A dad’s first Father’s Day is a milestone, a celebration, and a reminder of the love, strength, and dedication of fatherhood. You’ve seen all the ways your partner has embraced their role as a parent, whether they’re knee-deep in diaper changes or working every day on mastering the baby swaddle. This is a great day to honor the dad today and the dad tomorrow, as you both work towards parenting your little one.
This Father’s Day, if you're looking for creative, heartfelt Father’s Day gifts, we’re here to help. Find a practical yet sentimental gift that complements a celebration that can make Dad’s first Father’s Day unforgettable.
Honor the Transition Into Fatherhood
Life looks different when someone gets the title, “Dad.” Late nights out turn into late nights in, and early mornings with little sleep somehow give way to a deeper, ever-growing love for your baby. A dad’s first Father’s Day is the perfect time to reflect on that transition.
Something simple like a handwritten letter or card from you (or "from baby") can make a new dad feel appreciated. Include a favorite memory, something Dad did that made you proud, or a heartfelt thank you for showing up daily. Inside jokes and stories that show you remember the fun, little moments in your journey together can bring a personal touch to the letter.
For a smaller keepsake that won’t fill the room, your baby photos can be a great way to give Dad a walk down memory lane. You can choose a framed ultrasound or newborn photo, a custom print featuring the baby’s birth details, or a dad-and-baby memory journal with room to record milestones over time.
If you have too many pictures to choose from, then a personalized calendar featuring monthly photos of their first year together can be a great way to blend practicality with baby photos everyone in the house can enjoy.
It’s not so much the gift as it is the thoughtfulness behind it, and these emotional tokens go beyond material Father’s Day gifts. They tell the story of Dad’s experience as a parent.
Make Time for Bonding Moments
Sometimes, the best Father’s Day gift ideas are about slowing down and being present. One-on-one time with the baby strengthens their bond and gives Dad space to experience the joys of parenting in their own way. If Dad regularly wakes up early to take care of the baby before rushing off to work, then use Father’s Day as an excuse to shake up the routine and lean into a lazy Sunday morning.
Whether that’s extended snuggles in bed with all three of you, a walk around the neighborhood, or having a quiet story time in a comfy glider like this one, sometimes the gift of time is the most precious and sought-after.
Want to make it an extended family celebration? Keep it simple. Invite everyone over for a homemade breakfast, a picnic in the park, or to watch a sporting event. Apparently, the NBA Finals and NHL Stanley Cup often have important games during Father’s Day (so they tell us). If your baby’s Dad loves sports, this can be a great excuse to let them enjoy a sports watching day with the family. If all else fails, make room for an afternoon nap for baby and Dad to recover from the busy morning.
Thoughtful, Easy Father’s Day Gift Ideas
If we’ve caught you shopping last-minute or planning ahead, these easy Father’s Day gifts hit the sweet spot between practical and personal.
A sleek, diaper bag he’s proud to carry, or a baby carrier for hands-free bonding, may be just the thing Dad has been looking for. Or, if your family needs to upgrade nursery essentials, a cozy glider or recliner for late-night feedings and cuddles might be an excellent thing for everyone to use.
Sentimental Gifts:
For something more thoughtful and intentional, an engraved keychain with the baby’s initials or birth date goes a long way, as can a framed piece of the baby’s footprint. Anything to remember these precious moments can be a home run.
For a more fun, interactive experience, get matching dad-and-baby outfits for adorable photo ops, and then follow it up with a custom photo book documenting their first few months together.
Experience Gifts:
An experiential gift might make more sense for an on-the-go dad. This can include a planned day off with downtime built in. Maybe Dad’s been itching to play a round of golf, so he takes the morning to hit 18 holes, then spends the rest of Father’s Day with you and the baby. If he's the type who finds joy in home projects, Father’s Day could be the perfect excuse to tackle something satisfying, like organizing the nursery or upgrading storage to make daily routines a little smoother.
These first-time Father's Day gifts don't have to be extravagant. Just bring your genuine touch to finding or planning something you know they'll enjoy.
Create Special Ways to Celebrate Dad
New dads often take a support role, but Father’s Day is their moment to feel seen and celebrated.
Here are a few simple ways to make sure Dad is front and center:
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Let Dad sleep in or wake up to breakfast and coffee in bed.
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Let Dad pick the meal, the activity, or even the playlist.
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Spend time talking about favorite moments so far as a dad.
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If you use social media, celebrate Dad in a story or post with highlights from their first Father’s Day.
There isn't one right way to celebrate Dad. We encourage you to highlight the love being built daily between you, Dad, and baby through appreciation of Dad's efforts and accomplishments.
To All Babyletto Parents – Happy Father’s Day!
Your first Father’s Day is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. Celebrate accordingly!
Whether you opt for a sentimental gift, a full day of bonding, or a quiet celebration at home, what matters most is making Dad feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
Remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about love, presence, and making memories as a new family.
Visit the Babyletto blog for more parenting support, modern nursery inspiration, and first-time Father’s Day gifts.
