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36 Essential & Thoughtful First Father’s Day Gift Ideas to Celebrate Fatherhood

First Fathers Day With Baby Smiling

Updated on June 3rd, 2024

Father’s Day is a special occasion, but there’s something extra special about celebrating it for the first time. This milestone marks the beginning of a lifelong journey filled with love, challenges, and countless memorable moments. Whether it’s your partner, friend, or relative who is stepping into the shoes of a dad for the first time, finding the right gift to celebrate this momentous occasion can make all the difference.

Understanding the New Dad

Dad With Daughter Holding
A joyful father in an orange shirt holds his young daughter in a park setting, both smiling, showcasing a warm, familial bond surrounded by lush greenery.

The Role of a New Father

Becoming a father for the first time is a profound and transformative experience. New dads embark on an emotional journey filled with both joy and challenges. The excitement of welcoming a new family member is often accompanied by sleepless nights, new responsibilities, and significant lifestyle changes. It’s a time of adjustment, learning, and immense personal growth.

Emotional and Psychological Impact of Fatherhood

The Bad

While fatherhood is rewarding, it can also bring unexpected emotional and psychological challenges. Recent research by the Parenting Research Centre has highlighted some concerning statistics:

  • 20% of Australian dads have experienced symptoms of depression and/or anxiety since becoming parents.
  • Nearly 10% of Australian dads report experiencing postnatal depression.

These figures indicate that a significant number of new fathers face mental health struggles. Although the proportion of dads reporting depression or anxiety is lower than that of mums (33%), dads are less likely to have someone they can turn to for advice and support. This lack of a support network can make it harder for them to navigate the emotional upheaval that often accompanies new fatherhood.

The Good

Despite the challenges, the journey of fatherhood is incredibly rewarding. New dads often find profound joy in bonding with their babies, witnessing first smiles, and experiencing the unique milestones of early childhood. The sense of pride and accomplishment in nurturing and protecting their little ones can bring immense satisfaction. Moreover, many dads find that becoming a father enriches their lives, fostering deeper relationships and a stronger sense of purpose.

Practical and Essential Gift Ideas

When it comes to supporting new dads, practical gifts can make a world of difference. These items help ease the transition into fatherhood by adding convenience and efficiency to daily parenting tasks.

Cooler Bag Or Nappy Bag By Didgeridoonas

Perfect for first-time dads, this all-purpose bag transitions seamlessly from nappy duty to grocery runs. Made from 100% Australian wool and waterproof oilskin, it keeps baby bottles and snacks cool, and your groceries fresh. With an exterior pocket for essentials like keys and phones, and long shoulder straps for easy carrying, it’s as stylish as it is practical.

Dress your little babt in this funny tuxedo bodysuit featuring a classic tuxedo print, perfect for special events or just everyday wear when only the best will do!

Celebrate the journey of fatherhood with this beautifully illustrated journal. Perfect for documenting precious memories from the first to the eighteenth year, it provides thoughtful prompts to capture every magical moment. The hardback fabric cover ensures it’s a keepsake to cherish for years to come.

Give him the cosiest gift yet with his own Super Soft Waffle Bathrobe. He’ll love his new robe so much, you’ll have trouble getting him to wear anything else!

Dive into a box of fun with these creative and engaging activity cards designed to help families bond, learn, and grow with their babies. Simply pick a card at random, follow the instructions, and enjoy activities that take between 20 minutes to an hour, perfect for endless playtime.

Give him the cosiest gift yet with his own Super Soft Waffle Bathrobe. He’ll love his new robe so much, you’ll have trouble getting him to wear anything else!

This Beard Grooming Kit is a must-have for easy maintenance of any beard. It includes stainless steel scissors, a maple wood beard comb, and doubles as a beard brush, all neatly packed in a Vegan Leather case. The ultimate accessory for the bearded ones.

Give him the cosiest gift yet with his own Super Soft Waffle Bathrobe. He’ll love his new robe so much, you’ll have trouble getting him to wear anything else!

Ever had a moment where you can’t help but laugh at Dad’s antics? This adorable bodysuit captures that perfectly. It’s a brilliant way to celebrate those funny, sometimes stinky, but always lovable moments with Dad.

After a day of nappy changes and sleepless nights, this premium glass beer stein is a lifesaver for new dads. With its funny message, it’s a perfect way to unwind and enjoy a cold one while embracing fatherhood.

New dads often need a caffeine boost, and an espresso machine is just the ticket. It’s a practical gift that helps them stay awake and alert during those early months of sleepless nights.

Streaming Service Gift Card

A streaming service gift card is a perfect gift for late-night feeds or downtime. New dads can enjoy their favourite shows and movies, making those long nights a bit more entertaining.

Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas

Celebrating the first Father’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank. Budget-friendly gifts can be just as meaningful, offering fun and practical options that show appreciation without the hefty price tag.

Ever had your dad drop a joke so bad you couldn’t help but laugh? This book is packed with over 500 dad jokes that’ll have you rolling your eyes and laughing out loud. Perfect for pun lovers and those who appreciate a good groaner, it’s a hilarious gift that brings families together through the joy of cringe-worthy humour. The sketch-style graphics add a fun touch to every page, making it a fantastic addition to any home.

Imagine giving Dad the power to command peace, quiet, or a car wash whenever he pleases! These vouchers are a thoughtful way to show your love, offering twenty unique ways for Dad to relax and enjoy some well-deserved perks. Whether it’s control of the remote or a break from chores, these vouchers will make his day every time he cashes one in.

Celebrate the adorable mini version of yourself with these matching T-shirts! Perfect for any occasion, this black set comes with a T-shirt for Dad and either a bodysuit or T-shirt for your little one. 

