Becoming a dad is one of the greatest moments any man will ever experience—and one of the most life-changing.
He’s gone from being a single gent around town to being in a happily committed relationship or marriage, but nothing could ever prepare him for what it means to face the responsibility that sets in the moment his new child is born.
A few days/weeks in, and he’s probably exhausted from lack of sleep, stressed out, and nervous about his new role. There are so many challenges ahead—some he can anticipate, many he can’t—that he’s going to need all the help and support he can get.
And that’s exactly why you should consider getting him a gift. Even just a token is enough to say, "I’ve got you, buddy! I’m here for you.""
Shopping for a gift for a new dad isn’t always easy; in fact, it can feel downright impossible at times.
After all, he’s already gotten all the diapers, bags, strollers, and other baby stuff he needs (courtesy of his baby shower gifts), but with him so baby-focused, he may not have much use for fishing gear, tools, or the other "standard" guy gifts.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best gifts you can use to congratulate the happy (and tired) new dad on this grand milestone in his life. Not all the gifts have to do with his new baby or family; some are just great ideas that will make him happy, make his life easier, or provide a momentary distraction from his new 24/7/365 job.
Check out the list, and I guarantee you’ll find something (or an idea of something) that will prove the perfect gift for a dad.
The Dodow device is designed to help you get to sleep faster. Utilizing techniques that combine meditation, yoga, and cognitive behavioral therapy, the device guides you to produce the “relaxation response” essential for falling asleep. Tapping the device for a variety of programmed controls, it projects timed lights onto your ceiling that you focus on as you drift toward sleep.
Nachos for Dinner: Surprising Sheet Pan Meals the Whole Family Will Love
Written by the chef-author Dan Whalen, Nachos for Dinner is a book about turning nachos into an actual meal. In dozens of creative and innovative ways. With recipes ranging from classic chips & cheese to Banh Mi Nachos, and even Shrimp and Grits Nachos, it’s a wild ride into fresh yet familiar culinary terrain.
The 24-ounce Clara French press from Fellow boasts a refined and exceedingly functional design. With insulated stainless steel construction for the vessel and the filter, it has a non-stick PTFE-coated interior (PFOA-free), and a BPA-free plastic lid & handle. Simply add grounds up to the coffee line and hot water up to the water line & you’ll get a perfect press every time.
Made of super-soft and absorbent 100% Supima cotton, this robe from Onsen is the ultimate hoodie for ninja-level chill. For post-shower, pre-brunch and everything else that requires no pants, this will be your go-to garment. Available in White, Cinder Grey, and Denim.
The Pocket Mini Blanket will literally save your butt. It provides a clean, dry seat for two. Great for walks, hiking, parks, or shared public seating … you’re covered. Pocketable and weatherproof, it spreads out to a picnic-friendly 44” X 28”. When you’re ready to go just jam it back into the integrated stuff sack. Weight 1.3-ounces.
Like a puffy jacket for your feet, Greats’ Foster Slipper is a winter & WFH do-it-all. It features the puffy upper, a leather band at the midsole, and a cushy rubber outsole for indoor-outdoor versatility. Available in black or army green.
In these days of marathon TV time & at-home hangouts, the Couch Console has arrived right on time. It is a self-balancing cupholder, snack holder, phone stand, USB-C charging dock, remote tray, & storage pocket, all in a compact, easy-to-clean package, made with recycled plastic & foam.
VSSL’s First Aid Mini kit keeps your first aid essentials on-hand & efficiently organized in a lightweight aluminum tube. With sealed screw caps on either end, stackable tins inside are grouped like Clean, Cut and Cover for wound care & Outdoor Essentials featuring pain meds, burn cream and blister pads. At 6.75” long and a weight of 9.9 ounces, the 100% watertight tube is fast-light friendly.
If you like to take your morning caffeine cold & on-the-go, check the HyperChiller. It will chill your coffee in less than 60 seconds. Simply fill it with water and place it in the freezer, remove and place in your Coffee maker and brew or pour from a carafe into the HyperChiller and then into your cup. It works for wine, spirits, juice, etc., & it uses no chemicals or gels, just water.
Otterbox makes rugged, dependable products and their Elevation 14 Mug will do for your morning coffee what their cases do for your phone: keep it protected from harm and insulated from the elements. Made of stainless steel with an internal copper lining, it features a spill-proof plastic & silicone lid for easy sipping. Available in raw stainless & 4 cool colors.
Having trouble finding something you think your new dad will like?
At WERD, we spend every day of every year uncovering the latest in men's gadgets and gear. Try going through some of our categories for more gifting inspiration. A few to try: Gear for Men, Cool Gadgets, Books for Men, Stuff for the Home.
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Should I bring a gift to the hospital?
If you’re important/close enough that you get invited to visit the new family in the hospital, then you’re important/close enough to bring them a gift to the hospital. Even a token gift—flowers, chocolates, balloons, or food (for the hungry couple)—will be welcome.
But the real gift for a new dad could also be brought over later when the happy new parents are comfortably back home. Give them a few days to get settled in, then show up with your gift. Trust me, you’ll be a welcome diversion from all the baby activities that have consumed his life, and your gift will be appreciated all the more.
What do new fathers need most?
Most likely, the couple has already received everything “baby-related” during the baby shower, or have bought it for themselves in anticipation of the big day. And they’ll have received the most amazing gift they’ll ever get (a newborn baby), so he likely won’t need anything.
But giving him a fun gift is a great way to let him know you care, and it’ll brighten his already-happy days even more.
Caveat: The one exception to this rule is always food. With both mommy and daddy focused on the baby, they likely won’t want to spend a lot of time cooking (and the inevitable cleaning). Bringing over their favorite food can be a great way of saying, "I’ve got your back, buddy!""
Should I give a gift before the baby is born?
The mother-to-be has already received a lot of gifts during the baby shower, so that base is covered. The father-to-be doesn’t typically receive gifts before the baby is born.
However, after the arrival of the new boy or girl to their family, you can bring over a simple gift to say congratulations on what will be one of the greatest moments of their lives.
How long after he arrives home should I wait to bring a gift?
You don’t want to show up RIGHT AWAY after they return home. For the first week or two, they’ll be laser-focused on baby, learning their new routines as parents, recovering from the delivery, and settling back into home life.
Give him space to bond with his new family. Let a few days pass, and as the end of the first week is approaching, give him a quick call to congratulate him. During that call, ask if you can stop by to bring him something. Make sure that drop-in takes place within the second or third week post-delivery—that’s the "sweet spot" for bringing over a gift to congratulate the new dad.
And, most important of all, keep the visit brief! He’s probably exhausted, busy, and been inundated with lots of other people stopping by to bring a congratulatory gift. There will be time to see the baby later; for now, just give him the gift, congratulate him, and let him get back to baby time.
