that mean something to him.
This insulated mug keeps coffee hot and water cold. Nothing new there. But, as always, Yeti nails the nice touches: It's made of stainless steel; it's lid actually locks in place; the handle is wide-enough for even the chubbiest fingers (or gloved hands); and the exterior won't chip, fade, or scratch.
Consider this multitool a modern version of pocketknives of yore. It has 19 tools (including, yes, tiny scissors, tweezers, a blade and multiple screwdrivers) but, best of all, doesn't require you to flick the needed tool out with a fingernail. Blades pop-open with a thumb push, while a magnetic closure system keeps everything in its place.
This adjustable mount attaches securely to a stroller's handlebars, fits a variety of phones, and allows dad to watch TV or squeeze in a Facetime with grandma when the baby is asleep in the stroller.
Slim enough to slip into a back pocket or briefcase, this portable charger features a 20,100 mAh battery, packs enough juice to refuel a dead iPhone seven times.
It's not a practical gift, which is what makes it great. Its sole purpose is to literally whittle away the hours in the yard. Morakniv knives have been crafted in Mora, Sweden, by carpenters and carvers for well over a century. The blade is laminated steel, and the handle is oiled birch wood.
Speaking of sleep, this best-in-class sound machine produces soothing ambient sounds of rushing air to help him get some rest. And it looks fine while doing it.
Whether he sits all day or is simply sore from the gym, this foam roller can ease his muscles back into shape when he stretches. Just make sure he doesn't neglect his IT band.
Whether he likes to say self-care or not, this sheet mask is like a cold shower for his face and is ideal for making him look like he actually got sleep last night.
Keep his drinks cold with these six handcrafted chilling stones made from natural granite. The set comes with two monogrammed glasses and a serving tray.
He can charge his Apple devices insanely fast with this cable, which wraps up neatly when he's done.
We're not fans of overly-cute, gimmicky T-shirts, especially T-shirt combos, but this set is actually pretty great. The infant bodysuit is made of 100 percent ringspun cotton, and the men's T-shirt is also made of preshrunk cotton and a seamless rib collar.
Allbirds' all-weather shoes are made with ZQ Merino wool and a bio-based water-repellent shield, so his feet stay dry and warm and comfortable, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.
One of the biggest frustrations with baby carriers is that you need an army of people to help you actually put it on. This rugged carrier is eminently easy to use and wear. The front-harness baby carrier gives dad hands-free parenting power, and can be paired with the brand's compatible pouches and carabiners. It's got a removable, washable cotton liner and is suitable for babies eight to 33 pounds.
Newborns can't eat solids for a while. But that'll give him plenty of time to practice his pancaking making skills with this new set.
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