Make Dad’s morning coffee extra special with this adorable kid art mug. Perfect for Father’s Day, this 250ml mug will remind him every day how much he’s loved. It’s a simple yet heartfelt gift that he’ll cherish.

Raise a toast to the best dad with this stylish beer holder! Designed to keep his drink cold and his hands warm, it’s a great way to enjoy a cold one. With its durable neoprene lining, this holder is perfect for the dad who enjoys his beer with a touch of class.

For the golf-loving dad, this “Best Dad by Par” T-shirt is a hole-in-one! Made from 100% combed cotton, it’s soft, high-quality, and perfect for a day on the greens or a casual outing. Let everyone know Dad’s the best with this fun and comfortable shirt.

Got a dad who’s known for his not-so-secret talent? This adorable T-shirt is perfect for a laugh and a hug! Ideal for Father’s Day, birthdays, or any special occasion, it’s made from high-quality cotton and comes in a crisp white. If you’re unsure about sizes, it’s best to go a size up.

Look, up in the sky! It’s not a bird or a plane; it’s Super Dad! This fun and comfy T-shirt is a great gift for Father’s Day or any day to celebrate the superhero in your life. Made from soft, high-quality cotton in a vibrant royal blue, it’s perfect for the dad who does it all.

Everyone knows that dad jokes are in a league of their own. This collection of terribly cheesy dad jokes will have you wincing and laughing all at once. Perfect for the dad who loves to crack a joke at any moment, it’s a great gift that’ll keep everyone entertained (or groaning) for hours.

Help a first-time dad create a magical bedtime with the Lil Dreamers Lumi-Go-Round Ocean Rotating Projector Light. This dynamic light calms and entertains with 4 settings, 3 colours, and 3 brightness modes, making bedtime a breeze.

Sentimental and Thoughtful Gifts

Sentimental gifts capture the emotional essence of fatherhood, providing keepsakes that dads can cherish forever. These thoughtful presents celebrate the special bond between father and child.

Celebrate your mini-me with this personalised matching T-shirt set! Whether it’s for Father’s Day, a baby shower, or just because, this black set featuring your chosen names is perfect. Simply enter the names in the custom box, select your sizes, and you’re all set to enjoy some adorable matching moments.

Time to get busy! This adorable father and child matching set features a men’s black t-shirt and a choice of a bodysuit or t-shirt for the little one. Perfect for the dynamic duo who love building and fixing together, making every project fun and memorable.

First Father’s Day Personalised Photo Frame

Personalised Photoframe

Celebrate the milestone of the first Father’s Day with a personalised photo frame. Add a cherished photo and a heartfelt message to create a keepsake that dad will treasure forever.

Handprint and Footprint Kit

Handprint Footprint Kit

Capture the tiny hands and feet of the newborn with a handprint and footprint kit. This simple yet meaningful gift allows dads to preserve a precious moment in time, creating a lasting memory.

Letters To You Journal

Letters To You Journal

A Letters To You journal gives dads a way to write down their thoughts, dreams, and advice for their child. It’s a heartfelt gift that will become a cherished memento as the child grows up.

Fatherhood Milestone Cards

Dad Milestone Cards
Fatherhood milestone cards are a fun way to document all the firsts and special moments. From the first nappy change to the first smile, these cards help dads capture and celebrate their parenting journey.

First Father's Day Personalised Children's Book

My First 201 Days

Celebrate the joys of new fatherhood with a personalised book that highlights those precious first few months. Simply tell us the number of days since your baby’s birth as of Father’s Day, and we’ll create a unique keepsake that Dad will treasure forever.

Personalised Storybook featuring Dad and Baby

Personalised Storybook
A personalised storybook featuring dad and baby creates a unique bonding experience. Each story can be tailored to include names and personal details, making bedtime reading extra special and memorable.

Self-Care & Relaxation Gifts for First-Time Dads

Becoming a dad is an incredible journey, but it can also be exhausting. That’s why self-care and relaxation gifts are perfect for new fathers. These thoughtful presents help dads take a well-deserved break and rejuvenate, ensuring they stay happy and healthy while embracing their new role. Treat him to some much-needed relaxation with these comforting and indulgent gifts.

Show Dad he’s the best with this thoughtful hamper. Featuring a little book of dad wisdom, a pair of cosy slippers, delicious chocolate freckles, and a selection of craft beers, it’s the ultimate gift for Father’s Day or any special occasion. Presented in a stylish black gift box, it’s sure to make him feel appreciated.

Meditation App

Meditation App Headspce

Fatherhood can be stressful, but the Smiling Mind meditation app is here to help. Designed to bring calm and balance, this app offers guided meditations that fit easily into a busy dad’s schedule. Perfect for finding a moment of peace amidst the chaos of parenting.

Celebrate his first Father’s Day with a thoughtful relaxation hamper designed to help him unwind. Perfect for encouraging the new dad to sit back and take it easy, this hamper is a great way to say “you deserve a break.” It’s sure to bring a smile to his face and provide some much-needed relaxation.

Discover a rich, luscious lather with this premium shaving cream and luxe shaving brush set. Formulated to calm and nourish skin while softening hair for a close shave, it’s perfect for both home and travel, making it an ideal gift for any dad.

Weighted Blanket

Weighted Blanket

A weighted blanket provides a soothing, calming effect that can help with sleep. It’s an ideal gift for new dads needing restful sleep amidst their busy schedule.

White Noise Machine

White Noise Machine

A white noise machine helps create a peaceful sleeping environment. It’s a practical gift that can benefit both the new dad and the baby, ensuring better rest for everyone.

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The original DadShop writer, owner, fun loving and tech guy. Great with computers, gadgets, quick on his feet and lover of novelty gifts. Ben writes for our wonderful blog occasionally just to pass time.

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