Daddies-to-be and first-time fathers deserve a very special Father's Day. Not only will it set the tone for all the Father's Days in the future, it will let them know that they have not been forgotten in all the "new baby" business that surrounds them. Making this day exceptional for them can be done in many ways. One way to select a special gift just for them on their first Father's Day.
Dads need brag books, too. There are many masculine styles to choose from. When filling this brag book for Dad, be sure to add the baby's sonogram pictures and one or two of Mom. Slip in a note, reminding him of how special fatherhood is and the all the joys he will be experiencing for the rest of his life. You can even add copies of the baby's first hand and footprints to this brag book.
Create a memory box for the new dad on his first Father's Day. Include special photographs, videos of him with the new little and, of course, family photos. If Dad had a hospital bracelet like Mom and baby, be sure to put that in. Writing special notes and including poems (original or from another author) as well. Keep track of all of the milestones of the new baby and slip a copy of that in the memory box. As the years go by, more and more memories will be added. Dad will be able to enjoy this first Father's Day gift for many, many years.
The standard Father's Day gift of a new wallet takes on new meaning to a new dad. Be sure to get one with lots of room for all the photographs that will be added as time goes by. Add the photographs and sonogram copies when you give Dad the wallet. Not only will he be able to look at the photos whenever he wants; he will be able to show off his new bundle joy to anyone he wants.
Planting a tree is an wonderful way to honor a new dad on his first Father's Day. Speak with someone at the local greenhouse or gardening store to find out which ones grow best in your area. Try to get one that will bloom around the time of the baby's birthday or due date. Or, find one that will bloom around Father's Day. Even the tree will be celebrating Dad, his special day and his baby.
Any gift that can be engraved with the date of Dad's first Father's Day will be a timeless treasure for the first-time father. A watch or pendant necklace would be good choices, depending on Dad's particular style. Pen sets can also be engraved. Include the date of his first Father's Day and the baby's date of birth. If there is room, you can include a quote about fatherhood when having his gift engraved.
If the new dad is a sports fan and is looking forward to playing baseball, golf, football, etc. with his new baby, you can add the new baby's hand prints to the sports equipments they will be using is just a little while. The baseball or football can be placed in a display case and sit on the mantle or desk for everyone to enjoy. Not only will this be a precious reminder of the baby, it will also give the new dad a glimpse at the future with his new son or daughter. This Father's Day gift will be treasured for many, many years by everyone who sees it, especially by the dad it honors.
Matching shirts is a great for a new dad on his first Fathers Day - one for Daddy and one for the new baby. Don't forget to add all the names and dates. I saw a new dad just last week at the grocery store. His shirt read, "I'm a new daddy" and his baby's shirt read "And, I'm the new daughter." He was walking around with that big grin that let everyone know he was a proud of being a dad and proud of is new daughter. You can even have the shirts made up with the baby's hand prints on Dad's shirt and Dad's hand print (probably only enough room for one) on baby's shirt.
Another idea for shirts is one with the baby's first picture on it. The shirts with the sonogram pictures are especially nice. My brother was seen everywhere wearing his "sonogram shirt." My sister-in-law, the funny one of the couple, had "The blob in the middle is my baby" printed on the shirt, as well a the due date. Of course, you can have something else printed on it.
There are all sorts of "baby gadgets" available for new dads. These make wonderful gifts for a dad's first Father's Day. There are masculine strollers, diaper bags, and baby backpacks/carriers. If you don't like the idea of using a backpack (some studies link them to hip and leg problems later in life), then a baby sling made from a more masculine fabric is an available option. There is even a breast feeding kit for dads. Dad can put it on, much like a vest, and it simulates breast feeding. These may be a bit difficult to find, but they are available. Check online or with a Le Leche League or a breast feeding consultant near you for all the details.
"Coupon booklets" are a nice gift for the first Father's Day. These can be professionally printed or homemade. Include coupons for a "night off" and "no diaper duty today." If the new dad is more hands-on, include "day alone with baby" and "I get to feed the baby." These coupons can be personalized with anything you think the new father might like - breakfast in bed, night out with friends and even something a bit more romantic.
Buying a new father a journal is also an excellent choice for a Father's Day gift. Moms aren't the only ones who like to record their thoughts and feelings about the pregnancy and new baby. These can be purchased at local bookstores. Many even have special pages for photographs.
There are many books available about fatherhood and babies available written from a man's point of view. Consider giving the new dad a magazine subscription. It doesn't even have to be about fathers and babies - let the new father know it is okay to keep his "pre-baby" interests. Either one or both of these make great first Father's Day gifts for the new dad.
You can create a new screensaver using photographs of him and the new baby. He can use this at home and at the office. Not only with this remind him of his baby, but will give him the opportunity to brag about that new baby (the one thing he probably doesn't need any more of!) to his friends and co-workers. New fathers love to see pictures of their babies and this is a great gift for their first Father's Day.
Write the new dad a letter for his first Father's Day. Express your love for him. Tell how you are so glad he is the daddy to that new little one in your lives. Share with him your excitement for the future - how you can't wait to see what a great father he will be. Don't forget to let him know that you think he is already a great father and how you appreciate all the little things he does. It is also important for new dads to understand, even though their lives are changed forever, they are, in many ways, still the same man they were before becoming fathers. Write from your heart and let him see all those feelings that may get lost between feedings and diaper changes.
No matter what gift you choose for the new dad, his first Father's Day will be one of the greatest days in his life. When choosing a gift for that new dad, be sure to keep in mind his interests, style and taste - making it as personal as possible. Let that first Father's Day gift celebrate the joy of becoming a dad for the first time, as well celebrate the future he and his new baby have together.