38 Gifts for New Dads That’ll Make Up for All the Lost Sleep
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
As any new mom or dad will tell you: Being a parent is both the best and hardest job there is. Yes, there are plenty of truly magical moments (like when your baby first cracks a smile), but there are also many sleepless nights and incredibly early mornings—not to mention the seemingly never-ending dirty diapers. That's exactly why it's so important to celebrate all the milestones along the way—like his first Father's Day!—with an extra-special gift.
But what exactly is the best gift for a new or soon-to-be new father—beyond, of course, a sweet card with an even sweeter message? Skip the baby-focused presents (those will come at the baby shower) and, instead, think about what will help a sleep-deprived man feel sane, organized, and even relaxed.
There are options aplenty, like a cozy sweatshirt to make the hospital stay after childbirth a little more comfortable, a sentimental piece of art from mom and baby, a pampering gift that'll ensure a moment of peace and quiet, a personalized book he can read to his new son or daughter, or wireless ear buds ripe for multitasking.
To help you zero in on just the right thing to make his first Father's Day or birthday even more memorable, we rounded up the best gifts for new dads—from mom, baby, friends, and more.
Strand Sprout Diaper Bag
A diaper explosion and no change of clothes is, well, a poopy situation. This stylish diaper bag helps ensure a new dad never finds himself without all the essentials he needs for baby's big day out—thanks to plenty of internal and external pockets, plus a folding changing mat. (Psst: It can also double as his hospital bag!)
Customizable Pillow
When you're a new parent, sleep is a precious commodity. Ensure the few hours he does get are as restful as possible by giving him this personalized pillow. All he has to do is take a quick quiz, and this company will formulate a completely custom pillow to best suit his needs.
Custom Super Dad Book
Is Mom getting all the attention? Let Dad own story time. This personalized comic book puts him at the center of it all, plus serves as a special family keepsake.
Letters to My Baby
Consider this a gift that keeps giving: This book will help any new dad put his heart in the write place, thanks to 12 fold-and-mail-style letters bearing clever prompts (like "The world I want to give you is..." and "One really special thing about you is...") that make composing meaningful missives a whole lot easier. Those notes can be sealed and given to your little one years (or decades) later.
New Dad Beer Stickers
These are like those monthly milestone stickers for baby, but more Dad's speed. These DIY labels are sure to make any new father laugh...and sweat a bit.
Personalized Wallet
Their child won't be asking for money just yet (well, directly, at least), but this personalized leather wallet might just make the handoff a little easier when the day inevitably comes.
Personalized Star Constellation Map
The day a dad's son or daughter is born, their whole world changes. Memorialize the special occasion with a personalized poster depicting the night sky on that day.
Wireless Meat Thermometer
Unfortunately, new dads probably don't have the time to sit around and watch the grill all afternoon. This Bluetooth thermometer can help him cook that steak to perfection—even if his hands are tied.
Spicy Lovers Pack
If he likes his food with a bit of spice, then he may have met his match with this set from Truff. Itt comes complete in a wrapped exclusive red VIP gift box and includes a hot sauce, a white hot sauce, and a spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce.
D-Lux 7 Black Camera
The arrival of a new baby is a time for creating memories, but also for saving them. If the dad is something of a photographer, he'll be able to hone and perfect his skills with this popular compact camera.
Boxer Briefs
If Dad's going to be carrying baby around in a carrier, he's going to need a little—um—protection. These soft boxer briefs feature a proprietary supportive pouch to do just that.
Braided Leather Bracelet with Small Custom Name Beads
With this stylish yet heartfelt leather bracelet, he will carry his children's love with him wherever he goes.
Ciccetti Cheese & Charcuterie Board
Does he love cheese and charcuterie? If the answer is yes, then this assembled array could be the ideal gift. Serving two to three people, the gift box includes 15 hand-selected artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts, and chocolates. Why not get a bottle of wine or two and make a night of it?
Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
Thanks to strenuous activities like rocking a baby for hours and hauling the so-called portable crib, raising a newborn can be a pain in the neck—literally. Luckily, we've got the perfect solution for all those aches and pains: this lightweight, versatile massager, which offers multiple different styles of deep-tissue shiatsu massage, complete with heat.
AirPods 3rd Generation
Let's face it: You can only hear "Rock-a-Bye Baby" and "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" so many times before losing your mind—so give the new dad the gift of peace and quiet with a pair of AirPods Pro. The wire-free design delivers quality audio performance, and more importantly, solid noise cancellation, so he can listen to his favorite podcast or work on his meditation practice.
Men's CloudKnit Hoodie
Taking care of a newborn is hard—help dad get the job done more comfortably with this Outdoor Voices hoodie. It has an extra-soft feel that's like the cuddliest of blankets (so it's perfect for groggy mornings) and still looks polished (so he can wear it on an important Zoom call, if he needs to).
Echo Dot 5th Generation
New dads can do a lot—but even he doesn't have enough hands to juggle everything baby needs. Let Amazon's Alexa help out when things get hectic. The Echo Dot is small enough to tuck on a shelf or desk but mighty enough to help order more diapers, remind him when it's time to feed the baby, or play some soothing lullabies.
Audible Gift Subscription
Sometimes, a new dad will need a little company at 3 a.m. Or maybe he's just a book lover. Either way, an Audible subscription has him covered, giving him easy, one-click access to thousands of audio books.
Rambler 20-Ounce Travel Mug
Dad's favorite growler and cooler may be sidelined for now, but he can still rock his favorite brand with this insulated coffee mug. The double-wall vacuum insulation will keep his coffee hot while he pauses to chase a runaway baby or address an emergency diaper disaster.
Face and Body Cleansing Wipes
A shower? What's that? When new dads are up half the night, sometimes the snooze button just has to take priority. These vitamin-B-infused wipes will buy him the little bit of extra time he may need between showers—especially while in the hospital.
The Dad Hoodie
While diaper bags serve a useful purpose with a newborn, they can be burdensome for quick walks around the neighborhood. For new dads who like having their hands free, this ultra-soft fleece hoodie has six internal compartments and is made with sturdy double stitch construction that can hold pacifiers, bottles, wipes, and more.
Your Baby's First Word Will Be Dada
We're not suggesting it's fair, but Jimmy Fallon is right about this. Go ahead, give a new dad this funny book (or any of these other books for dads), and let him bask in his moment of glory.
Best Dad Ever Boxes
One thing every parent knows for sure: You can never have too many photos of your little ones—which is exactly why he'll love this thoughtful gift. Simply upload six of his favorite images and Minted will turn them into a custom piece of art he'll treasure for years to come.
New Dad Coffee Mug
Here's a gift that's practically guaranteed to be a home run: This ceramic mug comes in two sizes (11 and 15 ounces), so it'll help fuel him up for whatever lies ahead.
Cuddle Up Carrier
A great gift for a new dad who needs to multitask, this ergonomic carrier keeps baby close while freeing up his hands to cook, clean, or...have a glass of wine. Though it's structured and safe for baby, it's pliable for compact storage in a briefcase, backpack, or glove compartment, too.
Anti-Fatigue Eye Gel
Because the area around your eyes is so thin, it’s one of the first places to reveal that you're only getting a few hours of sleep. Help your new dad fake a full night's rest with this luxurious eye treatment, which feels instantly refreshing (thanks to the cooling rollerball applicator) and delivers a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid and caffeine to reduce puffiness and minimize the appearance of dark circles.
Luxe Core Sheet Set
Your worn-out jersey sheets might have done the trick pre-baby, but now your new dad might need something even cozier to ensure he can get as much sleep as possible—even if that's just a quick power nap. Our recommendation: these bestselling sheets from Brooklinen—available in 13 colors and patterns, plus six sizes—which are made from 100 percent cotton and feature a luxurious 480-thread count, so they feel incredibly soft and buttery smooth.
Tortilla Baby Swaddle
This funny swaddle and hat set instantly transforms that precious sleeping baby into the cutest little burrito you ever did see. What can we say? A little bit of dad humor never hurt anyone.
Shower Beer Holder
As anyone who has ever had a baby will tell you: Time is no longer your own—which is exactly why it's the perfect time to step up your multitasking game with this funny (yet innovative) beer holder. The silicone design sticks to any glossy tile or surface, so it's easy to enjoy a cold one and fit in a much-needed shower. Cheers to that!
Cocktail Infused Ice Cubes
For the new dad who's more likely to enjoy an old-fashioned than an IPA: These freezable ice cube packs come premixed with herbs and bitters, so he can whip up four different, equally delicious cocktails. The fuss-free mixology means all he has to do is put a cube in his favorite glass, add a shot of booze, stir—and he'll have himself a tasty peach cosmopolitan, a refreshing cucumber and watermelon margarita, a perfectly bittersweet negroni, or a blood orange and ginger old-fashioned.
Genuine Shearling Moccasin Slipper
If he lives in a multilevel home, one thing's for sure: Dad will be going up and down the stairs a lot. For his birthday, consider shearling slippers that will keep his feet cozy, plus have gripped bottoms to prevent him from slipping on those stairs.
Carver Smart Digital Picture Frame
This digital picture frame will help make sure a new dad doesn't miss out on any big "firsts" while he works. It's WiFi-enabled, so baby's caregiver can upload new photos and videos throughout the day.
12-Cup Coffee Maker and Single-Serve Brewer
When you're that tired, a coffee maker is something a new dad really needs. This appliance works overtime to brew a pot for one parent to keep warm at home and the other to make a single-serve cup to go.
Men's Wool Runners
Is there anyone busier than a new parent? Someone who has to be on their feet as much as he does deserves comfortable kicks. These sneakers, made of merino wool, are as close as you can get to walking on a cloud.
The Organic Cotton Crew
Even if all he can manage to put on is a T-shirt and a pair of sweats, dad might as well look and feel good doing it. This soft cotton tee fits the "new dad uniform," but is a step up from his collection of graphic tees from college.
Magnesium Chloride Bath Flakes
You may not be able to treat him to a luxurious, 120-minute couples massage—but you can encourage him to indulge in some spa-worthy self-care. The body and foot soak is packed with magnesium to soothe sore muscles, encourage better sleep, reduce pain and stress, and promote relaxation.
HappyLight VT10 Compact Lux Therapy Lamp
The worst part of long, hard evenings isn't pacing around at midnight—it's trying to stay alert at your desk the next day. Give him this compact therapy light to help him stay awake when the 3 o'clock slump hits hard.
Runaway Alarm Clock on Wheels
In all fairness, this particular item may not be high on a new dad's list of wants. But if he's having trouble getting out of bed in the morning, it helps. When the clock strikes, this unique alarm clock rolls right off the nightstand, forcing him to get out of bed to turn it off.
You Might Also Like